Many reports have highlighted the advantages an organization can avail by migrating to the latest version of FileMaker database system. Along with managing and sharing important information with your team, the FileMaker 12 also enables you to easily publish data to the web, generate dynamic and eye-catchy reports, and create custom databases. But the latest version comes with a new database file format conversion. So you have to convert your existing database files to FileMaker 12 to avail the advanced features and functionalities. Custom FileMaker development is needed to modify your existing application in FileMaker. Each user can follow a set of easy steps and instructions to migrate to the updated version of the database system. However, one must concentrate on some key points to make the migration smooth, fast and hassle-free.
Key Points to Keep in Mind while Migrating to FileMaker Database System
1. Convert Your Existing FileMaker Pro Databases: You can avail several advantages by converting your existing databases that are in .fp7 file format to .fmp12 file format. Along with hosting the database on FileMaker Server 12, the upgrade will further allow you to remotely access your data anywhere, anytime through FileMaker Go 12. However, the FileMaker 12 products are not compatible with previous versions of databases and software. So you must understand and follow a set of steps to upgrade your old FileMaker databases to the latest version.
2. Collect All Your Files Locally: Most organizations, nowadays, use multi-file solutions or databases to store their data and documents in different locations. So the files stored on several hard drives and network drives have to be copied into a single directory on the computer, where they have installed the latest version of FileMaker database system. Once you copy all the information to the local drive, it will be easier for you to convert these to FileMaker 12 in a safer and faster environment. At the same time, the local gathering of data will ensure that related files stay connected after being converted to FileMaker 12. If you are planning to convert the files stored on a remote drive, it is a good idea to convert these files separately.
3. Avoid Errors and Problems during the Conversion Process: Sometimes you may see error messages while converting your existing files to FileMaker 12. Most of these errors are related to the files that are currently in use or locked. So you have to close all the files before converting these into FileMaker Pro. It is also important to close the files that are in .fp7 file format to upgrade these easily to the latest version of the database system.
4. Avoid Converting Files in the Original Directory: When you convert your existing file on Microsoft Windows platform, the files will be renamed with an *.FP7 extension. Also, the operating system will adjust the File References to the original files accordingly. Similarly, the Macintosh will rename the files in an unexpected way during the conversion process, if these do not have file extensions. So there are always chances that the converted file references will conflict with your original files. You can easily avoid such filename conflicts, during a batch conversion, simply by saving the existing files in a different folder or location.
5. Clone and Document Your Databases: When you convert your existing database files to FileMaker 12, there are always chances that some problem may arise once the conversion process is over. So you can consider taking print out copy of your scripts and field definitions before starting the conversion process. It is also advisable to run a Database Design Report (DDR) through the FileMaker Developer to document your files properly. You can even consider cloning your databases to eliminate the chances of data loss during the conversion process. The cloning will make it easier for you to remove the files without having any data, and incorporating changes in the databases by eliminating chances of losing any data.
6. Concentrate on Special Settings and Configurations: Once the conversion process is over, there are chances that you have to check certain settings and configuration to identify and fix potential problems. Also, during the conversion process all files are displayed in the order they are being created. So you may have to resort and rearrange the converted files to easily find the required file in future. Often certain scripts do not work exactly with the latest version of FileMaker database. So you have to rewrite or edit the script to boost the performance of your content management system.
When a business decides to migrate to FileMaker 12, it must prepare and implement a comprehensive strategy. Also, the strategy must evaluate all the measures to ensure that the migration to a powerful system is not resulting in any data loss.
We provide FileMaker development services. If you would like to know more about our expert FileMaker developers, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.
With rapid advancement in web application development technologies, it has become essential for each organization to switch to the latest frameworks, tools and databases. Many companies are also using cross-platform relational database applications to impress users by providing the most relevant, updated and dynamic data. Based on the nature and type of your business, you have options to choose from a wide variety of database applications. Each application will also claim to make your business processes simple, fast and easy. But most of these applications are not customized to suit the specific needs of your organization.
Since its release in April 2012, FileMaker 12 is being used widely by the small, medium and large businesses. Along with the conventional businesses, FileMaker has also been effective in boosting the performance and efficiency of a variety of online businesses. The database application comes with a comprehensive set of desktop and server software that makes it easier for a business to design, build and deploy data-driven business solutions. Also, the application can be customized to run on a variety of web browsers; operating systems including Windows and Mac; and mobile devices like iPhone and iPad.
According to a report posted on BusinessWire.com, “Forrester Consulting examined the total economic impact and potential return on investment (ROI) that can be achievable by developing custom solutions for iPad and iPhone using the FileMaker Platform. Forrester’s interviews with customer’s application development team showed that financial benefits from the FileMaker solutions surpassed costs three months after creation, and two-year ROI of 289%.” The results clearly indicate how a business can use custom FileMaker application to simplify its work processes, along with optimizing productivity and revenues.
Why Custom FileMaker Application Development can Optimize Online Business Process?
1. Designed to Fit Your Business Model: The products or services offered by each online business differ from others. Also, the communication systems and business processes of each business are customized to meet specific requirements. The conventional database applications often fail to meet the specific requirements of an organization. On the other hand, the FileMaker applications can be easily customized to suit the business model and processes of your company. Also, you can easily design, develop and manage the custom solutions in an easy and hassle-free way.
2. Making Web Applications Interactive and Engaging: The frequent changes the choices of users have made it essential for each online business to make their website more interactive and engaging. So all organizations look for the most advanced options to make and deploy data-driven business solutions. As a cross-platform relational database application, FileMaker allows users to boost the performance of their websites by using the latest and updated data. The features to store, manage and retrieve data easily help in making your website more interactive and engaging. The improved user experience will further contribute towards the growth of online business and revenue.
3. Easy to Meet the User Choices: No business can influence the choices, preferences and habits of users. Most companies often struggle to meet the latest trends in user demand. As you can never decide the web browser, operating system or device used by your customers, it becomes important to choose a cross-platform database solution. With FileMaker, you can develop custom data-driven web applications to target major operating systems and web browser. At the same time, you also have options to use a set of specialized tools to build application to target widely used mobile devices like iPhone and iPad.
4. Smooth Communication Flow: Most companies, nowadays, work with distributed teams. So they often have to explore advanced ways to facilitate communication and interaction among the distribute team member. An efficient communication system makes it easier for a business to easily share the latest information and data with its distributed team. At the same time, you can further reduce errors by allowing the team members to enter data on the spot using their mobile devices. With FileMaker solutions, you can easily share all types of data with your team, along with allowing them to enter new data on the go using their iPhone or iPad. The new information can be synchronized with the back-end systems immediately, while boosting your team’s efficiency and productivity.
5. Reduced Overheads: Often organizations hesitate to migrate to a new database system due to additional cost. Unlike conventional database systems, FileMaker allows users to avail a number of advantages without investing a lot of money. You can FileMaker software license to develop a variety of applications without paying hefty fees. Also, the migration to FileMaker solutions will not require you to invest in expensive hardware. Simply by following a set of easy steps and instructions, you can easily migrate to the latest version of FileMaker, and avail its advanced features and functionality.
A company has several options to develop customized FileMaker solutions. Along with buying customized solutions offered by third-party vendors, it can also hire an experienced FileMaker developer to build solutions that perfectly complement its business model and work process.
We provide FileMaker database development services. If you would like to talk to one of our FileMaker certified developers, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.
