The benefits of upgrading to FileMaker 18 Platform

The benefits of upgrading to FileMaker 18 Platform – Improved Imports

Ben Fletcher • 28 May 2019

With the release of FileMaker 18, we’re sure that both newbies to the platform and FileMaker veterans alike will be only to pleased, to see that finally some much needed attention has been given to the file > Import dialog box which has existed without change since circa. 1986. The dialog box has been given a massive interface revamp with a much more user friendly interface and flexible options.

With the new Import Field Mapping dialog box, you can:

Choose target fields from a list that you can search - not more endless dragging match fields with large database tables.
Choose any record in the source file to use as field names for certain import file types.
For each target field, choose whether to perform auto-enter options while importing (previously this was an all or nothing option for the entire import).
Import data that uses a custom character to separate field values.
More conversion options – When converting certain supported file types, you can now specify a custom character that separates field values, choose any record to use as field names, choose which fields to include, and specify a target table name.

Need some assistance with writing a new FileMaker custom app or need some assistance with how to get the most out of FileMaker 18 platform? Call our team to find out more about the benefits from upgrading for a free, no obligation quotation.

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Google Sheets vs. Claris FileMaker: Why Spreadsheets Aren’t Enough for Serious Business Applications in 2025

by Ben Fletcher • 29 April 2025

Still running your business on Google Sheets? Spreadsheets are great—until they start holding you back. If you’re managing complex processes, critical data, or multiple users through Google Sheets, it’s time to upgrade.

Claris FileMaker Server 21.1.4 Update now available

by Ben Fletcher • 25 April 2025

The Claris FileMaker Server 21.1.4 update is now available and includes important fixes that address known issues from previous versions: Key Fixes 1. Field definitions incorrectly read from cache. A bug introduced in version 21.0 caused field definitions to be incorrectly cached, resulting in symptoms such as: Empty related fields Missing value lists and indexes “Insufficient privileges (error -9)” messages 2. Windows only: Server-side script sessions limited by CPU cores. Version 21.1.3 limited simultaneous server-side script sessions to the number of CPU cores on Windows. This impacted I/O-bound environments by unnecessarily queuing sessions. 21.1.4 resolves this by allowing up to 50 concurrent script sessions on Windows before queueing begins—regardless of CPU cores. These sessions may be triggered by schedules, OData, or Perform Script on Server (PSoS). Note: This behavior is not controlled by the AllowPSoS setting. Claris Recommends: To ensure system stability, it is advised to limit active clients to 40 - 45 simultaneous sessions. Exceeding 50 may result in delays, memory overload, or session hangs. Do you need assistance with upgrading? DataTherapy are pleased to announce that Claris FileMaker 2024 (version 21.1) managed private cloud hosting packages are immediately available. DataTherapy can provide scalable, managed FileMaker packages for businesses of all size. Full details of all of our packages can be found here . We can offer a range of a variety of enhanced options such as domain management, custom SSL certificates, VPN, VLAN, disaster recovery and integration with other technologies. If you need additional information on upgrading to the new release, advise on how to migrate your current on-premises FileMaker Server to the cloud, or would like to arrange a free trial of any of our packages then please don’t hesitate to contact our team .

Microsoft Access is Holding Your Business Back – Here’s Why You Should Switch to Claris FileMaker in 2025

by Ben Fletcher • 16 April 2025

Using Microsoft Excel for workflows and complex data management instead of a dedicated database presents several inherent problems. These issues stem from Excel’s limitations in scalability, data integrity, collaboration, automation, and security. Below is a detailed breakdown of these challenges and how a custom Claris FileMaker App can meet these challenges . . .