Studio Manager Bulletin

Studio Manager 7.5 Released

We've been working away on further improving Studio Manager 7 and this is our first major release since we made it to 7. This new version takes advantage of FileMaker 8's clairvoyance, calendar and arrow value list controls but doesn't require 7 (in 7 those controls disappear gracefully). More importantly, besides getting a more polished product for FileMaker 7 and 8, you get three major new features.

1. Job Components. Now jobs can have sub-jobs or components.
2. Named Task Sets. Instead of typing in tasks for jobs from scratch every time you do a new job, you can select from a list of task sets (that you easily create). You can still do them impromptu. You can modify a task set to your heart's content. You can save a set of tasks you set-up and get just right as a task set for next time this kind of job comes up.
3. Archive & Restore Transactions. The bulk of Studio Manager's data is stored in the Job Costs table for reporting. We've created a Job Cost History table where you can archive old jobs and then restore them in a split second if you ever need them back. This allows you to keep operations lean and mean so Studio Manager 7.5 runs faster!

Check out our Studio Manager website for details. And, you must try our new Studio Manager 7.5 demo. It's full-function and free!

Technorati Tags: filemaker, filemaker7, filemaker8, studiomanager

Using FileMaker 8 Clairvoyance and List Arrows

I'm playing around with my Studio Manager product to see where clairvoyance and the list control can be used to make data entry easier than ever in FileMaker 8. Here's my Vendor Entry screen with my basic address information showing. Notice that I've added a little list control arrow at the right end of Title, Company, City, State, Zip and Country. These arrows rock.

Now you have a choice when you enter a new address. You can pop-down a value list if you are selecting a common value Title or entering a person for an existing company. Or, you can just start typing and clairvoyance will kick in to help auto-complete whatever you type. This is extra-strength ease of use!

If you already have Studio Manager 7, you can very easily add these controls. In fact, you would be surprised how easy it is. How about just double-click the field in layout mode and click a couple check boxes. You will need to also create a new value list for City or Title but that's a snap too. Here's the Control Style dialog portion of the Field Control/Setup dialog:

By the way, I've written a companion post on FileMaker Fever with a couple other tidbits in case you are interested.

Technorati Tags: Clairvoyance, FileMaker 8, FileMaker8, List Controls, puppy