From Idea to Action – How to Quickly Build Your First App in Claris FileMaker

Problem: Concerns About Implementing a New Solution

Many companies know their current tools are no longer sufficient – yet they still delay the decision to implement a new system. Why? Most often out of fear of high costs, time-consuming processes, and the complexity of design. Business owners and managers ask themselves: will the whole team have to be involved? Will we need to hire developers? How can we avoid making wrong decisions during the design phase?

This problem is made worse by a lack of internal know-how. Employees often don’t know how to express their needs, and the IT team – if one even exists – is focused on maintaining existing systems rather than creating new ones. As a result, companies remain stuck in inefficient processes because they lack the energy and tools to change.

Another common concern is uncertainty about the final result. Companies worry they’ll pay for a system that doesn’t meet their expectations – with poorly designed features, an unintuitive interface, and discouraged users. That’s a real risk with traditional software development, where results take months to appear.

Sometimes previous implementations have already failed – the system was too rigid, hard to adapt, or too expensive to maintain. After such experiences, every new attempt feels risky and costly.

Paradoxically, the biggest problem isn’t the technology – it’s the lack of a simple, safe, and understandable process that would allow companies to go from need to working solution quickly.

Solution: A Phased Rollout with a Prototype at the Centre

At MANUCO, we use an approach that completely transforms the implementation experience. With Claris FileMaker, we can start with a small, working prototype that shows what your app could look like – before you commit further. This minimises risk and lets you see real results right away.

The first step is a joint process analysis. You don’t need to prepare documentation or diagrams – we ask the right questions, go through your daily tasks with you, and use that to build a working model. You show us how you work – and we show you how it can be simplified and automated.

Within just a few days, you can see the first version of your app – fully functional, with data, an interface, and features that reflect your business. It’s not yet a complete system, but a starting point for discussion and iterative improvement. Together, we can tweak, expand, and test – until we arrive at a tool that truly supports your team.

In one of our recent projects, we started with just two screens: a document register and a simple request form. For the client, it was a breakthrough moment – the first time they saw a system that felt intuitive and tailored. Over time, we added more modules: notifications, approval paths, integration with an external accounting system. Step by step, no rigid plan – but with full control over the development direction.

This approach avoids the trap of the “big implementation” that costs a fortune and still doesn’t meet users’ real needs. Instead, we build the app with you, not just for you, from the very beginning.

Why FileMaker?

• Fast start – Claris FileMaker lets you create working prototypes within days of the first meeting. A huge advantage over traditional development.
• Flexibility – you can begin with a simple module (like a document register), then expand the system as needed.
• No need to hire developers – we manage the entire process as your partner – from analysis to maintenance. You stay focused on your business.
• Collaborative design – FileMaker’s interface makes it easy for non-technical users to test, comment on, and suggest changes. The system is built with users, not for them.
• Safe implementation – you start with a pilot version and decide the pace of development. Every investment is justified.

How MANUCO Helps

MANUCO is more than a contractor – we’re a partner in your digital transformation. We don’t just build your app – we help you organise and optimise your business processes. We begin by understanding your challenges and goals – then we bring in the right tools.

Our team includes analysts, interface designers, and developers who can turn complex processes into simple, intuitive applications. With experience across various industries (manufacturing, logistics, services, rental), we’re able to quickly identify pressure points and propose practical solutions.

We work fast, but never rush. You stay in full control of the app’s direction, while we ensure quality, security, and scalability. The result? Not just an application – but a working system that grows with your business.