Software analysis with eXplain

With eXplain, programme dependencies also become transparent for our business analysts, making it much easier for them to estimate the scope of the project and promoting understanding of the ERP system outside the development team.

PKS’s eXplain enabled us to identify a considerable portion of code in our Natural and COBOL-based core banking system that was no longer needed, so we could fundamentally clean up and clear out the system. In addition, the documentation that was created automatically by eXplain meets our auditing requirements fully. Those are just two of the ways that eXplain supports us in our Core Banking System Stabilization project. I’d also like to highlight how pleasant it was to work with the expert PKS team, and how we appreciated the flexibility as we worked on the project, so we could always take Helaba-specific requirements into account.

As part of our transformation and modernisation project, we worked with PKS to carry out a solid and comprehensive analysis of our legacy system (based on IBM System i ). Choosing a partner from the large pool of products and possible strategies was not easy. But PKS not only convinced us not only convinced us with their outstanding analysis tool eXplain and their extensive expertise in the analysis and modernisation of complex software, but also with their competent and cooperative approach. After we had worked out a comprehensive picture of the old system together, PKS also proved to be an innovative source of ideas for working out and structuring our strategic and technological orientation. We were particularly pleased with the honest dialogue at eye level. We can only recommend that anyone responsible for transformation projects should work with PKS to get an overview of the existing system and work out possible strategies for transformation.

In PKS we have come to know a reliable partner that is characterised by a high level of expertise. Thanks to the structured help with the code review, we were able to observe significant increases in efficiency in the area of i-series development. We feel well positioned for the future.

In PKS, Porta has found an essential partner who has provided significant support in stabilising our ERP system. Their profound and detailed knowledge of ERP systems based on RPG code, combined with their expertise in modern build processes on an iSeries, has led to a significant stabilisation of our ERP system. During our collaboration, we were able to carry out extensive code cleaning and modernise our development and deployment process together. This laid the foundation for the implementation of agile working methods, which enabled significantly shorter deployment cycles. The cooperation was characterised by a constructive, appreciative dialogue throughout - a cornerstone for the success of our partnership.

As part of an IBM i software assessment, we asked PKS to advise us on the status of our customised RPG software and the best way forward. With its competent team and the eXplain tool, PKS was able to completely penetrate the system in just a few weeks so that we could decide on the necessary modernisation steps on the basis of valid facts and parameters. I can only recommend such an assessment with PKS to every IBM i user when it comes to benchmarking their own software free of gut feelings and internal blinkers. The cooperation with the PKS team was always pleasant and at eye level, characterised by a high level of expertise, efficiency and reliability. We will be happy to consult PKS as a consultant and service provider for future projects.