In the dynamic landscape of large enterprise environments, the need for robust and flexible database solutions is paramount. Claris FileMaker, with its customizable user-interface, powerful database engine and its ability to integrate data from a myriad of data sources, is a game-changer for organizations seeking to enhance data quality, improve efficiency, and reduce IT costs.
Volvo Construction Equipment – Volvo CE – is a major international company which develops, manufactures, and markets equipment for construction and related industries. It is a subsidiary and business of the Volvo Group. In this article, we will explore how FileMaker is being used by Volvo Group to achieve these goals.
Customization to Fit Unique Business Processes
Volvo has a complex set of business processes grown over years of operation. FileMaker’s flexibility shines through its ability to be tailored to these specific business requirements. FileMaker has been used by Volvo since the 1990s to manage business processes ranging from:
- Parts sourcing and fulfillment
- Emergency service management for Volvo product operators
- Engineering process changes and introductions
- Data consolidation and reporting for field managers
FileMaker’s flexible nature as a development platform allowed it to be built to serve the processes used by Volvo. Larger (more expensive) solutions failed because they could not adapt to Volvo’s business processes.
Enhanced Data Quality
Maintaining high data quality is essential for making informed business decisions. FileMaker’s validation rules, data integrity features, and error-checking mechanisms contribute significantly to ensuring data accuracy. A well-developed FileMaker solution helps mitigate the risks associated with inaccuracies and inconsistencies in large datasets.
Volvo relies on the ability to keep its data clean and DRY (Don’t Repeat Yourself) when handling the thousands of parts orders it receives everyday. In its role in parts sourcing and backorder recovery, FileMaker performs crucial checks against data being received from dealerships and vendors to keep duplication errors to an absolute minimum.
Integration with External Systems
Volvo has a complex technology ecosystem made up of numerous data silos across its business units. Integration with other systems is a crucial requirement for any solution, and one that FileMaker is particularly good at accomplishing.
FileMaker plays a central role in bridging the gap between the data silos at Volvo. Its ability to obtain, process and use data sources ranging from text files to advanced data APIs makes it a particularly good fit for the role of central data management. Volvo relies on FileMaker to integrate with varied data sources for:
- Key management reports
- Inbound backorder parts for sourcing
- Outbound parts orders to vendors
These are a few, but by no means all, of the current FileMaker integrations in use with Volvo.
Cost-Effective Solution
Software is a growing expense for all businesses and organizations, particularly in today’s SaaS age. FileMaker’s licensing model makes it an affordable solution when compared to larger software options. Many of the software initiatives that have failed at Volvo did so because of high license costs, expensive fees associated with customization and long development cycles.
With its low-code development environment, FileMaker streamlines the application development process, reducing the time and resources required for deployment. This translates to meaningful cost savings, making it an attractive option for Volvo and is a key reason FileMaker has been a continuously supported application by Volvo IT for over 25 years.
Conclusion
Claris FileMaker stands out as a versatile and effective solution for large enterprise environments aiming to improve data quality, enhance efficiency, and reduce IT costs. With its versatile customization and integration capabilities, FileMaker empowers organizations like Volvo Group to harness the full potential of their data, driving informed decision-making and fostering sustained growth.
If you are interested in taking advantage of Claris FileMaker for your company or need assistance with your internal implementation, LuminFire can help.
