Re: Data Extract Tool

Extracting data from an existing database will be tricky to say the least...
given all the inter-relationships that exist between files (orders to
inventory to invoices to payments to GL...).  So, creating a test system by
extracting a subset of data from the live system will be very risky.

It would be safer to copy the live system, then purge the heck out of it
using the standard purge programs.  This, at least theoretically, would
maintain the interrelationships between the data.  Depending on the rules
for purging, you might have a hard time slimming down the files.  I had one
client that tried to purge the AP database (in MACPAC, not BPCS), but since
they never reconciled the checkbook in MACPAC, an AP purge did virtually
NOTHING.

I would recommend copying the live system, purging as much as you can with
the standard purge routines, then _carefully_ purge other files using a tool
like ARCTOOLS, or SQL, or your own RPG programs.  Once you've got a nice,
lean database, back it up and hide the tape...

Running that many big, ugly purge jobs will no doubt place a bit of a strain
on your system.  You should be sure to set up a separate batch queue (maybe
even a separate subsystem) and give the purge jobs less of a priority than
regular batch jobs.  This way, they will use whatever horsepower is left
over after everybody else gets their piece.  The CPU will probably be pinned
all day long, so it will look scary, but in reality your purge jobs _should_
be just picking up the scraps.

Good luck.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Purge and Archive your BPCS Data Without Programming with ARCTOOLS (tm)
DCSoftware, Inc.
(508) 435-8243
(508) 435-4498 (fax)
http://www.arctools.com
mailto:info@arctools.com
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

-----Original Message-----
From: pcrites@gbc.com <pcrites@gbc.com>
To: BPCS-L@midrange.com <BPCS-L@midrange.com>
Date: Wednesday, August 04, 1999 1:28 PM
Subject: Data Extract Tool


>BPCS/AS-400 Community,
>   We need to build a small test database from an existing system.
Initially,
>this will be BPCS, but the intention is to be able to use this tool for
others
>systems which we have/will have.
>   Is anyone aware of such a tool, similar to something called ExtractDB?
>   Any and all responses would be appreciated.
>
>   I am writing this under Paul's id, so please respond to me through this
>medium OR directly:
>    pcrites@gbc.com
>
>Many thanks in advance.
>    James Camp
>
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