Story of a Business’s IBM i Legacy
For years, their IBM i system had been the heartbeat of the organization. It was there for every critical process, every pivotal decision, and every success story.
- The company had invested years perfecting custom workflows, developing processes so unique that no off-the-shelf software could match their efficiency.
- They had a bustling production floor – workers typing away on old green-screen terminals, their fingers moving rhythmically. However, their faces showed subtle frustration as they were used to sleek, intuitive interfaces elsewhere.
- During boardroom meetings, executives meticulously reviewed extensive spreadsheets, discussing figures that appeared inconsistent.
- Leaders, seeking immediate insights, frequently relied on manually assembled spreadsheets and fragmented data sources.
The organization had experienced growth, expansion, and transformation, however, its longstanding IBM i system, which had served as the foundation of its operations for many years, was beginning to demonstrate signs of obsolescence.
As the external environment advanced, limitations had become evident – not in the system’s reliability, but in its capacity to fulfill the requirements of a contemporary business environment.
The IBM i system that once felt like a competitive edge now felt like a weight holding them back.
They knew change was needed – but the thought of starting over was daunting!
The Turning Point
One day, during a routine executive meeting, the technology leader posed a question that shifted the conversation –
“How do we make the most of what we already have?”
“Our AS400 (IBM i) system has served us well, but we can’t keep patching the past. We need a solution that honors our legacy but prepares us for the future.”
The IT team sprang into action, – they realized – “We don’t need to replace it – we can modernize it – we can really transform what we’ve built over decades”
Exploring ways to modernize rather than replace their IBM i system, they discovered that modernization wasn’t just possible – it was transformative!
By combining their trusted IBM i system with cutting-edge IT services, they could unlock a future where their technology not only kept up but led the way.
They start looking for solutions –
- To transform green screens into sleek, intuitive dashboards.
- To use Power BI to turn raw data into real-time insights.
- To integrate with Microsoft tools to break down silos and foster collaboration.
- To strengthen infrastructure to scale securely and seamlessly.
They decide – “If we’re doing this, we’re doing it right. Let’s make this system a star again.”
Their Modernization Journey
1. Giving the System a Fresh Face
The production and processing teams had long relied on green screens that required extensive training and slowed down workflows.
With modern UI/UX enhancements, those screens were transformed into sleek, user-friendly interfaces.
- Dashboards simplified processes.
- Teams adapted quickly, saving time and reducing errors. For the first time, the system felt as modern as the rest of their tools, and productivity soared.
2. Bringing Data to Life with Power BI
Leadership needed more than raw data – they needed insights. Power BI became their new lens, turning mountains of IBM i data into visually compelling dashboards.
- Revenue trends and performance metrics were now just a click away.
- Custom reports allowed them to drill into specific issues, identifying opportunities and risks faster than ever. With real-time insights at their fingertips, their decisions became strategic.
3. Integrating Microsoft Solutions
Collaboration across departments had always been a challenge. By integrating their IBM i system with Microsoft tools, silos dissolved.
- Teams collaborated effortlessly using Microsoft Teams and SharePoint.
- Automated workflows through Power Automate freed employees from repetitive tasks, letting them focus on strategic priorities.
4. Optimizing the Infrastructure
The system needed to grow with the business. By leveraging cloud integration and enhancing security, the company’s IT infrastructure became scalable and resilient.
- Downtime was virtually eliminated, and performance was optimized.
- The peace of mind that came with enhanced security allowed them to focus on innovation rather than risk mitigation.
The Transformation
Montage time!
- Developers work tirelessly, their screens filled with vibrant interfaces as green screens faded into history.
- The CEO beams as he clicks through a Power BI dashboard, instantly spotting trends and making confident decisions.
- Production teams celebrate as their workflows become faster and smoother with modern tools.
- Cross-departmental meetings flowed seamlessly as Microsoft Teams integrations made collaboration effortless.
Each win was celebrated, but tension rose as challenges emerged – tight deadlines, unexpected bugs, and the weight of expectation from employees who’ve trusted the IBM i for decades.
The Redemption
Just when it seemed like they were reaching their limits, a breakthrough occurred. The final piece of modernization fell into place – a new UI/UX design that tied everything together.
On the launch day, the entire company gathered. Hush fell over the room as their leader stepped forward – “Today, we honor the system that’s carried us this far. And today, we show the world how we’re stepping into the future.”
The screen lighted up, revealing a dashboard so intuitive, so powerful, that cheers erupted. Employees at every level felt the difference – faster workflows, real-time insights, seamless collaboration.
The Results
The transformation was undeniable.
- Production teams worked faster and more confidently with modernized workflows.
- Leadership gained the clarity and insights needed to guide the company forward.
- Departments collaborated seamlessly, improving efficiency and innovation.
Beyond the technical improvements, something else had shifted – the company rediscovered its competitive edge.
By modernizing instead of replacing, they honored their past investments while preparing for a future of growth.
Their IBM i system was no longer a legacy platform, it was their platform for success.
A once-cynical technology leader leaned back, looking at a growth report generated effortlessly by Power BI.
With a smile, he thinks – “For years, this system was our foundation. Now, it’s our future.”
The production floor was bustling again – but this time, with smiles. Modern dashboards guided operations, decision-makers acted with confidence, and the company felt unstoppable.
“Their Legacy was Transformed and Future Unlocked.”
Their story ends here…
It’s Your Turn Now
If this resonates with you, it captures the common journey that many businesses experience.
- Your IBM i system has served you faithfully, but now it is time to adapt it to meet your evolving needs.
- Your IBM i represents more than just a system – it is the cornerstone of your potential for greatness.
- By modernizing your IBM i, you can transform your narrative into innovation, growth, and achievement!
Modernization goes beyond technological upgrades – it is about maximizing your investment potential and equipping your teams with the necessary tools for success.
At Integrative Systems, we specialize in enhancing IBM i systems through customized solutions in UI/UX, Power BI, Microsoft integration, and infrastructure support.
Together, we can transform your legacy system into a robust engine for growth.
We recognize your readiness to embark on this transformation.
Let’s collaborate to author the next chapter of your success story.
Let’s Create your Success Story
Reasons Companies Seek our IBM i Services
- Modernization Needs – Businesses require modernization of green screens, user interfaces, and application functionalities to meet modern expectations.
- Data Security & Compliance – Organizations need IBM i expertise to ensure compliance with regulations like HIPAA, GDPR, and others.
- Talent Shortage – With many IBM i experts nearing retirement, companies face challenges in hiring skilled developers for ongoing support.
- Cloud Integration – There is growing interest in moving IBM i workloads to the cloud for scalability and cost optimization.
Just Like You – They Believe their IBM i…
- Can provide consistent up time and supports business growth by scaling as required.
- Can be modernized to incorporate APIs, cloud migration, and enhanced analytics.
- Is highly efficient in managing legacy workflows without requiring a complete system overhaul.
10 Reasons Our Customers Chose Us for IBM i Management
Some of our success stories…
(Names of companies withheld due to non-disclosure terms and conditions.)
- 1.One of our customers utilizes IBM i systems for communication and networking equipment processes. We optimized their IBM i systems for seamless communication and networking, ensuring consistent operational workflows and reduced downtime.
- 2.The other relies on IBM i for package tracking and operational logistics, ensuring smooth global shipping operations. Our expertise ensures their IBM i systems handle complex package tracking and global shipping logistics without delays or errors.
- 3.Third one employs IBM i for inventory management and sales transaction processing across its massive retail network. We enhance their IBM i capabilities to efficiently manage large-scale inventory and transaction processing, crucial for retail networks like multi-location chains.
- 4.The other one leverages IBM i to streamline day-to-day franchise operations globally. By modernizing IBM i interfaces, we help their franchises streamline daily operations, ensuring smooth coordination across global locations.
- 5.While the other uses IBM i to track transactions and manage their vast beverage distribution network effectively. For industries like beverages, we help them track vast transaction volumes and optimize distribution networks using IBM i.
- 6.One more integrates IBM i into IT and outsourcing services to enhance delivery for their clients. We integrate IBM i systems with modern IT solutions to enhance delivery capabilities for service-oriented clients.
- 7.This customer processes large-scale data and supports enterprise solutions with IBM i. We enable IBM i systems to handle enterprise-level data efficiently, ensuring scalability and reliability for their growing business.
- 8.The next relies on IBM i for inventory management and supply chain optimization. Our solutions ensure that IBM i systems provide real-time insights into supply chains, improving inventory control and reducing bottlenecks.
- 9.One more manages transactions and operations in the food and beverage sector with IBM i. We work with IBM i to manage financial and operational transactions, ensuring precision and compliance in regulated sectors.
- 10This customer uses IBM i for inventory tracking and sales management in their fashion and accessory lines. Our IBM i services enabled them to modernize and automate sales and inventory tracking, boosting operational efficiency.
How Integrative Systems Adds Value?
- Modernization Expertise – We bring outdated IBM i systems into the modern era with intuitive dashboards, improved user interfaces, and advanced reporting tools.
- Seamless Integrations – By integrating IBM i with APIs, cloud platforms, and analytics tools, we enhance compatibility with modern systems.
- 24/7 Support – Our dedicated team ensures round-the-clock support to address challenges and minimize disruptions.
- Cost Optimization – We help customers maximize their ROI by reducing inefficiencies and ensuring their IBM i systems operate at peak performance.
Get in touch with us for a free consultation or schedule an in-depth discussion.
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