Our Approach
We build databases, automate workflows, and integrate AI solving business problems with technology.
25+ years as FileMaker developers and custom app developers serving Los Angeles and clients nationwide.
What We Do
Filemaker Database Development & FileMaker Rescue
We build custom FileMaker databases from scratch and rescue broken ones. Most databases can be optimized and fixed rather than rebuilt from scratch. We have the technical expertise to untangle complex systems, repair broken functionality, optimize poor performance, and modernize legacy applications. When rebuilds make sense technically, we’ll tell you—with data supporting that recommendation. Emergency database issues get same-day response.
Business Process Automation
We automate repetitive workflows eliminating manual data entry and reducing errors. Invoice generation, order processing, inventory updates, customer communications, approval workflows, document generation, data synchronization—if your team does it manually and repeatedly, we can automate it. We use FileMaker, Claris Connect, APIs, and custom integrations to connect your systems and eliminate redundant work.
AI & System Integration
We integrate AI capabilities into your existing systems, likesemantic search, automated data extraction, predictive analytics, intelligent categorization, chatbots, and sentiment analysis. We connect disconnected systems so data flows automatically between your e-commerce platform, inventory management, CRM, accounting software, and FileMaker databases. We implement practical AI and integrations that solve specific problems, not experimental technology for its own sake.
How We Work
1
Technical Honesty
When you request a feature, we evaluate whether you need it or if there’s a simpler solution. We recommend cost-effective approaches even when we could bill more hours implementing complex solutions. Our client relationships average 10+ years because we optimize for your success, not our revenue.
2
Security & Accessibility Built In
We build secure applications following enterprise security standards—encrypted data transmission, role-based access controls, audit trails, and vulnerability prevention. Every database and website we develop meets Section 508 accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 AA compliance), ensuring your systems serve all users including those with disabilities.
3
Clear Communication
Technical concepts get explained in plain language. Recommendations include pros, cons, and implications. We don’t gatekeep technical knowledge—we transfer it. That produces better decisions, realistic expectations, and systems your team can operate independently.
4
Maintainable Architecture
Clean code. Thorough documentation. Readable systems that other developers can understand. If you need to bring work in-house or switch consultants, you’re not locked into proprietary approaches only we can decipher.
5
Fixed Pricing, Clear Scope
Custom app development projects use fixed-price quotes for defined scope. Change requests get estimated before we proceed. Price changes only when scope expands—with your approval first, in writing. No hidden fees, no surprise invoices.
6
Reliable Response Times
Emergency issues: same-day response. Support requests: 48-hour turnaround (typically faster). If we commit to Tuesday at 2pm, we deliver Tuesday at 2pm. Our Los Angeles-based team serves clients locally and nationwide with the same reliable support.
Our Development Process
01
Discovery & Requirements
We document current processes, identify inefficiencies, and understand success criteria through stakeholder meetings. We ask questions until we understand your workflows, technical constraints, and business objectives. This phase produces clear project scope, realistic timeline, and fixed-price proposal.
Deliverables: Project specification document, fixed-price quote, timeline with milestones, clearly defined success criteria.
02
Design & Technical Architecture
We create system architecture diagrams, screen mockups, workflow documentation, and integration specifications before writing code. Security and accessibility requirements get designed into the architecture from the start, not added as afterthoughts. Changes are straightforward at the design stage—exponentially more expensive after development begins. We iterate based on feedback until design matches requirements.
Approvals required: Data model structure, user interface mockups, workflow logic, integration architecture, security controls.
03
Iterative Development
We build in phases, delivering functional modules for review every 2-3 weeks. You see progress continuously rather than waiting months for final delivery. Integration with IT infrastructure happens during development, not as an afterthought. Code gets documented concurrently with development. All work happens on staging servers—never in production.
Process: Bi-weekly progress demonstrations, regular feedback incorporation, IT coordination on technical requirements, comprehensive code documentation.
04
Testing & Quality Assurance
Know what you’re paying before you commit. No hidden fees or complicated pricing structures. Just high quality consulting and support from Senior developers with technical documentation, email and phone support, code quality assurance, and project management.
05
Deployment & Knowledge Transfer
We train your team on system operation—not just “click here” instructions but conceptual understanding enabling basic troubleshooting. Documentation includes written guides, video tutorials, and reference materials. Production deployment happens during low-usage periods. Post-launch monitoring identifies issues immediately. Training continues after launch—we’re available for questions during the adjustment period.
Deliverables: Trained team capable of independent operation, comprehensive documentation, production deployment, post-launch monitoring and support.
06
Ongoing Support & Optimization
Systems require maintenance: security updates, bug fixes, feature enhancements, performance tuning, AI model refinement. We offer monthly support retainers or hourly on-demand support. We monitor system health proactively, apply security patches, and recommend optimizations based on usage patterns. Long-term partnership, not one-time engagement.
Ready to discuss your project?
Let’s have a direct conversation about your technical requirements, realistic timelines, and what success looks like.
Call us at (866) 852-4484, send an email to [email protected] or reach out below.
Harlow Tech helped my company create a best-in-class quoting tool that was tailored to our very exacting sales process requirements.
This project saved our company hundreds of hours of time in the sales process, and boosted our ability to pull meaningful data from our formerly paper process. In addition to FileMaker and Web App projects, HarlowTech consulted with us on cybersecurity and IT issues, and I am very happy with their performance. I would be happy to work with them again in the future!
Alex Berezin
Arecont Vision LLC