Contact

SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT

Software Development

With 4D, we respond flexibly to your requirements.

01ABOUT 4D

What is 4D?

4D (4th Dimension) is a database application development tool that originated in France. Since 1984, it has been used to build and run business systems around the world.

It is known worldwide for rapid development, and CAOS Co., Ltd. specializes in software development with 4D.

Name
4D (4th Dimension)
Type
Database application development tool
Origin
France
In use
Since 1984, for building and running business systems worldwide
Diagram: with 4D, screens, logic and data are built within a single tool4DScreensInput & listsLogicCalculations & totalsDataDatabaseWithin one tool
FIG.01Screens, logic and data, built in one tool (diagram)

02STRENGTHS

Five strengths of
developing with 4D

Implementations to dateNearly200

  1. 01

    Nimble

    Even when your data grows to tens of millions of records, you get quick, smooth access.

  2. 02

    Fast

    In one case, a project expected to take a team of five a full year was completed by a team of two in three months with 4D.

    Comparison chart: in one case, a project expected to take a team of five one year was completed by a team of two in three months with 4D.Typical estimate5 people × 1 yearA case built with 4D2 people × 3 months036912months
    FIG.02Team size and duration in one case
  3. 03

    Affordable

    4D’s license fees are very reasonable compared with other vendors.

  4. 04

    Easy to pick up

    A tool that feels familiar even if you use Access, FileMaker, or kintone.

    • Access
    • FileMaker
    • kintone
  5. 05

    Connect

    We are also strong at integrating with IoT devices and PLCs.

    Diagram: connecting IoT devices and PLCs, a system built with 4D, and business dataIoT devicesPLCSystembuilt with 4DBusiness data
    FIG.03Connecting IoT devices and PLCs with business data (diagram)

03FOR YOU

Who we can help

…feel you’ve hit the limits of Access, FileMaker or kintone

4D feels familiar even to Access, FileMaker and kintone users.

…want to connect IoT devices and PLCs to your business data

We are also strong at integrating with IoT devices and PLCs.

…want to see a working prototype first

In a free consultation, we build a prototype of software that solves your challenge.

04PROCESS

We work in seven steps.

From on-site survey and interviews through to maintenance. Surveys and interviews can also be done remotely.

  1. 1. On-site survey & interviewsRemote OK

    We get a precise picture of your current situation. This can also be done remotely.

  2. 2. Planning

    We combine your requirements with our own technology and experience to propose the best-fitting system.

  3. 3. Design

    Beyond solving today’s issues, we build in future risks and opportunities.

  4. 4. Development

    We adapt flexibly, even to frequent changes in specifications.

  5. 5. Deployment

    We support the rollout with simple, stress-free operation.

  6. 6. Operation

    We respond quickly to small changes and problems after launch.

  7. 7. MaintenanceOn-site in emergencies

    In addition to remote maintenance, we come on site in emergencies.

We work through “prototyping-based development”: we build a trial version and have you try it step by step, so we create the system together. That way, you never end up with a finished system you can’t use.

05WORKS

Software that fits your work.

Here are six examples from the projects we have published on our former website. Client names are withheld; only the industry and region are shown.

“Rather than fitting your production process to the software, what matters is fitting the software to your production process.” (from our production management software project)

  1. 2022A metalworking company in Nagoya

    01. A sales management system that ends double entry

    The challenge
    The same information was entered and managed twice, in a sales management package and in Excel.
    What we built
    A sales management system in 4D covering quotes, orders, work instructions, invoicing and drawing management, with tablet input. Five PCs connect to a 4D database server. We also built in an Excel-like input worksheet (4D View Pro).
    The result
    Released in about three months through agile development.

  2. 2021An insurance agency

    02. Searching millions of PDF pages in one second

    The challenge
    Customer information had to be re-entered at every renewal, and searching large volumes of documents was slow.
    What we built
    A customer-centered electronic filing system that indexes millions of PDF pages overnight.
    The result
    Results in one second by keyword, such as customer name, phone number or contract terms. Staff can now finish handling a call without hanging up.

  3. 2022A home-care service provider

    03. Enter it on site, then go straight home

    The challenge
    Staff recorded visits on paper and wrote reports after returning to the office.
    What we built
    On-site input with tablets and laptops plus small barcode readers. To keep communication costs down, data is sent to the server by email, then consolidated on a 4D server, which generates reports automatically. The system runs on six servers.
    The result
    Staff can now go home directly from the field.

  4. 2022A solar power and renovation company in Nagoya

    04. Fewer steps to build a prospect list

    The challenge
    Addresses were pasted into Google Maps one by one to build a list of prospects.
    What we built
    Software linked with Google Maps. It imports an Excel list with a single copy-and-paste, shows Google Maps in four panes at the click of a button, saves each decision, and exports to CSV and Excel.
    The result
    Fewer steps in building the list.

  5. 2021A manufacturer

    05. Production management software that fits the company

    The challenge
    Packaged production management software did not fit the company’s way of working.
    What we built
    Custom production management software with Excel integration, automatic numbering, planning sheets, requirements calculation and more.
    The result
    For one client, the cost came to one-fifth of a packaged product.

  6. 2023Our own product

    06. EX4DB, a database integrated with Excel

    Search and totals across Excel workbooks, file-level protection against infection (such as ransomware), import of PDF and Word files, and expansion to BI. Works on Windows and Mac. Released in 2023.

Masahiko Toki, Representative Director, standing in front of an entrance with the “CAOS” sign

06STORY

It began with 4D v3.1.

  1. In technical support

    Worked in the technical support division of a major electronics manufacturer, supporting PCs, word processors, fax machines, multifunction printers, scanners, office computers and more.

  2. Toward the age of software

    Seeing the launch of Windows 95 and desktop publishing on the Mac, became convinced that software was what would matter.

  3. Discovering 4D v3.1

    At a time when software was still hard to get into, came across 4D (then version 3.1). With its graphical development screen and intuitive commands, you could tell at a glance what it was doing.

  4. Building systems with 4D

    Later left the company and, making full use of 4D, has developed systems for businesses across many industries and fields.

  5. To date

    Nearly 200 implementations.

Representative DirectorMasahiko Toki

08FAQ

FAQ

What is 4D?

A database application development tool that originated in France. Since 1984, it has been used to build and run business systems around the world, and it is known worldwide for rapid development.

We use Access, FileMaker or kintone. Will 4D feel familiar?

4D is a tool that feels familiar even to Access, FileMaker and kintone users.

Can we try something before placing an order?

In a free consultation through our APP LINK site, we listen to your needs and build a prototype of software that solves your challenge, so you can decide after seeing on screen how it works — something a specification document can’t show. (The APP LINK site is in Japanese.)

Can meetings be held remotely?

Yes. On-site surveys and interviews can also be done remotely.

We would like to be able to develop in-house.

If you want to build in-house, we help you start small and grow the capability yourselves. We also hold free workshops led by practicing 4D and Qodly engineers (in Japanese).

09CONTACT

Contact Us

For questions about software development, hardware, PC support or website production, use this form or call us.

By phone

TEL+81-58-383-2295 (Japan time)

We use the information you send only to reply to your inquiry.