Our mission is to make your business better through technology.
About Russell Ford
Over 20 years helping businesses work smarter
For more than 20 years, I've been designing and developing bespoke database systems that help businesses replace spreadsheets, streamline processes and make better use of their data.
During that time I've worked with over 280 businesses across a wide range of industries, designing systems that continue to evolve as those organisations grow.
As founder of FileMaker Specialists (Ditronic Software) in 2000, I work directly with businesses to understand how they operate before designing solutions that genuinely improve the way they work. Every system is tailored to the organisation rather than forcing the organisation to adapt to off-the-shelf software.
I believe the best business systems are those that fit naturally into the way people already work, reducing administration, improving accuracy and giving management better visibility of their business.
FileMaker Specialists by the Numbers
My approach
Every business is different.
That's why I spend time understanding your processes, your challenges and your goals before recommending any technical solution.
Sometimes the answer is a completely new Claris FileMaker system. Sometimes it's improving an existing database, integrating several systems together or replacing inefficient spreadsheet-based processes.
The technology is important, but understanding the business always comes first.
Experience
Over the years I've worked with organisations across a wide range of industries, designing systems for businesses of many different sizes.
Projects have included solutions for:
Many of these systems have continued to evolve over several years as the businesses themselves have grown.
Technical expertise
I specialise in the Claris FileMaker platform and have extensive experience developing secure, scalable business applications.
Areas of expertise include:
Who I work with
I typically work with small and medium-sized businesses that have outgrown spreadsheets, disconnected systems or older databases that no longer support the way they operate.
My clients include organisations in:
Whether you need a new business system, improvements to an existing FileMaker solution or integration between different platforms, the goal is always the same: creating software that makes your business more efficient.
Working with clients
One of the advantages of working with FileMaker Specialists is that you'll deal directly with me throughout your project.
From the initial consultation through design, development, implementation and ongoing support, I remain your point of contact. That means a detailed understanding of your business isn't lost between departments or outsourced to third parties.
Many of my clients have continued working with me for years, returning whenever their systems need to grow or adapt as their businesses evolve.
Why choose FileMaker Specialists?
Businesses choose FileMaker Specialists because they want more than just software development.
They want someone who understands both technology and the practical realities of running a business.
Whether you're replacing complex spreadsheets, modernising an ageing database or building an entirely new business system, my aim is always the same:
To deliver software that saves time, reduces manual work and helps your business operate more efficiently.
Outside of development
When I'm not developing business systems, I enjoy keeping up with emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence and how it can be used to improve business processes and productivity.
Technology continues to evolve rapidly, but the principles behind good software remain the same: understand the problem first, then build the right solution.
