How to Untangle IBM i Reports

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How to Untangle IBM i Reports That Word Wrap When You Print Them

IBM i users often face the challenge of their reports word-wrapping, resulting in single records being split across multiple lines—making it difficult to import these reports into Excel for sorting and analysis. If you’re dealing with this issue, here’s a step-by-step guide on howHow to Untangle IBM i Reports, Easily convert hard to read reports into Excel or PDF to untangle IBM i reports so each record is on a single line.

  1. Generate the Report in a Wider Format

For Users with Access to a Programmer

If you have a programmer available, one effective method is to generate the report in a wider format. The IBM i can create spooled files up to 378 characters wide! Here’s how you can do it:

  • Step 1: Modify the report generation settings to increase the width of the spooled file. Instead of printing it, put the file on hold.
  • Step 2: Once the spooled file is generated in the wider format, convert it to a digital format like PDF or Excel. You can do this manually, or if you want something more automated…
  • Step 3: Use software like SpoolFlex by DRV to easily convert these spooled files to digital reports. SpoolFlex automatically convert, email, and archive your reports without lifting a finger.
  1. Use a Database Extraction Tool

For Users Without a Programmer

If you don’t have a programmer available, another option is to use a database extraction tool, like Query,  to recreate the report the way you want it. Here’s what you need to do:

  • Step 1: Identify the IBM i database file(s) where the data is located.
  • Step 2: Use a query tool, such as DRV’s DBXFlex, to extract data from one or more database files.
  • Step 3: Output the queried data directly to a spooled file, Excel, PDF, or CSV formats.

DBXFlex is an excellent tool for this purpose, and when used in tandem with SpoolFlex, it’s a powerful solution for managing your reports.

 

  1. Reformat the Spooled File

For Users Without a Programmer or Query Tool

If you don’t have a programmer nor want to use a query tool, you can consider reformatting the spooled file without changing the print file program. Here’s how:

  • Step 1: Use a reformatter to restructure the spooled file so that each line is a single record.
  • Step 2: Convert the reformatted spooled file to your desired digital format.

DRV ReportFlex is designed to reformat spooled files, making word-wrapped reports cleaner and easier to import into Excel. DRV can even create the templates for your reports so you don’t have to do the heavy lifting. Teaming ReportFlex with SpoolFlex can work miracles, simplifying the process significantly.

Conclusion

If your IBM i (AS400, iSeries) users are facing the challenge of their reports. Dealing with word-wrapped reports on IBM i systems doesn’t have to be a headache. Whether you have access to a programmer or not, there are reliable methods to ensure your reports are untangled and each record is on a single line. By using wider formats, database extraction tools, or reformatting spooled files, you can streamline your reporting process and make data management much more efficient.

Ready to make your reports easier to manage? Explore tools like SpoolFlex, DBXFlex, and ReportFlex to transform your data handling today. Arrange a demonstration to see how this works.

For more information or assistance, feel free to reach out to DRV 678 417-1521 and we’ll demonstrate how.  Happy reporting!

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