Solutions

FileMaker Pro 7 provides upgraded data–management power for a fast–growing glaucoma research program

Hamilton Glaucoma Center, University of California at San Diego

Research into the causes and treatment of glaucoma is the continuing mission of the Hamilton Glaucoma Center, a facility at the University of California at San Diego with a global reputation for cutting–edge science. Tracking the vast amount of information processed through the center requires the latest in database technology—FileMaker Pro 7, the award–winning database software application from FileMaker, Inc.

Overview

  • World-class research facility focused on the causes and treatment of glaucoma
  • Based in La Jolla, CA
  • http://glaucoma.ucsd.edu

Industry

  • Healthcare/Medical Services
  • Higher Education

Solutions

  • Track and analyze research data
  • Manage inventory
  • Process and manage patient records

Benefits

  • Improved ability to track, analyze, and manage research data on multiple levels
  • Increased efficiency in data management due to easy development of relational systems within databases
  • Reduced time to execute scripts

FileMaker Pro has continued to add features to make what we do not just possible, but easier.

— Ken Newell, Programmer Analyst II, UCSD Hamilton Glaucoma Center

Business Challenge

Home base to a team of dedicated glaucoma researchers, as well as PhD and MD–level students from around the world, the Hamilton Glaucoma Center began using FileMaker Pro with version 3. "When I started here almost six years ago, there were two solutions in place," recalls programmer analyst Ken Newell. "We need databases for the same reason most people do—we have lots of information and we need a way to organize it. Over the years we've grown and matured in our data needs, which is why we've continued to upgrade. And FileMaker Pro has continued to add features to make what we do not just possible, but easier."

Successful Solution

FileMaker Pro is used at the Hamilton Center for its most important mission—storing vital research data, dealing with clinical records for individual patients, and with collaborative studies. Data is tracked, analyzed, and managed using these databases. "As our reputation has grown throughout the glaucoma research community, we've become known as 'the group with the database,' says Ken. These research–oriented databases are supplemented by a wide range of support applications built in FileMaker Pro 7, which allow easy supervision of inventory, of IT needs, and technical support. All together, the research group requires more than 190 databases, containing up to 15,000 records, and are shared by members of a research group which numbers up to 50.

I can estimate completing some tasks 60 to 70 percent faster, so the time savings are not only fantastic, but the expanded developer tools also make it easier to do more. FileMaker Pro 7 adds so many new features, yet it retains its familiar, simple, easy to use interface.

— Ken Newell, Programmer Analyst II, UCSD Hamilton Glaucoma Center

Customer Benefits

The nature of the Hamilton Center's research work demands that many of the research databases take full advantage of FileMaker Pro's relational features. And now with the graphical user interface in FileMaker Pro 7, preparing relational databases is much smoother and more efficient. "It's a truly awesome addition to the product," Ken declares.

This feature allows Ken to work around complex data management problems with less effort than ever before. For example, when monitoring tests administered to patients, it's often necessary to track and update specific information according to tests performed closest to a given date. "In prior versions of FileMaker Pro, this was all scripted and fired off after hours," Ken explains. "With 24 different tests, this was rather time consuming. Now with the new relationship model, I was able to make this a calculation, so it's always up to date with no scripting. The new version of FileMaker Pro makes this possible."

Ken is also impressed with FileMaker Pro 7's new integrated security layer and its provision for multiple tables in a single file. "We've only scratched the surface with the new features," he enthuses, "and already I can see the time savings. I can estimate completing some tasks 60 to 70 percent faster, so the time savings are not only fantastic, but the expanded developer tools also make it easier to do more. FileMaker Pro 7 adds so many new features, yet it retains its familiar, simple, easy to use interface. With so many new and improved features, FileMaker Pro 7 is short on the learning curve yet long on the 'oooh–ah!' curve."

For FileMaker:

Kevin Mallon
Public Relations Manager
FileMaker Inc.
408-987-7227
kevin_mallon@filemaker.com
http://www.filemaker.com

For Hamilton Glaucoma Center, University of California at San Diego:

Ken Newell
Programmer Analyst II
Hamilton Glaucoma Center, University of California at San Diego
newell@glaucoma.ucsd.edu

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