Programmers.io team created a web-based application that allows giant chemical manufacturer to log, assign, and address client complaints
About The Client
Programmers.io team created a web-based application that allows giant chemical manufacturer to log, assign, and address client complaints
- Industry: Manufacturing
- Headquartered: US
- Platforms: Angular, RPG, JAVA, IBM i/DB2 400
- Team Size: 6–8 Experts
The Challenge
The Client was using a legacy application that was developed to register complaints from the customers or retailers related to the products sold by the client. The operator used to log the complaint and assign it to the concerned department. The authorised person from the department would verify the complaint and take further actions or resolve the complaint. The challenge faced by the client was that this was a desktop application built using VB that could not be accessed by people in the company from anywhere. This led to a lot of delays in problem resolution.
The client wanted a web-based application on the IBM i system using the logic written in RPG only. The client also wanted to use IBM i credentials to log in the new Web-based application.
The client asked to define the roles and access authority for the users. Such that the employees have limited access to the application features based on their roles/designation.
Another requirement was to add a feature to send a mail with an attachment or PDF to the assigned person once the operator logs or submits the complaint.
The database of the desktop application was built using MS Access, it had to be migrated to IBM i DB2/400.
Our Solution
Leveraging Apache on IBM i to Achieve Client Goals
Programmers.io immediately analyzed the problem and developed an action plan to accomplish the set goals. The client wanted everything on IBM i system, therefore, our experts suggested creating an Apache Server (inside IBM I box)
Building a User-Friendly Web Interface
As the application was to be web-based, the front-end was suggested by us to be built in Angular that could be easily deployed on Apache Server. Angular was selected by us as it works well with Java and builds user friendly and efficient front ends
Leveraging Angular for Fast, Role-Based Web Applications
Angular is one of the best technologies that helped us build faster single page and a role based application. It was also used in calling the APIs in the backend and modify the application to be web-based
Java Middleware for RPG Integration via PCML
Our IBM i programmers suggested the client use JAVA as a middleware for calling RPG programs using PCML (Program Call Markup Language)
Role-Based Access Control with Java Integration
Using JAVA made many tasks easier and faster. The client wanted a feature to assign specific access limitations depending on the roles of the employees, so our team was able to assign users in the application who already had credentials on IBM i system
Automated PDF Generation and Email Notifications
JAVA helped in creating dynamic PDFs and emails could now be sent with attachments post complaint submission by the operator
Database Migration from Access to IBM i DB2/400
Our team migrated the database from Access by exporting data in CSV format and importing the CSV data to IBM i DB2/400
Complex Data Migration Using Java
JAVA program was used by us to migrate complex data to IBM i DB2/400
Technologies Used
Our software architects and engineers are experts in using the latest technologies.
Business Impact
Our solution added value with surprising results because we were able to deliver a high-quality product on time.
Here’s how we did it
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Enhanced Flexibility and User Experience
The web application designed by us is a user-friendly approach and more flexible as compared to the desktop-based application
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Anywhere Access with Existing IBM i Infrastructure
The client is now able to access the application anytime and from anywhere without any extra cost using the same IBM i machine as a server
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Role-Based Security and Access Control
Defined roles for the users ensures the credibility and security of the application
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Efficient Complaint Management on a Centralized Platform
Complaint logging, assigning, and resolution is now easy and faster on this centralized web-based application
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I wanted to take a moment to highlight and commemorate the efforts from our dedicated PIO team. To preface, the projects we work on here are complex, with rigid objectives, budgets, and timelines. Expectations are always high and are ever-changing. From the start of our relationship, the IO team was able to exceed expectations and make our business wishes a reality.
Over the past year I have worked with them, they have worked very hard to understand our highly customized system and troubleshoot things with little or no documentation while managing to keep the business up and running normally. Without the hard work and dedication they have shown, I know we would have had some issues causing downtime or lost production. I am looking forward to continuing working them in the next year as well.
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