FileMaker databases
Ready-made and bespoke systems for CRM, workflow, publishing and other operational needs.
About Cruse Control
Practical systems. Useful advice. No unnecessary mystery.
Cruse Control creates and develops FileMaker-based business systems, combining software design with practical consultancy and a long-standing belief that clients should understand the systems they rely on.
Established since 1998 · UK based · Claris Partner
What Cruse Control does
Cruse Control has worked across database development, workflow systems, information management and business consultancy for many years. The emphasis today is on FileMaker-based systems, including ready-made products that can be customised and bespoke solutions built around an organisation's existing processes.
System customisation
Adapt existing Cruse Control products or extend existing client systems where that is more practical than starting again.
IT consultancy
Practical advice on how information, processes and software can fit together with less duplication and unnecessary complexity.
Cross-purpose thinking
Finding ways to reuse existing data, systems or content in new contexts rather than automatically rebuilding everything from scratch.
Advice that reduces work, not creates it
One of the recurring themes in Cruse Control's work has been helping clients work out whether they actually need a new system, or whether the better answer is to reuse, connect or adapt something they already have.
Historically, that might have meant questions such as how to repurpose publishing archives for the web, or how to use an existing FileMaker system in a new operational setting. The technologies have changed, but the principle has not.
A short conversation can sometimes remove the need for a much larger piece of work.
How Cruse Control likes to work
Explain the system
Clients should understand the important parts of the solution rather than being kept dependent on hidden knowledge.
Customise where useful
Software should adapt to the organisation where practical, rather than forcing every organisation into the same rigid workflow.
Keep the client in the team
Good systems are usually built through collaboration, practical feedback and an understanding of what the client is actually trying to achieve.
A broader design and technology background
Cruse Control's earlier work also covered web projects, graphic design, presentations, document templates and a wider range of technologies. Those disciplines form part of the company's background and still influence the emphasis on usability, presentation and practical integration.
Older references to technologies such as Flash, Director, ColdFusion and Quark have been removed from the current service description so that historical experience is not confused with today's active offering.
Work with Cruse Control
If you are looking at a FileMaker system, an existing Cruse Control product, or simply trying to decide what the most practical route is, get in touch.