LeaderFulcrum

FAQs 

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Q: How do I get started?

    To start a Trial or Subscription, click "Log In" (top right).  Then click "Sign Up".   Then create an account and select Trial or Subscription.  We will contact you, set you up and enable you to access the "User Resources" which includes instructional videos. 

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Q: Can one person use the application?

    Yes, a single person can use the application and see many benefits.  

    Single users will also improve the focus and accountability of those around them. 

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    Executives will benefit greatly by adding their administrative assistants as users of the application.

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Q: How do you define a "User".

    A "user" is a single individual person.  Sometimes called a "named user".  A user may not share their account with another person.  Doing so would be a violation of the Terms of Use Agreement.

 

Q: Can every user see everyone else’s information?

    No, each user can see their tasks, their meetings, attachments associated with meetings and tasks assigned to them etc.   In brief, users can see information relevant to them or that they have been granted access to. 

 

Q: Who should use it?

    - Leaders at all ranks

    - Project Managers

    - Teams

    - Executive Assistants

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Q: Is the Application Secure?

     Yes.

We know security is important to you and it’s important to us too.

Your data is encrypted at rest.

We use an SSL certificate for encryption in transit (while you use the application).

Our server is located at AWS.

We hired specialists in FileMaker to help design and implement the best security.

We use FileMaker’s embedded user access system.  We did not create our own.  Passwords are stored using a one-way hash, meaning the password is never stored as plain text.  You can reset a password but you can’t recover a password.

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Q: What devices does it run on?

    PC, Mac and iOS devices (iPads and iPhones) released within the past few years.

 

Q: How many devices can I use?

    Each User can use one device at a time.  You can switch between devices as often as you like (desktop, laptop, iPad and iPhone).  Just remember to use the Close button to close all your open windows on the device you are leaving.  

    Use of more than one device at a time will result in an increase in your subscription fee.

 

Q: Do I need to load any software on my device?

    Yes, you will need to load the underlying database program on your device.  Installation is simple.  Configuration is easy and takes just a few minutes.

 

Q: How long does it take to setup?

    We can activate your instance in a day.  You or your assigned system administrator can do your setup and enroll your users in minutes.

    Then, you can load your information as you work.

 

Q: What if I get a new device?

    No problem.  Your data is all in the cloud so you just need to setup your new device and  remove the software from your old device (to stay in compliance with the licensing agreement).

 

Q: Does it integrate with my calendar?

    Unfortunately, no.  But please read on.

    This is something we have looked at closely.

    First, we don’t expect to replace your company calendaring system.  That is the tool everyone will use to resolve scheduling conflicts and look for time slots where everyone is free.  Unfortunately, those calendaring tools don’t make the kind of hooks available that would be needed to build reliable integration. 

    So, yes there is a bit of duplication of effort associated with maintaining meeting dates and times.  In actual use, it has been our experience that even without the aid of an administrative assistant, the burden is not excessive and “the juice is well worth the squeeze”.

 

Q: Does it integrate with my email system?

    Yes, if your device management software doesn’t get in the way.  You are able to trigger the generation of a draft email to request a status update on a task you assigned.  The recipient does not need to be one of your registered users of the application.  This function works best with “client” based email (Outlook, Mac Mail, iOS mail). Web based email requires a manual cut-and-paste to work.  Device management software can isolate systems like email in a way that blocks interaction with outside applications.  They may even block copy and paste.  Check with your technology support team.

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Q: How long will the system hold my session open while I am inactive?

    The Server will hold your session open for 15 minutes of inactivity.  It will then close your session.  For iOS devices, after moving the application to the background, you will have 10 minutes to return to your session without being required to re-enter your UserID and Password.  After that, depending on your inactivity timing before putting the application in the background, you may have up to 5 minutes where you are able to return to where you left off by entering your UserID and Password.

 

Q:Can I play with the software before I subscribe to use it?

    Yes.  Click "Log In" (top right), then click "Sign Up" to create an account and check the "Request 45 Day Free Trial" option.

 

Q: Can I see a more detailed demonstration?  Can we schedule a live web conference demonstration?

    Yes.  Use the Contact Us form and we can provide additional demonstrations.

 

Q: Why does everyone hate going to meetings?

    Because the organizer has not communicated a clear purpose for the meeting.  Because the agenda is poorly developed.  Because the topic presenters are poorly prepared.  Because the advanced reading materials are not read by everyone before the meeting.  Because the supporting materials are difficult to access.  Because topics are discussed again and again.  Because task assignments are forgotten or not completed between meetings.  Because decisions are not documented and communicated.  Because the meeting minutes (if they exist) don’t capture the meaningful information (like options considered, rational for decisions and task assignments)…Stop the madness.  LeaderFulcrum can help you fix this!

 

Q: Will this magically make me better organized.

    No.  The tool is good but not that good.  No matter what application or paper based tool you choose, you will need to put in some effort.  You will need to develop some new routines for regular review of all your outstanding tasks.  Make it a weekly appointment with yourself on your calendar.  You are going to need to develop new daily routines for reviewing todays Tasks and your upcoming meetings.  We suggest you calendar a few minutes for that at the start and / or end of every day.

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Q: What underlying software is used by the application?

    Your subscription includes use of software from Claris (FileMaker International) for the term of your subscription and for sole purpose of running this application.  LeaderFulcrum is an independent entity and this website has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Claris (FileMaker International).  FileMaker is a trademark of Claris (fka FileMaker), registered in the U.S. and other countries.

 

Q: Who is Claris (fka FileMaker International)?

    Claris, Inc. is a subsidiary of Apple, inc.  Their website indicates they have 1,000,000 subscribed users and 50,000 business customers.  You can find out more at www.filemaker.com  or www.Claris.com.

 

Q: What FileMaker Version is LeaderFulcrum built on?

    LeaderFulcrum is built on these versions of software from Claris (FileMaker International):   FileMaker ®  Server 18, FileMaker ®   Pro 18, FileMaker Go ®   18.    FileMaker and the file folder logo are trademarks of FileMaker, Inc, registered in the U.S. and other countries.

 

Q: Can I obtain support from Claris (FileMaker International)?

    No.  FileMaker has no obligation to provide LeaderFulcrum customers or users with technical support.  You should contact LeaderFulcrum for all your support needs.

 

Q: What is the basis of Subscription Licensing?

    Subscriptions are based on the number of Named Users.  Each Named User may access the application from a single device at a time.

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Q: What languages are supported?

    The application is produced in English only today.  However FileMaker supports a number of spelling dictionaries. At this time, if users could accept english navigation and prompts, they could have spelling support for the data they enter in these languages (as of 7/2019):

        Portugues (Brasil)

        Portugues (Portugal)

        Nederlands

        Deutsch (Alte Regein)

        Espanol

        Italiano

        Francais

        US English (Medical)

        Deutsch (Neue Regein)

        Schweizerdeutsch

        US English

        Svenska

        UK English

 

Q: Is LeaderFulcrum subject to United States Export Restrictions?

    Yes.  The software may not be exported or used by a) Any US embargoed countries, b) anyone on the US Treasury Department’s list of Specially Designated Nationals or the US Department of Commerce Denied Person’s List or Entity List.  The software may not be used for any purpose prohibited by United States law, including, without limitation, the development, design, manufacture or production of missiles, nuclear, chemical or biological weapons.