FileMaker in the Fashion Industry
One of our recent projects was for a client in the fashion industry, who needed
to replace a non-FileMaker system that was not meeting the company's business
needs. The company decided on FileMaker because of its ease of
use, reliability, strong
market share
and
cross-platform
capability.
We
were able to replace the previous system with a FileMaker system
that did everything done previously and more.
Because there was no pre-existing FileMaker Pro database system,
we were able to start from a "clean piece of paper". We first reached
into our template library for some appropriate files to get us started. Then
we spent some
upfront
time customizing a starter file template to use as the base for the other files
that we then created for the project.
As a result of time spent planning up front, the system has a consistent user
interface. Plus, the time and effort that we
saved enabled us to concentrate on building features and functionality
unique to the client's business.
The overall system is built to stand the test of time with a strong set of features:
* Information entered by one department is passed automatically to the next
department in the workflow. Communication is enhanced and redundant
data entry is eliminated. As needed, data is transformed into other formats
using FileMaker Pro scripting for import into a separate mainframe-based
system responsible for the accounting and warehouse functionality.
* Images are stored on a file server and displayed in FileMaker Pro in a
cross-platform environment. Pictures
are visible via the system and are available
to print out in a variety of catalog formats. Importing hundreds of images
into the database is almost effortless, using AppleScript routines based on
a consistent naming convention. Later, these images can be automatically
posted to the Web.
* Custom FileMaker based messaging is integrated into the system, enabling
users to send messages to each other that link back to the table, layout record,
and portal from which the message was sent. This maximizes users' use of
the system and streamlines the collective workflow.
* Security was implemented using a variety of techniques, one of which is
that we do not say too much about what we did!
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