Database Development
iSeek Creative
iSeek Creative is a UK-based children's book publisher and packager founded in 2010, specialising in interactive educational books for ages 2-10. Operating with a small team, they provide end-to-end services from concept to delivery across 12 product categories including board books, pop-ups, and activity sets. Their B2B-only model serves retailers, distributors, and publishers worldwide through strategic co-production partnerships, enabling them to reach over 40 countries whilst maintaining competitive pricing. Despite their global presence through major book fairs and international distribution, they emphasise personalised service and maintain strict safety compliance standards for all products.
How iSeek Transformed International Publishing Operations with Claris FileMaker
iSeek is a UK-based publisher specialising in imaginative children's books for ages 0-12. With over 1,600 titles in their catalogue, they create illustrated non-fiction, novelty, and activity books distributed across 50 countries. Their unique co-edition model involves managing complex international orders, translations, and print runs whilst maintaining strict safety and regulatory compliance across multiple territories.
The Challenge: Managing Complexity Without the Right Tools
When iSOS first partnered with iSeek in 2005, the company was struggling with the complexities of international publishing. Their co-edition business model, creating books in English, pre-selling them in multiple languages across 50+ countries, then managing complex print runs where only text plates change while covers are customised locally, presented unique operational challenges.
Key challenges included:
Manual order processing leading to errors and delays
Fragmented compliance tracking across different territories
No centralised view of inventory or order status
Time-consuming reporting that took days to compile
Risk of regulatory non-compliance with varying international requirements
The Solution: A Comprehensive Claris FileMaker System
iSOS developed a sophisticated solution tailored specifically to iSeek's international publishing needs. Originally adapted from an existing publishing database and extensively customised, the system has evolved into a mission-critical platform that handles everything from initial order processing through to final delivery tracking.
Core System Features:
Confirmed Order Report (COR) system - Streamlined order processing that automatically generates order summaries and populates centralised order tables
Integrated purchase order management - Unified systems for managing printer orders and supplier invoices with automatic tracking
Comprehensive job number architecture - Managing 1,600+ titles with unique identifiers essential for compliance and safety testing
Multi-server infrastructure - Supporting both iSeek and acquired subsidiary operations with appropriate data segregation
Regulatory compliance tracking - Unique tracking codes supporting safety testing and emerging regulations like EUDR (European Deforestation Regulation)
20 Years of Partnership and Continuous Evolution
What began as a database adaptation has developed into a comprehensive business management system. The partnership started through a referral, and over nearly two decades, iSOS has continuously refined and expanded the system to meet iSeek's evolving needs.
Recent Major Enhancements:
Subsidiary integration - Creating a rebranded database version for their new subsidiary while maintaining core functionality
Advanced data segregation - Implementing customer record and invoice separation to facilitate cross-selling opportunities
Legacy data migration - Managing complex transfers when iSeek acquired additional imprints, including migration from American servers
Enhanced security infrastructure - Expanding backup systems with immutable, encrypted backups using separate Backblaze buckets
Comprehensive Technical Infrastructure
Beyond the Claris FileMaker database, iSOS provides complete IT support that forms the backbone of iSeek's operations. This holistic approach ensures seamless integration across all technical infrastructure:
Secure backup systems - Immutable, encrypted backups with segregated buckets preventing cross-contamination
Real-time data protection - Continuous synchronisation of all publishing files
Multi-server management - Supporting UK operations and legacy files from American acquisitions
Website hosting - Maintaining iSeek's corporate web presence
Measurable Results and Business Impact
The transformation has delivered substantial, measurable benefits over the 20-year partnership:
Operational Efficiency:
Order processing time dramatically reduced
Reporting cycle shortened
Error rates significantly reduced
Compliance tracking substantially improved
Business Growth Support:
Scaled from startup to 1,600+ titles
Expanded from 20 to 50+ countries
Integrated 3 acquired imprints seamlessly within existing operations
Maintained exceptional uptime throughout significant business changes
The Co-Edition Publishing Solution in Action
iSeek's business model presents unique challenges that their FileMaker solution addresses comprehensively. When they create a book in English and pre-sell it across multiple languages and territories, the database manages this intricate process from initial order through to final delivery tracking.
This system is particularly crucial for managing safety testing and regulatory compliance across different territories - each requiring unique tracking codes and documentation that the database generates automatically.
Client Perspective: A True Business Partnership
As Tony from iSeek notes: "You've looked after us very well for a long time." He emphasises that "we couldn't manage without the database."
The relationship exemplifies how technology partnerships should work, with iSOS understanding both the technical requirements and the business implications of iSeek's unique publishing model.
Why This Matters for Your Business
iSeek's story demonstrates how the right database solution can transform operations, not just digitise them. Their success shows that:
Long-term partnerships deliver compounding value - 20 years of continuous improvement beats one-off implementations
Industry-specific expertise matters - Understanding publishing workflows enabled solutions that generic systems couldn't provide
Scalable architecture supports growth - The system has adapted from startup to international operations without requiring replacement
Comprehensive support reduces risk - Combining database development with IT infrastructure ensures seamless operations
Ready to Transform Your Operations?
If your business is struggling with operational complexity, manual processes, or systems that don't scale with your growth, you're facing the same challenges iSeek overcame 20 years ago.
As a Claris Platinum Partner with over 18 years of experience, iSOS has delivered more than 500 Claris FileMaker database solutions across diverse industries. Our expertise in complex operational databases, combined with comprehensive IT support services, makes us the ideal partner for companies requiring sophisticated database operations with reliable technical infrastructure.
Next Steps:
Free consultation to assess your current operational challenges
Custom proposal showing how a FileMaker solution could transform your business
Implementation roadmap with timeline and support structure
Our long-term client relationships, like our 20-year partnership with iSeek, demonstrate our commitment to evolving solutions that grow with your business.
Contact iSOS today to discover how we can help you achieve the same operational transformation that has powered iSeek's international success.
