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Happy New Year!

January 7, 2016 by Kirk Bowman Leave a Comment

It’s been a while since we’ve posted a blog article. We’ve been making some changes in our business and wanted to fill you in on what we’ve been up to.

First, MightyData is moving away from software development and into business and technical consulting. Don’t worry – if you are a current customer, we will continue to serve you. MightyData is still a FileMaker Business Alliance member.

However, we are transitioning away from straight development work. Starting this year, we will begin sharing more strategic messages through this blog and fewer “how to” technology-based posts.

Second, we’ve been working on creating another brand, Art of Value. This is the only time that we will talk about Art of Value through the MightyData blog, but we thought you might be interested in hearing what we’ve been up to on that front.

Art of Value is a business consultancy that teaches people how to set themselves free of timesheets, and serve customers better, all while increasing income. We can show you how to implement a new business model to accomplish those goals. We have almost 80 podcast episodes with great content.

Tonight at 6:30pm CST, we are hosting a free webinar. Sign up and see what we’ve been up to.

Here is what you can learn on the webinar:

  1. how to overcome the biggest obstacle to increasing your income. (It’s not what you think it is.)
  2. how to implement a business model that, once you embrace it, makes it possible to experience bigger increases than you can even imagine.
  3. a strategy to increase the probability of your customer saying “yes” by 50%.
  4. how you can charge a higher price and have your customers thank you for it.

There will be a couple of free gifts for you on the webinar, but you need to sign up and show up to collect your gifts.

We wish you a very successful 2016!

Filed Under: MightyData Culture, News, Pricing Tagged With: Consulting, value pricing

FileMaker Go in the Wild

October 28, 2013 by Darren Burgess 1 Comment

iPads in a charging station

This just in: Our intrepid team of MightyData mobile iPad solution hunters has successfully observed a FileMaker Go mobile database grazing among the sports apparel production machines of long-time MightyData customer and unparalleled sports apparel manufacturer, Lettermen Sports. Our camera traps were ideally placed to observe a spectacular herd of no less than 18 iPads roaming the shop floor, stationed at embroidering machines, screen printing presses and collecting data at multiple work stations.

iPads in a charging station

The behavior of this mobile solution is simply astounding. The native indigenous employees were observed interacting with the beasts, using them to clock in and out of dozens of individual garments of sports apparel orders.  Data was observed streaming to the FileMaker Server, where tribal leader Amy Schumacher was observed running a report summarizing the profitability of individual orders, machines, departments and employees. Rumor has it that this comprehensive and dynamic report is run from a single FileMaker layout and will provide Lettermen with comprehensive productivity and profitability metrics heretofore impossible to obtain.

Embroidery machine with iPad terminal

Customer Feedback

Despite the risks associated with close proximity to the wildly thrashing embroidery machines, we were able to get a brief interview with Schumacher and her chief Production Floor Game Reserve Guide, Eric Milner.  According to Schumacher:

Wow. We are all just so excited to start using this. Well, except for the folks that are afraid of the iPads – they’re not so excited. But everyone else can’t wait to begin working and interacting with this spectacular population of mobile devices and its accompanying FileMaker Go application!

Mr Milner added:

Hey Man. This new mobile beast thing is awesome. But there seems to be a small infestation of software bugs inhabiting the FileMaker Go app-beast. Like it seems that the first contact login procedure for accessing the database is all goofy. The indigenous employees can’t see their orders on the iPad.

Hard Work Pays Off

Emboldened by the excitement of the safari guides at Lettermen, seasoned programmer and MightyData’s Maestro of Metamorphosis, Darren Burgess, was seen in the early dawn hours rapidly eliminating over 10 of these bugs. Preliminary reports from the production reserve have shown that the natives have embraced their new relationship with the wild iPads, helping them to create nearly 300 time clock records in just 2 days.

The MightyData team, in partnership with the Lettermen safari leaders, is excited to see the results of this spectacular FileMaker Go Mobile Application ecosystem. The result of months of planning, preparation and development, this new mobile application promises to deliver high-value results in a dynamic and busy manufacturing environment. Lettermen is looking forward to coming to a dramatically new understanding of its production costs and profits.

Thank you Eric, Amy and Lettermen Sports for embracing new technology in such a creative way, and trusting MightyData to deliver.  Great database software comes from partnership with customers committed to the challenging process of planning, designing and developing solutions. Now, that is what is really spectacular.

Filed Under: MightyData Culture Tagged With: Case study, FileMaker Go, Productivity

What Does a Developer Do All Day?

January 24, 2013 by Darren Burgess Leave a Comment

Like any fine wine/cheese combination, I found that there are certain kinds of music (or silence) that go well with the various kinds of things that I do as a developer all day. We are a “virtual” company (we all work from home) and so I get complete control of my sonic environment to enhance my productivity. Since I am MightyData’s “Maestro of Metamorphsis” I thought a brief tour of some of the items in my @work iTunes playlist might serve as a vehicle for elaborating on what a FileMaker developer does all day. Here goes:

Discovery = Silence

Discovery is the process of gathering information from our customer about the current system and the system he hopes to build. During this process, we gather documents and information and meet with our customer. In this phase of development (which can occur at any point in the process of working on project), I am working to discover how he manages information currently, what the fundamental problem is that he is trying to solve, and what the value is to the customer if that problem were successfully solved.

Naturally, this is a process that involves a lot of communication, and so silence is the best choice for enhancing the process.

Analysis = Silence

When a project enters an analysis phase, I gather the information collected in discovery and work to determine the best development solution. This may involve drawing sketches showing data relationships, building spreadsheets to model reports, brainstorming solution ideas, researching prior work, and consultation with the customer and other members of the MightyData development team. More than anything, though, analysis requires deep thinking, and integrating many pieces of information toward the goal of finding the most efficient and highest value solution for your company.

The concentrated thought of the analysis phase dictates that the best musical accompaniment is again simple silence.

Planning = Philip Glass – The Hours

Before a single line of code is written, before I even consider developing a database solution, I will spend some time planning.  For this phase, I open Basecamp (our web-based project management solution) and create to-do lists for each discreet bit of functionality or database structure that needs to be created. For example, if your solution requires 2 new user screens and 3 scripts, I will create a list for each of these items. I then load up the lists with all the tasks that need to be completed for each item. These tasks might be “Create New Table: Interactions”, “Add field to Interactions::Type” or “Design Interactions report layout.” The goal of this planning phase is not to capture every action that will be completed for a particular bit of functionality. Rather, I strive to capture enough information so that I have a detailed-enough map of the direction I am heading. It serves as a check against my work in the analysis phase, helping to confirm that the analysis was accurate.

Since the deep thinking is already complete when I enter a planning phase for a project, I can then crank up iTunes and dig in. I find the best accompaniment for the planning process is a musical selection that is not too intrusive, but inspiring and moving nonetheless. For this purpose, I usually select The Hours by Philip Glass. Glass is a 20th century minimalist composer and this particular recording is the soundtrack for a movie by the same name. The compositions on this recording are deceptively simple and hauntingly beautiful and are a perfect background for enhancing the development planning process.

Layout Design = Kurt Rosenwinkel’s Our Secret World

A layout, in FileMaker terms, is what you would consider a screen where database users find, view and change their data. Designing layouts is a lot like working in Adobe InDesign or Microsoft Publisher. FileMaker provides an interface for the developer to add, move and resize the various elements on the layout. Colors, gradients and graphics can be added to make the user screen pleasant to look at. I know that since a you will be spending a lot of your day looking at the layouts I create, I want them to look as clean as possible, while simultaneously delivering all of the functionality that is required.

I am an old hand with InDesign, having completed many graphic design projects in my pre-MightyData career. So designing great FileMaker layouts are dead simple for me. If I have done a thorough job with analysis and planning, then I really get to enjoy my work designing layouts by cranking up Kurt Rosewinkel’s Our Secret World. Kurt is one of the finest jazz guitar players of his generation and for this recording he teamed up with a Portuguese big band – OJM (Orquestra Jazz de Matosinhos) to play some of Kurt’s most difficult original compositions.  The result is a highly kinetic and richly textured jazz big-band album featuring dynamic arrangements and some of the most inspired guitar improvisations I have heard in a while. Great stuff, and a perfect complement to designing layouts in FileMaker.

Script Writing = Pat Metheny’s Orchestrion

Scripts are the work-horse of a well-designed FileMaker database. To click a button to run a report, navigate the solution or really do anything at all with data, there is likely a script (or many) running invisibly in the background to help  accomplish the task. Writing scripts also requires analysis and planning. If I have done my homework in these areas, then the next step is to plan the script itself. I create a basic outline of steps of the script and what result it will create with the data or for the user. If I do this well, then the actual process of coding a script is fairly straight forward.

Well-planned scripts often require some concentrated thought, so my musical selection for script writing requires a more subdued work that does not intrude. For this purpose, Pat Metheny’s Orchestrion is the perfect choice. Pat is a multi-Grammy award-winning jazz guitar player of the generation preceding the likes of Kurt Rosenwinkel.  I grew up listening to Pat in many musical configurations and most recently experienced his Orchestrion project live here in Gainesville, FL. For this project, Pat created a huge orchestra of mechanical musical instruments that included marimbas, percussion, guitars, basses guitars, pianos, and glass bottles. Pat could control this giant one-man band entirely from a computer and his guitar.  He created a suite of compositions for the project and, of course, released an album to document the music. The pieces are dynamic enough to be energizing, however they have a subdued quality that allows space for the thought process of script writing to unfold.

Testing and Perfecting = Silence

Even the best laid software development plans can result in unexpected results in a database solution – otherwise known as bugs. When bugs are encountered in a solution (often by the customer), it is my job to analyze and fix the issue. Depending on solution complexity, this can often require some deep thinking and testing of the solution. Fortunately, FileMaker provides developers with some great tools for analyzing the state of state of a database step-by-step as scripts execute, making the debugging and perfecting process as simple as possible. Regardless, though, sometimes the problem is “between the keyboard and chair,” and it can take some supremely concentrated thought to determine the root cause of unexpected or undesired behavior in a database.

Silence, again, is the best musical prescription for solution testing and debugging.

Documentation = David Grisman’s Hot Dawg

Documentation is the critical process of developing a record of how I created a solution and how it is used. Generally, database solutions are documented internally as they are created. I create copious comments throughout with the mindset that if I get hit by a beer truck tomorrow, that another developer could easily jump in and understand where to pick up from where I so unfortunately left off. Even more important though, I need to document the solution for the customer’s benefit. For this purpose I will dive back into Basecamp and create to-do lists of Test Cases with instructions on how to use your system, complete with annotated screen shots and even videos when needed.

At this point, the project is mainly done, and the process of documenting the solution for the user is simple and fun. For this activity, I prefer a musical selection that matches the joy of delivering a well-hewn database solution to my customer. David Grisman’s Hot Dawg is perfect choice. David is one of the top bluegrass/new grass mandolin players with decades of creative output. Hot Dawg features a variety of joyous renditions of blue grass and jazz swing tunes in a configuration featuring mandolin, guitar, bass, and the violin of the great jazz swing master Stephane Grappelli.

Final Notes

Thank you for accompanying me on my brief tour of the development process and of some of the finest selections from my iTunes library. I hope this process has improved your understanding about what the development process is like and what it takes to create quality database solutions that can solve your real-world business problems. And, I hope now, you have more of a picture of the tremendous pleasure it is to help you and your company get out from working “in your business” to working “on your business.” It is an honor to serve in this way – and I get to enjoy listening to some really excellent music. What could be better?!

Filed Under: MightyData Culture Tagged With: Productivity

Bring On 2013!

December 5, 2012 by Kirk Bowman Leave a Comment

We are not afraid of 2013

The month of December is different from other months of the year for the typical small business owner.  In addition to running day-to-day operations, you are simultaneously wrapping up the current year and planning for the next. You are doing final tax planning, considering how to relax during the holidays, and thinking how to innovate in your business the next year.

It is also common for Congress to be rushing to approve last-minute tax legislation. However, this year is not a typical year. The trio of the looming fiscal cliff, expected tax increases, and the higher costs of ObamaCare are creating more uncertainty than usual. While I am concerned about the impact of these things on my business, I am not afraid.

Why Am I Not Afraid?

I asked myself this question and here are some of my answers.

  1. We have a healthy pipeline of new and existing customers looking at projects for the first quarter of 2013. While some small businesses may be hesitating, we are attracting customers who are charging full-speed ahead into 2013.
  2. We are passionate about the work we are doing for customers. Each of our team members submits a weekly report. The comments in their reports confirm they know why we exist and are excited to participate in our collective WHY.
  3. We are innovating how we do business with our customers. Innovation involves taking some risk. We cannot look for new ways to serve our customers better if we allow fear to limit our willingness to innovate.
  4. We have a proven track record of winning. We have weathered other business storms. “While past performance is no guarantee of future results,” we have learned how to win in different economic conditions.
  5. We are debt free. Three years ago I made the decision to operate my business debt free. As a business owner it gives me freedom. I am not worried about making a payment. And, we have retained earnings to help us through the periods of lesser activity.
  6. Small business is the backbone of our country. We are a small business and we serve small businesses. Together, small business owners will determine the fate of our economy, one decision at a time. I view operating a small business as a patriotic duty and privilege.
  7. Business will continue. Congress will eventually decide, intentionally or unintentionally (no decision is still a decision). The uncertainty will pass. Although I doubt I will agree with the outcome, it will not stop my customers from serving their customers, nor us from serving ours.

In short, it boils down to optimism. As a business owner, I am making decisions now with the information available and will adjust when I receive new information.

I do not plan to quit anytime soon. I believe in small business, my small business, and the small businesses of our very valued customers.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Filed Under: MightyData Culture

The Primal Challenges of Custom Development

May 30, 2012 by Darren Burgess Leave a Comment

Working out requires careful planning

I’ve been thinking lately about the challenges of custom software development and why I do what I do. For that we first need to explore my workout last week at Go Primal Fitness – Power Endurance/Power Strength.

Phase 1

Dumbbell Complex, 6 reps each:
Biceps Curl, Hi-Pull, Bent-Over Row, Thruster, Lateral Lunge, Push-up
3 rounds = 1 sets, do 2 sets (increase weight on second set)

Phase 2

12x dumbbell Clean and Press/Jerk; 2:00 minutes of Burpee/Broad Jump OR Burpee/Pull-up
2:00 minutes rest
3 sets

Phase 3

10x (5 each) Overhead Kettlebell Swings/Box Step-up @ 12″; 4x (20s Mountain Climber + 10 second Ring Plank) +
2:00 minutes rest
3 sets

Phase 4

6-minutes of Alternating Dead Hang and Rack Hold @ ~ 1/2 body weight
Perform in as few sets as possible
Cool Down (finally…)

If you hurt just reading this then perhaps you can feel for a moment what it was like starting around the middle of Phase II – muscles burning, heart pounding.  The worst of it though is the doubting mind.  The body can do anything, but around the middle of phase II, my mind is screaming:  “Just give up!” “You can just go home early!” and other such truly painful drivel.  Go Primal Fitness brings together small groups of dedicated athletes to train together to accomplish things that would not be possible on their own.  I find this kind of group training a fantastic way to inspire and motivate me to do something physically and mentally challenging.  Like this for example (30 yards of weighted Bear Crawls, 3 sets):

Working out requires careful planning

Custom Software Development

When I joined MightyData three months ago, I knew that I was stepping to just such a challenge.  Each day presents difficult problems to solve.  Translating the business needs of my customers into efficient database solutions takes determination, mental discipline, thorough communication and good coffee. I also knew that I was joining a team that thrived on getting great results with the toughest challenges a business can face with great teamwork, expertise and support.

If your company is looking to optimize your data systems through custom software development, I have to be honest and tell you that failure IS an option. Many software projects fail, for reasons that perhaps I will address in a future post. In the meantime, consider what it may take to bring your company’s technology to the next level, and how hard you are willing to work to make that happen.  You might begin by asking a few questions:

  • Why: Describe your mission and purpose. Why does your company do what it does?
  • How: How do you go about achieving that purpose through your company?
  • What: What tools, processes and procedures do you have in place that bring you closer to your goals? What is working and not working about those systems?

We believe that these are some of the core questions that will help you and your company overcome the challenging obstacles to successful software development. That will allow your company, along with a well-matched software development partner to accomplish difficult things that help you achieve your mission.  Like this for example (Relationship graph – Mangeaux School Management System):

Complex database requires careful planning

Filed Under: MightyData Culture Tagged With: Productivity

Interviewing: Reviewing Sample Files

March 1, 2012 by Kirk Bowman 6 Comments

Examples of good and bad database files

Recently, Susan Fennema, our Dean of Success, explained our 10-step process for recruiting new team members. For a development position, step 4 is to review a code sample. In fact, when we post a job opening, we ask:

Please do not apply if you cannot provide an unlocked sample of your FileMaker development.

Examples of good and bad database files

We require an unlocked sample to assess your degree of proficiency and development style. It should be obvious; submit your best work. If you are concerned about confidentiality, then provide a clone with some sample data. We prefer to review a local file rather than connecting to a server because it is faster.

It only makes sense to prove your development skills for a programming position with a software company.

What We Look for in Sample Files

While no programmer is perfect, we are watching for the telltale signs of professional development. What does that look like? In a nutshell, it shows forethought. The code is created with consideration for the next person who will enhance it. Below are some of the things I consider when reviewing a sample from a prospective developer.

  • Complexity – How many objects are in the file, especially the number of tables, fields, layouts and scripts? What degree of complexity can the developer manage?
  • Naming Conventions – What are the naming conventions and are they consistently applied? Do they help another developer understand the code?
  • Relationship Graph – Is the relationship graph well-organized? Does it make it easier or harder to comprehend the solution?
  • Layouts – Does the file contain different types of layouts (data entry, list view, reporting, etc.)? Are they sensible pieces of a whole application?
  • User Interface – Is the user interface attractive? Does it encourage a perception of quality from the average user?
  • Scripting – Do the script steps demonstrate knowledge of the modern techniques? Is the developer using the latest features?
  • Modularity – Does the scripting show an understanding of the concepts of dynamic, portable, and reusable code?
  • Commenting – Are there any comments in the scripts? Do the comments make it easier to work with the solution six months from now?
  • Developer Tools – Does the solution use custom functions or custom menus? Is the developer familiar with FileMaker Pro Advanced?
  • Systems Integration – Is there evidence of integration with other information systems? What are the technologies–ESS, ODBC, PHP, XML, plugins, shell scripting, web services?

In summary, we want to determine if you are a budding professional developer or a cowboy programmer. We are willing to help you learn; however, we need to see potential to ensure you can serve our customers with excellence. If you are ready for the challenge, I encourage you to apply online. We do not promise the process will easy. We do promise it can be worth it.

Filed Under: MightyData Culture Tagged With: Job interview

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