Transitions from Legacy Systems Like the AS/400 Are One of Our Specialties

Many of our current clients got started with their computer systems back in the late 70s or 80s. In those days, off-the-shelf computer systems weren't what they are today, and many systems were heavily modified for businesses. Today, these same businesses find that the systems they're running are basically custom written. The pool of people who can work on them quickly and reliably is shrinking. They have run their course.

But converting from a system like this can be a significant problem. Modern systems often don't think the same way as the old systems. They don't look the same; and implementing a new system in a business used to the old AS/400 "green screen function key" technology can cause quite a culture shock.

Your Data Can Be Converted

One of the first worries of most clients is about their data. Since the AS/400 codes data in a different way than modern PC, XENIX, Unix, and Linux systems, they are concerned that the data won't be portable. We recently worked with a client who had been quoted as much as $50,000 to convert the data from their old AS/400 system (and this fee was just for the data conversion).

Our process includes software that handles the transition from the AS/400 coding system (EBCDIC) to the PC or Unix coding system (ASCII). This tool allows us to take data structured either with the old flat-file AS/400 style or the newer relational AS/400 style and manipulate it into a form that it is easy to convert.

Our Process Assures Success

Since we've done dozens of conversions over the years, we have the expertise to handle yours in a controlled way. Our process includes mapping and reviewing file conversions, preparing a sample conversion for your review, and a final conversion timed to complete your go-live in the timeframe we develop. We become your partner, and provide project management, technical expertise, training, and other needed pieces of the puzzle so you are assured a successful outcome.

A Detailed Look At Training

It's common to hear about training done at a remote site months ahead of the "go-live" date. Our processes are much different from this. We train your employees immediately before go-live on your equipment at your site. This allows us to check settings like security and printers, check for difficulties in logistics, and make sure that everything is in working order before you go forward. We'd rather have you spend a few weeks longer getting ready for go-live than months after go-live trying to straighten out your accounting records. At each stage of the training, we test your employees to make sure they have absorbed the training. If they haven't, we provide suggestions for extra practice to assure that you're ready when you go live. For more information, take a look at the complete process for implementing ERP and accounting systems on this site.