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Address Immediate Concerns & Future-Proof with a Professional FileMaker Evaluation

Colorful illustration showing a giant computer with three people inspecting it, with one person standing at the side, one standing on top of the computer, and one perched on top of a pop-up. There are gears and clouds. One person is holding a magnifying glass to the computer screen, which has a bug inside. The overall illustrations depicts a FileMaker evaluation.
Recently, we conducted a professional third-party software evaluation for a client in the import-export business who relies heavily on its FileMaker system as a critical tool for its day-to-day operations. Our Senior Partner, John, and developer Jacob, sat down to discuss the evaluation process and the valuable insights gained during the review. Such information helps to ensure your system continues to perform at its best while supporting your business growth. Read more
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FileMaker in Education, a Success Story – From System Hangs to Seamless Operations

Photo of mother holding a baby on her hip. The baby is wearing a yellow long-sleeved onesie. The mother is using her mobile phone to review details from the baby's daycare center.
The FileMaker solution implemented by Portage Bay Solutions has transformed our client’s operations in a variety of meaningful ways. From resolving the initial system hangs to implementing a comprehensive, customized platform, we have ensured that they can operate smoothly and efficiently. The iPad integration has made daily processes more efficient, the complex reporting system is now seamless, and the invoicing and payment models have simplified fee management. The server is stable, nightly schedules are automated, and parents are kept in the loop with timely SMS notifications. Given our extensive experience with similar FileMaker in education systems - such as E-Com, K-12, and other daycare facilities - this project was a natural fit for our team. Read more
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Claris FileMaker AI Script Steps, Part 2 – Practical Applications

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Whether you're looking to uncover hidden insights with semantic search or create a smart recommendation system that feels personalized, the FileMaker AI script steps and tools provide use cases that are your key to unlocking a smarter, more efficient future. Read more
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FileMaker Go Makes Real-Time Field Operations a Robust Reality

Graphic depicting Claris FileMaker Pro in use across desktop, iPad, and mobile
We have been working with NVL Laboratories in Seattle for over a decade, supporting their complex FileMaker solution used to manage workflows surrounding their core business of environmental laboratory testing. We were tasked with developing a mobile solution to help their field services team increase efficiencies, speed turnaround times, and improve chain of custody management. This case study delves into the development and deployment of this solution using FileMaker Go, focusing on the implementation of three distinct user interfaces - desktop, iPads, and mobile phones - and the successful integration of iPads into real-time field operations. Read more
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Key Benefits of Modernizing Your Very Old FileMaker Solution

Photo of a modernized FileMaker solution being used on a laptop and large monitor.
We recently enjoyed the opportunity to help one of our clients, a landscape architecture firm, navigate the complex process of upgrading their FileMaker database from an antiquated FileMaker 5.5 platform to the modern FileMaker 2024.Here’s a closer look at their journey, challenges, and successes of updating their old FileMaker system. Read more
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Boost Performance by Transferring FileMaker Containers to Amazon S3

Logos of Claris FileMaker and Amazon S3 on a blue background.
We recently migrated two FileMaker solutions from internally stored containers to AWS S3 cloud storage, so naturally, we thought to document the experience for others who might be considering the same option. As one would expect, there were a few unknowns going into this project, so our goal with this article is to provide some pointers and documentation for future reference. Read more
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