Re: BPCS Performance Problems -- BPCS-L

I will have to agree with Michael on his accessment.  Our shop was running
BPCS 6.02
mixed mode on an 510-2143 and performance was terrible.  We worked with our
IBM/
SSA hardware partner and filled out the SSA sizing survey.  The result was a
suggestion
of an S20-2178 or a 640.  Either was configured with 4GB of memory 54GB DASD
(based on our current usage and growth) and the appropriate tape backup
unit.

We installed the new AS/400 in December and performance has been
outstanding.  MRP/
MPS planning reports which ran for 4-4.5 hours now run in 17 minutes.
Inventory Valuation
reports which ran for 2-3 hours now run in 5-7 minutes.  Our users have been
very pleased
with the performance.

The cost of the S20-2178 vs the 640 model was about 100-150k less and had
better performance.
The CPW of the 510-2143 was 77.7 (interactive and batch) and the S20-2178 is
221 interactive
and 759 batch.

BTW we have about 100-120 users.

-----Original Message-----
From: Michael Gillette <mgillette@gssolutions.com>
To: BPCS-L@midrange.com <BPCS-L@midrange.com>
Date: Tuesday, February 16, 1999 11:32 PM
Subject: Re: BPCS Performance Problems


>The S20/2170 is part of the IBM E-Custom Server Series.  This is a very
>different box than the "traditional" server series available through IBM.
>The E-Custom Server was developed with specific ISV products in mind (to
>include SSA) and offers enhanced Interactive processing horsepower and a
>different algorithm than that found in the standard server line.
>
>As an SSA Hardware Partner, we are very experienced in sizing AS/400's for
>BPCS users and have found the E-Custom Server product to be a perfect fit
in
>many BPCS Mixed Mode environments.  For the most part, the BPCS Mixed Mode
>product is an interactive green screen application.  But careful attention
>must be paid to the amount of user activity in the "server modules" of this
>product, as well as your overall workload mix.
>
>The first step is to complete the SSA Sizing Questionnaire and submit it to
>the IBM/SSA Competency Center through your SSA Rep or an SSA Hardware
>Partner.  The next step is to evaluate your "Interactive"  to
"Batch/Server"
>workload mix to determine which CPU is best for you.  As a result of this
>analysis, we have successfully installed a large number of E-Custom Servers
>in BPCS shops giving users superior performance at a LOWER PRICE than what
>they would have gotten with a 9406/6XX product.
>
>The introduction of the new IBM 7XX series takes the "mixed mode" servers
up
>to a higher level.  With this new line of Servers you can choose the amount
>of "Interactive" and "Batch/Server"  CPW that best fits your requirements.
>Most importantly,  IBM has allowed you to upgrade into this new product
from
>any RISC based System, Server, and E-Custom Server Product.  This appears
to
>the direction of IBM as the 9406/6XX product is scheduled to be withdrawn
at
>the end of May 1999.
>
>Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or need assistance.
>
>Michael Gillette
>G/S Software Solutions
>248-649-5334
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: mitchell@nexgensoftware.com <mitchell@nexgensoftware.com>
>To: BPCS-L@midrange.com <BPCS-L@midrange.com>
>Date: Tuesday, February 16, 1999 5:35 PM
>Subject: Re: BPCS Performance Problems
>
>
>>
>>
>>
>>Dwight,
>>
>>You wrote:
>>
>>|We are interested if anyone else has had the problem of receiving an
>AS/400
>>|mode with about 250 users spread across 6 sites.  The CFINTxx jobs will
>>|consume upwards of 80% of the total CPU available and bring response
times
>>|up to the 7 minute range.  The AS/400 we were sized at originally is an
>S20
>>|model 2177 with 1GB of ram.  We are now being told be SSA that we need an
>>|S20 model 2178 with 2.5 GB of ram.  Needless to say management is not
>>|pleased about the additional $100,000 outlay of cash.  I am concerned
>about
>>|the new estimate (fool me once shame on you... fool me twice shame on
me).
>>|Your feedback is welcome.
>>|
>>|Regards,
>>|
>>|Dwight Slessman
>>|National Electrical Carbon Products, Inc.
>>
>>Are you serious that SSA has sized you for a "server" AS/400 when you are
>>running mixed-mode V6.X???
>>
>>Mixed-mode BPCS places its workload in the interactive subsystem.  The
>server
>>series AS/400s are designed NOT to run optimally (the 400 actually,
>purposely
>>de-tunes itself -- thus your CFINT jobs) with high interactive workloads.
>>
>>With 250 users, I can't see how anyone would have recommended an
>S-anything.
>>Although I am not advising you on the proper size machine for your
purpose,
>you
>>will most likely need an interactive box such as a Model 620, 640.  And
>yes,
>>this will cost you dearly.
>>
>>Please feel free to call me if you want more details on this
>>
>>Best of Luck,
>>
>>Daniel J. Mitchell
>>Nexgen
>>+1 630 300 6040
>>
>>
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