FME Platform Reviews & Product Details

I really like the way that the FME platform offers a way to interact with almost each type of data in an easy to use format. In that way the entry level is pretty low, but that doesn't mean that you can't achieve more difficult things. There is no need to explicitly write code to achieve more advanced things with data, because the drag and drop interface make integrations between different software systems makes it relatively simple. On top of that, you are able to automate different processes, for example with Automations in FME Flow.

Because the FME Platform works with drag and drop transformers, I am able to explain difficult processes to end-users in a high level (and make it visible). Another quality of FME is that it also works with larger datasets, so you can also use it for large database migration projects. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Because you don't 'code' transformations yourself, in some cases you have to use more transformers to maintain the same data-schema because transformers do more than what you explicitly want.

Another thing what I dislike is that it difficult to work together on the same workspace script. It is possible in some way, but requires more advanced knowledge of FME itself (and computer systems in general).

An honorable mention is that the costs of owning and using the FME Platform has risen, at least compared to 2/3 years ago. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

I love the versatility of FME Platform; it's absolutely remarkable in terms of the flexibility and latitude it offers to incorporate various forms of data. The platform allows me to employ creativity in utilizing its features, and with the advent of AI, it's becoming even more powerful. I also appreciate how seamlessly I can use FME with other tools like Revit, AutoCAD, and ArcGIS Pro, which really speaks volumes. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

One of the features I use extensively within FME Platform is the ability to write PDFs of our floor plans directly, but I feel that FME is a bit weak in that department. There could be tremendous improvements in the output of data to the PDF platform to make it more effective for my needs. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

FME is easy to understand and straightforward to follow. I also appreciate the wide variety of transformers it offers, which makes FME highly compatible with many different use cases and workflows. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

For starters, it’s really expensive. I remember that when I was looking for a new role, experience with FME was often listed as a plus. FME does offer a demo, but I find it pretty insufficient, because a short trial period isn’t enough to genuinely learn the tool.

FME has a steep learning curve, and you only start to understand its strengths once you’re working on real projects with messy data, multiple formats, and more complex workflows. In a few weeks you can follow tutorials, but you can’t build real, practical experience or a portfolio you can show employers. For job seekers and early-career professionals, that turns into a bit of a chicken-and-egg problem. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

I like the power to integrate systems and formats. The multitude of built-in transformers and the component creation process in FME is visual and powerful. For ETL processes, I'd give it a 10, as it really excels in that area. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

I find the fine-tuning of transformers to be challenging because the tools seem to be a bit hidden, and sometimes the settings are difficult to find. The integration is good, but it could be better in terms of fully fleshing out what components can be set where and how to effectively integrate them into workflows. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

I like the FME Platform because it is simple to use and the interface is easy to understand. Most features work smoothly, and it helps me complete my work faster. I love how easy it is to automate repetitive data tasks, and the straightforward interface saves a lot of time once the workflow is set up. The ability to connect with different data sources without complicating the process is great. I also find the data transformation tools and automation workflows very useful as they make cleaning, converting, and moving data between different systems much easier without doing everything manually. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Sometimes the FME Platform feels a bit overwhelming because there are so many options and settings. A few features can take time to learn, especially for a new user. I think simpler guidance and a more beginner-friendly interface in some areas would improve the experience. Specifically, the more advanced workflow settings and some of the transformers can take a little time to understand. Configuring connections between different data sources is not always obvious at first, and it would help to have more step-by-step examples or simpler explanations inside the platform. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

I like how the UI is very easy to follow. The documentation is also straightforward: the help buttons for each transformer are easy to find and understand. I can do all my GIS and spatial analysis in FME, and the way FME works means I’m automatically creating a workflow and documentation at the same time. Performance is great, and it integrates well with other apps because it can read and write every format I need. FME Flow is worth it as well, since it helps us connect all our different data sources and schedule updates. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

I dislike how some specific transformers don’t have a Group By option, and how I can’t always use the WHERE clause in the FeatureReader. However, there’s usually a workaround when something isn’t possible in one transformer, and that’s also what I like about FME. With AI, it also becomes much easier to find a solution when you know what you want to do, just not exactly how to do it. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

FME has become a very useful part of my day-to-day GIS workflow, particularly when working with CAD data. It makes it straightforward to move, transform, and prepare information between CAD and GIS environments, while maintaining good data quality throughout the process.

One of the things I appreciate most is how efficiently FME handles data processing. Even when dealing with relatively large or more complicated datasets, workflows generally run quickly without requiring excessive manual intervention. The interface is also intuitive enough to build and modify workflows without a steep learning curve.

From a cost perspective, I feel FME provides good value given the range of data conversion and transformation capabilities available within a single platform.

The support available locally in Auckland is another positive aspect. The Safe Software representatives have been responsive and knowledgeable, which makes it much easier to resolve issues or get guidance when needed.

I have not explored the newer AI and intelligent automation capabilities in depth yet, so I cannot comment on their practical performance. However, these features look particularly interesting, and I see considerable potential for them to further automate repetitive data-processing tasks and improve future GIS workflows. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

The main challenge with FME is the interface. Although it provides a wide range of functionality, the workspace environment can appear somewhat dated and complicated, particularly when first getting started. It takes some time to become familiar with the different transformers, connections, and workflow structure before you can work efficiently.

Another area that could be improved is troubleshooting. When a workspace becomes large or involves multiple stages of CAD and GIS data transformation, identifying the source of an error can take considerable time. More intuitive debugging tools and clearer feedback would make it easier to diagnose problems and maintain complex workflows. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

what i genuinely like most about FME platform is its capability to manage various data formats and integrate many systems within one workflow. one very helpful thing for me was that i can manage data work and build workflows without writing code by just simply drag and drop feature. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

I don't find anything major to dislike about FME. the only issue i think is pricing which quite costly and so far for me it is worth it. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

FME is a GIS destop tool that lets me run workspace manually, integrate APIs qnd automate transformations as an ETL tool. These capabilities save me time by removing the need to manually move data between systems like ERP and POS before bringing it into GIS. It also includes built in testing and a wide range of transformers, which makes it easier for me to adjust worlflows and apply changes in real time. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

FME makes it slow and cumbersome to create scheduling pipelines. I’ve also noticed that tasks often take longer than expected, which creates real problems when I’m trying to resolve issues in reporting or daily operations. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

The variety of different file formats FME can handle is very helpful in my role between a couple of teams. From working with GIS, CAD, Hydraulic Model and other water software specialists, there are lots of different file formats that I can handle/manipulate. It handles millions of data points quickly and efficiently, such as point cloud surveys. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

There are some quality of life features that are unintuitive or annoying. For example, handling user parameters on partial runs, or crashing when browsing for file geodatabases. This means sometimes when not prompted to change user parameters in partial runs, I waste some time and have to go back and change the inputs. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.