FileMaker development for Johannesburg businesses.
Gauteng is home to the largest concentration of operations-heavy businesses in South Africa. We build the custom database systems that keep them running.
BasicData is a Cape Town-based Claris FileMaker development company. We work with clients across Johannesburg and Gauteng remotely, with on-site sessions when the project requires it.
If it has a process and produces data, we can build a system around it.
FileMaker is a rapid application development platform owned by Claris, an Apple subsidiary. It lets us build custom database applications, mobile tools, and connected business systems faster than traditional development, without the enterprise price tag.
Operations management systems
Inventory and warehouse management
Crew and contractor management
Procurement and sourcing platforms
Job costing and project tracking
Client and case management
Custom reporting and dashboards
FileMaker Go mobile applications
System modernisation & takeovers
Most projects fail in the first two weeks.
FileMaker development looks simple from the outside. Most projects fail not in the build, but in the scoping, the data architecture, and the decisions made in the first two weeks. A poorly designed system is expensive to fix later.
BasicData has been building production FileMaker systems since 2018. Our clients have been with us for an average of eight years. The systems we build do not get replaced. They get extended.
We are a registered member of the Claris FileMaker Business Alliance, the formal partner programme for professional FileMaker development companies.
From founder-led Joburg businesses to large enterprise groups.
We work with businesses across Johannesburg and Gauteng, from single-location operations to multi-site enterprise groups. Retail, financial services, manufacturing, and logistics are industries we know well in the Gauteng context.
The questions we get asked first.
Direct answers on cost, timeline, fit, support and working remotely.
How much does FileMaker development cost?
Project cost depends on scope. Straightforward systems typically start from R150,000 to R250,000. More complex, multi-module platforms can run significantly higher. We provide a fixed-price quote after a scoping session, no surprises mid-project.
How long does a FileMaker project take?
A focused first module typically takes six to twelve weeks from scoping to go-live. We build in phases so you are using a working system early, not waiting months for a big reveal.
Is FileMaker the right tool for my business?
Not always, and we will tell you if it is not. FileMaker is well suited to operations-heavy businesses with complex internal processes and data. It is not the right fit for consumer-facing apps or simple record-keeping that a standard SaaS tool handles fine.
Do you provide ongoing support after the build?
Yes. Most clients move onto a support retainer after go-live. We host FileMaker servers, handle maintenance, and continue developing the system as the business grows.
Can you take over an existing FileMaker system?
Yes. We assess and take over existing FileMaker systems regularly, whether they were built in-house or by another developer. We will give you an honest assessment of what you have before committing to anything.
Do you work with Johannesburg clients remotely?
Yes. Most of our Johannesburg engagements are managed remotely. We use structured scoping sessions, regular check-ins, and staged delivery to keep projects on track. On-site visits to Gauteng are scheduled when the project benefits from them.
Tell us what you're trying to solve.
We'll give you an honest answer, including if we think a different tool would serve you better.