FileMaker Best Practices for Developing Accessible Solutions

Many enterprises, nowadays, use FileMaker to create custom solutions without putting any extra time and effort. The cross-platform relational database application further enables users to update or modify their databases simply by dragging new elements into the forms, screens and layouts. The current version of FileMaker also comes with capabilities to make the data accessible to users on a variety of conventional and mobile devices. However, the programmers must consider and implement several best practices to build robust and accessible solutions with FileMaker 13.

Best Practices for Developing Accessible FileMaker Solutions

Enhance the Code Readability

FileMaker currently does not provide a comprehensive code editor to developers. So they miss the convenient options to write clean and structured code. However, the programmers have option to external editors and snippet along with several keyword expansion tools. It is always important for the code writers to rite cohesive code that can be encapsulated and reused without any hassle. In addition to using strongly named grouping conventions, they are further required to handle all probable errors, while avoid using additional dependencies.

Make the Layout Mode More Accessible
The accessibility of a FileMaker solution also depends on its layout design. The programmers can connect field labels to the active field by using the Accessibility Inspector. As the field labels will be read by the screen readers, it is important to include navigation and buttons in the tab order. Further, each button must have short and simple text labels. The screen reader can read the text label of each button, so no title or label needs to be added to the button text. Instead of displaying the status bar, the layout buttons can be used to get enhanced control and accessibility.

Optimize the Images
While designing the layout, developers must avoid using images. Similarly, the decorative objects also need to be avoided if they provide no relevant information or function. The Accessibility Inspector allows them to describe images in the container fields. However, each text object must be spelled correctly to be read and understood by the screen reader. It is also a good idea to opt for pop-up menu style instead of the drop-down list style. Similarly, instead of using the drop-down calendars, the programmers can display calendar icons within the field. The existing tooltips also need to be copied and pasted into the Title field in the Accessibility Inspector.

Opt for List View Layout
While creating FileMaker solutions, programmers have option to choose from both List View and Table View layouts. But they can enhance the accessibility of the solution by using the List View layouts, while hiding the Table View layouts. Further, they need to use the field objects instead of merge text when working with the List View Layout.

Optimize the Application’s Search Capabilities
The accessibility of a FileMaker solution can be further increased by optimizing its search capabilities. Nowadays, users access database solutions from a variety of devices including computers, laptops, smartphones and tablets. So the solution must find the relevant data based on the search keywords entered by users, and display the search results quickly. It will become easier for the solution to find data when the fields are identified, and results are read out clearly. Thus, each field must be described in a clear and unambiguous way to enhance the FileMaker solution’s search capabilities.

Work on the Application’s Look and Feel
The look and feel of the FileMaker solution will also impact its accessibility level. So the layout must be optimized by applying high-contrast themes. Similarly, the users must have option to increase the zoom level of the document window. You must opt for interface designs that will appeal to all types of users. It is also important to avoid using videos, animations portals, and tab control to make the solution work faster. While using the FileMaker solution, designers can be prompted for the next action through custom dialogs. The dialogs can also be used to give error alerts.

Each updated version of FileMaker comes with enhanced capabilities and new features. Each developer needs to implement these best practices by keeping in mind the features provided by the most recent version of the cross-platform relational database application.

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Business Function Automation through FileMaker Software

FileMaker is one of the frequent database software options when users are considering creation of database without knowledge or expertise in SQL. Filemaker also helps immensely in crafting a low-traffic database primarily meant for internet use. This progressive yet simple tool comprises the world’s most reliable database application, facilitating development of business solutions at a comparatively faster pace and at affordable rates. Filemaker Pro enables end-users to conveniently publish data, update information and produce reports with some simple clicks. This effective development system operates on Windows computers and Apple Macintosh, and also has a mobile edition named FileMaker Go operating across iPod Touch, iPhone, and iPad platforms.

On the whole, Filemaker application development is picking up steam because the software comes with a bouquet of beneficial features which can be broadly summarized as follows:

• User-friendly: Computer programs are termed user-friendly when their usability is not dependent upon the computer literacy level of the user. Both computer savvy individuals as well as novices would be able to fully utilize the specific computer program’s full capacity without spending extra effort or time. The user interface of Filemaker Pro is such that even a person who is not a database developer can use the program. Other relational databases call for adequate training, hence only people proficient with the database are capable of working with the same.
  
• Convenient to Begin: Businesses leverage databases for storing information regarding their clients, products, revenues, expenses and employees so that the data can be analyzed afterwards and proper business decisions can be made. Small businesses as well as other individuals, organizations and groups also need to use databases. The Filemaker software’s user interface enables even smaller users to start their own database without investing much effort or money.
  
• Trouble-free Expansion: Certain databases are user-friendly simply because they are not complete. This implies that such databases direct a considerable portion of their programming for developing the user-interface, with the result that not much is left for building the storage capacity. This problem does not arise with Filemaker Pro, which has convenient user interface as well as dedicated storage capacity. Hence a small business which leverages Filemaker in the initial start-up phase can continue to use the same when the business expands.

Driving Business automation with Ease

Let us consider the example of an invoice that requires reverse engineering. Time is required to synchronize all the fields and functionalities prior to entering the elements within a document. Spreadsheet is a handy tool for entering these requirements as they automatically form a list. Each field becomes a distinct data element such as customer name, invoice number, invoice amount, phone number and address.

Instead of gathering the elements and making spreadsheet entry, an invoice screen can be simply created in Filemaker software. Exhibiting behavior similar to a spreadsheet tool, FileMaker aids the entry of each element of data, including row entry in a spreadsheet. Following entry of each row, Filemaker generates a screen which possesses all the functionalities for inserting, deleting and updating. A robust tool set facilitates easy and quick manipulation of the objects and their placement at distinct page locations, after which logic is inserted for every data element. With simply a small number of clicks, the new features are ready to be utilized, and all this can be done while running the FileMaker application simultaneously.

A FileMaker developer proficient in Filemaker software capabilities and development methods can introduce more intricate features or go for integration of features from different installations. The flexibility of FileMaker software enables it to rope in functions and features developed through plug-in use at some other FileMaker installations. Plug-in usually means code packages that can be turned off and on while the software is in operation.

The software already comes with key applications for health, business and distribution services and hence does not require every feature to be programmed. Known as templates, these applications possess all functionalities for creating, printing, tracking as well as accounting for specific data types. Filemaker thus becomes an immensely versatile tool for business function automation empowering companies with features that offer convenient deployment and updations.

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