Claris FileMaker vs. Kissflow

I think FileMaker [Pro] is a great solution for a small business wanting to take the next step from managing data with Excel spreadsheets to actually using a database. It is very intuitive to use and manage. A tech-savvy user can learn to use FileMaker [Pro] very easily without advanced skills as a developer.

Incentivized

KiSSFLOW is well suited for any information heavy paperwork that multiple people approve and have access to complete work. It is less suited for processes that require a lot of back and forth with a form initiator. The workflows like to be very linear without much back tracking. It can do that but it prefers to be forward linear.

• The relational database management system makes the program highly customizable to fit the needs of any product. You can add a ton of information to each record and update your inventory on a regular basis with an Excel import or manually inside of the record. It has the capability to incorporate barcoding, which can manage your available inventory with ease.
• The scripting language allows FileMaker to automatically calculate complex algorithms automatically or generate report outs with the click of a button. This allows for greater UI, especially with active users who are not familiar with writing code. Almost all of our internal data is linked to the FileMaker database
• The server license allows many users to update the database in real time, which is handy if your inventory is constantly changing. We have users with Macs, PCs, iPhones and handheld tablets linked to our FileMaker database and they are updating the information constantly throughout the day.
• If you invest some time into formatting and scripting the database, there is a high ease of use for users without knowledge of any programming or FileMaker itself.

Incentivized

• I appreciate the automatic email notifications when it is your turn to complete a task. This keeps everyone on track.
• I appreciate being able to "reassign" a task as well--leaving flexibility for some folks to cover for others when needed.
• I appreciate the personal check-ins from our rep, asking how things are going. That makes me feel like someone is paying attention and wants me to be happy with the product.

Incentivized

• I had some big complaints about how to edit calculations and scripts, and not being able to print/export PDF from server but with the last 2 versions I can't complain any more. Those got added.
• Syncing records between iOS and Filemaker Server still requires a developer to accomplish. Although I make money doing it for others I wish there was some "central" method of syncing that everyone can follow.

• Learning. If you are coming from a 100% paper process and have employees who know nothing more, then there is definitely a learning curve. You will need to bring someone in to help you train employees on the core concept of the change (the "Why are we doing this" questions). KiSSFLOW does have support, but this is more getting down to the details in your own work environment.
• Visual learners will love it, but not non-visual. If you are an accountant, and your brain works like an accountant, then this program will be difficult to learn. It is very visual, and I have seen more success with visual learners than any others.
• Bugs. A few years ago, there were a lot of bugs. There are not that many anymore. This is to be expected with any program, so if you are training an impatient staff who doesn't do well with error messages, you will want to be sure to pad the training sessions. I have not seen error messages in a long time; however, the nature of the beast is that you won't see one until you actually find one...

Incentivized

It it not really up to me but my opinion does have some weight in the decision and the reason I would renew my use FileMaker Pro 8.5 is because I am finally getting used to it! Now that I have been working with the program, tasks have become quicker and projects are getting done faster. File Maker Pro 8.5 really is a versatile tool and I think we are just scratching the surface with it's abilities.

Incentivized

Really love the product. Was pleasantly surprised that it has been easy to use for parents

Incentivized

It's almost what it should be after so may years and with Apple's longevity and strength behind it. For people who earn their living based on efficiency I think there are too many developer obstacles that waste time and therefore money.

Incentivized

The system has room to grow as it's limited by not being able to edit POs after they've been approved. The system is great for registrations and syncing to other systems while including the attachments. The reporting from Kissflow is also easy to setup to link to other platforms such as Looker

Incentivized

mostly never issues and if there are they are resolved fast

Incentivized

for the most part but lots of error messages if you type something h correctly

Incentivized

The forums are great with lots of helpful experts and the staff monitor them to provide help where needed. There have been a couple of unique technical issues I've had to deal with that I haven't been able to get resolved so I chose to score this a 9 instead of a 10.

Incentivized

I haven't encountered a need for support with KiSSFLOW. It's not a perfect platform, but it's functional, dependable, and reasonably intuitive. I can't fault a support team just because their product works!

Incentivized

easy to follow along and was able to jump in right away

Incentivized

Suggest you use an iterative R.A.D. or AGILE development approach. (i.e. rather than writing a gigantic spec for a system, then building it). FileMaker facilitates quick prototypes. Developing an example, then allowing users to "try it out" is a snap.

Incentivized

FileMaker Pro is the chaotic, cumbersome and non-integratable little sibling of MS Access. And even MS Access can't be taken serious in a medium sized company. FileMaker Pro can not even be compared to serious products like OutSystems and Sitecore. It's also not free... whereas at least MS Access can be used free, even if your company is (really) small.

Incentivized

KiSSFLOW wants you to be able to increase productivity, make it possible to "manage the chaos" (their own words) and simply make things better. It is exactly what it sounds like. For a visual learner, KiSSFLOW is perfect. It really does make good on its promise to help you manage the chaos, and it makes it easy for your employees to understand how your business works. More specifically, I recommended this program for a small school that had never automated anything. They knew nothing about the process. Bringing in KiSSFLOW allowed them to not only refine their process, but it gave awareness to other employees and ensure that they could work as a team, knowing the intricacies of how each department works (so, the Director would understand the many steps of Admissions before taking over after enrollment -- they would know what each family experienced).

Incentivized

it's most definitely does as we are a unique business to use this for scholarship awarding

Incentivized

• Positive impact for my company is that we have designed a solution that meets the needs of our very custom processes.
• My company is in the process of expanding rapidly and with that the need for new tools are need quickly. With most languages (like Java or .Net), it could take weeks to develop the same tool it takes us 3 days to make in Filemaker.
• The most negative impact however is that at times Filemaker will just become overwhelmed and we have no choice but to restart the server which hosts the application.

Incentivized

• Somewhat expensive compared to other cheap (or free) task management alternatives. ROI depends on your specific needs and the size of your organization.
• ROI can be ambiguous since KiSSFLOW is primarily for internal company use. A simple email thread could accomplish many of the same things, but with less efficiency.

Incentivized