AS400 systems are decades old. They were manufactured by IBM as mid-range servers for heavy processing tasks for retail, manufacturing, logistics industries. These systems are considered reliable and people still use them because of its proven track record of performance over the last three decades. Although sturdy, these systems were designed and built in a way that their evolution is tough as well as their integration capabilities are limited unless you leverage the right tool and partner with an expert system integrator.

Some of the common challenges faced during AS400 Integration

1. Lack of Knowledge of Tools, Standards, and modes of as400 api integration: Many organizations that leverage as400/iSeries machine, don’t know what tools to utilize to improve the performance of the system. .CTOs/CIOs sometimes want to keep track of the type of integration that is needed for their system.
2. Code modernization: Modernizing the code of as400 is the key to opening up integration capabilities. AS400/iSeries typically are programmed with RPG language using fixed form. This form usually doesn’t support many languages and can’t be understood by modern developers. This also doesn’t support modern applications and hence creates challenges while integrating solutions.
3. Multi language Application Support: There are many software or system that are circulating in the IT environment like finance, manufacturing, IT, marketing, etc. The end goal of integration is to make these systems talk to each other and integrating these with one single system like as400 can make things a lot easier as it can act a single point of truth.
4. Data Security Concerns: When integrating software into a system, data integrity is what matters the most. While migrating to cloud, as400 data and applications need to be integrated to the new cloud platform and without proper documentation, connectors and experienced iSeries system integrators, it’s a lost cause.

How these Nightmares can be eliminated?

• Documentation of Your iSeries: Many AS400 leveraging organization have no clue how to progress when hit with IT disasters or during system overhaul, due to lack of system documentation. A comprehensive system documentation contains the system/server architecture, IT policies, Inventory management, Integration tools (LANSA, Mulesoft, IBM) that are compatible, the right mode of integration, adapter information, etc.
• Front end modernization: Front end modernization is one of the ways to ensure your integration issues are taken care of. By modernizing the RPG code and converting into RPG fixed form to free makes it easier for applications to integrate due to fact that patches and enhancements are easier on free form coding and developers are more comfortable to try new things on it.
• API: There are global use cases where APIs have been used for modernization of user experience. Similarly, APIs are used for integration purpose. Many organizations run applications on multiple OS. Some use IBM i, Linux and windows and would want to run application on one OS and execute on IBM I, this requires APIs.
• Partner with Integration Experts: Due to scarcity of resources on the iSeries front, organizations leveraging this machine have a hard time finding the developers with integration expertise. The developers that were around when this machine was introduced are retired. The only options the CTOs have is (if he/she is an expert in as400/iSeries) train the young blood to manage machine the legacy behemoth, is a pipe dream. The CTOs can’t possibly invest their time in training new generation of developers on as400 whilst also focusing on core IT objectives of the organization.

Below are some of the many solution that can help you integrate with IBM i

• CRM System: CRM systems are one of the most popular software/platforms that are the prime candidates for integration with IBM i. Products like Salesforce/Marketo/D365, etc, are tools that used by the revenue generating teams like marketing & sales. These systems help manage flow of customer information, integrating this with IBM i requires various tools.
• Mapics Integration: We have extensive experience with integrating ERP systems like infor XA/Mapics and BCPS.
• LANSA Integration: LANSA is one of the oldest tool provider for IBM I and address most of the IBM i integration challenges. LANSA makes integration with IBM i easy and affordable.
• BI platform: BI tools like Oracle Hyperion, IBM Cognos, Tableau, and Informatics are ones that are isolated from the system. Making decisions would be a cakewalk with actionable data integrated with your legacy system.

Conclusion

As mentioned above, integration services is more than just a trivial need for organizations leveraging as400 systems. If you are looking to integrate CRM, BI, ERP solution with your as400 sever, drop us a note at info@nalashaa.com.