- Industry: Wholesale, ERP
- Headquartered: New York, USA
- Platforms: Mainframe COBOL, SQL Server
- Team Size: 4 (1 SQL developer, 2 COBOL developers, 1 Team Lead)
The Client
is a prominent wholesale food service supplier specializing in providing quality products to independent food businesses.
With over three decades of experience, the client operates a network of large cash-and-carry warehouse stores, serving a wide range of customers in the food service industry.
The Challenge
The client’s legacy Mainframe COBOL system was inefficient, with batch jobs taking over 30 minutes to complete. This delay caused bottlenecks in operations, hampering productivity and responsiveness to business needs.
Maintaining the system was expensive due to high licensing fees for Mainframe servers. The lack of scalability further increased costs and limited the ability to handle growing workloads.
Job failures were difficult to troubleshoot because of insufficient logging and tracking mechanisms. Restarting jobs required manual backup and restore steps, consuming excessive time and storage, and delaying high-priority tasks.
Data stored in Mainframe files was inaccessible, making it challenging for teams to retrieve and analyze critical information needed for decision-making.
As the client expanded operations, the outdated system struggled to scale, creating a pressing need for modernization to stay competitive in a fast-paced industry.
The tech we used for our solution
Our software architects and engineers are experts in using the latest technologies.
- COBOL
- SQL Server
- JCL
- VSAM
- File Converter
- SQL Server
The Solution
This solution streamlined operations, optimized performance, and established a scalable, cost-effective system for the client. We addressed the challenges by implementing a comprehensive solution –
Collaborative Development
We worked with the client across all stages of the software development lifecycle, ensuring alignment with their business goals and smooth execution of the migration process.
Code Conversion and Optimization
COBOL and JCL programs were analyzed and converted into SQL stored procedures. Redundant jobs and code were removed, simplifying the system while retaining critical functionality.
SQL Table Design and Data Migration
SQL tables were created to replicate the structure of Mainframe COBOL copybooks, ensuring data integrity. Mainframe data was migrated to SQL, followed by rigorous testing to validate accuracy and functionality.
Error Tracking and Reporting
We introduced robust error-handling tables and developed log reports to track job statuses and outputs, making troubleshooting and monitoring more efficient.
Automated Job Scheduling
Jobs were automated in SQL Server to execute sequentially and on time, ensuring smooth workflows and prioritization of critical tasks without delays.
Custom Reporting
Mainframe-style reports and logs were recreated in SQL without external tools, enabling tailored and efficient reporting for the client’s needs.
Programmers.io team seamlessly modernized the client’s legacy system, enhancing efficiency, scalability, and operational performance.
The client experienced significant improvements in system performance and cost savings:
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Reduced Job Execution Time
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Lowered Operational Costs
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Enhanced Error Tracking
Here’s how we did it
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Optimized Performance
by migrating to SQL Server, significantly reducing job execution times and eliminating bottlenecks in daily operations.
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Improved Cost Efficiency
by replacing costly Mainframe licensing with a more economical and scalable SQL-based system.
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Streamlined Workflows
by automating job scheduling, ensuring high-priority tasks are executed on time and without delays.
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Enhanced Troubleshooting
with robust error-tracking tables and detailed log reports, simplifying the identification and resolution of issues.
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Increased Data Accessibility
by transitioning from Mainframe files to SQL tables, making critical data readily available for analysis and decision-making.
Check out our success stories
Client Testimonials
Our clients share their experiences with Programmers.io. Reach out to a platform trusted by businesses seeking quality over quantity.
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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.
‐ Project Manager -
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.
‐ Information Technology Supervisor -
I have been working with Programmers IO for more than 5 years now and I have been pleased with all projects and developers that I have worked with. We have had a few issues here and there but they have always fixed and made it right. They have been an excellent addition to our business.
‐ Director Of Development
Ken Stewart, PMP, CSM
Vice President Of Operations & Engineering
PSIGEN Software INC.
Brandy Churchill
Software Development Manager
Western National Insurance
Jackie Flummer
Director, Technical Business Systems
AmerCareRoyal
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