PORTFOLIO OPTIMISATION

Mainframe Field Expansion

Over time, data standards have been implemented and mixed across applications and databases, making change of any kind risky. Our Field Expansion solution reaches across the millions of lines of code that comprise your applications, both online and batch. It locates all field elements and group levels that might ever hold the data contained in an expanding field or column. Then, regardless of each field name, data type or current length, it applies controlled, standardised change tailored to your specific needs.

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Discussing the 2022 Mainframe Modernisation Report

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Why automate field expansion?

CHALLENGES

Underestimated effort

Application logic and data field definitions both require extensive adjustment to accommodate processing using fields that require data type changes. This can be a time-consuming, daunting task.

Combining forces

Multiple databases and the applications that access and support them must be consolidated as part of standard merger and acquisition activity. This can be costly without standardised change and correlating adjustments to business logic.

Complexities of scale

Expanding fields and changing data formats become more difficult as systems grow, and growing systems are the exclusive targets of field expansion initiatives.

Mainframe Field Expansion

OUR SOLUTION

Our Mainframe Field Expansion engagements begin by establishing an inventory of the prime database columns or fields that will change. We specify the data types and lengths for each, and defining boundaries for the application of these changes across the enterprise.

We also review phased approaches to change with customer stakeholders and determine a disposition strategy. A single-phased approach allows all changes to be made and tested as a single process. A multi-phased approach requires bridges to be constructed and de-constructed between the applications, or data replication to accommodate phased implementation of the data and application changes.

Upon confirming disposition strategy, we specify data types, lengths, and boundaries for change in our Field Redefinition Workbench. The data origin definitions with target field lengths and data types are then used to establish a comprehensive Change Specification.

Once the origin of data elements is mapped alongside the target field lengths and data types, the next step is to assess the context of the adjustments outlined in the change specification. We perform an automated impact analysis to identify all references to the prime fields within the source code and all related fields in programs across the environment. This process provides our customers with the ability to customise and track statements of interest, and the option to establish boundaries to limit the scope of changes, and to flag generic fields to be ignored.

Following the review, adjustment, and acceptance of the impact analysis, modifications are applied to the prime fields and to all related program variables. Next, the conversion engine changes all related field definitions according to the application flow, without regard to field names. MOVE, IF, and PERFORM statements are modified to accommodate data type changes.

Our tools group the modified components according to your naming standards for simpler introduction back into your configuration management system. It also allows cross-functional teams to easily identify requirements for QA and UA testing across various applications.

At this stage of a Mainframe Field Expansion engagement, additional tweaks are not uncommon. Therefore, we produce change rule reports for application and business teams to review, refine, or veto. Any resulting rule changes, customisations, or field expansions identified are applied to the change specification. Then, the impact analysis and conversion steps are repeated and any components affected by the revised rules are re-delivered within hours.

The powerful combination of automation, control, and customisation offered by our Mainframe Field Expansion solution results in a project that is virtually pain-free, positioning your company to continue to grow for many years to come.

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Over 35 years of mainframe modernisation experience

More than 500 successful modernisation projects completed

Over 2.5 billion lines of code refactored through automation

Additional resources to help you modernise

 
 

WHITEPAPER

Data Migration: Liberate legacy data

This whitepaper outlines the challenge of data locked in legacy systems, the options for solving them, and a breakdown of our solutions.

Read whitepaper

 

 

 
 

CASE STUDY

Optimisation: Now that's Progressive

Progressive optimised their application portfolio through mainframe field expansion due to an increasing number of policyholders and expanded status.

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REPORT

2022 Mainframe Modernisation Report

Exploring the impact of the new era of digitalisation and change on the current state of legacy systems and organisations' modernisation plans.

Read report

 

 

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02 Dec 2022 by Tim Jones, Managing Director of Application Modernisation, Advanced

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21st Oct 2022 by Tim Jones, Managing Director of Application Modernisation, Advanced

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10 Jun 2022 by Rob Anderson, Vice President of Marketing and Product, Advanced

News & Opinions

BLOG // 13-02-2024

How DevOps is influencing mainframe modernisation strategies

by Tim Jones, Managing Director - Application Modernisation

How DevOps is influencing mainframe modernisation strategies