We take over FileMaker systems other developers left behind.
An abandoned FileMaker system is not worthless. It is years of business logic, workflow, and data that cannot be easily replaced. The right developer can stabilise, extend, and modernise it.
BasicData has been inheriting and remediating FileMaker systems since 2018. We assess what you have, tell you honestly what it needs, and take over from there.
Everything a system takeover actually involves.
Taking over a FileMaker system is not the same as starting a new build. It requires understanding decisions made years ago, identifying what is salvageable, fixing what is not, and building a stable foundation for future development.
Initial system audit and assessment
Code and architecture review
Data integrity and performance checks
Stabilisation and critical fixes
Documentation of undocumented systems
Server migration and infrastructure upgrade
Ongoing development and modernisation
Staff knowledge transfer
Full support retainer after takeover
Most takeovers fail because the new developer did not look hard enough first.
The biggest risk in a system takeover is not the technical debt, it is agreeing to take on a system before you understand what you are dealing with. We have seen poorly built systems that looked fine on the surface. We audit before we commit.
BasicData has been taking over and remediating FileMaker systems since 2018. We have inherited systems built in-house by non-developers, systems abandoned mid-build by freelancers, and systems running on outdated infrastructure with no documentation. We know what to look for.
We are a registered member of the Claris FileMaker Business Alliance, the formal partner programme for professional FileMaker development companies.
Businesses whose FileMaker system outlasted the developer who built it.
Our takeover clients range from businesses whose internal developer has moved on, to companies who inherited a system through an acquisition, to organisations whose original FileMaker partner shut down. If your system is running but nobody owns it properly, that is what we fix.
Questions about FileMaker system takeovers.
What the process looks like, how long it takes, and what it costs.
How do you assess an existing FileMaker system?
We run a structured audit covering the data model, scripting, user interface, security settings, server configuration, and any third-party integrations. We document what we find and give you an honest report before agreeing to take anything over.
What if the original developer left no documentation?
That is common. We reverse-engineer undocumented systems regularly. It takes longer to audit, and we will tell you upfront if the system is too poorly structured to take on. We will not agree to support something we cannot stand behind.
How long does a takeover typically take?
A straightforward takeover, covering audit, remediation, and moving to our hosting, typically takes two to four weeks. More complex systems with significant technical debt take longer. We will scope it honestly after the initial assessment.
Can you modernise an older FileMaker version?
Yes. We upgrade systems from older FileMaker versions to the current platform regularly. The process involves a compatibility review, testing across layouts and scripts, and a staged upgrade to minimise disruption to your team.
What does a system takeover cost?
The initial audit is scoped and priced separately. Remediation and ongoing support are priced based on what the audit reveals. We will not give you a fixed price before we know what we are taking on, but we will be transparent about costs at each stage.
Can you take over a system and keep developing it?
Yes. Most of our takeover clients move onto a support and development retainer after the initial stabilisation. We host the server, handle maintenance, and continue building on the system as your business grows.
Tell us about your existing system.
Send us a brief description of what you have. We will tell you honestly whether it is something we can take on and what the next step looks like.