Filemaker and/or SmartSheet Setup Help? Other estimating/management systems?

[rydods]

Are you saying you regret building your own FM solution? Are you guys still running your operations with a modified version of your FM solution or have you moved on to something bigger?

I remember following along with your videos and getting really excited about FM, then I realized I just don't have the time (or skills) to be developing our own software solutions.
I wish I did, I feel like every out of the box solution does something that bugs me, but at this rate I just can't afford to spend the time required to do it myself.

I'm exactly in the same boat and I've actually re-watched the videos and revitalized my interest recently, then started watching FM instruction videos and it's just way too far over my head.

I've built a workflow/estimation setup in Smartsuite which is similar to smartsheet but from my perspective, much better. I've put a lot of time into the spreadsheet pricing part of it and the rest is pretty much workflow. I feel like Smartsuite is kind of like a prebuilt FM platform which is flexible enough to allow you to set up what you want to run your business. I've tried to base mine off of years of EstiMate, and trying several of the others like signtracker.

Eventually, I want to track employee hours, integrate an interactive design platform that customers can view and make comments on, and possibly a customer portal where they can place an order, request and estimate, ect.

 

[Stacey K]

Do recommend using separate accounting software.

While a lot of apps have something built in, it's nothing compared to xero, quickbooks etc.
all your invoices, purchase orders, etc will get managed in there. you can track money in and out easily.

I currently use Wave for all my invoicing...which isn't as robust as Xero or Quickbooks but for my one man show it works

 

[Graphic Extremes]

I have been working with FM. It does have a learning curve with the calculations part, but it is easy to set up all the forms. Linking info from form to form and so on. It comes with inventory, invoicing and contacts data bases you can modify for your own use.. I also comes with a calendar you can set up. I combined all three into one and have things linked between them..

 

[dypinc]

I have been working with FM. It does have a learning curve with the calculations part, but it is easy to set up all the forms. Linking info from form to form and so on. It comes with inventory, invoicing and contacts data bases you can modify for your own use.. I combined all three into one and have things linked between them..

Why don't you develop something in FM and offer it for sale?

 

[Graphic Extremes]

I keep changing it to suit my needs as I see thing I need to do.. I also keep modifying the layouts or where things are.

Most modifications are just drag and drop where you need them or place a new field where you want it, if moving the field it keeps the same links or calculations that you set up. If you drop a new field the database entry is automatically set up. You can store any type of file you want or ant information that you want in the field, just set it up as you want it..