Questions, answered honestly

Claris FileMaker is a low-code platform for building custom business apps that run on Mac, Windows, iPad, iPhone and the web. It lets you replace spreadsheets and disconnected tools with a single, tailored application built around how your business actually works. Claris is a subsidiary of Apple.

Businesses that have outgrown spreadsheets, or whose process doesn't fit off-the-shelf software. It's especially strong for job tracking, inventory, quoting, scheduling, CRM and compliance records — anywhere the process is genuinely yours rather than generic.

Spreadsheets are great for calculation but struggle as shared, multi-user systems: data gets duplicated, rules aren't enforced and errors creep in. FileMaker gives you a real relational database with a proper interface, user accounts, permissions and automation — while staying flexible enough to shape around your process. Compared with Airtable and similar tools, FileMaker goes further on custom logic, native offline apps and deep integration.

Yes. One solution can run natively on Mac and Windows, on iPad and iPhone via FileMaker Go, and in a browser via FileMaker WebDirect — with layouts tailored to each device.

Good design keeps training minimal — the aim is software your team understands without a manual. I walk your team through the solution at handover and provide guidance for new starters.

Yes. FileMaker is licensed from Claris, typically as a subscription based on the number of users. Licensing is separate from development work, and I'll advise which route fits your team size and setup so you're not paying for more than you need.

Every project is scoped to your needs, so cost depends on complexity, integrations and the number of users. I offer a free consultation to define scope and provide a clear, fixed estimate before any work begins — no surprises.

It depends entirely on scope. A focused tool addressing one workflow is a much shorter engagement than a system running your whole operation. After the discovery conversation I'll give you a realistic timeline alongside the estimate — I'd rather be honest up front than over-promise.

We start with a free consultation to map your workflows, pain points and goals. From there I define a clear scope and give you a fixed estimate before any build begins. You approve it before I start.

Absolutely — and it's often the smartest approach. We tackle the most painful workflow first, get it delivering value, then grow from there. Everything is built to scale, so adding later doesn't mean rebuilding.

They usually do, and that's fine. The process is iterative with regular check-ins so the solution evolves around real feedback. If a change materially affects scope, I'll tell you what it means for cost and timeline before we proceed — never after.

Yes. Alongside building new solutions, I audit, optimize and extend existing FileMaker files — improving speed, usability, security and reliability, whether I built them or not.

Yes, it's a common request. I'll review the existing solution, document how it works and give you an honest assessment — including whether it's better to improve what you have or rebuild.

Usually, yes. Slowness is almost always a symptom of specific, findable causes: inefficient relationships, unstored calculations, heavy layouts, or server and network configuration. An audit identifies what's actually costing you time, and most issues can be resolved without starting over.

Yes. Bringing existing data across — from spreadsheets, another database or an older FileMaker file — is a normal part of the work, including cleaning and de-duplicating it on the way in.

Absolutely. FileMaker integrates with accounting software, payment systems, mapping and location services, REST APIs and more — so your data flows automatically between the tools you already use.

FileMaker provides account-level authentication, granular privilege sets, and encryption both at rest and in transit. Solutions are built so each person sees exactly what they should — and nothing more. Security is designed in from the start, not bolted on afterwards.

Your solution can run on Claris FileMaker Cloud, on a FileMaker Server hosted by a specialist provider, or on your own server — whichever suits your requirements. I'll help you weigh cost, control and compliance before deciding.

A properly configured FileMaker Server runs automated, scheduled backups. Setting up a sensible backup and recovery routine — and confirming it actually restores — is part of delivering a system you can rely on.

Yes. I work with clients across the UK and worldwide, delivering and supporting solutions entirely remotely.

You can expect a reply within one working day, with clear and honest next steps for your project.

Launch isn't the end. I refine performance, help your team settle in, and stay available as your needs evolve — adding features, adjusting workflows and keeping things running smoothly.