When it comes to building powerful, flexible business applications, Claris FileMaker is a top choice. However, as solutions grow in complexity, performance issues can arise, affecting efficiency and user experience. At DataTherapy, we specialise in optimising FileMaker applications to ensure they run smoothly and efficiently. Here are our top tips to improve the performance of your FileMaker solution.

Optimise Layout Design

FileMaker layouts that contain complex elements like unstored calculations, unnecessary portals, and excessive object layering can slow down performance. Streamline layouts by using fewer objects, reducing unnecessary graphics, and limiting the number of unstored calculation fields displayed.

Refine Indexing for faster Searches

When performing searches, indexed fields provide significantly faster results than unindexed fields. Enable indexing for commonly searched fields in the FileMaker database to speed up queries, and consider disabling it for all other fields, especially those that contain large amounts of text.

Minimise Unstored Calculations

Unstored calculations recalculate every time they are referenced, which can slow down your system. Instead, use auto-enter fields or script triggers to store calculated values.

Reduce Relationship Complexity

Excessive table relationships and unnecessary dependencies can impact performance. Keep relationships as simple as possible. You should be using 'Anchor-Buoy' or a similar approach to grouping table occurrences and ideally there should only be one level deep (Parent > Child) for each relationship branch. Having a 'Spider' relationship graph in which all table occurrences are attached to one another can be very inefficient. Portal filtering can be a useful method for displaying related records, but should be defined with the relationship’s definition in mind.

Manage External Data Sources Efficiently

If your FileMaker solution integrates with external data sources (e.g., SQL databases, APIs, or cloud storage), optimise connections by reducing the number of calls made and ensuring queries are structured efficiently.

Use Server-Side Scripting

When using FileMaker Server, offload intensive processes to run on the server rather than the client’s device. This improves speed by reducing network traffic and shifting the workload to a more powerful processing environment.

Archive or delete legacy data

Rarely used legacy data can be migrated to separate archive files which will make the live 'working' files smaller and more performant.

Review Scripts and Calculations

Over time, through the development cycle, Scripts and calculations may become patch works of excessive loops and recursions, unnecessary field references, and general over-granularity, which can lead to a performance hit. You should review their purpose and simplify them where possible.

If all else fails then call in the Experts . . .

If performance issues persist, consulting with a Certified Claris FileMaker Developer can help diagnose and resolve underlying inefficiencies. At DataTherapy, we provide expert performance audits, optimisation strategies, and tailored solutions to maximise your FileMaker investment.

If your Claris FileMaker application is running slower than you’d like, our team at DataTherapy is here to help. As a Claris Platinum Partner, we have extensive experience improving FileMaker solutions for businesses across various industries.

Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s discuss how we can enhance the performance of your FileMaker system!