B2B Database Systems

New Features

Every module in the system has been completely redesigned for FileMaker 7. There are many new features in EAS Version 7, but the following are the most important features...

New Features In the EAS Version 8.0v1 - For FileMaker 7 & 8.5
-- Flash Training movies now available for version 8.0v1

B2B (and Department to Department) Data Integration - In earlier versions of the system, the system had the ability to export and import data in XML formatted files and attach the files to an email. This has been reworked and returned back into Version 8.0v1. The examples of B2B XML Email are currently included in the Purchasing and Sales modules. Note: This allows you to transfer data from department to department (including FileMaker to an SQL database) from FileMaker Runtime solutions, to avoid the costs of FileMaker user licenses. - Free Flash training movies are available at www.b2bdbsys.com/support_b2b_xml_integration.html
View Wip and BOM details from Inventory - The system now allows you to not only view a list of BOM's for a specific Inventory Item, but also Jobs and Work Orders.

New Features In the EAS Version 7.0v1 - For FileMaker 7 & 8

Make To Order Manufacturing - The system now includes complete support for companies that offer custom manufacturing to their customers. The system also remains fully automated for repetitive type manufacturing environments.
Easier To Use Bill Of Materials - The Bill Of Materials entry area of the system has been redesigned to allow for quicker and more logical Multi-level BOM creation.
User Interface Enhancements - From versions 7 to 8 of the FileMaker Client App., there were some changes that caused the layouts and printed forms in the EAS to lose their desired look. All layouts and printed forms have been adjusted to return to their previous look and feel.
More Efficient Calculations & Summaries - Many of the calculations and summary fields have been reworked, for better performance.

New Features In the EAS Version 6.0v1 - For FileMaker 7

Product and Raw Materials Lot Tracking - The system now includes complete Lot Tracking and Lot Inventory control for Products and Raw Materials. These modules integrate with the entire system using a Lot Transactions module, to track where lots are used and created in manufacturing, where lots were purchased and lots were sold.
Multiple Inventory Locations - The system now has the ability to track Product, Raw Materials and Lot Inventory levels by location.
Module / File Admin - This area of the system allows for easy access to each data and logic file in each module. This interface is helpful for upgrading to a newer version of the system, or for importing data from other databases, accounting systems, Excel spreadsheets and ODBC/SQL or XML datasources into the system. And with a click of a button, you can update the logic files with primary key fields from the data files and set the next serial ID for the primary key fields.
Multiple Order Entry Types - The sales order module now allows for multiple records types, that include: Invoice, Quote, Credit Memo, Return Credit Memo and Debit Memo.
More SQL Integration - Basic SQL Execute scripting is now included with the system, that will Insert and Update Invoice and line items into SQL tables. SQL Create Table statements that match the structure of the Basic SQL Execute scripts, are included in the SQL Admin area of the system. These statements may need minor modifications for databases other than Oracle.
Note: This example of SQL integration is not considered a "front end" to an SQL database, because each FileMaker file has it's own database tables that must be used to the hold data from the FileMaker user interfaces. This example integrates FileMaker database tables with the SQL database tables.
Redesigned Web Interfaces - Version 6 now includes a new 'Web Customer Stats' module that your customers can go to to check the status of their current and past orders and invoices. Also included with the system is a 'Web Products Catalog' module. Both of these modules include list and form views and record search capabilities. These modules can also be duplicated and modified, to create other web modules. Web pages can also be created using Instant Web Publishing that have the same look and feel of using the FileMaker application, that will allow users to edit and create database records through a Web browser.

New Features In the EAS Version 5.1v5 - For FileMaker 7---

User Accounts Admin - Basic User Accounts can now be quickly created by using a point and click interface. Access levels for each Account in each module can also be adjusted to allow access to only the current accounts records, and specific layouts, fields and functions.
Future Calls & Meetings - There is now an additional window in the Customer Relationship Management area of the system, that allows for future sales calls and future meetings to be entered and viewed.
Better Job Costing and Analysis - A Job Cost estimate can be made by creating a Bill Of Materials and entering labor costs into Work Order sequences. By creating an estimate from a job, the job can then be seamlessly put into production once the estimate becomes an actual job. If data is collected as the job is ran on how much time was spent on each Work Order sequence, then the summarized Raw Materials costs from the Bill Of Materials and the labor costs can be compared to the quoted price to show the profit made on the job.
Maximize List Views - All List Views in can be maximized to the full window size and then when a user selects a record, the window will resume to it's original size to fit under the selected record in the data entry window.
Work In Process Scheduling - The most important new feature in Version 5.1v5, is production scheduling for sequences of work entered on a work order. The scheduling interface allows for target run dates and time durations to be entered and for adjustments to be made to the schedules. Schedules can be summarized by target run date for each department. Text and field colors change, based upon the status and run date of a scheduled item. Departments can be a name of any department in your company. This module can also be customized to allow for scheduling around available man hours by day and by week, or capacity planning for shop floor space, machine and tool availability.

Scheduling details can also be entered on the Work Order Scheduling layout. The Work Order layout can now also be maximized to full window size to combine work order details and scheduling details in one view.

New Features In the EAS Version 5.1v2 - For FileMaker 7

Better Reporting - When running a Invoice, Purchase Order, Work In Process or Work Order report, the report can be run based upon the record status fields in the modules, chosen from a value list located on the report button. Reports can also be run on any found set of records.
User Interface Separated From Data - Version 5.1 and all future versions will now have the user interface separated from the data. This will allow for very easy upgrades of the user interfaces. This will also make for more logical integration to SQL database tables. Each module also includes a logic file. The structure of the modules closely matches the recommendations made in the Migration Foundations and Methodologies Technical brief written by New Millennium Communications and others. Thanks to these FileMaker developers for doing this research and making this information available!
Four Modules - The system consists of four modules. Having the system separated into four modules will allow for the system to be distributed across one or multiple servers for use in a larger company or enterprise workgroup. This will allow for more users to log on to the databases and better performance. This also keeps the data and programming logically organized. The interfaces and data files are separated into four main modules, for [Customers, Products and Sales], [Suppliers, Raw Materials and Purchasing] and [Manufacturing], and a additional module for the [Main Menu, Employees and the System Admin area].
Multiple Windows For Each Module - When clicking on a module button from the Main Menu, it will now open three windows. A data entry window, list view window and sub-menu window. In each interface file, there is separate form views, list views and sub-menus for each module in the file.
External Integration - The system can now be configured to trigger a script when ever leaving a new or modified record from the Invoice or Purchase Order layout. No plug-in is needed. A message will also appear on the Invoice or Purchase Order layout for new and modified records, to let the user know that external integration may be needed. The user can then click the message to trigger integration. Three types of integration is now available in the system, ODBC to SQL database tables, XML to QuickBooks (using FileBooksLink plug-in) and Email to the customer or supplier. Any of these types of integration can be modified to integrate with another enterprise database, accounting system or with business partners for B2B transactions. There are also Import and Export utilitys included with each module, that can be configured for EDI and XML data exchange.
FileMaker 7 Security - This version is using the new security features in FileMaker 7. It will now be easy to assign unique accounts and access levels to the system, for each user or for different types of users.
Parameter Driven Scripting - Scripts run based upon parameters passed from buttons and into sub-scripts.
Job Cost Analysis - This will summarize materials costs and labor costs on a job, to show the profit made on a job or the cost to manufacture products.
In Process Raw Materials Inventory - There is now two inventory levels for each Raw Materials item. One inventory level that subtracts Raw Materials quantity's used on all Bill Of Materials, and a 'In Process' Inventory, that only subtracts Raw Materials quantity's used on jobs with a status of 'Done'.
Multiple Bills Of Materials For Each Job - Multiple Bill Of Materials can now be created for each job. Multiple Work Orders can also be created for each job.
Duplicate Jobs - Duplicate Jobs include all of the Bill Of Materials and Work Orders for a job. Can also duplicate a Job to create a Master Job, to easily be duplicated for future jobs.
Create Materials Requisitions From BOM - Can now create a materials requisition by clicking on a Raw Materials record in a Bill Of Materials.
Redesigned Bill Of Materials - Better multi-level capabilities in the Bill Of Materials. A Bill Of Materials can show a list of sub-assembly's, and also by clicking on a sub-assembly it will expand to show it's sub-assembly's and component parts. You can also quickly create single level BOMs for custom Build To Order jobs.

New Features In the EAS Version 5.1v1 - For FileMaker 7

Web Interfaces - Version 5.1v4 now includes a basic Products Catalog database, designed for web access using FileMaker Instant Web Publishing. The web interfaces included in this database are a Products List and a Products Form view. This Web Product Catalog opens with a view-only password. This database can also be duplicated and modified, to create web pages that your customers can search for information about their past orders and the status of their current orders, jobs, invoices, etc. Web pages can be created using Instant Web Publishing that have the same look and feel of using the FileMaker application, that will allow users to edit and create database records.

FileMaker databases can be accessed through a Web browser to smaller groups of users by using Instant Web Publishing, included with the FileMaker client application. For more complex web applications, custom Web pages can also be created for use with FileMaker Server Advanced.

The EAS includes a Web Products Catalog module and a Web Customer Stats module. These modules can be duplicated and modified, to create other web modules. Below are screenshots of the web modules included with the system.

Products Web List View

Customer Stats Invoice List

Note: The following is a list of the new features in the previous version of the EAS. Most of these features also apply to the new redesigned version of the EAS.

EAS Version 4.0v5 - For FileMaker 6

Leads Module - This module is similar to the Customer module, except it is for lead information. When a lead becomes a customer, the lead data can be easily transferred to the Customer database.
Restructured WIP and BOM modules - The WIP and BOM modules have been redesigned to be more user friendly and have better performance. They now also include a Master BOM module.
Inventory Adjust Admin - Included in the Admin area of the system is an easy to use admin layout for adjusting inventory levels in the Products and Raw Materials modules. This simplifies setting initial inventory levels and adjusting inventory levels for returns and damaged or lost inventory.
Inventory Control - The Products and Raw Materials inventory files and relationships are now structured for better performance and easier maintenance.
Enhanced SQL Query Demo module - This module can be found by clicking the Query Demo button from the System Admin area. This will now include the SQL Statement generated by using the pull down menus for the AND/OR query criteria chosen

EAS Version 3.5v1 - For FileMaker 6

SQL Insert/Update Status - A message will now appear on the status bar at the bottom of each data entry screen, with details about the SQL insert/update status of the current record.
SQL/ODBC error messages - Error messages will now appear when running the SQL Insert/Update scripts, for any Data Source errors or SQL errors that might occur from inserting and updating data violating Primary/Foreign Key, Unique or Not Null constraints, etc.
SQL Create Table statements - SQL Create Table statements to match the structure of the system, included in the SQL Admin area of the system. These statements may need minor modifications for databases other than Oracle.
Text length set on all text fields - This is to match text field lengths for Varchar2 fields when Inserting and Updating data from the FileMaker database into the SQL database.
Note: The Standard Version and the SQL Version have now been combined into one version. You do not need to have a SQL database or know how to use SQL to use this version. But the SQL modules will be available in this version if you ever need them. Many other scripting changes have been made to version 3.1 for more efficient SQL integration.
EAS Version 3.2v1 - For FileMaker 6
Set Initial Inventory Level - New button on the Product and Raw Materials layouts to take the user to the line items files to adjust initial inventory levels.
SQL Insert / SQL Update Button Refresh - fix for a minor issue when running the SQL Execute scripts from the List View.
Remove BOM Reference On Work Order - New button that removes a portal row record on a Work Order that references a related Bill Of Materials record.
EAS Version 3.2 - For FileMaker 6
Enhanced SQL Administration - New buttons that allow the user to view and update new and modified records for each module from the SQL Administration layout. User level passwords now only have access to view settings for SQL Administration, but not modify them.
Bill Of Materials Administration - New area in the Work In Progress module for Bill Of Materials, that allows when duplicating a Bill Of Materials, to add text, the Customer ID, the Customer Company or the current date to each new BOM record Job Title. Also, when duplicating a Bill Of Materials, now has an option to check for Raw Materials needed and show a message for Materials for BOM records that either need to be purchased or manufactured.
Multiple customer contacts for the same company - When you enter multiple Customers with the same company name, you now have the option to show all invoices in the Customer Activity for the company name or only show the invoices for the current customer record.
Unlimited line items on printed Invoices, Packing Slips and Purchase Orders - Printed Invoices, Packing Slips and Purchase Orders now print from a summary to allow multiple printed pages. This also allows for many lines of additional text to print for each line item.