Testing, testing, testing. That's what they do at the DuPont European Technical Centre in Meyrin, Switzerland, home to some of the world's most advanced research in chemical polymers and their properties. Teams of researchers conducting hundreds of experiments means a real demand for laboratory space and equipment — and managing that demand is a job for FileMaker Pro, the award–winning database software application from FileMaker, Inc.!

Business Challenge

Over two hundred people undertake the research work at Meyrin, and it's Phillipe Jomeau's job to keep their information flowing. 'There are two sections here using FileMaker databases, Administration and Research' he observes. 'We run two servers, running about 120 databases.' Those databases contain several thousand records — the exact number varying according to the project under way.

Successful Solution

One valuable application for FileMaker is making certain that researchers and lab space or equipment are easily matched. 'It is set up as a map of our building,' Phillipe explains, 'and people can easily find the machine or the room they want to reserve. For booking a room, for example, you can go to Floor 1 and enter the specific room you want. Then you select the current month, and enter your name in the day you want to book this room.' It's an easy, efficient system that ensures that when a researcher needs a facility, it's available — and that no confusion occurs when two people need the same space. It works for specific items of equipment as well — the testing facility's curing ovens, for example. 'People can see instantly if ovens are available or in use — and if in use, what the temperature level is and how much space is still available. It's possible to book ovens for as many as six dates, and each date automatically expires from the list as that day passes.'

FileMaker allows people who are not very confident in using computers to easily find the information they want!

— Phillipe Jomeau, DuPont European Technical Centre