24Apr

Tech Series: IBM i Power Systems AS/400 Spool files to electronic output

Written by Ken Kramer. Posted in Blog

Are you struggling to tame complex IBM Power Systems Spool Files for Electronic output?

IBM i, Power Systems, iSeries, AS/400 Spool files

One of the most critical components of any data management system is the ability to create and distribute reports and documents. Automated spool file management and delivery can save businesses significant amounts of time and money by eliminating the need for manual intervention from IT staff. inFORM Decisions offers a variety of options to facilitate complex IBM Power Systems Spool Files for Electronic output

Form Application

Defining a form application is the first step to integrating an electronic form application to your IBM i (AS/400) environment (via a spool file or database output). Most notably, designers will be able to map spool file data to recognized fields on the designed form template. The Define a Form Application menu’s will have options to Configure a Data map, set auto collate/decollate features, define and maintain single, multi-part or multi-page forms with various characteristic, define duplex printing and more. These forms will then be correlated to associated engines for automatic and logical printing of electronic forms or checks.

Form Set

You can also merge and print multipage forms, where each page and mapping instructions could be entirely different for each page of the spool file set. This utilizes a Form Set which is a collection of defined Form or Check Applications, which are triggered and called from page to page within the spool file. Once the Form or Check Applications have been defined, you use the Form Set menus to define conditions or triggers within the spool file to call a completely different form application based on your settings. Defining a Form Set is really just comprised of identifying the triggers within the spool file to execute the desired form application that will be used.

SmartRouter

If a simple Application, or a Form Set can’t produce the print output required, inFORM Decisions has a SmartRouter utility for IBM i that lets users more clearly define how to process and distribute individual pages of a spool file. A user can utilize it to make changes to a spool file without programmer modifications. Smart Router allows users to easily pre-define, in detail, how the System i should split out, process, regroup and distribute individual pages of a spool file in order to expedite delivery of business forms, reports and other documents into the hands of the exact people who need them, reliably and accurately.

SmartRouter is a standalone menu driven software module that offers tests and filters to extract specific pages of spool files to be directed to specified targets. Conditions and tests can include any combination of external spool file attributes, internal spool file content and targets (output definitions) for accurate implementation of unique or complex requirements. Along the way, spool file attributes may be overridden and individual pages of the report or business form may be burst, sorted, grouped, bundled, and ultimately directed to a target, which can again be redirected. Text can be added to spool file, which then can be mapped and printed or used as an additional trigger.

In addition to intelligent spool file bursting and sorting, the individually sorted-out pages may be routed into inFORM’s other products to be merged with business form graphics, converted to PDFs, emailed, faxed, and/or stored in a Web-based archive for easy browser-based retrieval.

inFORM Decisions has been a Document Automation provider specializing in state of the art Document Automation solutions for the IBM i – AS/400 arena since 1994. We believe that the IBM I / Power Systems will be relevant for a long time offering the stability and security that you’ve come to expect from IBM. inFORM Decisions experts can show you how to unleash your systems power and recoup countless hours of productivity! inFORM Decisions is committed to the IBM i platform forever!

Call (800) 858-5544 / (949) 709-5838 or visit us at www.informdecisions.com for more information about iPDF or our acclaimed iDocs suite of IBM i products.

27Feb

Using IBM i Transform Services native PDF creation

Written by Ken Kramer. Posted in Blog

Simple to Use & Easy to Manage:

iPDF the IBM i native PDF solution

The IBM i is constantly evolving, leveraging current technologies to satisfy all modern business requirements. With Transform Services, IBM offers a valuable product that facilitates the generation of PDF documents directly from your applications instead of relying on spool files.

This product, available as 5770TS1 (V7.1+) or 5761TS1 (V6R1), is free and fairly straightforward to install and use. While Transform Services provides a means for converting spooled files to PDF format, it is essential to note the limitations and complexity of this tool:

1. To take advantage of this function, programmers specify the new *TOSTMF special value on the CPYSPLF TOFILE parameter. The spooled file will be converted based on the workstation customizing object specified in the Workstation customizing object (WSCST) parameter and the output placed in the stream file specified in the To stream file (TOSTMF) parameter.

2. After the application that created, changed or overrode the printer file and the process or application runs to generate the file, there will not be a spooled file. Only a PDF file will exist in the directory path specified in the TOSTMF parameter.

3. There are no settings for converting groups of spooled files to PDF output. Each printer file must be individually configured for PDF output.

4. These services require custom programming support for implementation. Users cannot perform conversions independently; instead, programmers are needed to configure each spooled file for PDF output.

5. You can store your output in the Integrated File System (IFS) as stream files, which is well-suited for both document printing and archiving, but there is no built-in support for automatically emailing converted PDF files or for storing them on external Windows servers.

6. Transform Services is unable to create a PDF in the QNTC file system using the OVRPRTF command at V7R5.

Although the tools for PDF report conversion are available in Transform Services, they do not constitute a complete paperless reporting solution; they serve as a foundational element for building one. To achieve a comprehensive solution, other capabilities need to be included for users.

There are numerous reliable packages available, such as iPDF , that deliver paperless reporting solutions often more affordable than developing an in-house solution with your programming team using Transform Services. Additionally, utilizing third-party software for paperless reporting allows your programmers to focus on more critical business projects instead of replicating features already available in cost-effective, professionally developed solutions.

inFORM Decisions’ IBM i and Power Systems Native iPDF Engine converts spool files and PCL files into PDF (Portable Document Format) files. This powerful conversion engine promotes Automation, Distribution, and Functionality while keeping the user experience simple and friendly to use. See some of the advantages of iPDF below :

1. Rather than the manual use of Operations Navigator or other laborious processes such as Transform Services, iPDF will create PDF files from a spool file from pre-existing reports without any human intervention.
A fully automated solution that always runs when you need it, even outside of working hours, iPDF includes an automatic output queue processing program that will monitor any designate output queue. When any spooled file appears in this output queue it will be automatically converted to a PDF and placed in any desired destination. Usage is even easier utilizing the convenient dashboard monitor to create, start, end and manage all PDF jobs from a single screen. Jobs can also be initiated real-time and submitted using embedded RPG or CL commands.

2. IBM native conversion eliminates the need to download to a PC (or secondary server) to process PDF files, thus improving security and speed of PDF document conversion.
Native conversion leverages the power of your IBM i (AS/400) investment to convert *SCS and *USERASCII spool files to PDF or TIFF format with full-color overlays small enough to be emailed or stored – delivering more security and faster processing of documents and reports.

3. Much, much more than a simple conversion tool, iPDF enables report scheduling and distribution.
The menu-driven iPDF solution facilitates report distribution, PDF document archival and retrieval, bursting, sorting and outputting PDF reports and custom business forms in the open PDF standard. Once the PDFs are created they can be easily viewed using the free Acrobat Reader wherever they are sent.

4. Benefit from cloud repository services.
The PDF attachment can be dynamically assigned descriptive names and deposited on the target IFS, any external file server, shared drive, remote PC, Microsoft OneDrive or SharePoint. If you supply user and/or owner passwords scraped from the originating spool file iPDF can password encrypt the generated PDF documents. This would enable viewing only by the intended recipient. Think deposit tickets.

5. Expand your IBM i applications with modern functions and save money by digitally distributing reports.
Some clients have reduced the paper they print by 90%, saving them thousands each month. iPDF paperless report conversion software will copy spool files to PDF or TIFF easily, dynamically naming, emailing and archiving without programming or additional hardware.

6. Beyond PDF, iPDF is not restricted to converting spooled files into a single format.
iDOCS and iPDF is capable of transforming IBM i spooled files into various universal file formats, such as PDF,TIFF,XLSX, HTML, Word, text, or CSV.

7. Reduce users’ dependence on your IT staff in finding reports or converting them into an electronic format.
The menu-driven approach to PDF conversion, automated report distribution and parsing also reduce the number of reports that your IT staff needs to write. Employees save countless hours because they no longer have to file, search, print and mail paper reports.

See for yourself how iPDF is a far superior solution than using the IBM Transform Services to convert your spooled files to PDF. For a quick product demonstration of how to use the iPDF Monitor to convert your spool files to PDF use the link below.

DEMO

Call (800) 858-5544 / (949) 709-5838 or visit us at www.informdecisions.com for more information about iPDF or our acclaimed iDocs suite of IBM i products.

17Dec

Digitize or Dwindle

Written by Ken Kramer. Posted in Blog

Ignore the digital transformation at your own peril

Business As Usual Is Never Coming Back. It’s Time to Digitize or Dwindle.

This article will address a growing concern that many organizations face: the challenges posed by legacy paper document management. The reasons for implementing a digitization process are pretty compelling.

In the rapidly evolving business landscape, the term “digital transformation” (DX) can become a buzzword, devoid of meaning. It refers to the integration of digital technology into all aspects of an organization, fundamentally changing the way it operates and delivers value to customers.

In today’s digital world, it’s more important than ever for companies to digitize their old paper documents and move to an Electronic Content Management (ECM) system. This not only reduces the costs associated with paper-based processes but also improves data security, accessibility, and collaboration. ECM is an ongoing and evolving strategy for maximizing how your content is to be used.

Documents are essential to the day-to-day operations of any business. From record keeping and communication to legal compliance and knowledge management, efficient and effective document processes go a long way to determining the success of a business. But managing documents in a manual or semi-automated environment creates significant challenges for businesses. Document digitization can help businesses of all sizes overcome these challenges. Document digitization converts paper documents into digital formats such as PDF, JPEG, or HTML.

Manually managing documents is a labor-intensive process that takes time away from other important business operations. ECM, on the other hand, is a technology that helps companies effectively manage digital documents. With ECM, companies can digitize their documents, store them in a secure central repository, and retrieve and manage them efficiently using automated workflows.

Here are some reasons that show why it’s time to digitize and switch to an ECM:

Paper-based processes are costly: According to AIIM, companies spend an average of $20 to file a paper document, $120 to search for a misfiled document, and $220 to reproduce a lost document. Digitizing your documents can save you money by reducing these costs. Digitization can reduce the cost of printing, copying, sharing and storing physical documents. And staff spend less time keying data, shuffling paper, or retrieving documents.
Space-saving: Digitizing documents eliminates the need for physical storage in desk drawers, file cabinets, cardboard boxes, and with third-party providers. Physical storage can take up a significant amount of space, which can be costly.
Easy access and retrieval: Digital documents are automatically indexed and centrally stored, making it easy to locate specific documents quickly. Authorized users can instantly retrieve documents at any time, from anywhere, saving time and increasing productivity. ECM puts the information in the right people’s hands right when they need it to be there.
Improved collaboration: Digital documents can be easily shared and collaborated on, making it easier for geographically dispersed teams to work together on projects and tasks. Users can access documents based on their privileges, allowing teams to collaborate across many locations. Accessing the entire lifecycle of a document during compliance audits is a breeze with an ECM.
Disaster recovery: Digitizing documents can help protect against loss due to disasters such as fires, floods, or theft. Documents also are accessible when staff cannot get into the office.
Lost documents are a common problem: AIIM reports found that 7.5% of all documents are lost and 3% of the remaining documents are misfiled. This means that 10.5% of all documents are mishandled in some way. Digitizing documents and storing them in an ECM system can help prevent the loss of important information.
Remote working is on the rise: In view of the recent pandemic, many companies have had to switch to teleworking. Digitizing your documents and switching to an ECM system makes it easier for employees to access important information from anywhere and at any time.
Increased security: In 2023, the number of data compromises in the United States stood at 3,205 cases. Meanwhile, over 353 million individuals were affected in the same year by data compromises, including data breaches, leakage, and exposure. Paper documents are vulnerable to theft, loss, or damage. Nobody asks about privacy when the data is in folders sitting on desks, but it’s held to a different standard when it’s online. Digitizing documents and storing them in a secure ECM system can help reduce the risk of data breaches. Digital documents can be protected with passwords, encryption, access controls, audit trails and other measures, making them more secure than paper documents that can be lost, stolen, or damaged.
Customers expect digital processes: Today’s consumers expect fast, digital processes from the companies they do business with. Digitizing your old paper documents and moving to an ECM system can help improve the customer experience by streamlining processes and making information more readily available. When you digitize your business, you create additional barriers for keeping customer data safe and instill greater amounts of trust among your customers.
Improved productivity and efficiency: Research shows that companies using ECM can increase productivity by up to 50%, resulting in significant cost savings.

Digitizing your old paper documents and switching to an ECM system is no longer a good idea, it’s a necessity. This way, companies can reduce costs, increase data security, ensure compliance, and provide a better customer experience.

There are very practical steps that your organization can take today to speed up your digitization journey. The key is getting started and accepting that it won’t be perfect out the gate, but it will pay off sooner than later. To succeed, companies will have to build highly agile and collaborative organizations that embrace a start-up mindset. It will require upskilling current associates and hiring digital natives, creating new roles, retooling incentives, and revamping the back office. And don’t look just inside your company: Work with external partners such as customers, suppliers, and technology companies to learn new skills and build an integrated digital ecosystem.

inFORM Decisions can help clients gain clarity… and build a roadmap… to move from a traditional paper-based documentation system to an ECM … in today’s fast-paced digital environment. Digital sustainability is picking up more and more steam, and it is becoming business critical.

Let’s seize this opportunity to transform the industry, empower our associates and build a sustainable future. The time to digitize is now.

Call (800) 858-5544 / (949) 709-5838 or visit us at www.informdecisions.com for more information about our acclaimed ECM products.

Additional resources of interest:
Digital Transformation-success or failure
Get your company excited about document management
Core strategy for a paperless office
What is your digital strategy?

11Oct

The AS400 Remains a ‘POWER’ to be reckoned with

Written by Ken Kramer. Posted in Blog

The AS400 Remains a POWER to be reckoned with

Yes, since being rebranded in 2000, todays IBM i Power systems are still commonly referred to as AS400’s by a vast number of enthusiasts.

It’s still the platform of choice by top financial, gaming, health-care and insurance companies.
More than 100,000 companies still use the AS400 for critical applications, including banking, hospitals, manufacturing, distribution, retail, and government agencies.

The AS400 is a very appealing business model for companies such as Costco. It enables them to secure vendor purchasing power in volume. With their large warehouse facilities this enables them to distribute products on their floors efficiently while being able to store any leftover in house.

Many organizations have built their critical business applications on the AS400. It’s a challenge migrating to another platform, and transitioning can be complex and costly. Many have planned migrating for years but only few come to fruition. Then there are the companies that migrated only to return to the IBM i Power platform. The reasons for its enduring popularity are as multifaceted as the system itself.

Companies still use the IBM iSeries AS400 for several reasons:

• It is a highly reliable and stable platform with a long-standing reputation for robustness.
• The system is renowned for its strong security capabilities, providing comprehensive tools and features to protect against internal and external threats, which is crucial in today’s cybersecurity landscape.
• The AS400 has an extensive installed base, and there is a significant amount of legacy software and expertise associated with it, which makes it economically viable for companies to continue utilization.
• The platform also supports a wide range of programming languages and tools, making it versatile for different business needs. Native as well as open-source languages like Java, PHP, C++ and more are supported.
• Even though the AS400 system has been operating for the past few decades the emergence of newer technologies, it is constantly evolving, using modern technologies and satisfying all modern business requirements.
• The system its upward compatibility, ensuring that applications developed on earlier AS400 systems can still run on the latest IBM Power Systems servers with minimal modifications.
• The system features built-in encryption, auditing, and compliance tools, making it a trusted platform for sensitive data processing.
• It is scalable, reliable, and provides the ability to quickly process large amounts of data. This makes it indispensable today. A lot of companies widely use it for working with resource-intensive applications such as ERP, banking, or medical information systems.

The world’s leading banking institutions continue to favor AS400 and IBM banking solutions for their critical operations. Around 16,000 banks around the world rely on the IBM AS400 system. It is helping banks of all sizes to maintain their complex business demands within a streamlined business environment.

In addition to the reasons above, the banking implications are numerous:

• AS400 banking solutions streamline operations by providing a secure, scalable platform that leverages a high-performance relational database with integrated database design tools that allow you optimize data storage and retrieval, streamline data structuring, and reduce data redundancy.
• The AS400 ensures stringent data protection with its innate security capabilities like object-level security, advanced encryption, role-based access, and audit trails.
• It optimizes data management, integrates legacy systems, ensures compliance, and accelerates batch processing.
• With efficient disaster recovery and performance optimization, AS400 enhances customer service, minimizes downtime, and supports seamless, efficient banking processes.
• AS400 banking solutions support a wide range of banking operations inclusive of banking functions, customer relationship management, transaction processing, account management, regulatory compliances, loan management, financial reporting, and much more.
• What makes it indispensable is its reliability, scalability, and robust security features, adapting to changing business needs.
• For AS400 banking software, you can avail maintenance and support for regular software upgrades, security-health checks and upgrades, bug and patch fixes, and round-the-clock technical support.
• It leverages built-in redundancy mechanisms to offer high availability while reducing downtime incidents.
• You can utilize a vast array of consulting services for performance optimization, disaster recovery strategies, and compliance needs.
• You can expect comprehensive support for your AS400 banking software from reliable consulting/support ISV partners.

Despite the perception of being outdated, the IBM AS400/Power system continues to evolve, integrating modern features and technology with each hardware and software update. Its processing power and capabilities have significantly expanded, demonstrating IBM’s commitment to modernizing the platform. This evolution ensures AS400 remains a viable solution for enterprises where its reliability and performance are unmatched.

Businesses that run their major processes on the AS400 are in a better position to flourish and keep their revenues steady and/or earn profits. Experienced ERP professionals can go a long way with the successful implementation of the IBM AS400 system to optimize organizational functioning.

The future of AS/400 (IBM i Power Systems) involves a continued focus on modernization to adapt to changing technological landscapes. Integration with emerging technologies, cloud services, and modern development practices is expected to be a key aspect.

inFORM Decisions has been a Independent Software Vendor (ISV) specializing in state of the art Document Automation solutions for the IBM i – AS/400 arena since 1994. We believe that the IBM i / Power Systems will be relevant for a long time offering the stability and security that you’ve come to expect from IBM. inFORM Decisions experts can show you how to unleash your systems power and recoup countless hours of productivity! inFORM Decisions is committed to the IBM i platform forever!

Call (800) 858-5544 / (949) 709-5838 or visit us at www.informdecisions.com for more information about our acclaimed iDocs suite of IBM i products.

Additional resources of interest:
So you’re using an IBM i server
The IBM i server platform
What is the difference between IBM i and AS400?

23Aug

Your email was not delivered

Written by Ken Kramer. Posted in Blog

Your email was not delivered?

Helpful items to consider when assuring that emails going from iMail on your IBMi server through a relay server successfully reach recipients without being blocked or rejected by receiving email servers. These items will help mitigate situations in which iMail successfully hands the email package to the relay server for transport, but the email does not reach the recipient on the To Address of the email.

Email Authentication Protocols
- SPF (Sender Policy Framework): Ensure your SPF record is correctly set up in your DNS settings. This helps verify that your email server is authorized to send emails on behalf of your domain.
- DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail): Implement DKIM by adding a digital signature to your emails, which verifies that the email content hasn’t been altered during transit.
- DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance): Use DMARC to specify how receiving mail servers should handle emails that fail SPF or DKIM checks. Set it to “quarantine” or “reject” after monitoring.
Reverse DNS Lookup
- Ensure your mail server’s IP address has a corresponding PTR record in DNS, mapping the IP to your domain. This helps validate your email server’s identity.
IP Address Reputation
- IP Blacklists: Check if your server’s IP address is listed on any blacklists. Being listed can cause your emails to be marked as SPAM.
- Warm-up New IP Addresses: If using a new IP, send emails gradually to establish a positive reputation.
Content Quality
- Avoid SPAM Trigger Words: Be mindful of language and formatting that could be flagged as spam, such as excessive use of all caps, exclamation marks, or phrases like “Buy now.”
- Proper HTML Formatting: Ensure your emails have clean HTML code. Poorly formatted HTML can trigger spam filters.
- Balanced Text-to-Image Ratio: Avoid using too many images with little text, as this can be seen as a spam tactic.
Subscription Management
- Unsubscribe Link: Include a clear and functional unsubscribe link in all promotional emails to comply with regulations like CAN-SPAM.
- Consent: Ensure you have explicit consent (opt-in) from recipients before sending marketing emails.
Sending Practices
- Avoid Bulk Sending: Don’t send large volumes of emails at once. This can trigger spam filters or overwhelm your server’s reputation.
- Monitor Bounce Rates: High bounce rates can signal spam-like behavior. Regularly clean your email lists to avoid sending to invalid addresses.
- Consistent Sending Patterns: Sudden spikes in email volume can raise red flags. Maintain consistent sending habits.
Monitor Feedback Loops
- Some ISPs provide feedback loops (FBL) that notify you when recipients mark your emails as spam. Monitoring these can help you address issues quickly.
Check for Malware or Phishing Links
- Scan Emails: Regularly scan outgoing emails to ensure they don’t contain malicious attachments or phishing links, as these are prime reasons for being marked as spam.
Email Throttling
- Implement email throttling to limit the number of emails sent per minute/hour, especially if you’re sending a large campaign.

By addressing these points, you can significantly reduce the chances of your emails being marked as spam or flagged as bad emails.

Call (800) 858-5544 / (949) 709-5838 or visit us at www.informdecisions.com for more information about iMail or our acclaimed iDocs suite of IBM i products.

04Aug

Moving from on premise computing to the cloud

Written by Ken Kramer. Posted in Blog

Moving from on premise computing to the cloud?

Before you pull the plug on your on premise computer, think about the global outage experienced by Microsoft on Thursday 7/19/2024. It was triggered by an issue with CrowdStrike’s Falcon Sensor software. Where a small mistake by a company most of us had never heard of created worldwide havoc. This problem led to widespread disruptions and caused the ‘Blue Screen of Death’ to appear on Windows PCs.

The health care and banking sectors were the hardest hit by the mishap, with estimated losses of $1.94 billion and $1.15 billion, respectively, said Parametrix, the cloud monitoring and insurance firm. Delta CEO Ed Bastian said the massive IT outage that stranded thousands of customers will cost it $500 million. Fortune 500 airlines such as American and United were the next most affected, losing a collective $860 million, Parametrix said.. The full extent of the outage’s impact on federal government operations is still unknown.

This was followed by the Tuesday 7/30/24 Microsoft Outage caused by a cyber-attack. Many users have probably forgotten or weren’t even born during the widespread malware attacks (as early as 1988 and especially in the 1990s and 2000s) which repeatedly brought down much of the internet.

Why the mayhem caused by CrowdStrike failure could happen again.

The outage has already created secondary hacking opportunities being leveraged by cybercriminals. CrowdStrike and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency in DHS warned that hackers targeting Latin American customers are being sent sham messages with a folder dubbed “crowdstrike-hotfix.zip” that claims to clear out the contents that enabled the outages.

There are many advantages for small businesses in using cloud computing. It enables you to do more with less, accessing critical business applications without the need to pay for ongoing maintenance or upgrades.

Centralization pressures have consolidated many industries, and, in software, the result has been that Microsoft Windows is the default operating system controlling everything from 911 systems to banks to elevators. Corporations around the world trust Microsoft to help them smoothly run their businesses.

None of this really answers the fundamental question — is cloud computing safe for your small business? The answer, as always, is not as clear as yes or no. Let’s examine the pros and cons, and the security risks.

Pros:

Data security standards are likely to be higher in your provider’s environment than in your business, especially if the cloud provider is accredited with ISO and other key industry standards.
Your cloud provider is likely to be better resourced physically and financially to cope with data security threats to its infrastructure than you.
Your data will still be available, even if you lose a laptop.

Cons:

Your data will be stored outside the business network and possibly even abroad, which may contravene local data protection laws and regulations. If your internet connection is unstable, there may be problems accessing your services.
There are Security risks including:

Malicious malware
Limited visibility into network operations
Compliance issues
Data loss
Data breaches
Account hijacking
Insider threats

In an on-premises environment, enterprises retain all their data and are fully in control of what happens to it, for better or worse. Companies in highly regulated industries with extra privacy concerns are more likely to hesitate to leap into the cloud before others because of this reason.

While the debate of the pros and cons of an on-premises environment pitted against a cloud computing environment is a real one, and one that many enterprises are having within their offices right now, there is another model that offers the best of both worlds. A hybrid cloud infrastructure could include a private cloud constructed either on premises or through a hosted private cloud provider, and effective WAN connectivity between both of those environments.

The IBM i is the closest thing to a software platform superhero that I’ve yet seen and likely the safest and most powerful server platform available. It’s virtually immune to the vast majority of malware, ransomware and Trojans. The IBM i is far more robust and vastly more resistant to outside or inside attack. It runs on premise on IBM Power Systems, ranging from IBM’s smallest to largest servers.

Additional resources of interest:
So you’re using an IBM i server
The IBM i server platform

11Jul

A breakthrough in the AS/400 world

Written by Ken Kramer. Posted in Blog, Uncategorized

30 years ago a significant breakthrough was felt throughout the IBM AS/400 world

The birth of electronic documents emerged to address the growing need to efficiently manage paper.

inFORM Decisions was founded in July 1994 to provide simple AS/400 native utilities enabling Electronic Document Output applications, re-mapped forms and reports, MICR checks, faxing applications, bar code applications, document archive-retrieval, signature pad applications and more.

Green-bar form-feed spool file reports could now be formatted and printed on colorful beautifully designed forms with graphics and signatures. The company initially developed software to manage heavy workloads of output jobs like laser forms, laser checks and formatted reports on a daily basis. Focus was on providing significant savings to enterprises in the cost and management of pre-printed business forms, other documents and reports.

In the late Nineties, the emergence of Internet technologies meant consumers and business professionals could expect their business information to be delivered as easily as an email attachment. E-commerce stores, information portals, and automated fax delivery to an email address — these and other new modes of delivery demanded attention and are now part of inFORM’s product line. Converting documents into useful information that can be used to run your business more efficiently while eliminating the piles of paper!

A guiding principle at IFD is the building in of intelligence into all elements of the product line.
For example, IFD’s iView document management product is a remotely accessible, self-serve web portal for secure document archive-retrieval.

inFORM Decisions is committed to play a major role in delivering the promise of a paperless office by delivering solutions that reign in runaway forms and documents and get workflow under control. IFD was among the first application providers to be certified on IBM’s new family of expert integrated systems.

We are incredibly grateful to our loyal customers, dedicated employees, and supportive partners who have been integral to our success throughout this remarkable journey,” said Daniel Forster, President and CEO. “This anniversary signifies not only the years of hard work and determination but also the immense potential that lies ahead as we continue to revolutionize the software industry”.

Today the IBM i/Power Systems are still recognized worldwide as one the most powerful, secure and stable operating systems to manage business information and will be relevant for a long time, offering the stability and security that you’ve come to expect from IBM. inFORM Decisions is committed to the IBM i platform forever! 30 years and still innovating.

Call (800) 858-5544 / (949) 709-5838 or visit us at www.informdecisions.com for more information about our acclaimed iDocs suite of IBM i products.

07May

Celebrating 30 years of software innovation

Written by Ken Kramer. Posted in Blog

Celebrating 30 years of innovation on the IBM i Power Systems platform.

30 year commemoration

Wow, 30 years has passed quickly! inFORM Decisions is proud to announce the celebration of its 30 year anniversary. Since its inception in 1994, inFORM Decisions has been committed to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction. This milestone marks a momentous journey of growth and success. Through unwavering dedication and a relentless pursuit of excellence, the company has remained at the forefront of technological advancement, delivering cutting-edge solutions that have helped refine the software development landscape.

AS 400 to the clouds

inFORM Decisions was founded in 1994 to provide simple AS/400 native utilities that address the growing need to efficiently manage paper. When we began, we didn’t realize that we’d be publishing videos, blogs, using artificial intelligence and storing documents in the Cloud. By embracing emerging technologies and staying abreast of trends, the company has consistently delivered solutions that empower clients to thrive in a fast-evolving digital landscape.

Customer relationships

inFORM Decisions commitment to customer satisfaction has been at the heart of its growth. Our acclaimed products and unparalleled support have resulted in long-term customer relationships averaging over 10 years. With a strong focus on customer needs and feedback, the company has consistently developed cutting-edge solutions that address industry challenges and elevate standards. Looking ahead, inFORM Decisions aims to further enhance its offerings and continue delivering exceptional value to its customers.

Independent Service Vendor

Today the IBM i/Power Systems are still recognized worldwide as one the most powerful and stable operating systems to manage business information today. inFORM Decisions has been a Document Automation provider specializing in state-of-the-art Document Automation solutions for the IBM i – iSeries – AS/400 arena since 1994. inFORM Decisions is among the first application providers to be certified on IBM’s new family of expert integrated systems.

Were a document management company building custom document management systems for businesses, both large and small. Our award-winning software solutions can be used to secure and better manage your documents. Automating the processing, distributing, storing, retrieving and sharing of your office documents. Converting documents into useful information that can be used to run your business more efficiently while eliminating the piles of paper! Often, the savings in paper- and storage-related costs will pay for your document management software in the first year.

We believe that the IBM i/Power Systems will be relevant for a long time, offering the stability and security that you’ve come to expect from IBM. inFORM Decisions is committed to the IBM i platform forever! 30 years and still innovating.

Call (800) 858-5544 / (949) 709-5838 or visit us at www.informdecisions.com for more information about our acclaimed iDocs suite of IBM i products.

22Feb

Save Money on your Printing Needs

Written by Ken Kramer. Posted in Blog

Save Money on your Printing Needs

Spring into rewards with inFORM Decisions and let me save you money on all your printing needs.

Save money when you order from me compared to Deluxe® and Staples®

Why deal with on-line or big box suppliers when you can have personal one-on-one expert service and save money in the process? Typically I do a review with my customers revealing additional areas where I can save them money and streamline their ordering. Our customers that had previously ordered from Deluxe and Staples started to save money immediately once they started to order from me. Today saving money while continuing to work is ever so important.

One-on-One personal service

Deal with a single contact, one representative and one company for all your needs. Just call me!

We do consulting

I can provide assistance in figuring out the right products for your needs. We work with multiple supplies rather than a single source. We can typically provide forms when no one else can.

Help available

Get help right away from one accountable person who can provide troubleshooting assistance.

Experience

Beside paper and toner expertise, I have more than 20 years’ experience working with HP, Toshiba and other printers and ERP software.

Here is a short list of items we supply:

Printer Toner
MICR Toner*
Check Supplies/Security Paper Supplies**
Envelopes
Tax Forms***
And more….

* We provide M.I.C.R. (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) toner for both U.S. and Canadian customers. MICR toner is used to print the E-13B MICR characters on the bottom 5/8 inch of a check. Formulated specifically for each individual model of Laser printer, our Toner and Ink is superior, reliable, and ensures unparalleled adhesion and image quality. When it comes to check printing, unreliable checks mean lost revenue and bank fees. As an HP OEM Partner, our toner will never void your warranty and you can rest assured each print will be as strong as the last.

** Our checks meet Check21 Form Compliance. The security paper stock used to print our checks is an important element in the overall security program to protect the printing of checks. Our security checks have multiple security features that help prevent check fraud.

*** We offer tax forms in just about every paper median for all your tax season preparation needs. W2, 1099, ACA, and many more are available as blank laser forms, pressure seal forms, continues forms, and more.

Please call (800) 858-5544 or (949) 709-5838 Ext.123 to order your printer supplies including blank forms, check forms, tax forms, toner and envelopes or CONTACT ME to schedule a time to talk.

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14Dec

TAX SEASON 2023 information and important dates

Written by Ken Kramer. Posted in Blog

The 2023 Tax Season is starting early

The IRS is starting its tax filing season even earlier than it has in the past

The start of a new year always brings with it the anticipation of tax season. Many taxpayers are curious about when they can file their tax returns for the year 2023. According to the IRS, the estimated start date for filing 2023 taxes is January 18, 2024. It’s important to note that this date may be subject to change, but it’s unlikely to be pushed back.

The January 18 start date for individual tax return filers will allow the IRS time over the course of the coming weeks to do additional programming and testing that is critical to ensure that IRS systems will run smoothly this filing season and will help taxpayers claim the remainder of their Child Tax Credit and remaining stimulus funds in a timely manner when filing their 2023 returns.

File your returns as early as possible

Taxpayers who file their returns electronically and choose direct deposit for their refund can expect to receive their refund within 21 days of filing. This is a faster and more convenient option than waiting for a paper check to arrive in the mail. Wait until the last minute and your return will wait for processing in a very large pile of returns.

A general extension for the tax deadline is not expected this year

If additional time is needed to file a tax return, remember to file for an extension by April 15th, 2024. This extension will grant until October 15th, 2024, to file taxes without incurring late filing penalties. Certain areas covered by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster declarations may have additional time to file.

Tips to make filing easier

To avoid processing delays and speed refunds, the IRS urges people to follow these steps:
Organize and gather 2023 tax records including Social Security numbers, Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers, Adoption Taxpayer Identification Numbers, and this year’s Identity Protection Personal Identification Numbers valid for calendar year 2023.

Check IRS.gov for the latest tax information, including the latest on reconciling advance payments of the Child Tax Credit or claiming a Recovery Rebate Credit for missing stimulus payments.

Set up or log in securely at IRS.gov/account to access personal tax account information including balance, payments, and tax records including adjusted gross income.

Make final estimated tax payments for 2023 by Monday, Jan 15, 2024, to help avoid a tax-time bill and possible penalties.

Individuals can use a bank account, prepaid debit card or mobile app to use direct deposit and will need to provide routing and account numbers. Learn how to open an account at an FDIC-Insured bank or through the National Credit Union Locator Tool.

File a complete and accurate return electronically when ready and choose direct deposit for the quickest refund.

There are several important dates taxpayers should keep in mind for this year’s filing season. The list below doesn’t cover every tax deadline, merely the most important ones broadly relevant to these groups of taxpayers. For a comprehensive view of all the important tax deadlines applicable to each taxpayer, please visit IRS Publication 509.

Key filing season dates for Individual Filers – including employees, retirees, self-employed individuals and independent contractors

January 16,2024: 4th Quarter 2023 estimated tax payment due. If you’re self-employed or have other income without any tax withholding, and you make quarterly estimated tax payments, this is the due date for your final quarterly payment for the 2023 tax year.
January 18,2024: 2023 Tax season begins. Individual 2023 tax returns begin being accepted and processing begins.
January 31,2024: Employers send W-2s forms to employees and send certain 1099 forms.
Various 1099 forms, and forms 1099-NEC,1099-MISC, and 1099-K are used to report payments that typically don’t come from an employer, such as if you work as an independent contractor, gig worker, or self-employed person or if you receive income such as interest, dividends, prize winnings, rents, royalties, or brokerage account transactions.
February 15,2024: Reclaim your exemption from withholding. If you chose to claim an exemption from your employer withholding taxes from your paycheck last year by filing a Form W-4, you’ll need to re-file the form by this date. You would file this exemption request if you anticipate having no tax liability this year and had none in the previous year.
April 1,2024: Required minimum distribution due if you turned 73 in 2023. If you turned 73 in 2023, you have until April 1, 2024, to take your 2023 required minimum distribution (your first required distribution) from your retirement account. After passage of the SECURE Act 2.0 in 2022, if you turned 73 years old on or after 2022, you don’t need to take RMDs until you reach age 73.
April 15,2024: Tax Deadline. First quarter 2024 estimated tax payment due. The tax day deadline is also the last day to file Form 4868 requesting an extension to file your individual income tax return. If you won’t be ready to file your tax return by tax day, make sure you instead complete an extension request, granting you the ability to delay filing a completed return until October 16, 2023. But remember, even if you choose to file an extension, you are still required to pay any taxes you may owe by the April deadline. For individual income tax return filers, this also marks the final day to make contributions to your IRA or HSA for the 2023 tax year. After this date, you generally can’t make contributions for the previous tax year.
June 17, 2024: Second quarter 2024 estimated tax payment due.
September 16, 2024: Third quarter 2024 estimated tax payment due.
October 15,2024: Deadline to file your extended 2023 tax return. If you chose to file an extension request on your tax return, this is the due date for filing your tax return.
December 31,2024: Required minimum distributions have to be taken for individuals age 73 or older by the end of 2024.
January 15,2025: Fourth quarter 2024 estimated tax payment due. This represents the final quarterly estimated tax payment due for 2024. If you choose the option to pay 100% of your previous year’s tax liability, any unpaid taxes will be due when you file your 2024 individual tax return by the April 2025 deadline.

Key filing season dates for Businesses and Partnerships

January 15,2024: 4th Quarter 2023 estimated tax payment due.
January 18,2024: 2023 Tax season begins.
January 31,2024: Due date for employers to send W-2 forms. To ensure you’re able to complete your tax return on time, the IRS requires all employers to send you a W-2 no later than January 31 following the close of the tax year. Generally, this means W-2s get sent by January 31, but you won’t necessarily receive your form by this date.
March 15,2024: Taxes are due for some business types (partnerships, multi-member LLCs, and S-Corporations). Businesses organized as partnerships, including multi-member LLCs, and S-Corporations need to file Form 1065, or 1120S by March 15, 2024, if they are a calendar year business. If your business uses a fiscal year, you need to file your tax return by the 15th day of the third month following the close of your tax year. For example, if your business uses an April 1 – March 31 tax year, your business tax return would be due June 15 instead of March 15.
April 15,2024: Taxes for C-Corporations are due. Businesses organized as C-Corporations need to file form 1120 by April 15, 2024, if they are a calendar year business. If your business uses a fiscal year, you need to file your tax return by the 15th day of the third month following the close of your tax year. For example, if your business uses an April 1 – March 31 tax year, your business tax return would be due June 15 instead of in April.
September 16, 2024: Deadline for extended partnership and S-corporation returns.
October 15,2024: Deadline for extended C-corporation returns.
January 15,2025: Fourth quarter 2024 estimated tax payment due.

Insure you have the forms you need to file your taxes

The right options for easy wage and information reporting, inFORM Decisions offers tax forms in just about every paper median for all your tax season preparation needs. Forms packages are available for Computer Guidance, CMS, JDE, Peoplesoft, Oracle, Payroll for North America, Vertex Tax Technology, Thomson Reuters, Onesource, CDW Tax Service and more. W2, 1099, ACA, and many more are available as blank laser forms, pressure seal forms, continues forms, and more. Please call (800) 858-5544 or (949) 709-5838 Ext.123 to order your 2023 tax form paper and envelopes or email Erin at [email protected].

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