How I built my business with FileMaker

When I started my own business, I didn’t want to be a developer. I have distributed products and created services. I realized that my activities could not be covered by any standard software. Therefore, I was looking for a solution that was freely available and that I could customize. That’s how I ended up with FileMaker and an open FileMaker solution. She was particularly helpful to me – and later to my team.

Some of my tasks were special and were not covered by any standard software. However, because I was using an open FileMaker solution, I was able to add fields, customize scripts, and create new layouts. Those were my first steps with FileMaker and I benefited enormously from the ease of use. In parallel, I built up my business and optimized the software for it. I was new to FileMaker development, but was able to use it to boost efficiency for many business processes.

Over the years, the requirements became higher and new business areas were added. Many businesses are in this development. The original FileMaker solution reached its limits. The foundation was excellent, but for my work and with the developments in the software field, I could think of better solutions.

The open standard solution I always wanted to have

While FM Starter is still being further developed, the idea for a new product was also born. I noticed that many users use FM Starter as a basis for their own business software. They wanted the same thing as I once wanted myself: An open FileMaker file that comes with a good basis, but which can be customized and developed further.

I had once developed a CRM and ERP solution that had “everything” in it. It had stood the test of time because it covered everything I ever needed. The solution was also successfully sold.

Times changed, however, and with them technological opportunities and, as a consequence, my business. Not everything I had ever developed was more relevant. Now it was no longer a matter of developing new skills, but of better shaping the core of the activity. “Reduce to the max” became the watchword. This was accompanied by ideas such as modular development, the separation of functionality and parameterization, and the possibilities of FileMaker add-ons. The insight here is that new, pioneering concepts can be used to build better solutions that are easier to add to.

Slowly, the idea of an open FileMaker solution for typical business processes matured. It was to be a solution that I myself had once ardently desired. However, the software should not “be able to do everything”. Having many functions has only proven itself in daily practice to a limited extent. Due to the many changes in business processes, a simple configuration seemed much more significant. This should make you better prepared for future changes in the business process.

Good concepts are flexible and can be easily adapted. If you work with good concepts right from the start, you save a lot of time and effort in further development.

For an open and flexible solution, the concepts that are consistently and configurably implemented and used are crucial. So, step by step, I ended up with the standard solution I always wanted.

FrankCRM as a basis

The standard FrankCRM solution provides a basis for charging customers for products or services. It is possible to work with it immediately. If you download the software in the morning, you can send your first invoices the same day.

FrankCRM was built in such a way that as many settings as possible are freely configurable via normal layouts. This simplifies the adaptation to your own needs.

“Configuring is easier than programming.”

With a full version you get full access to the file. This makes FrankCRM a perfect basis for your own further development. FrankCRM is not only a business software, but also a development base, with a proven project structure and many generic tools that can be used for further development.

Less is more

FrankCRM is limited to a few areas. This is chosen on purpose. The problem with many CRM solutions is that they seem cluttered. You have “everything,” so to speak, but those who don’t need “everything” or need to make adjustments “everywhere” face an often daunting task. Can “much” also mean “too much”?

FrankCRM is equipped with many options, but remains clear and focused. This is good for small companies that may never need more. Others, however, want to drive further development. As a startup file for new industry solutions, FrankCRM offers a versatile and proven foundation without ballast.

Less is more.

Further development can be done by the user or, if required, an external developer can be hired. What freedom in development do you have in mind?