The system your business actually runs on.
If your business runs on spreadsheets, disconnected tools, or a system that was never really built for the way you work. That is the problem we solve.
BasicData is a Cape Town-based Claris FileMaker development company. We don't sell off-the-shelf software. We build systems from scratch, shaped around your processes, your data, and the way your team works day to day.
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 businesses to enterprise groups.
We work with businesses across South Africa and internationally, from single-location operations to multi-brand enterprise groups. From founder-led businesses moving off spreadsheets for the first time, to large retail groups managing complex sourcing operations across multiple brands and suppliers.
Our team is based in Cape Town. We work with clients across South Africa and internationally. Most projects are managed remotely with on-site sessions when needed. We host and maintain FileMaker servers for clients nationally.
The questions we get asked first.
Direct answers on cost, timeline, fit, support and system takeovers.
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.
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.