Upgrading to the Latest Version of FileMaker: Why It’s Worth It

Older versions of FileMaker can work remarkably well for many years, reliably supporting business operations and custom workflows. However, as technology evolves, older versions eventually reach their end-of-life, meaning they no longer receive updates, security patches, or official support from Claris.

Continuing to use an outdated version of FileMaker can introduce risks such as compatibility issues with newer operating systems, security vulnerabilities, and limitations in performance or features.

Upgrading to the latest version of FileMaker – FileMaker 2024 – not only ensures ongoing support but also provides access to improved performance, new features, and a more secure and scalable platform. If you’re considering an upgrade, here’s why it’s worth the investment and how a couple of our recent projects have demonstrated the benefits of making the switch.

Success Story: Upgrading a Patient Information System

A healthcare provider in California recently hired us to upgrade their patient information application from FileMaker 16 to FileMaker 2024. Their existing system, while functional, had become outdated and was no longer supported by Claris. The upgrade process was relatively straightforward, but we also identified opportunities to improve their database design.

The previous system had relational schema issues, causing duplicate data entry. The same patient information was being entered into two separate files, leading to inefficiencies and inconsistencies. During the upgrade, we merged the two files into one, eliminating duplicate data entry and streamlining workflows. This unification not only improved data accuracy but also enhanced reporting capabilities.

Beyond the structural improvements, the upgrade provided the client with:

• Better performance – Faster data retrieval and processing.
• A more user-friendly experience – Optimized layouts and navigation.
• Peace of mind – Their system now receives updates and security patches.

This project demonstrated how upgrading to the latest version of FileMaker can improve both system performance and usability.

Major Improvements from FileMaker 12 to 2024

Another recent upgrade project for a small college was even more transformative. The client was using FileMaker 12, which meant a significant leap in functionality and efficiency when migrating to FileMaker 2024.

Their old system relied on an outdated approach where a new copy of the entire database file was created every time a new semester began. While this method worked in a locally accessed environment, it posed challenges when transitioning to a FileMaker Server. Instead of duplicating the entire database file, we redesigned the system to store historical and current data within related tables. This storage allowed for more efficient data management and eliminated the need for separate database copies.

This upgrade to the latest version of FileMaker provided multiple benefits:

• Improved data organization – Multiple related tables now manage semesters and records, offering a more structured and scalable approach.
• Enhanced security and access control – Different user access levels ensure that only authorized personnel can view or modify specific data.
• New reporting capabilities – Customized reports for printing and filtering tools for quick record analysis.

The transition to FileMaker 2024 went smoothly, and the client was extremely pleased with the enhanced functionality, performance, and user experience.

Why Upgrade to the Latest Version of FileMaker?

The latest version of FileMaker, FileMaker 2024 (v21), offers several key advantages over older versions:

• Performance improvements – Faster queries, better indexing, and improved responsiveness.
• Enhanced security – Updated encryption and authentication options to protect sensitive data.
• Cloud and server optimizations – Better integration with FileMaker Server and cloud hosting.
• AI integration – New AI-driven tools allow users to find and analyze data using natural language queries.
• Quick access tools – Faster navigation to layouts, scripts, fields, tables, and table occurrences.

Additionally, FileMaker 2024’s system requirements ensure optimal performance on current Windows and macOS versions, preventing compatibility issues as businesses update their operating environments. To learn more about what’s new and improved in FileMaker, refer to the latest release notes.

Upgrading your FileMaker solution ensures that your business stays ahead with a reliable, well-supported database platform. If you’re still using an older version, now is the perfect time to explore the benefits of FileMaker 2024. Contact us today to discuss how we can help.