The Italian Day Centre (IDC) is a Hobart based non-profit. They support Tasmanians to continue to live independently in their own homes and to remain connected to their community and culture through fresh delivered meal services and various social support programs.

Getbusi’s work with IDC began when their FileMaker database developer reached out for some advice. New government reporting requirements had come into effect and it meant that they were now spending hours per week entering data from their FileMaker database into a web portal.

Fortunately, the web portal could accept bulk uploads. The challenge was creating a repeatable process to transform FileMaker data into the government’s required format. We worked closely with IDC’s FileMaker developer to devise a long-term solution.

Data Wranglers

Rather than further complicating their FileMaker database, the most cost-effective approach was to build a new tool to handle the data transformation workflow. This way we could use the scripting tools we’re proficient with (Python), while providing a very simple web-based interface. FileMaker data goes in, Government-ready data comes out.

The majority of the work was understanding the XML data schemas required by the government, how the FileMaker format translates to them, and making sure the script logic aligned perfectly with those parameters. 500 lines of code and a lot of testing later, we had our solution.

Screenshots of the IDC Data Wrangler upload interface

IDC can now generate weeks or months of bulk reporting data within a few clicks. Over the years this has saved hundreds of hours of human effort better spent elsewhere. And, as the reporting requirements evolve, we simply adjust the wrangler logic to match.

System Administration & IT Support

During the data wrangler project, IDC were also reassessing the IT setup for their office. They had a small team, a basic office network, a handful of computers, a fileshare, a photocopier and a Microsoft 365 Non-profit account. Despite the limited scope, they were paying a fairly large annual maintenance fee to a Microsoft MSP who were not responsive.

Given Getbusi’s previous experience managing Windows Servers and networks, we decided to take this on. We now provide regular IT services including:

Staff IT support via phone and email
Server maintenance and updates
Backup & disaster recovery plans
Secure remote access tools
Microsoft 365 for Business administration
Maintaining access to non-profit software grants and discounts

FileMaker Support & Development

As of 2024 Getbusi has also taken over the administration of the FileMaker database IDC runs all of their operations through. This is a mission-critical system which requires diligent care to maintain. We also make targeted updates and improvements as the IDC’s services and requirements evolve.