Client: Essendant
Industry: Wholesale Distribution of Office, Technical, and Janitorial Supplies
Client Profile: As a leading national distributor, Essendant relies heavily on its mainframe systems for managing a vast and dynamic supply chain. With a revenue surpassing $5 billion, efficient mainframe operations are not just preferred but essential for maintaining service level agreements (SLAs) and operational stability.
Customer Challenge
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, Essendant experienced an unprecedented surge in demand that pushed their mainframe systems to the brink, critically saturating capacity and impacting SLAs. The challenges were multifaceted, involving:
- Systems Performance Tuning
- Capacity Planning
- Effective utilization of IBM’s Sub-Capacity Software Pricing Model
- Workload Management (WLM) Performance Tuning
- Reporting requirements and accurate forecasting for application capacities
Solution
SVA Software stepped in with our zWorkload Reporter (zWR) and expert zOptimization Services to revolutionize Essendant’s mainframe management:
- Initial Consultation: Together with the IT Manager of Mainframe Services at Essendant, we defined the scope and deliverables tailored to address the immediate challenges.
- Implementation of zWR: Our cloud-based zWorkload Reporter provided critical insights through detailed analytics, facilitating targeted performance and capacity improvements.
- Collaborative Effort: SVA’s team functioned as an extension of Essendant’s IT department, focusing on Systems Performance, WLM Tuning, and Capacity Planning.
- Forensic Assistance: On occasion, our team also provided historical performance analysis and independent capacity planning to further stabilize and optimize operations.
Results
The adoption of zWR and our bespoke optimization services yielded significant performance enhancements and cost savings:
- Performance Stabilization: Addressed and resolved key issues in Systems Performance and WLM Tuning.
- MSU Reduction: MSU usage was safely reduced from 194 to 136, achieving a net reduction of 58 MSUs.
- Cost Savings: This MSU reduction translated into an immediate saving of $132,000 in 2020 under IBM’s MLC Sub Capacity Pricing, with cumulative savings reaching over $1.26 million by the end of 2022.
- Enhanced Forecasting: More accurate forecasting capabilities were established, improving budgeting and financial planning.
- KPI and Reporting: Implemented new Batch SLO KPI reporting methodologies to enhance operational oversight.
Customer Testimonial
“Upon taking over as IT Manager, I was initially skeptical about the necessity for zOptimization Services. SVA Software proved indispensable, enhancing our mainframe’s efficiency and reducing operational costs significantly.”
– Buddy Stevens, IT Manager, Mainframe Services @ Essendant
Looking Ahead
With potential integrations like zGuard for real-time monitoring and intelligent automated configurations on the horizon, Essendant’s 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 Essendant 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.
Empower Your Mainframe Efficiency: Unlock Success with zWorkload Reporter’s Data-Driven Insights
