Our Perspective
 We approach all our client engagements as long term partnerships. We want you to succeed and help you along the way. Treating
you just as we would like to be treated if we were in your position. Helping you achieve your goals is our goal.
Typical FileMaker Projects we do include the following
- Migration to the latest version of FileMaker (.fp5 to .fp7)
- Designing relational database system
- Integration of systems
- Building new features/functionality
- Vertical market software development
- Training
Specializing in FileMaker Pro custom applications. Projects that our clients built themselves and would
like improved, or wish to be built because of other larger, more expensive tools do not meet their needs. We deliver solid systems that work, are faster,
and for less than they would have cost using other tools.
What is FileMaker Pro?
FileMaker Pro is the #1-selling easy-to-use database software that effortlessly manages all your information. Rated the #1 database productivity software
by PC Magazine.
FileMaker Pro applications are known for their ability to bring rapid development at significantly lower costs. You can customize just about every area of
FileMaker to work the way you do, so you're not forced into a pre-set way of managing your information. You'll find yourself automating and organizing
more of your business than ever before.
The FileMaker Development Process
Phase I: Initial Consultation
The initial consultation is always free. We look at it as an opportunity to introduce ourselves and to meet new prospective clients. We listen to an
overview of your needs to determine if there's a good fit from your needs to our tools, talents and abilities, as well as a good fit for personality and
corporate culture. Communication between developer and client is critical, and a comfort level needs to be established that the developer understands the
client's needs and will be able to deliver the project on time with no unpleasant surprises.
This is where both we and the prospective client make these determinations. It generally takes place at the client's site if possible or via a few phone
calls. Lasting anywhere from about one to two hours.
Phase II: Design & Analysis
This is where all the true work of the project gets done. We meet with our client's team (owner, manager, users) and go over all the fine points and
gritty details that surround the project. We delve into the reasons behind the business methodology, often finding antiquated business models to update,
or better ways to approach their current business needs. The simple fact that we are not steeped in your company's culture, that we don't have
preconceived notions of what you do or how you do it, is a great asset.
The whole design and analysis process is billable hourly, and is the only part of our process that's not 100% financially predictable beforehand. This
typically involves multiple meetings.
After each of the design and analysis meetings, we take our notes and ideas from the meetings back to our office, analyze them and make technical
documentation along with our own design meetings for the project.
During the analysis we attempt to construct an ERD diagram which will act as the foundation of the database structure. The ERD diagram can easily be
understood and save valuable time with other consultants and system integrators.
PRICING - VERY IMPORTANT
We bill at an hourly rate, we can determine an overall project estimate once the design and analysis is completed, but continue to bill at an hourly rate. Custom development is, by definition, work that nobody has ever done before, how does one magically predict how long it takes? Well, their is a formula to answer this question but custom software is by no means a linear process.
The largest impact on the project is the client, needs, feedback, company, coworkers, management, and the changes over the project. It's not possible to know this in advance. It is by far the most important driver of the scope and cost of a project.
Don't fear, we like working with clients and do our best to make sure it is a success and achieves your goals. We work with your budget and ensure the most important features are accomplished.
We've seen consulting firms in the past underbid projects, only to bleed the unsuspecting client with ongoing expenses and add-orders and the end
result is software not delivered or not usable. We think that's unfair, dishonest, and unethical. We spend the time up front to make sure there
are no surprises and achieve what is most important for you.
Phase III: The Project Build
We approach projects with the spiral development technique. This is the process of gradually, carefully, "spiraling in" on the right solution. I like to
describe it as "baby steps." Take it one step at a time and at each step together we make sure its done right. This prevents a project getting out of
control and reduces the element of risk.
There are always many changes and feedback to accommodate for at each step. As a result, there is never an opportunity for the project to get off track,
and it's always clear exactly where the software project stands. By receiving incremental builds along the development process you get to see the progress
and do not have to worry that the software will not meet your needs or be overdue. We ensure the project goals are accomplished and needs and expectations
are met.
Please feel free to begin the process by filling out our Project Request form or give us a call to discuss your FileMaker
development needs.
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