Projects We’ve Worked On: Review Our Case Studies
FileMaker Pro, Custom App and Database Management Solutions for Your Business
Read through our business case studies to see how we’ve helped businesses overcome their technical and operational challenges.
Whether it's solving complex problems with innovative solutions or streamlining processes for maximum efficiency, we thrive on providing tailored FileMaker and FileMaker Pro applications, custom app development, database management, and customer management solutions.
Our goal is to empower businesses to succeed through innovation, cost savings, and business automation, ensuring they can focus on what matters most. We also provide leadership support to help organizations embrace progressive growth and achieve healthy, sustainable business outcomes.
Each case study showcases our commitment to delivering solutions that drive efficiency, security, and scalability—fostering long-term success in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Innovative RFID Solution Cuts Costs and Increases Security for Biometric Authentication
Learn how an innovative solution, met this client’s needs of a biometric solution at a significant cost savings compared to what was anticipated.
Introduction
When working with small businesses on custom software solutions, success often comes from helping them solve problems efficiently and effectively. In a recent project with a software sales company, I helped them overcome a technical challenge that involved managing biometric data securely and affordably. The insight I gained from this project led to an innovative solution that saved the client significant costs while meeting their specific needs.
Challenge
The client, a software company, faced a significant technical challenge. Their buyer, a manufacturer, required a new system that could log people in and out using fingerprints. The software company’s development team was hesitant to handle this task due to the security risks involved with collecting and storing sensitive biometric data. Additionally, integrating fingerprint readers into the system posed complexities due to their tight connection with operating systems, making the security and privacy concerns even more pressing.
Solution
After extensive research, brainstorming, and troubleshooting, I discovered that the solution wasn’t in managing fingerprints directly. Instead, I proposed using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags, a lightweight technology that could offload the authentication process to employees’ personal smartphones. By embedding a link in an RFID tag, employees could use their phones to authenticate their fingerprints, which would then communicate with the manufacturer’s internal database. This approach bypassed the need for an in-house biometric system, greatly reducing complexity and risk.
Outcomes
This innovative approach led to a dramatic reduction in costs and risk. A full biometric system was initially estimated to cost $1,000 per workstation. By implementing RFID tags instead, the client only needed to invest approximately $25 per workstation. Beyond cost savings, the solution provided a secure, low-risk method for handling biometric data, allowing the software company to meet their client’s technical requirements without exposing themselves to unnecessary legal or security risks.
Key Takeaways
Automation and Efficiency: Automating the authentication process with RFID tags saved both time and money for the business.
Innovative Problem-Solving: By shifting the focus from biometric data management to mobile authentication, the project showcased the power of creative, out-of-the-box thinking.
Cost-Effectiveness: Using RFID technology significantly reduced the cost per workstation, proving that simple solutions can be both effective and economical.
Security and Compliance: The solution provided a secure method to handle sensitive data without compromising on privacy or compliance with evolving security standards.
Demystifying JSON: Teaching Clients to Leverage Powerful FileMaker Solutions
Discover how a hands-on approach to client education empowered a small business to harness the full potential of JSON within their FileMaker solution, making their system more efficient and manageable
Introduction
At the heart of every custom software solution is the ability to provide not just a fix but also an understanding of the tools being used. Recently, I worked with a client who was struggling to understand a FileMaker script involving JSON. While coding effective solutions is rewarding, I also find great value in helping clients understand the systems they're using. In this case, breaking down the complexity of JSON allowed my client to gain clarity and confidence while also benefiting from its powerful capabilities.
Challenge or Objective
The client, a small business using FileMaker, was unfamiliar with JSON (JavaScript Object Notation), which was implemented in one of the custom scripts I had developed for them. While JSON is a powerful tool for handling data in FileMaker, its structure and syntax can be intimidating to those who haven’t worked with it before. The challenge was to not only solve the business problem with efficient coding but also to educate the client so they could manage and maintain the script in the future.
Solution
To address the client’s concerns, I broke down JSON in simple terms, walking them through its basic structure and how it is used in FileMaker scripts. I explained JSON as a way of organizing data in key-value pairs and demonstrated how information can be stored, retrieved, and updated easily using JSON objects and arrays. To further support the learning process, I provided a practical example file that allowed the client to safely experiment with JSON. By using this approach, the client could see firsthand how JSON interacts with FileMaker and how they could modify it for their specific needs.
Outcomes
This hands-on learning process significantly improved the client’s ability to navigate and manipulate JSON within their FileMaker system. Not only were they able to understand the structure and syntax of JSON, but they could also see its potential for improving the efficiency of their data management processes. As a result, the client gained both technical proficiency and confidence, empowering them to make updates without external help, which saved both time and resources.
Key Takeaways
Education as a Key Component: Teaching the client how to use JSON helped them become more independent and confident in managing their own systems.
Simplified Complex Solutions: Breaking down JSON into accessible steps allowed the client to see how this tool could simplify data management and automation within FileMaker.
Hands-On Learning: Providing a practical example file ensured that the client could experiment and understand JSON in a safe and supportive environment.
Long-Term Value: By empowering the client to manage their system, they reduced the need for constant technical support, resulting in ongoing cost savings and operational efficiency.
Let’s Work Together
Do you want custom solutions for your business's technology or automation challenges? Whether you're looking for FileMaker Development to streamline your processes, consulting to tackle complex business issues, or coaching to enhance your leadership and team dynamics, I'm here to help. Explore how I can assist you in achieving greater efficiency and growth through my tailored services:
FileMaker Development: From custom app creation to database management, I'll help you unlock the full potential of FileMaker to automate and optimize your business.
Consulting: Gain expert insights and strategies to solve your most pressing business challenges, whether they involve technology, operations, or leadership.
Coaching: Empower yourself and your team with personalized coaching designed to foster innovation, resilience, and sustainable success.
Let’s work together to bring clarity and innovation to your business. Contact me today to discuss how we can create custom solutions for your unique needs.