IBM i Modernization Transforms Businesses from Legacy to Leadership

 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.

Read More –

IBM i Modernization Transforms Businesses from Legacy to Leadership