Platform for Innovation

FileMaker Developer Conference 2013

August 12-15, 2013 — San Diego, CA

Save $300! Register by June 18, 2013.

Schedule

Name/Time Track ? Skill Level Expand All
Save to Calendar Canada Business Year in Review and Roundtable Discussion
8:00 a.m.  		Special Meeting General

Dave Pong

Session Description

Join us for an interactive roundtable discussion about growing FileMaker business and exploring opportunities with developers from Canada. (Breakfast will be provided).
Save to Calendar Marketing Your FileMaker Solution or Products
9:00 a.m.  		General/Business General

Beth Nagengast (FileMaker, Inc.)

Session Description

In this workshop-style session, you will learn how to develop more clear, concise and compelling messaging for your FileMaker solution or product. With step-by-step instructions and three easy-to-follow exercises, you will walk away with refreshed messaging to bring you more customers and help you be more successful. Feel free to bring your current marketing collateral, packaging, and/or email samples.

What You Will Learn
  • How to refine your current product messaging to make it more clear, concise and compelling
  • Three exercises you can do to refresh your product messaging
  • Workshop style session allows for interaction amongst attendees and provides and real-time focus group for instant feedback
Save to Calendar InspectorPro ... Visualizing Incredible Results
9:00 a.m.  		Vendor Demo General

Vince Mennano (Beezwax Datatools, Inc.)

Session Description

Diagnose, debug, and document FileMaker databases faster and easier than ever with InspectorPro, the must-have tool for every FileMaker developer.Vince Menanno will demo the newest features of InspectorPro, including how it can help you:

• Keep track of your database's calculations, scripts, triggers, schema, security and more
• Identify problems and warnings, with suggestions and checklists for fixes
• Compare database versions, to document and report on changes
• Understand dependencies and references, such as how a troublesome variable was modified, or unused fields and script steps
• View and interact with your database's "Script Universe", a unique data visualization tool for FileMaker

In addition, we'll go "under the hood" with InspectorPro, looking at techniques using ExecuteSQL, the Design Surface, and Javascript to build a modern, robust FileMaker database.

Save to Calendar FTS: FileMaker Go
9:00 a.m.  		FTS Beginner

Dawn Heady (Soliant Consulting)

Session Description

FileMaker Go 12 for iPhone and FileMaker Go 12 for iPad are free apps that allow you to turn your database into a mobile app. This is a beginner level session that starts with an introduction to FileMaker Go 12 and how it differs from FileMaker Pro. We'll work with the control styles built into FileMaker Go and special features available for capturing container field data. We will design layouts specific for the touch interface. Finally we will look at some useful scripts and reporting options when using FileMaker Go.

Note: A Gold Pass is required for all FTS sessions. Attendees will receive one DVD of the FTS materials (includes modules, videos, exercise and demo files).

Products & Technologies
  • FileMaker Pro
  • FileMaker Go
What You Will Learn
  • FileMaker Go 12 and how it differs from FileMaker Pro
  • Using FileMaker Go
  • Designing layouts for the mobile user
  • Useful scripts and reporting in FileMaker Go
Save to Calendar Great Interface Design Patterns for FileMaker Pro
9:00 a.m.  		Design Intermediate

Ernest Koe (The Proof Group)

Session Description

This session is a survey of great user interface patterns and an overview of how to recreate them in your own FileMaker solutions. We will explore and deconstruct 10 to 12 patterns from a library of design patterns that cover broader categories such as Navigation, Data Views, Data Interaction and Searching/Filtering. These examples are drawn from the best and most successful real world solutions and will be presented alongside an overview of how to recreate them. A more detailed recipe of each pattern will be made available to attendees on the web.

Products & Technologies
  • FileMaker Pro
What You Will Learn
  • Searching/filtering design patterns
  • Data views, beyond the form, list and table view; i.e. panels, pop-ups, modal processes
  • Navigation design patterns
  • Data-interaction patterns: selection, visual feedback and, data-entry examples
Save to Calendar Deploy and Manage Your Custom Business Solution to iOS Devices
9:00 a.m.  		FileMaker Go Intermediate

Kieran Saunders (FileMaker, Inc.)

Session Description

After attending this session you should be familiar with Mobile Device Management (MDM) and what it can do for you and your business. Whether you are looking to exploit the commercial opportunities of iOS business solution development, get a better understanding of how you can deploy your iPhone or iPad custom solutions or to help your business run more efficiently and effectively.

Products & Technologies
  • FileMaker Go
  • Mac OS X Server
  • iPhone Configuration Utility
What You Will Learn
  • The best options for deploying your solution to many iOS devices
  • What remote management can and can't do for you
  • How to use configuration profiles, over-the-air enrollment, and the Apple Push Notification service
  • Demonstration of an online MDM suite - bring your iPad to take part
Save to Calendar 10 Ways to Extend Search in Your Solution
9:00 a.m.  		Develop Advanced

Matt Navarre (MSN Media)

Session Description

How does Google show you the right result on the first page? How can you get your database to do that? Learn techniques to improve search, such as identifying the type of data to search for, searching across multiple tables and displaying results on one page, and ranking results by relevance. We will examine static lookup tables, using metadata about your data, displaying results in web viewers, levenshtein edit distance, Soundex, and many other easy to integrate methods to help your users find their data.

Products & Technologies
  • FileMaker Pro
What You Will Learn
  • Get accurate, ranked results, like Google
  • Search across multiple tables
  • Easily integrate advanced search features
  • Leverage FileMaker's great search features
Save to Calendar FileMaker Unleashed, Thriving in the Outside World
9:00 a.m.  		Integration/Web Advanced

Jonathan Mickelson (Thought Development Corp.)

Session Description

As technology evolves at a rapid pace, the FileMaker Platform remains at the forefront of providing accessible solutions to a myriad of business needs. Take your understanding of the many industry standards to the next level, and see how FileMaker Pro can play a pivotal role with them. We will survey important standards such as interfacing with SQL Statements and Stored Procedures, Web Services, FileMaker Custom Web Publishing and more. We will also look at specific techniques for data parsing related to the import and creation of many file types, such as XML, HTML, text files of various formats and richly formatted spreadsheets and word processing documents.

Products & Technologies
  • ESS
  • SQL
  • PHP
  • Web Services
  • FileMaker Custom Web Publishing
  • 360 Works Web Services Manager
  • Import XML source
  • Virtual List techniques
What You Will Learn
  • Advanced techniques for integrating FileMaker with other technologies
  • Read and write data from many sources and formats
  • The techniques that help developers provide rich integration to FileMaker customers
  • Walk away with examples of data parsing and export techniques that have everyday relevance
Save to Calendar Making the Case for FileMaker
10:45 a.m.  		General/Business General

Jason Fiske (FileMaker, Inc.)

Session Description

This session is intended to discuss the importance on developing a compelling and effective case study or Return on Investment analysis of existing or proposed FileMaker based solutions. We will review several ways in which empirical data can be used to describe the benefits of a given solution. Examples include, time saved, opportunities created, risks managed or avoided and standards that can be complied with. Additionally, this session will provide guidance on how to determine what the most important internal metrics for success are. We will describe and show real world examples of successful internal presentations that resulted in huge improvements in quality of life and access to resources for those FileMaker advocates that prepared and presented these case studies.

Products & Technologies
  • N/A
What You Will Learn
  • The most effective ways in which FileMaker projects can be proposed and evaluated within businesses
  • Specific case studies as examples of effective communications that resulted in very positive outcomes for the FileMaker teams involved
  • Communications styles and resources available to assist you in building an effective business case
Save to Calendar Latin America Business Year in Review and Roundtable Discussion
10:45 a.m.  		Special Meeting General

Julie Sigfrinius (FileMaker, Inc.)

Session Description

Join us for an interactive roundtable discussion about growing FileMaker business and exploring opportunities with developers from Latin America.
Save to Calendar Controlling Data Integrity, No Highway Option
10:45 a.m.  		Develop Beginner

D. Todd Weller (Cross IT Services and Solutions, LLC)

Session Description

For the user, the most important feature of any database solution is the data contained within each table and file. As a result, preserving data integrity is critical to the overall success of each database solution. As a developer, one must be aware of how the data is accessed and presented to the user as well as any required data validation and verification. This session examines a number techniques that allow the developer to give user choices in such a way that the correct business processes are followed for the given solution.

Products & Technologies
  • FileMaker Pro Advanced
  • FileMaker Go for iPad
  • FileMaker Go for iPhone
What You Will Learn
  • The methods available through database design to control type, quantity and formatting of data entered by the user
  • To use custom menus to control navigation and business processes by building new menus and/or tying existing menu items to scripts instead of the default action
  • Methods to automatically navigate the user to the correct layout from either FileMaker Pro or FileMaker Go using multiple layouts and Script Triggers
  • Validation and verification techniques during data entry outside the field option level using Script Triggers
Save to Calendar Supporting Workflow: FileMaker in your Process Stream
10:45 a.m.  		Develop Intermediate

Doug Gardner (Exoteric Inc.)

Session Description

FileMaker databases really live up to their potential when they are used to facilitate a workflow. This session will cover designing databases to be used by people working together in different roles, some adding data, some using that data, and most doing both, at different stages in a process. The session will be divided into two main parts: Data In, which focuses on methods for creating collaborative interfaces for entering data in your database, and Data Out, which focuses on interfaces for finding data, and viewing data in charts and reports. Whether your data is in various "silos", lonely and languishing, or you're building databases to be used by teams with members adding data at different stages and using that data in different ways, this session is for you.

Products & Technologies
  • FileMaker Pro 12
  • FileMaker Pro Advanced 12
What You Will Learn
  • Structure a database so the data is connected to support a set of processes
  • Share data with members of a team that have different roles and different goals
  • FileMaker 12 Reporting basics, including charts, graphs and dynamic sub-summaries
  • Interface design considerations for multi-user environments
Save to Calendar The Paperless Form: Data Collection with FileMaker Go Solutions
10:45 a.m.  		FileMaker Go Intermediate

David Head (FileMaker, Inc.)

Session Description

Data collection on an iPad or iPhone should transcend the traditional paper form. This session uses several practical examples to illustrate and demonstrate what is possible using a FileMaker Go solution to collect data. Examples include: check data against business rules; control user progress based on data entry; control data entry choices; provide web and email access; provide data summary reports by PDF and email; control collection and annotation of images; take advantage of device location.

Products & Technologies
  • FileMaker Go
What You Will Learn
  • Rethinking data collection from paper to iPad and iPhone
  • Controlling user experience and behaviour
  • Designing the experience for the device
  • Enhancing data collection with the capabilities of iPad and iPhone
Save to Calendar FTS: FileMaker Web Publishing
10:45 a.m.  		FTS Intermediate

Anders Monsen (MightyData, LLC)

Session Description

The web technologies in FileMaker Server and FileMaker Pro allow you to give your solutions a very broad reach. However, there are some trade offs to be aware of, which this session will discuss in detail. Web technologies allow users to interact with a FileMaker Pro solution using only a web browser. This session will discuss both Instant and Custom Web Publishing options available as well as considerations for both. There will also be discussion on setting up Web Publishing and the required Server components and additional software you will need to publish your FileMaker Pro data to the web. Additional things you will learn: PHP syntax and API installation.

Note: A Gold Pass is required for all FTS sessions. Attendees will receive one DVD of the FTS materials (includes modules, videos, exercise and demo files).

Products & Technologies
  • FileMaker Pro
  • FileMaker Server
  • FileMaker Server Advanced
What You Will Learn
  • Web publishing options avail and their required server version
  • Instant web publishing review
  • PHP API syntax and installation
  • Server components setup
Save to Calendar Reporting Outside the Box
10:45 a.m.  		Core Advanced

Chad Novotny (The Support Group, Inc.)

Session Description

In this session, we will visit several complicated relational models that pose challenges to FileMaker's typical reporting tools. While many reports require only the proper searches, sorts, and layouts with summary and subsummary parts, we'll examine a few interesting and commonplace reporting needs that require us to use new features of FileMaker Pro and the techniques they've inspired. We will use scripts and calculations to pull data from multiple tables, delve into the world of SQL, use layout techniques such as "virtual lists" and data URIs that allow us to present data in non-standard ways. Specifically, we will tackle Outer Joins with SQL, provide tools to simplify an intricate many-to-many relationship, and lastly leverage online tools to generate a graphical organizational chart to navigate a one-to-many self relationship.

Products & Technologies
  • FileMaker Pro 12 Advanced
  • SQL
  • HTML
  • a tiny bit of CSS and JavaScript
What You Will Learn
  • Explore complicated relational problems that present challenges in reporting
  • Gather and process data for reports using the new ExecuteSQL function
  • Use the web viewer and external web tools to present data in non-standard ways
  • Use virtual lists to present data free of table context
Save to Calendar Preparing for FileMaker Certification: Next Steps (no fee required)
12:00 p.m.  		FTS Beginner

Cristoffer Ippolite (iSolutions, Inc.)

Session Description

Preparing for the FileMaker Certification Exam doesn't stop with just the FTS materials. This session will review all the resources available to those who wish to properly prepare for the exam. Recommended reading and additional study guides will be reviewed as well as a discussion on how and where to take the exam. This session will introduce attendees to the "next steps" for preparing for certification. Attendees will also have time to ask questions about FileMaker Certification. (Lunch will be provided at this session.)

Products & Technologies
  • FileMaker Platform
What You Will Learn
  • Exam logistics
  • How the exam process works
  • Additional resources for preparing for the exam
  • Next steps for becoming certified
Save to Calendar Do more with SQL in FileMaker
2:00 p.m.  		Vendor Demo General

Koen Van Hulle (myFMbutler)

Session Description

FileMaker introduced a new calculation function, called executeSQL(). With this function youcan execute a specified SQL statement within a FileMaker Pro database. The benefits are legio. You can now write calculations or scripts that get related data independentof the relationships graph. It allows you to combine data and calculate with the results. We, at myFMbutler, are very pleased with this new feature. It will fit most needs for a lot of the FileMaker developers. Does it mean themyFMbutler doSQL is no longer required and obsolete? No, although the new function is fast and straightforward, there are still some caveats. In this session we are going to discuss the new features of doSQL and compare them with FileMaker's native function.
Save to Calendar Containers: Under the Hood
2:00 p.m.  		Core Intermediate

Oleg Zaydman (FileMaker, Inc.)

Session Description

In this session we will discuss the challenges inherent in storing digital content in databases and how FileMaker 12 addresses these challenges. We will talk about all aspects of the new Managed Storage technology, which makes it possible to incrementally backup databases containing digital content. Oleg will explain how FileMaker 12 addresses problems specific to particular types of digital content such as images, video, and PDF documents. Lastly, he will also cover differences in container handling between FileMaker Pro, FileMaker Go, and FileMaker Server.

Products & Technologies
  • N/A
What You Will Learn
  • Managed Storage (open vs. secure, base directories, and data transfer)
  • Image thumbnails, caching, and background imaging
  • New interactive container fields and PDF support
  • Container field changes in FileMaker Go and FileMaker Server
Save to Calendar Designing and Implementing Navigation for Solutions on the iPhone, iPad, and Desktop
2:00 p.m.  		Design Intermediate

Don Levan (Vanguard Custom Software)

Session Description

Where am I? Where can I go? And, what can I do? These are the key questions people have when using your solution. The way you design and implement navigation systems can make the difference between a solution that is easy to learn and efficient to use and one that is overwhelming and confusing. This session will give you a clear understanding about how to design navigation systems appropriate for each platform and practical techniques you can use to implement your designs.

Products & Technologies
  • FileMaker Go for iPhone
  • FileMaker Go for iPad
  • FileMaker Pro
What You Will Learn
  • The difference between global navigation, local navigation, and contextual navigation
  • The navigation patterns that lends themselves to each platform (iPhone, iPad, and Desktop)
  • Specific problems to avoid
  • Techniques on how to implement navigation in FileMaker to best work on each device
Save to Calendar Taming the E-Mail Monster - Using FileMaker to Keep Business Communication Contained
2:00 p.m.  		Develop Intermediate

Sheldon King (Proficient)

Session Description

A customer writes an e-mail to inquire about an order for fabric. The person who receives it replies and says they will follow up. They don't. The customer (who's had a long day) calls in and talks to someone else. The second person has no information about the e-mail that was sent, what was said or who said it. Suddenly a simple customer inquiry becomes a lightning rod for complaints about service, poor company image and damaged reputation. A minor textile trauma isn't likely to hurt anyone in the long run, but what if the inquiry was about an unwell child at school? A loan or payment? A deadline in a legal case? Ensuring critical client communications are available to all relevant staff is a cornerstone of effective customer service. FileMaker solutions are readily extended to help manage the dialogue between staff and customers. This session explores how solutions can benefit from centralized communication, where the best place is to start, what technologies are available to make it happen, and how to ensure that users don't wander back to their e-mail clients and mobile phones.

Products & Technologies
  • FileMaker Pro
  • FileMaker Go
  • FileMaker Server
  • Plug-Ins
What You Will Learn
  • Identify where and when e-mail, chat, SMS and social media interaction should be stored
  • Increase staff efficiency and reduce risk with a program of unified communications
  • Use FileMaker to attain the holy grail of a single point of storage for business communication
  • Win the hearts and minds of users (whilst breaking their e-mail addiction)
Save to Calendar Best Practices for Software Development: The Agile Development Process
2:00 p.m.  		General/Business Intermediate

Jason Mundok (Jason Mundok LLC)

Session Description

The Agile development methodology can help you successfully manage FileMaker projects. Agile provides a framework for projects that help to clearly define the scope, deal with changes in requirements, and build strong, long-lasting relationships with customers. We will discuss an overview of how Agile can work in a FileMaker environment, and then ways to apply the methodology in different development situations. If you're already using some Agile techniques, this session will affirm those practices and connect them to other components of the methodology. I will share real-world stories from over seven years experience using Agile to manage FileMaker projects of all shapes and sizes.

Products & Technologies
  • N/A
What You Will Learn
  • The basic components of the Agile approach to development
  • How Agile can work in a FileMaker development environment
  • When Agile isn't the best fit for a project
  • Real-world stories of Agile in action
Save to Calendar FileMaker Meets the Web: Advanced Techniques
2:00 p.m.  		Integration/Web Advanced

Stephen (Steve) Winter (Matatiro Solutions)

Session Description

We begin with a recap of basic implementation by connecting a FileMaker database to the web and editing records through a simple web form submission, however this time it is achieved through the use of AJAX. Next, we'll look at editing multiple records in a single table, similar to a FileMaker table layout using JavaScript, single-field saves, and JSON data to manage the user interface. Finally, we will look at the importance of data separation for managing web delivery and automated deployment and testing of web code.

Products & Technologies
  • PHP
  • JavaScript
  • jQuery
  • AJAX
  • JSON
  • FileMaker Server
  • FileMaker Advanced
  • Apache/IIS
  • Subversion
What You Will Learn
  • Retrieve, display, edit, and save a table of records, including value list implementation
  • Using jQuery JavaScript update data in a FileMaker record and use JSON to display a message showing the result of the edit
  • Creating a FileMaker-like web experience by 'micro-saving' data from individual fields to FileMaker
  • Data separation, code management, releasing web applications and regression testing
Save to Calendar FileMaker Go for Industry
3:45 p.m.  		FileMaker Go Beginner

D. Todd Weller (Cross IT Services and Solutions, LLC)

Session Description

FileMaker Go is a powerful addition to the FileMaker product line which has quickly gained acceptance in our mobile society. This session looks at four areas where FileMaker Go and iOS devices that have been successfully deployed in an industrial environment. While the users do not leave the facility, they have the freedom to both move within the warehouse to gather data and setup fixed data entry stations where a traditional computer work station cannot go. The end result is a combination of reduced paperwork and more time spent on the plant floor.

Products & Technologies
  • FileMaker Pro Advanced
  • FileMaker Go for iPad
  • FileMaker Go for iPhone
  • CNS Barcode
  • Socket Mobile Bluetooth Cordless Hand Scanner
What You Will Learn
  • Quality and procedural manuals replaced with FileMaker Go and interactive content
  • Shipping system implemented with iPads and paired Bluetooth-equipped cordless scanners
  • Physical inventory system integrating an iPod touch's camera and CNS Barcode
  • Quality gathering tool that captures data from dial indicators
Save to Calendar Great Interface Design Patterns for FileMaker Go
3:45 p.m.  		Design Intermediate

Ernest Koe (The Proof Group)

Session Description

This session is a survey of great user interface patterns and an overview of how to recreate them in your own FileMaker iPad/iPhone solutions. We will explore and deconstruct 10 to 12 patterns from a library of design patterns that cover broader categories such as Navigation, Data Views, Data Interaction and Searching/Filtering. These examples are drawn from the best and most successful real world solutions and will be presented alongside an overview of how to recreate them. A more detailed recipe of each pattern will be made available to attendees on the web.

Products & Technologies
  • FileMaker Go
What You Will Learn
  • Searching/filtering design patterns
  • Data views, beyond the form, list and table view; i.e. panels
  • Navigation design patterns
  • Data-interaction patterns: selection, visual feedback and, data-entry examples
Save to Calendar Advanced Charting and Reporting Techniques with ExecuteSQL
3:45 p.m.  		Develop Advanced

Greg Lane (Skeleton Key)

Session Description

Reporting on last year's sales is a piece of cake. Reporting NEXT year's sales is a bit trickier. This session will explore statistical forecasting models that you can implement in FileMaker Pro to help your users analyze data, reduce uncertainty, and plan for the future. We'll examine a variety of methods to calculate trend lines, moving averages, weighted averages, seasonal forecasts, and other quantitative models that can be useful for forecasting sales, attendance, inventory demand, manufacturing, or anything else that is likely to follow patterns or trends.

Products & Technologies
  • FileMaker Pro
What You Will Learn
  • How to make your data more valuable with forecasting and statistical modeling techniques 
  • Use the ExecuteSQL function to easily calculate sums, averages, and counts within data sets
  • Implement trend lines, moving averages, weighted averages, seasonal forecasts, and more
  • Ways to improve the performance of complex charts and reports that use ExecuteSQL
Save to Calendar Understanding Data Binding: What it Does and When and How to Safely Break it!
3:45 p.m.  		Develop Advanced

Todd Geist (geist interactive)

Session Description

The data binding of FileMaker Layouts to data tables solves several common database problems and is a significant part of what makes FileMaker based solutions faster to build. But, because it also imposes some restrictions on development and maintenance of complex solutions, developers naturally look for ways to break free of this tight coupling. But before we go about breaking it, we need to understand what it does for us and how it works. We are going to delve into data binding and what it does behind the scenes to keep our data safe. We'll learn how to use it to handle some complex database problems, and finally we'll learn some techniques that can help us break free of that binding when we must.

Products & Technologies
  • FileMaker
  • FileMaker Go
What You Will Learn
  • Why is FileMaker data binding such a big advantage
  • When does data binding occur, and when does it not occur
  • When and how to safely break data binding
  • How to correctly handle binding problems such as record locking
Save to Calendar Closing Session
5:30 p.m.  		General/Business General

FileMaker Staff (FileMaker, Inc.)

Session Description

FileMaker executives will wrap up the week with highlights and more information about how you can work together with FileMaker to enhance your career and business investment.

Session will be recorded