Database Design & Implementation

Depending on your needs, MCACM will design your database in one of two application programs: Filemaker Pro™ or EmbARK™. Both programs are cross-platform, working on either PC or Mac systems, and are available for single users (on a stand-alone computer) or multiple concurrent users (on computers connected by a server).

Filemaker is an all-purpose database program that is easy to learn and use. EmbARK, designed specifically for the management of art collections, offers many advantages both in its image management capabilities and its cataloguing and reporting structures. It is also far advanced in its web publishing capabilities. For these reasons, EmbARK is also more complicated and costly to set up and to manage than Filemaker. The differences between the two applications and the issues raised by the selection of one over the other will be explained and discussed during the initial consultation.

It is possible that you may want to begin with a Filemaker system and upgrade to EmbARK at a later date. For this reason, MCACM will create Filemaker databases that are designed for easy migration of data to EmbARK as well as to allow a comfortable transition to EmbARKšs interface by the user.

Once a test version of your database has been developed, MCACM will return to demonstrate its functions and capabilities. If no revisions or adjustments are necessary, we will begin the process of importing data and images. During this period, the person designated as the 'system administrator' will receive basic instruction in the application program, the structure of the database, how to publish reports from existing templates, and how to create new report layouts.

We will then begin the process of cataloguing instruction. MCACM will produce a customized user's and cataloguer's manual to make learning the process of cataloguing both straightforward and trouble free. The manual will also provide instructions for accessing the various screen views and reports within your database.