02
Sat, Nov
2 New Articles

Partner TechTip: Convert Queries for Increased Performance and Modern Results

Typography
  • Smaller Small Medium Big Bigger
  • Default Helvetica Segoe Georgia Times

Don't let a library of useful but outdated queries stop you from modernizing how you deliver your data.

 

Are you still running IBM i green-screen queries? How many queries are you dealing with? Are you finding it hard to manage all those queries? Are your users tired of waiting for a slow-running query that can use only the Classic Query Engine (CQE)? Would your users prefer a modern, graphical interface with more distribution options?

 

With SEQUEL, you can quickly and easily convert existing query definitions into SEQUEL objects without losing all of the work that has already been put into building them. Plus, you can take the newly imported views and quickly and easily enhance them. You can even configure your new SEQUEL views to use the faster SQL Query Engine (SQE), add flexibility with run-time variables and output options, and create and distribute results with a whole new look.

 

It takes just seconds to convert your existing queries and begin using SEQUEL to perform data manipulation and reporting tasks far beyond the abilities of Query/400. For example, being able to add run-time prompts, drill down into results, run data from an icon (e.g., shortcut), use conditional logic, convert dates, create colorful charts and graphs, design custom dashboards, import data into Excel, and share reports via email.

Additionally, with SEQUEL You Can…

  • Display data from multiple interfaces: a 5250 session ("green-screen"), PCs, web browsers, and mobile devices

  • Email/save results in a variety of output options (Excel, PDF, etc.)

  • Summarize important business metrics with dashboards

  • Perform drill-down analysis to analyze data more effectively

  • Pivot (slice and dice) data for added insight

  • Graph data on the fly for unique visual analysis

  • Consolidate several queries into a single SEQUEL view

  • Easily schedule SEQUEL jobs to run automatically and regularly

  • Run SEQUEL commands from a variety of user interfaces

Import Existing Queries in Seconds

SEQUEL allows for quick and easy import and conversion of your existing queries into SEQUEL objects (a view or report). Whether you have one Query/400 query or thousands of them, the SEQUEL convert query option can import the definitions from either a command line or a graphical interface. By converting and consolidating your Query objects into SEQUEL objects, you can move your users away from green-screen reports and instantly modernize the look of your IBM i (AS/400, System i, iSeries) data. Accelerate the time it takes to get key information to the business users and improve overall performance, while giving them the ability to quickly access data in a whole new way from a graphical interface, a browser, or a mobile device.

Easily Empower the End User

Virtually anyone can use SEQUEL because it accommodates users at any level. They can interact with data in ways that allow them to make confident business decisions quickly, via options like pivoting, drill analysis, run-time prompts, dashboards, and more.

 

For your more-technical users, or power users with the ability to design queries, ViewPoint's simple graphical interface provides templates, auto-joins, and design wizards to facilitate the creation of views and reports.

Increase Programmer Productivity

For the programmer, SEQUEL saves you money by saving you time. Using SEQUEL is much faster than writing programs. For example, an RPG report program might take four or five hours to create and compile. Using SEQUEL, the same report could take 45 minutes and require no compiling.

Give Developers and Administrators Security and Control

You can still control data-access levels with SEQUEL because it conforms to the security you set up through your OS object level. Your objects are stored on the IBM i system, giving IT the ability to control the way SEQUEL is accessed and used. In addition, SEQUEL supplements system-object security and allows you to restrict users from the libraries, files, or fields you designate, while featuring an auditing functionality that allows you to know who is accessing your data.

 

With SEQUEL, you can securely provide data access, analysis, and business intelligence capabilities for users throughout your enterprise.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Don't let a library of useful but outdated queries stop you from modernizing how you deliver your data. Convert your existing Query/400 queries with SEQUEL and take advantage of SEQUEL's increased processing power, user-friendly interface, and exceptional customer support. Try SEQUEL free for 30 days and deliver the modern reports that your end users have been asking for.

 

Heath Kath

Heath Kath is a Technical Solutions Consultant specializing in business intelligence, data access and analysis, and report distribution. Heath is a Robot and IBM Certified Specialist with more than 20 years of System i experience, including 11 years at IBM working in product support, testing, software support, and training. His background includes CL and RPG programming, Query/400, Query Manager, SQL, and journaling. Heath hosts a bi-weekly webinar for business intelligence products and provides technical support for new customers.

BLOG COMMENTS POWERED BY DISQUS

LATEST COMMENTS

Support MC Press Online

$

Book Reviews

Resource Center

  • SB Profound WC 5536 Have you been wondering about Node.js? Our free Node.js Webinar Series takes you from total beginner to creating a fully-functional IBM i Node.js business application. You can find Part 1 here. In Part 2 of our free Node.js Webinar Series, Brian May teaches you the different tooling options available for writing code, debugging, and using Git for version control. Brian will briefly discuss the different tools available, and demonstrate his preferred setup for Node development on IBM i or any platform. Attend this webinar to learn:

  • SB Profound WP 5539More than ever, there is a demand for IT to deliver innovation. Your IBM i has been an essential part of your business operations for years. However, your organization may struggle to maintain the current system and implement new projects. The thousands of customers we've worked with and surveyed state that expectations regarding the digital footprint and vision of the company are not aligned with the current IT environment.

  • SB HelpSystems ROBOT Generic IBM announced the E1080 servers using the latest Power10 processor in September 2021. The most powerful processor from IBM to date, Power10 is designed to handle the demands of doing business in today’s high-tech atmosphere, including running cloud applications, supporting big data, and managing AI workloads. But what does Power10 mean for your data center? In this recorded webinar, IBMers Dan Sundt and Dylan Boday join IBM Power Champion Tom Huntington for a discussion on why Power10 technology is the right strategic investment if you run IBM i, AIX, or Linux. In this action-packed hour, Tom will share trends from the IBM i and AIX user communities while Dan and Dylan dive into the tech specs for key hardware, including:

  • Magic MarkTRY the one package that solves all your document design and printing challenges on all your platforms. Produce bar code labels, electronic forms, ad hoc reports, and RFID tags – without programming! MarkMagic is the only document design and print solution that combines report writing, WYSIWYG label and forms design, and conditional printing in one integrated product. Make sure your data survives when catastrophe hits. Request your trial now!  Request Now.

  • SB HelpSystems ROBOT GenericForms of ransomware has been around for over 30 years, and with more and more organizations suffering attacks each year, it continues to endure. What has made ransomware such a durable threat and what is the best way to combat it? In order to prevent ransomware, organizations must first understand how it works.

  • SB HelpSystems ROBOT GenericIT security is a top priority for businesses around the world, but most IBM i pros don’t know where to begin—and most cybersecurity experts don’t know IBM i. In this session, Robin Tatam explores the business impact of lax IBM i security, the top vulnerabilities putting IBM i at risk, and the steps you can take to protect your organization. If you’re looking to avoid unexpected downtime or corrupted data, you don’t want to miss this session.

  • SB HelpSystems ROBOT GenericCan you trust all of your users all of the time? A typical end user receives 16 malicious emails each month, but only 17 percent of these phishing campaigns are reported to IT. Once an attack is underway, most organizations won’t discover the breach until six months later. A staggering amount of damage can occur in that time. Despite these risks, 93 percent of organizations are leaving their IBM i systems vulnerable to cybercrime. In this on-demand webinar, IBM i security experts Robin Tatam and Sandi Moore will reveal:

  • FORTRA Disaster protection is vital to every business. Yet, it often consists of patched together procedures that are prone to error. From automatic backups to data encryption to media management, Robot automates the routine (yet often complex) tasks of iSeries backup and recovery, saving you time and money and making the process safer and more reliable. Automate your backups with the Robot Backup and Recovery Solution. Key features include:

  • FORTRAManaging messages on your IBM i can be more than a full-time job if you have to do it manually. Messages need a response and resources must be monitored—often over multiple systems and across platforms. How can you be sure you won’t miss important system events? Automate your message center with the Robot Message Management Solution. Key features include:

  • FORTRAThe thought of printing, distributing, and storing iSeries reports manually may reduce you to tears. Paper and labor costs associated with report generation can spiral out of control. Mountains of paper threaten to swamp your files. Robot automates report bursting, distribution, bundling, and archiving, and offers secure, selective online report viewing. Manage your reports with the Robot Report Management Solution. Key features include:

  • FORTRAFor over 30 years, Robot has been a leader in systems management for IBM i. With batch job creation and scheduling at its core, the Robot Job Scheduling Solution reduces the opportunity for human error and helps you maintain service levels, automating even the biggest, most complex runbooks. Manage your job schedule with the Robot Job Scheduling Solution. Key features include:

  • LANSA Business users want new applications now. Market and regulatory pressures require faster application updates and delivery into production. Your IBM i developers may be approaching retirement, and you see no sure way to fill their positions with experienced developers. In addition, you may be caught between maintaining your existing applications and the uncertainty of moving to something new.

  • LANSAWhen it comes to creating your business applications, there are hundreds of coding platforms and programming languages to choose from. These options range from very complex traditional programming languages to Low-Code platforms where sometimes no traditional coding experience is needed. Download our whitepaper, The Power of Writing Code in a Low-Code Solution, and:

  • LANSASupply Chain is becoming increasingly complex and unpredictable. From raw materials for manufacturing to food supply chains, the journey from source to production to delivery to consumers is marred with inefficiencies, manual processes, shortages, recalls, counterfeits, and scandals. In this webinar, we discuss how:

  • The MC Resource Centers bring you the widest selection of white papers, trial software, and on-demand webcasts for you to choose from. >> Review the list of White Papers, Trial Software or On-Demand Webcast at the MC Press Resource Center. >> Add the items to yru Cart and complet he checkout process and submit

  • Profound Logic Have you been wondering about Node.js? Our free Node.js Webinar Series takes you from total beginner to creating a fully-functional IBM i Node.js business application.

  • SB Profound WC 5536Join us for this hour-long webcast that will explore:

  • Fortra IT managers hoping to find new IBM i talent are discovering that the pool of experienced RPG programmers and operators or administrators with intimate knowledge of the operating system and the applications that run on it is small. This begs the question: How will you manage the platform that supports such a big part of your business? This guide offers strategies and software suggestions to help you plan IT staffing and resources and smooth the transition after your AS/400 talent retires. Read on to learn: