FileMaker is an excellent tool for making databases. It works on both Macintosh and Windows computers, and is the top-selling database for both platforms. FileMaker databases can be shared simultaneously among multiple users, whether Mac or Windows; or kept single-user.
FileMaker databases can also be accessed on the iPhone and iPad using FileMaker Go.
But even though FileMaker is truly easy to use (especially when compared to Microsoft SQL or Access), designing any complex database system still requires analytic and design skill and experience.
I've been using FileMaker since 1985 to develop custom databases for myself and for clients. Examples of these projects include:
- medical research databases —
- clinical trials regulatory affairs management system for a major university cancer center
- mouse breeding and tracking database for a hematology researcher at a VA hospital
- blood sample inventory and banking system for heme-onc doctors at a major medical school
- non-medical databases, too —
- fundraising and donor tracking system for a Los Angeles non-profit clinic
- personnel/paid time-off (PTO) tracking database for a university department
- work order and invoice system for several medical school departments
- legal case scheduling and invoicing system for a Los Angeles alternative dispute resolution center