For many FileMaker systems, the number of concurrent logged in users, especially those who will hit issues with record locks, is often very low. Typically, these types of systems are used within the local area network and you just ask the offending user to unlock the record. However, with the number of remote users logging into a system through the WAN, a variety of things have had to change. The way you architect a database system can't necessarily take the same approach as was done before.

As a FileMaker developer, you should now consider the remote user and plan your system accordingly. Fortunately, this approach can be taken at any point in the life cycle of a FileMaker system. You can retrofit or plan from the outset to use a very creative way of avoiding record locks. Quite simply, you provide each user with their own personal file.

If you're familiar with using External Data Sources within FileMaker, then this may be common ground for you. If not, then you'll find a ton of useful information within this video. If your users are accessing a system from across the globe, then using the know-how here will help alleviate a lot of connection stress and struggles because it's a method of data collection and transfer which directly emulates what users do when they interact with a standard web based application. Need the benefits of speed and performance? Look no further than Avoiding Record Locks.

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