Constructing a Complete FileMaker 16 CRM - Part 3

The find operators I like to use on a daily or weekly basis.

The index controls how finds and other features function so it's good to know how it thinks.

A bevy of reasons to script a find instead of relying on the standard FileMaker find feature.

I prefer to build scripts in pieces during training in order for a better understanding.

Replicating and modifying the functionality of the Continue and Cancel features found in FileMaker scripting.

What used to take two layouts can now be accomplished with a single layout for data entry and finding records.

Replicating the new request and omit features.

Capturing the error for "no records found" and substituting your own message and actions.

When capturing or suppressing FileMaker errors, you have a great responsibility to know all the errors that could occur.

Replicating the modify find feature is not as easy as it might seem.

If more than one record is found, show the found set in list view.

Making your scripts adaptive so they can be copied and pasted from table to table and file to file is one of the keys to efficiency.

Table Occurrences (TOs) can store separate found sets.

This method for restoring a found set is ideal for a scripted find.

The final steps to restoring a found set with GTRR and TOs.

Keeping users of your solution happy!

Centralizing code is an important technique for any savvy FileMaker developer.

Simple examples of modularization are often the best.

How does a database become corrupt?

Is Recover the best option for fixing a corrupt database?

Backups may never be needed but whenever they are, you'll be glad you have them.

Keeping your database solution neat and tidy is not only good for you but anyone who adopts your FileMaker solution.

A simple example of a plug-in to demonstrate how they are used in general.

The Database Design Report (DDR) cross-references schema in your solution in order to allow for clean up.

The script debugger is my best friend when a script isn't performing the way I want.

Comparing and contrasting advantages and disadvantages is the most import method for choosing a solution to a problem.

Keep it Simple Stupid (KISS) is an acronym by which I lead my FileMaker career.

What can custom menus do for you as a solution developer?

Creating your first menu set.

Determining the best way to install custom menus.

Calculated menu sets make installation much easier!

An overview of the different areas of security.

Mimicking the security in FileMaker with scripts is a bad idea!

Creating accounts.

With FileMaker 16, there are even more ways to authenticate logon credentials.

Privilege Sets control table, record, layout, script, value list and field access.

The Data Access and Design section of Privilege Sets is where the bulk of the power lays.

Capturing no access errors to present the user with custom messaging and actions.

Predefined Extended privileges allow access from different guests like FileMaker Pro, Web, FileMaker Go and more. Custom Extended Privileges can extend business logic.

Allowing access to records based on a the result of a boolean calculation formula.

File Access prevents access from other FileMaker files and the Re-Login script step allows for faster testing.

Defining the basic structure for the reminders system.

Additional modifications to the reminders portal to complete the core functionality.

Making the reminders portal more useful through sorting filtering and formatting.

Choosing the best interface for the reminders portal.

Showing contacts with active reminders.

A report to organize reminders.

Scripting the display of the reminders report.

Add the ability to specify reminders for different people.

Fixing the Ultimate Find script to work with employees.

Reusing address, phone and internet tables for employee cause it's so easy.

Adding an account in security when a new employee record is added.

Adding the logged on employee to the reminders find script.

Auto-Entering the current account onto each new reminder.

Adding a reminders portal to the employees table so each employee can see their own reminders in one spot.

Adding am employee record when an account has already been added.

An overview on the Install OnTimer script step.

The structure for the automatic reminders

Loading the reminder times for the entire day on open.

Displaying reminders in the header.

Adding a button to display the contact for the reminder.

Naming windows helps a user identify them easily in a multi-window dominated screen.

Naming windows on new records requires a little extra work.

A nifty trick for getting a larger notes area.

Notes in a portal are better organized, can be filtered, sorted, reported and are all around more flexible.

A simple but powerful trick for adding new portal rows without a script.

Groups allow for disparate contacts to be organized together.

Tracking family members for contacts is beneficial for all business people.

Software Quality Assurance or testing is boring but essential for a successful solution.

Cleaning up schema is important for you as a developer when you need to add new features 6 months down the line as well as any developer who adopts your solution.

I always save the tab order for last since you never know how many times the interface will change.

FileMaker 12 through 16 have the same file format but not the same features, requiring some consideration.

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