Downloads and Installations

1. Q: What versions of FM Starting Point and releases of FileMaker are Compatible?

   A: Specific versions of FM Starting Point are engineered for specific releases of FileMaker.
   
   FMSP Version 7 is designed for FileMaker 18
   FMSP Version 6 is designed for FileMaker 17
   FMSP Version 5 is designed for FileMaker 16
   FMSP Version 4.6 is designed for FileMaker 15
   FMSP Version 4.5 is designed for FileMaker 14
   FMSP Version 4.0 is designed for FileMaker 13
   FMSP Version 3.0 is designed for FileMaker 12
   FMSP Version 2.0 is designed for FileMaker 11
   FMSP Version 1.0 is designed for FileMaker 10
   
   OK: You can of course, ALWAYS use an older version of FMSP with a newer release of FileMaker.
   BAD: If you take a newer version of FMSP, and use it with an older release of FileMaker, you will end up seeing objects on layout crossed out in a red “X”. Additionally you will run into other code issues.

2. Q: Can I use FileMaker 5 or 6 to run FM Starting Point 2?

   A: No.  Filemaker 5 and 6 are outdated versions and unsupported.  FM Starting Point really is best when used with the most current version of FileMaker.

Sharing FM Starting Point with my Team

1. Q: Can I Share FM Starting Point with other people, in my office, or around the world?

   A: Yes, and Yes! FM Starting Point is a FileMaker database (aka a FileMaker app).  A FileMaker database can be shared anywhere.  You can share the database by using FileMaker Pro's (client) "Peer to Peer" sharing abilities, which allows up to 5 remote users to connect to the database.  Of course each user will need their own licensed copy of FileMaker Pro.  Click to Watch Video

   
   A more robust and reliable solution is to use FileMaker Pro Server software(or FileMaker Cloud), on a dedicated computer.  FileMaker Server(or FileMaker Cloud) supports automatic backups, so you never have to worry about backing up your FileMaker database.
   
   Ideally, you should buy FileMaker Server(or FileMaker Cloud) yourself, and run it in your office for maximum performance.  If this is not feasible, then you can pay to have your own FileMaker server set up for you in the cloud.  RCC can help you set up your FileMaker server(or FileMaker Cloud).  Costs are variable based upon purchasing a server or setting up a virtual server in the cloud.   Please email us at support@rcconsulting.com with your request.
   
   You can also use FileMaker Go on an iPad to access hosted databases.  WebDirect is available with FileMaker Server(or FileMaker Cloud), which allows users to access databases with a browser.
   
   To learn more about these kinds of capabilities to do it yourself, feel free to purchase RCC's FileMaker Training Video Course at LearningFileMaker.com

Selling or distributing my copy of FM Starting Point

1. Q: Can I sell or redistribute my copy of FM Starting Point?

   A: You may sell or redistribute FM Starting Point with the following requirements
   
   Definition: a Custom Application that is created by starting with a copy of FM Starting Point is called a "derivative work"
   
   (1) Copies of FMSP that are not "Substantially Modified" may not be distributed by a third party.
   (2) A derivative work (based on FMSP) may be distributed by a third party, if it contains "Substantial Modifications"
   (3) A derivative work of FMSP would be considered "Substantially Modified" if it has a highly modified user interface, entirely new sections of functionality, and/or functionality removed completely.
   (4) A derivative work of FMSP must not be titled or named FM Starting Point.
   (5) The decision to promote any third party derivative work of FMSP is at the sole discretion of RCC.
   (6) Derivative work of FMSP should have an about page which includes all of your contact information. It should only acknowledge RCC by the source material as FM Starting Point from the website.

2. Q: What is "Substantial Modification"?

   A: "Substantial Modification" is an interface redesign.  "Substantial Modification"could be a language change to something other than english.
   
   Other modifications could be:
   
   - Adding new sections or modules to the application, while restyling it with a different UI.
   - Customizing starting point for a specific Vertical Market App.   For example: a veterinary application, an electrical contractor application, or a event marketing application.
   
   Note: Please let us know if you make "substantial Modifications" to FM Starting Point so RCC can optionally link or reference your website from fmstartingpoint.com

Integration - Connecting FMSP to other Software

1. Q: Does FM Starting Point support document storage... i.e. scanned PDFs, Word and Excel files etc?

   A: Yes! Document Management is becoming a critical technology for organized businesses.  Business documents are being converted to PDFs for storage with desktop scanners, with most businesses trying to dump the files onto a file server "somewhere."  Businesses hope to be able to go back and find those documents if they need them.  That's going to be difficult because of the lack of organization.
   
   With remote containers built into FM Starting Point, you have a FREE solution that will greatly help your ability to store your documents, attached right to the projects information in the database.  Receipts or POs can be scanned and attached to your invoice records, etc.  All totally FREE, and high speed.  (as fast as your internet connection will allow).

2. Q: Does FM Starting Point connect to QuickBooks?

   A: Yes.  Please see the tab at the top of the page to review the QuickBook specific questions.

3. Q: What are the different kinds of Email I can send from FM Starting Point?

   A: Primarily, the email capabilities are within the "contacts" modules, where you can shoot off a myriad of different "canned" emails.  These will be plain text emails, since that is what is built into FileMaker Pro and Go.  Email may be sent through a users email client OR use the SMTP send capability of FileMaker.  Of course, you can use a plugin with FileMaker Pro to send out cool HTML based emails, but that will take a bit of scripting.  Feel free to hire your local friendly FileMaker developer... or our team here at RCC to assist.

Miscellaneous

1. Q: Why did we build FM Starting Point?

   A: Way back, we worked with FileMaker Inc. to build Starter Solutions that could be used by anybody from people just starting to use FileMaker to experts.   A premium was placed on simple functionality that would be easy for brand new FileMaker users to take apart and customize.  Of course, with simplicity elevated to such a high degree, overall usefulness of a database can be quite limited.  There is, therefore, a genuine need for a more robust FREE starter solution for FileMaker users; FMSP meets those needs.
   
   Additionally, this makes for great advertising for our company of 32 FileMaker Developers, who have an exceptional record of successful projects and happy customers.
   
   FMSP was designed starting in FM10, and as FileMaker 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 were introduced, we continued to update the solution with the new and improved features offered by FileMaker, and we will continue to do so as FileMaker progresses in its proven path of excellence.

2. Q: Does FM Starting Point work with FileMaker Cloud?

   A: Pretty much, yes.   All the versions work fine.   We made some improvements starting with FMSP 4.6.8 that makes sure that "Perform Script on Server" commands work correctly with the cloud.  Early versions... of FMSP... will default to the client running the calculations instead of the server.  With makes things sun a bit slower.   4.6.8 (and later) have the performance fixes.
   
   

3. Q: Does FileMaker 15 work with FM Starting Point 4?

   A: There is a corresponding version of FM Starting Point for each release of FileMaker over the past 9 years.
   
   FileMaker 18... FMSP 7
   FileMaker 17... FMSP 6
   FileMaker 16... FMSP 5
   FileMaker 15... FMSP 4.6
   FileMaker 14... FMSP 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, and 4.6
   FileMaker 13... FMSP 4.0
   FileMaker 12... FMSP 3.0
   FileMaker 11... FMSP 2.0
   FileMaker 10... FMSP 1.0

4. Q: Does Web Direct work with FM Starting Point?

   A: FM Starting Point 4.5 and later work great with WebDirect.

5. Q: Why is there a difference in user interface between FMSP 4.5 and 4.6?

   A: With every release of the FM Starting Point platform, the user interface may go through minor or major updates depending upon current design trends.
   
   Beginning with FMSP 7, users may select more basic, intermediate or advanced CRM interfaces.

6. Q: Where can I find the FMSP Template in other languages?

   A: FM Starting Point is a free FileMaker application that is made available for North American English, EU English, UK English and AU English. 
   
   Click here for localized versions of FMSP!

7. Q: Can i get older legacy releases of FM Starting Point?

   A: The previous versions are still available.  The links to these versions are included in the download email that you receive after signing up to get FM Starting Point.  The confirmation email contains the link to the latest version of FM Starting Point, plus a section of links for the older legacy versions.  RCC does not correct bugs or provide support for older releases of FM Starting Point.

8. Q: Is FileMaker Inc. responsible for this Database?

   A: No. FileMaker Inc. likes to tell us that we need to redesign the layouts but they don't like to take responsibility for it or provide financial assistance.

9. Q: Is there an instruction manual for FM Starting Point?

   A:No.  There is no printed manual. But we do have a $79 Video Training Video Course at FMtraining.TV This course focuses on teaching you how to customize databases in FileMaker and uses FM Starting Point for the example.

10. Q: Can I run FM Starting Point on a browser (i.e. can I use free software and then use my free bowser too... and not pay anything?)

    A: Well, Kind of.   It's a long answer.   It requires the user of FileMaker Server, and the purchase of "User Licenses" to allow for you to connect... so NO... it's not free.   LOL.   The technology that allows this to work is called WebDirect.   FM Starting Point support WebDirect, but WD does have some limitations, so we made this cool video to explain it all to you: here

11. Q: Can you help me migrate from other database solutions…to FM Starting Point?

    A: That's a good question.  We sure can, but that's not a free service.  Please feel free to contact RCC at support@rcconsulting.com … or … if you have a talented local consultant, who is responsive, contact them for assistance.  There is no special magic to FM Starting Point. Any good FileMaker Developer can work inside of the tool easily.

12. Q: I need support for FM Starting Point and FREE seems like a good price to me.

    A: RCC's FREE support forum for FM Starting point is here: http://fmforums.com/forums/forum/201-fm-starting-point-by-richard-carlton-consulting/

13. Q: How is this different than Data4Life?

    A: Some FileMaker users are aware of another FREE database offered, called Data4Life.  Data4Life is designed for personal use, and not business use.  Data4Life is end of life (EOL).  It is not being updated.   All RCC's efforts are going into FM Starting Point.  FM Starting Point targeted towards small businesses, work groups, and non-profit organizations.

1. Q: How do I download the iPhone or iPad version of FMSP?

   A: The iPhone and iPad version of FMSP are all "rolled together" into a single FileMaker file – the same file that is accessed by the desktop copy of FileMaker Pro.  All three versions are in a single file.  This way, users with different devices can log onto the same database and share data.  For your team to share and access the data at the same time they need to leverage FileMaker Server(or FileMaker Cloud).  You can learn more about this by watching this video.

2. Q: How do I download the Android version of FMSP?

   A: There is only one version of FMSP.  We have iPad, iPhone, and Android compatible screens in FM Starting Point.  For Android access, you'll need FMSP hosted on FileMaker Server(or FileMaker Cloud).   Android users will need to use the WebDirect technology that is part of FileMaker Server or FileMaker Cloud. Please review this video..

3. Q: Does FileMaker work on the iPhone and iPad?

   A: Yes! FMSP works on all modern mobile systems that use the iOS operating system.  Apple devices can use a free product called FileMaker Go to access FMSP.  You can learn about these technologies from our Training Course on fmtraining.tv. You can also check out this free video here.

4. Q: Does FileMaker work with Android?

   A: Modern Android devices can access a FileMaker database, such as FM Starting Point via WebDirect.  WebDirect is a technology that is built into FileMaker Server.  You can learn more about this by watching this video.

5. Q: Did you make some screens designed just for the iPhone or iPad?

   A: *New with FM Starting Point 4.6* We developed a separate set of screens for mouse based users, which are typically desktop users on Macs and Windows.  We also have a set of screens for touch sized tablets.  This works great with iPad users using FileMaker Go and Android tablet users who are using Web Direct.  To access Web Direct you will have to be hosting your database on FileMaker Server.
   
   There is another set of screens for smaller iPhone and Android phone access.

6. Q: These newly tuned screens for the iPhone are great, but what if I am using the iPhone and I need access to the rest of FMSP from a remote location?

   A: You can switch to the regular desktop or iPad screens by selecting the "Current Window Menu" – "gear" icon at the top right of the screen – then selecting "Scripts."  You will see three scripts that allow you to switch to different sets of screens.

7. Q: I want more screens tuned for the Android, iPhone or iPad, not just Contacts!

   A: RCC's Certified engineers are available to customize screens to your exact needs.  Contact us for a quote. Call (707) 422-4053, or email support@rcconsulting.com

8. Q: Now that I am using the Android, iPhone or iPad with FMSP, I think I need my database hosted on the internet (in the cloud), so I can access it from my desktop or mobile device.

   A: This is a situation where you need FileMaker Server.  FileMaker Server is designed to host FileMaker files for access across the internet, and also provides automatic backups.  You can run your FileMaker Server in your office on your own dedicated hardware, or you can set up a virtual FileMaker server up in the cloud. For more information, click here.

9. Q: I need FMSP hosted on the internet (in the cloud), can RCC help with this?

   A: Yes, we can help set you up with a server in your office or we can set you up with a virtual server in the cloud.  For more information, click here..

10. Q: Does FMSP support the built in camera on my phone?

    A: Yes.  There is full integration support for iPhones and iPads.  There is limited integration support for Android mobile devices simply because of the limitations of FileMaker's WebDirect technology.  The mobile integration for the iPhone and iPad is really outstanding and includes precision control of the camera for taking still images, for taking videos, for changing the size of the video or image, for capturing barcodes, and signature capture as well.  On Android devices, using WebDirect has the ability to grab an image from the library but there are no controls beyond that.

11. Q: Can FMSP on FileMaker Go dial someone's number from my iPhone?

    A: Yes.  It's very cool! But this functionality is not available on Android phones.

QuickBooks

1. Q: Does FM Starting Point connect to QuickBooks?

   A: Yes. FM Starting Point has been customized to integrate with QuickBooks Online utilizing the FM Book Connector Plugin from Productive Computing.   While most of the work has been done for you, additional development is necessary to complete the setup, configuration and customization for your company.
   
   We utilize the FM Books Connector Online plugin from Productive Computing to handle the authentication and communication between FileMaker, FMSP and the QuickBooks Online API.  There are a number of scripts built into FMSP 7 that contain the logic and business protocols necessary to govern the flow of data between these two platforms.
   
   Please feel free to contact Richard Carlton Consulting at support@rcconsulting.com if you need assistance.

2. Q: What is the Installation Process?

   A: First, ensure that QuickBooks Online is installed and setup on your computer.   Then, you need to download the FM QuickBooks connector online plugin from Productive Computing.   Lastly, use the built in installation script available within FMSP under Preferences > QuickBooks.
   
   Keep in mind, In order to use the plugin and QuickBooks features built into FMSP you will need to obtain a license from Productive Computing.
   
   For a more detailed explanation of all the steps and settings that need to be configured please reference this flowchart: Installation Process

3. Q: How do I sync Invoices?

   A: Invoices in FMSP are synced / pushed to Invoices in QBO.   Once invoices have been synchronized from FMSP to QBO, they are locked within FMSP to prevent modification.  If sales tax is applicable to the synced invoice, the sales tax amount from QBO will be pulled into FMSP as part of the sync.
   
   If editing is necessary, the invoice can be unlocked from within FMSP which will delete the corresponding invoice in QBO.   This script in FMSP will not run if FileMaker detects a payment has been made to the corresponding invoice in QBO.  Payments logged to QBO will be synced down to FMSP.  If an unsynced invoice is marked as paid, then FileMaker will notify QBO to make the appropriate Payment Entry.
   
   For a more detailed model of how this is configured please reference these flowcharts: Invoice Sync Chart and Invoice Button

4. Q: How do I sync Customers?

   A: Accounts or Contacts from FMSP will be synced with customers in QBO.   During setup, you will need to specify whether an FMSP account record or FMSP contact record will represent a customer in QBO.   This is set under Preferences > QuickBooks within FMSP.
   
   Customers are added and updated (based on modification count) from FMSP to QBO.   Amount Due is updated from QBO to FMSP.
   
   For a more detailed model of how this is configured please reference this flowchart: Customer Sync Chart

5. Q: How do I sync Products?

   A: Product records within FMSP are synced one way with Items in QBO.   Products inside FMSP that have been previously synced will only push edits to QBO when the FileMaker record modification count has been incremented.
   
   Product records with no changes made to the modification count will be skipped when syncing products; as no database change has been made.
   
   For a more detailed model of how this is configured please reference this flowchart: Products Sync Chart

6. Q: How are Errors Handled?

   A: Sync errors are recorded on each associated record with description fields detailing the push or pull error.  Sync results and errors are also archived in the FMSP audit log.  Once errors are resolved, sync error fields on individual records are cleared, and additional entries are added to the audit log to indicate the problem is resolved.

7. Q: Do you have a step - by - step guide detailing the setup of QuickBooks Online in FMSP?

   A: Yes, we have recorded the entire process of setting up the integration of QuickBooks Online with a new copy of FMSP. Check out the video here.

Barcodes

1. Q: Does FM Starting Point support Barcodes?

   A: Out of the box FM Starting Point will read Barcodes.
   
   If you are wanting to print Barcodes in part of your documents, please visit Geist Interactive - Barcode Creator for more information.   FM Starting Point is scripted to work with this product.

Paypal Integration

1. Q: Does Paypal work with FM Starting Point Enhanced?

   A: Yes!   please visit MarketPlace - Paypal for more information.