Optimizing Mainframe Efficiency in Wholesale Distribution: A Comprehensive Use Case

Industry: Wholesale Distribution of Office, Technical, and Janitorial Supplies

Business Importance: Wholesale distributors rely extensively on mainframe systems to manage expansive supply chains. For multi-billion-dollar companies, the efficiency of these systems is critical to maintaining service level agreements (SLAs) and achieving operational excellence.

Customer Challenge

During unforeseen global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, one notable distributor experienced a dramatic surge in demand that tested the limits of their mainframe systems. This strain affected their SLAs and jeopardized overall system stability. The primary challenges included:

• Systems Performance Tuning
• Capacity Planning
• Effective utilization of IBM’s Sub-Capacity Software Pricing Models
• Workload Management (WLM) Performance Tuning
• Advanced reporting and forecasting capabilities

Solution

Our zWorkload Reporter (zWR) and expert zOptimization Services provided a comprehensive approach to address these challenges:

• Strategic Planning and Implementation: Collaborative efforts were initiated to strategically plan and implement solutions that addressed both immediate and long-term needs.
  
• Deployment of zWR: This tool provided crucial analytics, enabling targeted optimizations that significantly improved both performance and operational costs.
  
• Expert Collaboration: Our specialists integrated seamlessly with the client’s IT team, focusing on critical areas such as Systems Performance and Capacity Planning.
  
• Detailed Performance Analysis: Comprehensive historical performance and capacity planning analyses were conducted to lay a foundation for continuous improvement.

Problem Identification and Resolution

• Advanced Diagnostics: As your trusted capacity advisors, our sophisticated diagnostic tools and methodologies are designed to uncover and address issues that typically go undetected. Leveraging our unique expertise, we delve deep into your mainframe systems to identify and resolve underlying problems, often before they escalate.
  
• Insightful Solutions: Most companies lack the specialized expertise that SVA Software possesses in mainframe optimization. By identifying these hidden challenges, we not only provide critical insights but also implement solutions that significantly optimize system performance and operational efficiency. Our approach frees up your internal resources, allowing you to focus more on strategic business activities rather than day-to-day system management.

Results

The adoption of our mainframe optimization solutions yielded significant improvements:

• Stabilized System Performance: We effectively resolved key issues in Systems Performance and WLM Tuning.
  
• 30% MSU Reduction: We achieved a substantial 30% reduction in MSU usage, significantly enhancing both system efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
  
• Considerable Cost Savings: This reduction in MSU usage translated into marked cost savings, with accumulated MLC savings of approximately $1.98 million by the end of 2023.
  
• Improved Forecasting and Reporting: Our advanced solutions facilitated more accurate forecasting and implemented superior reporting methodologies, thus improving operational oversight and financial planning.
  

Customer Testimonial

“Initially skeptical about the necessity for advanced optimization services, we were quickly convinced of the value SVA Software brings as they dramatically enhanced our mainframe’s efficiency and reduced operational costs.”

– IT Manager, Mainframe Services, National Wholesale Corporation

Looking Ahead

With potential integrations like zGuard for real-time monitoring and intelligent automated configurations on the horizon, mainframe operations are set to become more streamlined than ever. Our ongoing collaboration aims to explore these advanced features to further reduce MSUs and operational expenses.

SVA Software remains committed to leading the field in z/OS and Mainframe optimization and modernization. Our work with the wholesale distribution industry showcases our ability to meet critical IT needs and deliver substantial economic returns through innovative technology and expert service.

Discover how our zOptimization Platform can transform your mainframe operations. Contact us today to discuss how we can assist in achieving your IT operational goals efficiently and cost-effectively.