By Brendan McBride Posted on May 12th, 2015 in FileMaker, Web Development

Deploying FileMaker on Android

It is finally here! FileMaker supports Android with the release of FileMaker WebDirect. This update provides users with Android devices access to your database without the need of a FileMaker app. Users will only need to log in through the WebDirect Launch Center on a supported browser.

Setting Up a Database for Android

In order to enable a FileMaker database for Android, you will need the latest version of FileMaker Server, and follow the steps on the FileMaker Knowledge Base to deploy WebDirect. Please also keep in mind the FileMaker Technical Specifications required for FileMaker Server and WebDirect. Once the database has been enabled, pull out your Android phone and go to https://<host>/fmi/webd, where <host> is the IP address or domain name of the FileMaker Server. Your Android phone is now able to connect to your database!

Optimizing FileMaker for Android

Before you let all your Android friends finally experience the glory of FileMaker on their phone, there are a few things you should keep in android filemaker webdirect mind in order to give users the best experience possible.

Design the WebDirect layouts to be easy to use from a mobile phone.
Only use features compatible with WebDirect. Certain features that are compatible in FileMaker Pro or FileMaker Go are not compatible on WebDirect. For example, some script steps will not work on WebDirect, like Save as PDF and Enter Preview Mode. There are some layout design functions that are not compatible as well, including the ability to click a button that is below another object.
Test, test, test, and then test again. You will want to test your final product on Android devices thoroughly before releasing it to the public.

For more tips on creating a better WebDirect user experience, take a look at our FileMaker WebDirect article.

Conclusion

A FileMaker solution for Android devices is here. To create a great user experience for Android via FileMaker WebDirect we recommend you create separate FileMaker layouts if you have an existing desktop or iOS FileMaker system. This is just like when creating a great user experience on iOS for FileMaker Go. I am excited to see Android solutions being deployed in the FileMaker community and look forward to the FileMaker platform future on Androids.

Are you ready to deploy a custom FileMaker solution for Android?
Contact us to discuss building your FileMaker Android application today.

Brendan McBride

Brendan is a Certified FileMaker Developer, who is very friendly, hard working, and technically-astute engineer ready to solve any problem you throw at him. Brendan went to Purdue, receiving a Bachelors in Computer Science and minored in Economics.

"We were actually able to add more features than we thought would be possible within our budget. We always experienced a ‘can do’ attitude and DB Services was incredibly patient and easy to work with."

Courtney Hartman

Art Director

"The new FileMaker custom website interface is very user-friendly and easy to follow for our clients. In addition, it is much faster than the old Instant Web Publishing (IWP) interface. Thank you and all the others who have helped us out at DB Services. I am very grateful for the excellent service you provide us. Its nice to know we can call you for help if we have an issue."

Wayne Capek

President

"We needed a solution that would simplify the administration of our responsibilities under our contract with the State of Indiana. We have seen a dramatic increase across the state in the number of potential foster and adoptive parents that have begun the preparation and training process. This increase has resulted in a significant opportunity for children available for adoption. That’s a big win for everyone! And it’s all because we can refer potential parents to the proper state contacts efficiently and quickly."

Chris Morrison

Executive Director

"Thank you for all of your expertise and valuable help. I am so grateful to have found DB Services."

Linda Findlay

Owner

"Thank you for our new database system. We transitioned from a carbon copy paper based system to a digital database. The software has saved us time and money. We used to archive all our jobs in cabinets, now we can look up a job in seconds from anywhere. The software allows us to easily email estimates to our customers in pdf format. In a year there was a return on investment just from eliminating the purchasing of our carbon forms."

Todd Cartmel

Owner

"The new system allows us to create and track jobs for customers along with inventory, something we had been doing with separate word and spreadsheet files. Because it’s now so intuitive, new staff members are able to begin using the database immediately without our usual training session and ‘cheat sheets’ for getting around within the file."

Tom Andrews

President