An essential link in the global transportation network that rushes FedEx shipments to their destinations, Empire Airlines provides freight service throughout the western half of the United States. Based in Hayden, Idaho, Empire Airlines also provides a full range of aircraft repair and maintenance services, but the bulk of its business focuses on the high–pressure, high–demand FedEx account.

Customer Benefits

FedEx stresses speed and accuracy in every aspect of its business, and demands it from its feeder–operators as well. For Empire Airlines, that means every employee, every piece of equipment, and every software application must be able to stand up under pressure. The FileMaker Pro application meets the challenge while exceeding the capabilities of rival products. "We chose FileMaker Pro over Microsoft Access because FileMaker is easy and simple to use," declares Rich. "I compare the difference between developing in Access and FileMaker Pro to giving someone instructions on how to start a car. With Access, it's 'open door, stick leg in car, sit in seat, move other leg into car, close door, pull seat belt, engage seat belt clasp, put key in ignition, turn key for one second, listen for engine to start,' and on and on. With FileMaker Pro, you just get in the car, buckle up, start the engine and go!"

With many software applications, an upgrade offers ho–hum improvements, but with every new version of FileMaker Pro there's a definite improvement over previous versions. I've never regretted upgrading!

— Rich Stuart, Technical Writer, Empire Airlines

Keeping up with steady improvements in new versions of FileMaker Pro is just as easy. "I was very impressed and greatly pleased with the additional power and capabilities of FileMaker Pro 8 and 8.5," enthuses Rich. "With many software applications, an upgrade offers ho–hum improvements, but with every new version of FileMaker Pro there's a definite improvement over previous versions. I've never regretted upgrading!" Most important, the Incident Reporter is an invaluable tool to save both money and lives. "With all of us being able to review each other's reports so quickly and easily, we can track and even predict where potential safety–related issues might arise from equipment malfunction or failure, and/or the need for additional training of personnel. True, both FedEx and Empire's mission is to deliver packages on–time, but safety always comes first."

FedEx is so delighted with Incident Reporter that they've commissioned Richard to write another FileMaker Pro–based solution. "We have plans to set up the next one using the Web Viewer in FileMaker Pro 8.5." With many software applications, an upgrade offers ho–hum improvements, but with every new version of FileMaker Pro there's a definite improvement over previous versions. I've never regretted upgrading!" instead of going the HTML route," he explains. "That will offer even more flexibility for both me as a developer and the user. With that success we may migrate Incident Reporter over to that as well, so stay tuned!"