I am a contractor (construction), looking for a ready made solution (preferably free or cheap) for creating quotes and invoices for customers. Ideally it would enable me to create a quote(with a line item type form), edit as needed and after the job is done, turn it into an invoice. I'm using FM 7 and just don't have time at the moment create the whole database, but if it's basically on target, I could always modify as needed.

Thanks.

Bob

Check out Excelisys Biz tracker its a great unlocked starter solution

http://www.excelisys.com/web/exfiles/index.php

It looks like the only version they have available is for FM 8. Does anyone have this for FM 7 or know of another DB that might work?

It looks like the only version they have available is for FM 8. Does anyone have this for FM 7 or know of another DB that might work?

You should consider moving up at least to 8.5 if you can find it relatively inexpensively. FMP 7 is pretty well orphaned. Too many things were added after while they were also making accommodation for VISTA and Leopard.

I do not know what is available for your requirements but there will likely be more ready made solutions in the 8.5+ range

OK, Please excuse the stupid question.....

If I was going to upgrade to a newer version, what should I go to? Have there been huge changes like when they went from 5.5 to 7? What is everyone using?

The file format is the same; they are all ".fp7" (and may continue to be so for a while). So you should likely get the current version, which is FileMaker 10 (if you meet the hardware requirements). While it will make little difference at first if using a canned pre-built solution, it will make a big difference if want to continue development.

The new ability to view subsummaries in Browse mode is something anyone can begin to use, for better organization of list views. I find that I use those for viewing info when a portal view is just too constricted.

Script Triggers, which may seem a bit esoteric, but in reality can be fairly simple to use (used with above layouts), will also change some data entry methods, etc..

As David point out, 8.5 is really the minimal version (because of the List() function). But FileMaker 10 is where it's at.

Hi,

If you still not purchased. I made once the software for contractor. Please send me mail on [email protected] and I will send you further details.

Regards, Tusif