Aldon Lifecycle Manager (IBM i Edition) for Lawson Software

Programmers using Lawson Software's ERP applications often modify source code, make changes to other vendors’ software, and change or create home-grown source code. Throughout this process, they need comprehensive, automated version control and process management. Aldon Lifecycle Manager (IBM i Edition) balances the programmer's need for flexibility, the manager's desire for control, and the end-user's demand for high quality, customized applications.

Flexibility And Automation For The Programmer

Designed to handle everything from simple access control to complex development scenarios such as multiple version management, Aldon automates the manual, repetitive, and administrative parts of development, freeing programmers to design creative software.

Security and Information for the Manager

Aldon secures valuable software assets by enforcing a strict software development process. Define the path, establish the standards, and assign levels of developer authority based on the environment (e.g., development, testing, and production), and on the activity (e.g., checkout and promote). Aldon also provides management with detailed audit trails of development changes. See the activity performed, who performed it, when, and -- most importantly -- why. Historical information is organized into useful management reports.

Communicating Quality to the User

Enforcing the development cycle improves code quality and ensures that all objects affected by or contributing to a change are processed together. This consistent and efficient approach to application development reduces human error and saves time. Further, Aldon’s project management capabilities keep end-users in the loop. Users can submit requests, check on the status of projects, and communicate with programmers.

The Aldon-Lawson Interface

Typically, IBM i users design reports and screens using System i DDS. However, Lawson's Universe and Environment programs generate screens and reports from proprietary source members. The Aldon-Lawson interface allows users to manage these objects like standard System i objects. Users can check out and promote Lawson screens, reports, and programs using the same functions they use to manipulate DDS-generated files and standard RPG programs.

Automate Lawson Upgrades

When new releases of Lawson applications arrive, Harmonizer, Aldon's powerful source compare and merge tool, automates the upgrade process. In about the time it takes to compile the code, Harmonizer compares and merges Lawson's current release to the new release and the local production release. And then, Harmonizer performs 60%-80% of the new release upgrade work for users.