Legacy System Integration & Modern Reporting Solution
Two-phase solution: AS400 integration with SSRS implementation, extended consulting services
A regional financial institution · client anonymized · Project · Standard engagement · 3 min read
Business Challenge
A regional financial institution with branches throughout Northern California was facing significant challenges with their reporting capabilities. The bank relied on an IBM AS400 system as their core banking platform, which stored critical customer and transaction data but offered limited reporting functionality.
Business leaders needed deeper insights into operations, but the existing system made it difficult to:
- Generate timely reports for regulatory compliance
- Create analytical views of customer data
- Share standardized reports across departments
- Support data-driven decision making
The bank had received quotes from several vendors proposing expensive data replication technologies costing approximately $50,000 annually in licensing fees, which would strain their IT budget.
CONVX Solution Approach
Through their IT solutions partner, the bank engaged CONVX to design a more cost-effective approach to solve their reporting challenges. CONVX proposed a two-phase solution:
Phase 1: AS400 Integration & SQL Server Reporting Services Implementation
- Deployed Microsoft SQL Server with SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS)
- Designed and implemented a direct integration between SQL Server and the AS400 database
- Created a dedicated Windows Server virtual environment for the reporting platform
- Configured secure data access pathways between systems
- Provided comprehensive documentation and knowledge transfer
Phase 2: Extended SSRS Consulting Services
After successfully delivering the initial project, the bank retained CONVX for additional consulting services to:
- Provide expert guidance for SSRS report development
- Deliver T-SQL programming expertise
- Support the bank's internal development team
- Implement additional data integrations
CONVX's Expertise & Methodology
CONVX approached this engagement with a methodology focused on understanding both the technical requirements and business objectives:
1. Discovery & Design: CONVX engineers performed a thorough assessment of the existing AS400 environment and collaborated with bank stakeholders to understand reporting requirements.
2. Solution Architecture: CONVX designed a scalable solution that leveraged Microsoft technologies while maintaining the integrity of the core banking system.
3. Implementation: CONVX deployed the solution with minimal disruption to banking operations through carefully coordinated remote work.
4. Knowledge Transfer: CONVX provided detailed documentation and training to enable the bank to maintain and extend the reporting platform.
5. Ongoing Support: Based on the success of the initial project, CONVX was selected to provide extended consulting services to maximize the value of the new reporting infrastructure.
Results & Benefits
The bank realized significant benefits from this engagement:
- Cost Savings: The solution saved approximately $50,000 annually compared to alternative data replication solutions proposed by other vendors.
- Enhanced Reporting: Business users gained access to modern reporting capabilities with familiar Microsoft tools.
- Preserved Investment: The bank maintained their existing AS400 system while extending its capabilities.
- Improved Decision Making: Management received timely access to operational insights previously difficult to obtain.
- Regulatory Compliance: Enhanced reporting capabilities improved the bank's ability to meet regulatory reporting requirements.
- Future-Ready Architecture: The solution provided a foundation for additional data analytics capabilities.
Timeline and Execution
The initial AS400 integration project was executed in June 2022, with the follow-on consulting engagement for advanced SSRS development running from July 2022 through March 2023. This extended engagement demonstrated the client's satisfaction with CONVX's initial work and the value delivered.
Technology Implementation
- IBM AS400 (iSeries) database
- Microsoft SQL Server Standard Edition
- SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS)
- AS400 data connectors
- Windows Server virtualization
- T-SQL programming
CONVX Expertise Demonstrated
CONVX specializes in complex multi-cloud infrastructure and end-to-end data platforms. Our team of experts excels at aligning technology strategy with business objectives to deliver maximum impact. With a mature methodology and specialized expertise across diverse technology domains, we guide customers from strategy through successful execution and operationalization of technologies. Our managed services emphasize automation and operational maturity for efficient, secure, and reliable operations.