aACE software blog -  a complete resource for SMBs looking to improve their business processes. Read our articles on all things CRM, Accounting Software, ERP, Inventory Management & more

Stay up-to-date on product releases, company announcements, press coverage, and all things aACE.

aACE software blog -  a complete resource for SMBs looking to improve their business processes. Read our articles on all things CRM, Accounting Software, ERP, Inventory Management & more

Stay up-to-date on product releases, company announcements, press coverage, and all things aACE.

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Read more about What Can You Do With FileMaker? Take a Look at the Showcase!

What Can You Do With FileMaker? Take a Look at the Showcase!

As you might expect, there are working models of FileMaker-based ERP systems, CRM systems, and sales systems. But you'll also see some less common functionality.

  • Tools that track remote teams and synchronize data
  • Personalized applications for uploading, researching, and rating PDF documents such as movie scripts
  • Systems to report on equipment maintenance issues
  • Custom learning management systems that monitor both students and instructors
  • iOS solutions for streamlined work-order processing, time tracking, and specialty reporting
  • Unique software to coordinate trips, training, gifts, and events across multiple organizations

Several of the Showcase entries also link to in-depth descriptions of how the FileMaker tool was envisioned, designed, and implemented.

The exact feature that you need to enhance your unique business may not be displayed. But there's definitely enough outstanding work here to spark your team's creativity.

Those discussions might lead to a recognition that your growing company needs more than just one time-saving app. For an affordable FileMaker ERP + CRM + accounting suite, please review the aACE Software showcase as well. Our business operations software runs on Mac and PC, and has benefited from years of close collaboration with our clients in professional services, wholesale distribution, and light manufacturing.

aACE is a comprehensive business management solution out of the box, and because it's built on the FileMaker platform it can be customized to fit your workflow. One aACE client, Wendy Donenfeld of M & R International, Inc., has described us as the "only vendor willing and able to customize a system to what we needed." If you're looking for a powerful yet flexible business management software, gain the aACE advantage today.

Learn More

It can be a challenge, in the midst of day-to-day operations, to envision the new tools that could accelerate your business. To help with some inspiration, FileMaker has collected examples. Their Showcase page introduces custom apps that have been built on the FileMaker platform. As you might... Learn More

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It can be a challenge, in the midst of day-to-day operations, to envision the new tools that could accelerate your business. To help with some inspiration, FileMaker has collected examples. Their Showcase page introduces custom apps that have been built on the FileMaker platform.

As you might expect, there are working models of FileMaker-based ERP systems, CRM systems, and sales systems. But you'll also see some less common functionality.

  • Tools that track remote teams and synchronize data
  • Personalized applications for uploading, researching, and rating PDF documents such as movie scripts
  • Systems to report on equipment maintenance issues
  • Custom learning management systems that monitor both students and instructors
  • iOS solutions for streamlined work-order processing, time tracking, and specialty reporting
  • Unique software to coordinate trips, training, gifts, and events across multiple organizations

Several of the Showcase entries also link to in-depth descriptions of how the FileMaker tool was envisioned, designed, and implemented.

The exact feature that you need to enhance your unique business may not be displayed. But there's definitely enough outstanding work here to spark your team's creativity.

Those discussions might lead to a recognition that your growing company needs more than just one time-saving app. For an affordable FileMaker ERP + CRM + accounting suite, please review the aACE Software showcase as well. Our business operations software runs on Mac and PC, and has benefited from years of close collaboration with our clients in professional services, wholesale distribution, and light manufacturing.

aACE is a comprehensive business management solution out of the box, and because it's built on the FileMaker platform it can be customized to fit your workflow. One aACE client, Wendy Donenfeld of M & R International, Inc., has described us as the "only vendor willing and able to customize a system to what we needed." If you're looking for a powerful yet flexible business management software, gain the aACE advantage today.

Learn More

Read more about FileMaker Technologies to Boost Your Presence on the Web

FileMaker Technologies to Boost Your Presence on the Web

  • WebDirect - create custom apps that are accessible on any device through a web browser
  • PHP Web Publishing - create data-driven websites using your preferred HTML editor

Details on WebDirect

Leverage your FileMaker expertise to bring your apps to the web. This extends access to all your users whether they're working from a desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone.

Create your app and tune it for the web with FileMaker Pro. Define your page structures with HTML 5. Stylize the appearance with CSS3. Create interactions with JavaScript. Upload the app to FileMaker Server 15. Establish communications between the browser and your server with HTTP or HTTPS.

Then let people know they can use the tools anywhere and any time.

Details on PHP Web Publishing

Take your site to the next level with dynamic web pages powered by content from your FileMaker Pro back-end. Maximize user engagement with information customized to each visitor, including data drawn from your CRM package.

Using the FileMaker API, you can set up server-side programming to enable your users to search, sort, edit, and add information. In an economy where users expect more and more personalization as they shop, your dynamic site can exceed their expectations.

 

For extensive documentation and guides on these tools, check out the options on the FileMaker Technologies pages for web publishing.

Learn More

When you're ready to ramp up your company's offerings on the Internet, FileMaker Server provides two features that can help you accomplish your goals: WebDirect - create custom apps that are accessible on any device through a web browser PHP Web Publishing - create data-driven websites using your... Learn More

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When you're ready to ramp up your company's offerings on the Internet, FileMaker Server provides two features that can help you accomplish your goals:

  • WebDirect - create custom apps that are accessible on any device through a web browser
  • PHP Web Publishing - create data-driven websites using your preferred HTML editor

Details on WebDirect

Leverage your FileMaker expertise to bring your apps to the web. This extends access to all your users whether they're working from a desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone.

Create your app and tune it for the web with FileMaker Pro. Define your page structures with HTML 5. Stylize the appearance with CSS3. Create interactions with JavaScript. Upload the app to FileMaker Server 15. Establish communications between the browser and your server with HTTP or HTTPS.

Then let people know they can use the tools anywhere and any time.

Details on PHP Web Publishing

Take your site to the next level with dynamic web pages powered by content from your FileMaker Pro back-end. Maximize user engagement with information customized to each visitor, including data drawn from your CRM package.

Using the FileMaker API, you can set up server-side programming to enable your users to search, sort, edit, and add information. In an economy where users expect more and more personalization as they shop, your dynamic site can exceed their expectations.

 

For extensive documentation and guides on these tools, check out the options on the FileMaker Technologies pages for web publishing.

Learn More

Read more about Interview with a (Citizen) Developer

Interview with a (Citizen) Developer

Roger Benedict's example proves that point. He is the owner, president, and citizen developer for a retail floor covering store in Colorado. Recently he interviewed with Don Tennant of ITBusinessEdge.com. Their conversation gives a unique view of creating custom apps.

Benedict summarizes the FileMaker value proposition this way:

"I think what FileMaker has found is there are people like me who have used their product to develop exactly what they want to develop, to make their business run the way they want it to run."

He is quick to admit the caveat that he has developed more with his apps than most users. His candid answers highlight an important detail: while this type of development is not overly complicated, it does require time and effort.

If you're interested in a business operations software package that can be fitted to your company (rather than the other way round), feel free to evaluate aACE 5. The basic installation includes much of the functionality needed for a small or medium-sized operation, and the ERP, CRM, accounting, and inventory modules can grow with your company.

Learn More

If you're starting to explore FileMaker as a tool for enhancing your business processes, let's first say―good choice. It's an award-winning platform that can support your entire operation if you invest the necessary time into it. Whether you serve a local, regional, or national... Learn More

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If you're starting to explore FileMaker as a tool for enhancing your business processes, let's first say―good choice. It's an award-winning platform that can support your entire operation if you invest the necessary time into it. Whether you serve a local, regional, or national clientele, and whether your systems are established on Mac or PC, custom apps on FileMaker can help your company perform better.

Roger Benedict's example proves that point. He is the owner, president, and citizen developer for a retail floor covering store in Colorado. Recently he interviewed with Don Tennant of ITBusinessEdge.com. Their conversation gives a unique view of creating custom apps.

Benedict summarizes the FileMaker value proposition this way:

"I think what FileMaker has found is there are people like me who have used their product to develop exactly what they want to develop, to make their business run the way they want it to run."

He is quick to admit the caveat that he has developed more with his apps than most users. His candid answers highlight an important detail: while this type of development is not overly complicated, it does require time and effort.

If you're interested in a business operations software package that can be fitted to your company (rather than the other way round), feel free to evaluate aACE 5. The basic installation includes much of the functionality needed for a small or medium-sized operation, and the ERP, CRM, accounting, and inventory modules can grow with your company.

Learn More

Read more about FileMaker Platform + FileMaker Community = Your Success

FileMaker Platform + FileMaker Community = Your Success

This introduction to FM walks through some of the tasks that are most interesting to new developers. It provides the rationale for the tasks, gives time estimates for each stage, and supplies sample files to download.

One of the first things you might notice about this training is that it's housed on the FileMaker community pages. Likewise, it has been created by Mark Baum, a senior application developer, but not for FileMaker. This training program has been created by someone who uses the FM platform and is passionate about helping other people learn to use it.

That sums up the FileMaker community pretty well.

When you encourage your staff to work on custom apps with FileMaker, you're not only connecting them to a robust platform, but also to an active support group. It's a crowd-sourced team that is ready to answer questions and help your citizen developers succeed. Whether your system is on Mac or PC, whether your team members are nervous or hesitant, they'll be able to quickly create personalized tools for your business.

Moving up to the next level, you might realize that the DIY custom apps would be even more useful if they were integrated to a holistic package. It's a smart move, but a relatively complicated project. To quickly get the benefit of this kind of unified system, check out aACE 5. This accounting/CRM/ERP suite is built on the Filemaker platform and provides much of the essential functionality for your business right out of the box. Learn more today.

Learn More

Following up on our recent posts about FileMaker as the top-ranked platform for citizen developers, here is one way to get your developers up to speed--the FileMaker Quick Start Training.This introduction to FM walks through some of the tasks that are most interesting to new developers. It provides... Learn More

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Following up on our recent posts about FileMaker as the top-ranked platform for citizen developers, here is one way to get your developers up to speed--the FileMaker Quick Start Training.

This introduction to FM walks through some of the tasks that are most interesting to new developers. It provides the rationale for the tasks, gives time estimates for each stage, and supplies sample files to download.

One of the first things you might notice about this training is that it's housed on the FileMaker community pages. Likewise, it has been created by Mark Baum, a senior application developer, but not for FileMaker. This training program has been created by someone who uses the FM platform and is passionate about helping other people learn to use it.

That sums up the FileMaker community pretty well.

When you encourage your staff to work on custom apps with FileMaker, you're not only connecting them to a robust platform, but also to an active support group. It's a crowd-sourced team that is ready to answer questions and help your citizen developers succeed. Whether your system is on Mac or PC, whether your team members are nervous or hesitant, they'll be able to quickly create personalized tools for your business.

Moving up to the next level, you might realize that the DIY custom apps would be even more useful if they were integrated to a holistic package. It's a smart move, but a relatively complicated project. To quickly get the benefit of this kind of unified system, check out aACE 5. This accounting/CRM/ERP suite is built on the Filemaker platform and provides much of the essential functionality for your business right out of the box. Learn more today.

Learn More

Read more about FileMaker Ranked as #1 Platform for Rapid Development

FileMaker Ranked as #1 Platform for Rapid Development

Enter the G2 Crowd report on RAD Software.

This is RAD, as in Rapid Application Development, building digital tools that are precisely what you need, exactly when you need them. And the software at the top of the rankings is FileMaker, the platform on which aACE is built.

You can read the entire report, free of charge.

Learn More

Customer reviews provide some of the most trusted information for our purchasing decisions. We love Angie's List and Amazon reviews because they help us make better choices. But even better than a series of separate reviews is a collection of customer feedback that has been analyzed and compiled... Learn More

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Customer reviews provide some of the most trusted information for our purchasing decisions. We love Angie's List and Amazon reviews because they help us make better choices. But even better than a series of separate reviews is a collection of customer feedback that has been analyzed and compiled for your use.

Enter the G2 Crowd report on RAD Software.

This is RAD, as in Rapid Application Development, building digital tools that are precisely what you need, exactly when you need them. And the software at the top of the rankings is FileMaker, the platform on which aACE is built.

You can read the entire report, free of charge.

Learn More

Read more about Empowering Your Employees as Citizen Developers: Walk the Walk, Reap the Benefits

Empowering Your Employees as Citizen Developers: Walk the Walk, Reap the Benefits

The term "citizen developer" is still young, in its pre-Wikipedia stage even. However Gartner has already defined the term in its IT Glossary: a user who creates new business applications for consumption by others using development and runtime environments sanctioned by corporate IT.

As Dion Hinchcliffe writes on ZDNet, this up-and-coming type of aspiring coder opens a new route for business software. Massive enterprises have enjoyed the resources to design the tools they need. Now smaller companies also have this luxury available. A local business no longer has to settle for tools that are "good enough... mostly."

On the other hand, Adrian Bridgwater, posting on Forbes, points out some additional aspects of citizen developers that a smart business leader will bear in mind. There can be friction with larger IT expectations about testing and security, since citizen developers' strength is in their focus on solving small challenges in the immediate environment.

This brings us to the question of how you can best support the smart, dedicated people on your team who want to build solutions. Answers can be found in the FileMaker report. The report discusses how to identify strong candidates for citizen developers, what to expect when they get down to work, and what kinds of custom apps they might create.

Overall, an environment where you help people pursue their interests and develop their skills, while they create tools to enhance your business operations, is a clear win-win. This type of setting empowers your employees in ways that can make a real difference in your company's success. FileMaker is an outstanding platform for establishing this environment: easy to begin using and powerful enough to create enterprise-level software tools for the small and mid-sized business.

Learn More

The 2017 FileMaker State of the Custom App Report (free download) focuses on citizen developers. The term "citizen developer" is still young, in its pre-Wikipedia stage even. However Gartner has already defined the term in its IT Glossary: a user who creates new business applications for... Learn More

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The 2017 FileMaker State of the Custom App Report (free download) focuses on citizen developers.

The term "citizen developer" is still young, in its pre-Wikipedia stage even. However Gartner has already defined the term in its IT Glossary: a user who creates new business applications for consumption by others using development and runtime environments sanctioned by corporate IT.

As Dion Hinchcliffe writes on ZDNet, this up-and-coming type of aspiring coder opens a new route for business software. Massive enterprises have enjoyed the resources to design the tools they need. Now smaller companies also have this luxury available. A local business no longer has to settle for tools that are "good enough... mostly."

On the other hand, Adrian Bridgwater, posting on Forbes, points out some additional aspects of citizen developers that a smart business leader will bear in mind. There can be friction with larger IT expectations about testing and security, since citizen developers' strength is in their focus on solving small challenges in the immediate environment.

This brings us to the question of how you can best support the smart, dedicated people on your team who want to build solutions. Answers can be found in the FileMaker report. The report discusses how to identify strong candidates for citizen developers, what to expect when they get down to work, and what kinds of custom apps they might create.

Overall, an environment where you help people pursue their interests and develop their skills, while they create tools to enhance your business operations, is a clear win-win. This type of setting empowers your employees in ways that can make a real difference in your company's success. FileMaker is an outstanding platform for establishing this environment: easy to begin using and powerful enough to create enterprise-level software tools for the small and mid-sized business.

Learn More

Read more about FileMaker Developer Spotlight: Daniel Shanahan

FileMaker Developer Spotlight: Daniel Shanahan

To get a sense of how involved a project like this can be, you can turn to Daniel Shanahan's site: filemakerinventoryresources.com. Daniel is carving out a niche based on his expertise with IMS tools, volunteering his insight for the community. Based in Ohio and currently working with New Leaf Data, LLC., his site posts guidelines and recommendations to help FileMaker developers worldwide as they create the best IMS solutions for their needs.

At his site, you can get a better understanding of challenges you'll need to be aware of (for example, how will you track it when you get inventory that wasn't ordered, such as sample units from a vendor?). Likewise, he demonstrates how to craft your project most effectively (for example, how do you map out cyclical relationships on a FM relationship graph?). The topics he discusses on his site include:

  • Inventory types
  • Inventory processes
  • Quantity fields
  • Receiving goods
  • Bill of materials
  • Kitting
  • BOM trees
  • Lots and batches
  • Serial numbers
  • Purchasing processes
  • Transactions
  • Updating inventory quantities
  • Transferring inventory

If you have specific questions for Daniel about FM RAD projects, you can submit requests for future articles at his home page. And for an overview of Daniel's background, find him on LinkedIn.

As filemakerinventoryresources.com shows, sometimes the best resource for a new FM developer is an experienced FM developer. You might decide however that building a full-fledged IMS from scratch is too involved for the time you have available. We all know an entrepreneur has to continually focus on the tasks that will bring the greatest ROI. If that applies to you, then check out a middle path--aACE Software's customizable modules. You can get much of the functionality that your business needs, straight out of the box. Learn more today.

Learn More

FileMaker is a fantastic platform for rapid app development, with excellent resources to help developers at every skill level. To be frank though, a big project is always a big project. And one of the most complex tools you can develop on FileMaker is an Inventory Management System (IMS). To get a... Learn More

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FileMaker is a fantastic platform for rapid app development, with excellent resources to help developers at every skill level. To be frank though, a big project is always a big project. And one of the most complex tools you can develop on FileMaker is an Inventory Management System (IMS).

To get a sense of how involved a project like this can be, you can turn to Daniel Shanahan's site: filemakerinventoryresources.com. Daniel is carving out a niche based on his expertise with IMS tools, volunteering his insight for the community. Based in Ohio and currently working with New Leaf Data, LLC., his site posts guidelines and recommendations to help FileMaker developers worldwide as they create the best IMS solutions for their needs.

At his site, you can get a better understanding of challenges you'll need to be aware of (for example, how will you track it when you get inventory that wasn't ordered, such as sample units from a vendor?). Likewise, he demonstrates how to craft your project most effectively (for example, how do you map out cyclical relationships on a FM relationship graph?). The topics he discusses on his site include:

  • Inventory types
  • Inventory processes
  • Quantity fields
  • Receiving goods
  • Bill of materials
  • Kitting
  • BOM trees
  • Lots and batches
  • Serial numbers
  • Purchasing processes
  • Transactions
  • Updating inventory quantities
  • Transferring inventory

If you have specific questions for Daniel about FM RAD projects, you can submit requests for future articles at his home page. And for an overview of Daniel's background, find him on LinkedIn.

As filemakerinventoryresources.com shows, sometimes the best resource for a new FM developer is an experienced FM developer. You might decide however that building a full-fledged IMS from scratch is too involved for the time you have available. We all know an entrepreneur has to continually focus on the tasks that will bring the greatest ROI. If that applies to you, then check out a middle path--aACE Software's customizable modules. You can get much of the functionality that your business needs, straight out of the box. Learn more today.

Learn More

Read more about Sharing the Proofs for Their Concept

Sharing the Proofs for Their Concept

FileMaker is offering some proof for their ideas of how custom applications can help small and mid-sized businesses. And they're offering it free on YouTube for anyone who wants to learn.

On the FileMaker channel, you can watch explanations about new releases, testimonials, seminars on how you can leverage FileMaker, and case studies about apps that have been designed to solve business problems.

The current spotlight is on Wood Fruiticher, a food service distribution company based out of Birmingham, Alabama. For more than the quick overview, check out the full video and free ebook.

Learn More

Like most entrepreneurs, you know that it's one thing to have a nice idea, but it's something else to have the results that prove the idea. FileMaker is offering some proof for their ideas of how custom applications can help small and mid-sized businesses. And they're offering it free on YouTube... Learn More

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Like most entrepreneurs, you know that it's one thing to have a nice idea, but it's something else to have the results that prove the idea.

FileMaker is offering some proof for their ideas of how custom applications can help small and mid-sized businesses. And they're offering it free on YouTube for anyone who wants to learn.

On the FileMaker channel, you can watch explanations about new releases, testimonials, seminars on how you can leverage FileMaker, and case studies about apps that have been designed to solve business problems.

The current spotlight is on Wood Fruiticher, a food service distribution company based out of Birmingham, Alabama. For more than the quick overview, check out the full video and free ebook.

Learn More

Read more about Making Wishes Come True with Custom Designed Software on FileMaker

Making Wishes Come True with Custom Designed Software on FileMaker

Of course there are no magic lamps, but you can get the same kind of impact with custom-developed business software. There are developers, platforms, and toolkits that can address the exact pain points that will most benefit your company. Whether it's trouble with warehousing, packing and shipping, invoicing, or some other business process, a hand-crafted solution can resolve the difficulty.

These days the closest thing to a genie in a lamp might be FileMaker, the development platform used worldwide to create designer software for small and mid-sized businesses. FileMaker solutions are cross-platform, supporting companies that run Mac or PC systems. These solutions can support a wide range of businesses, from digital service providers to light manufacturing centers. And they can leverage automation and streamlining to maximize your efficiencies and your company's impact in the market.

Cost is the big question, though--who can afford custom-designed software tools? More entrepreneurs than you might think. FileMaker is reaching out to small business owners, offering the Idea to iPad bundle and the Service Bundle Toolkit at affordable prices. And when the package includes consultation hours from experienced developers, the only limit to what you can accomplish is your vision.

Download the free research report to learn more about how FileMaker is angling to make business process improvement wishes come true.

Learn More

Make a wish for your company. Let's say you could ask a genie in a lamp for a tool that would amplify your company's strength. What would that tool be? Of course there are no magic lamps, but you can get the same kind of impact with custom-developed business software. There are developers,... Learn More

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Make a wish for your company. Let's say you could ask a genie in a lamp for a tool that would amplify your company's strength. What would that tool be?

Of course there are no magic lamps, but you can get the same kind of impact with custom-developed business software. There are developers, platforms, and toolkits that can address the exact pain points that will most benefit your company. Whether it's trouble with warehousing, packing and shipping, invoicing, or some other business process, a hand-crafted solution can resolve the difficulty.

These days the closest thing to a genie in a lamp might be FileMaker, the development platform used worldwide to create designer software for small and mid-sized businesses. FileMaker solutions are cross-platform, supporting companies that run Mac or PC systems. These solutions can support a wide range of businesses, from digital service providers to light manufacturing centers. And they can leverage automation and streamlining to maximize your efficiencies and your company's impact in the market.

Cost is the big question, though--who can afford custom-designed software tools? More entrepreneurs than you might think. FileMaker is reaching out to small business owners, offering the Idea to iPad bundle and the Service Bundle Toolkit at affordable prices. And when the package includes consultation hours from experienced developers, the only limit to what you can accomplish is your vision.

Download the free research report to learn more about how FileMaker is angling to make business process improvement wishes come true.

Learn More

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