And (briefly) how do the capabilities of the database compare to the spreadsheet ?

A spreadsheet can more easily resolve complex sets of numerical values, analyzing and manipulating the data extremely quickly and accurately. The spreadsheet is usually easier to set up - but is limited to a finite number of rows and columns (i.e., entries). For quickly calculating lists of mathematical data, the spreadsheet is often the easiest solution – and can also create great graphs.

For more complex data manipulation, a FileMaker Pro database, using the latest version, 10.0, suitably programmed, is able to provide solutions offering an ease and multiplicity of capabilities & functions in storing, analyzing and manipulating like types of information - Invoices, Quotations, Names and Addresses, Contacts lists, Product information, Directory information - just about anything.

A database requires more time to initially develop and setup, but may be programmed to reflect the specific work needs and patterns that you or your employees use. Data may be viewed by record (using the same layout designs as your paper forms perhaps) for specific record information, or, as a list. Additionally, data may be more quickly and accurately entered. Finds (searches), sorting, printing and most importantly, complex summaries, all may be undertaken at the touch of a button.

Summaries can provide management with important 'trend' information and business patterns which might otherwise not be so readily or easily available.

What sort of tasks would a FileMaker Pro database keep track of? In fact FileMaker Pro is able to deal with just about any any task where 'like' types of information are stored and/or tracked, these could include:

Point of Sale Entry • K - 12 Educational Progress • Customer Information/Contact Management •Inventory Control •  Invoicing/Quoting •  Real Estate Sales and Listings • Personal/Business Banking and Financial Management • Printing (Directory Information) • Navigational Calculations • Courier Delivery • Projects Tracking • Advertising Agency Customer, Project and Docket Tracking • Industrial Build Jobs • Calendaring • Construction Projects • Human Resources, Payroll and Employee Tracking • Film Usage (movie shoots) • Doctors/Patient Office Management System.

The above are just some of the project types Electronic-Type has developed and any of the above modules may be integrated with any (or all) of the other modules to provide the total solution for your business or professional needs. The uses are endless - and as you can see - not ideally suited for spreadsheet usage. Of course if you do need to create graphs you can export the FileMaker Pro data to Excel and create a graph... or you could use one of many third party plug-ins which provide various additional capabilities, one of which allows FileMaker to create its own graphs...!

FileMaker Pro 9.0 & 10 can be used in to send emails as well as create .pdf files (which can be sent as email attachments). Why? Well to send documents to your customers – such as letters, invoices, statements, programming attachments, manuals or any of a myriad of professional looking documents which need to be disseminated quickly and efficiently, singly or in bulk. If you send out documents, this may be of use to you! [Mac OSX users have the choice, when printing, of creating a .pdf or hardcopy as desired. An extremely useful capability].

For the workgroups (of up to 250 people using FMServer 11.0, or, unlimited using FMServer 11.0 Advanced) FileMaker Pro has no practical size limitations, holding up to 8 terabytes of data per file... with a 125 (served) file maximum !

If you're not sure whether we can help, contact (519) 823-9585 or email info@electronic-type.com to discuss with us, your database business development needs.

You may also wish to download and review the following papers on the development process:
The Development Process, design.pdf,
About Electronic-Type, etype.pdf, and
Design Criteria, criteria.pdf.

NB. Electronic-Type no longer supports new development in FileMaker Pro versions earlier than 10.0. However, we will continue to support customer improvements in versions from FileMaker Pro 6.0 or greater for the foreseeable future... but given the exceptional capabilities available in v10.0, you may wish to consider upgrading to the latest versions...

E&OE