Automation on IBM i has undergone significant advancements over the years. Started with basic Control Language (CL) scripts, it has now moved to modern DevOps practices.
This change enables IBM i (AS/400) to transition from slow, manual, batch-style work to continuous integration and deployment pipelines.
As a result, businesses can deliver software more quickly, make fewer mistakes, and operate with greater flexibility. It is a significant step that keeps IBM i aligned with modern IT needs. Let’s get a comprehensive idea of IBM i automation.
The History Behind the Evolution of Automation on AS/400
The IBM i platform, earlier known as AS/400, has been a reliable system for enterprise operations for decades. In its early days, automation mainly depended on Control Language (CL) scripts and manual processes.
Administrators scheduled batch jobs to run at night or during off-peak hours, thereby completing tasks such as transaction reviews, report generation, and system maintenance. These methods focused mainly on job scheduling and system administration, with CL scripts managing job flows and resources.
While effective at the time, they were slow, rigid, and not suited for fast-changing business needs. The monolithic structure of AS 400 software also made updates time-consuming, often taking months to implement.
This led to hybrid approaches that combined the stability of AS/400 with modern automation tools, enabling faster, more flexible, and integrated operations for today’s business environments.
For instance, a large retail chain that once needed hours to process daily transactions can now complete the same workflows in minutes with IBM i DevOps pipelines.
Don’t let outdated processes hold your business back – join Saamsha Technologies for your IBM i automation needs. Our comprehensive services deliver faster deployments, reduced costs, and seamless cloud integration across sectors.
Key Automation Tools and Technologies for AS/400
- IBM i Modernization Engine for Lifecycle Integration (MERLIN)
It provides container-based development environments that simplify coding and deployment. It converts fixed-format RPG into free-form RPG and integrates seamlessly with Git and Jenkins, enabling modern DevOps practices.
- ARCAD for DevOps
A comprehensive toolchain is explicitly built for IBM i CI/CD pipelines. ARCAD integrates with Git, Jenkins, and Jira, supporting both legacy RPG code and modern applications in a unified workflow.
- HelpSystems Automate
HelpSystems Automate introduces Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to IBM i systems through a drag-and-drop interface. Non-technical users can design workflows for repetitive tasks, such as data entry, report generation, and monitoring, thereby improving efficiency across business units.
- Python Integration
Python integration expands IBM i automation through the PYRUN command. It enables CL and RPG programs to call Python utilities directly. This supports advanced tasks, such as data processing, API integration, and analytics.
Transitioning from CL Scripts to Modern DevOps on IBM i
The shift from traditional CL scripts to DevOps represents more than a technical upgrade; it is a cultural transformation.
- The shift from traditional CL scripts to modern DevOps on IBM i requires moving from linear development to parallel, continuous workflows.
- DevOps on IBM i (AS/400) emphasises the rapid release of small, incremental changes and extensive automation throughout the development process.
- Continuous Integration (CI) automates tasks after code commits, including code review, security checks, automated testing, and user acceptance validation.
- CI reduces manual intervention and improves delivery efficiency and quality, with modern CI/CD enabling deployments faster than traditional methods.
- Modern DevOps encourages breaking development into two-week sprints for flexible iteration based on user feedback.
- Testing is integrated throughout the CI/CD pipeline, utilising automated testing capabilities, including unit testing via tools such as ARCAD iUnit.
5 Key Benefits of Modern Automation for IBM i (AS/400)
- Operational Efficiency
Automation reduces manual work, streamlines workflows, and provides real-time system monitoring with proactive issue detection to prevent downtime.
- Cost Optimization
This identifies bottlenecks, optimizes resource use, speeds up feature delivery, enhances security through automated testing, and supports regulatory compliance.
- Performance Improvements
Automated builds and deployments cut response times, eliminate delays, and support hybrid cloud setups with infrastructure-as-code for scalability and flexibility.
- Security Enhancements
Implementing MFA, SSL/TLS encryption, and audit trails; automated monitoring detects anomalies, unauthorized access, and unexpected job changes for quick response.
- Team Collaboration
Enables parallel development across teams while maintaining code quality and consistency. Modern tools also help attract and retain younger developers by aligning with contemporary development practices.
Modern Implementation Strategies of Automation on IBM i
- Phased Implementation
Successful automation on IBM i requires a step-by-step approach that strikes a balance between innovation and operational stability. Organizations should start with pilot projects that demonstrate value while minimizing risk and gradually expand automation as teams gain expertise and confidence.
- API Modernization
IBM i’s Integrated Web Services (IWS) enables the creation of REST APIs to expose core business logic and data. This allows IBM i applications to integrate with modern API-driven architectures while preserving existing investments in business logic.
- Containerization Strategies
Although challenging for traditional IBM i (AS/400) applications, containerization offers benefits for new development and hybrid architectures. Organizations can containerize specific components while maintaining core IBM i functionality.
- Testing Automation
Automated testing on IBM i requires specialized tools tailored for its environment. Some Tools provide UI-driven automation specifically for AS/400 systems, ensuring automation remains reliable even when screen layouts or menu structures change.
How Saamsha Technologies Can Help You in Automation on IBM i
At Saamsha Technologies, we specialize in helping enterprises modernize their IBM i (AS/400) environments with:
- RPGLE development and modernization
- DevOps integration with Git, Jenkins, and ARCAD
- API enablement and open-source integration
- Cloud migration and containerization strategies
- Robust security and compliance frameworks
Our consultants bridge the gap between legacy reliability and modern agility. With Saamsha’s expertise, your IBM i system becomes faster, more secure, and ready for the future of enterprise IT.
Conclusion
Moving from CL scripts to DevOps automation on IBM i (AS/400) is not just about technology; it is about future-proofing critical enterprise systems. Modern automation enables businesses to maintain the unmatched stability of IBM i while leveraging the speed, flexibility, and scalability of today’s IT practices.
Organizations that adopt this approach can accelerate delivery, improve reliability, lower costs, and attract the next generation of developers.
Ready to modernize your IBM i (AS/400) systems with proven automation solutions? Saamsha Technologies brings AS/400 expertise to transform your legacy operations into agile, automated workflows. Contact our certified consultants today!
