IBM i specialists often spend excessive time on manual tasks like data loading, user provisioning, monitoring multiple screens, and executing checklists. This not only drains resources but also invites errors and inefficiencies. With many experts nearing retirement, organizations risk disruptions in critical processes such as core banking, ERP operations (purchase orders, shipments, inventory), and report generation.
Automation relieves this burden by enabling software robots to handle tasks 24/7 without mistakes. Robots execute commands on the green screen, plan complex workflows based on conditions like file receipt or server status, and ensure jobs run on time in the correct order. Benefits include reassigning expertise to high-value projects, optimizing server performance to eliminate downtime, enhancing data security, and easing transitions for junior staff.
Ansible, an open-source, agentless automation platform, revolutionizes IBM i management. Running from a Linux or IBM i control node via SSH, it uses IBM-specific modules for native objects, Db2 database, security, and IFS environments. Playbooks automate command execution, system configuration, work management, fix management, and application deployment.
IBM's official Ansible collection for Power Systems—available on GitHub—provides modules, roles, and sample playbooks. Installation is straightforward: equip your Ansible server with Python 3.13 and the ibm.power_ibmi collection, then run setup playbooks to enable IBM i nodes. Whether on-premises or in the cloud, Ansible treats IBM i as any endpoint, supporting hybrid environments with consistent tools.
Examples abound: automate user provisioning, data extraction, job scheduling, and even RPA for screen-based processes like inventory audits or invoice handling. This scalability allows businesses to clone bots for growing needs, from order processing to shipment tracking, without proportional staff increases
At the forefront of this transformation is i-Rays by Omnilogy, which delivers tailored automation solutions for IBM i. Specializing in Ansible integrations and RPA, i-Rays compensates for the skills shortage by automating green screen interactions, job scheduling, reporting, system monitoring, and data integrations. Their expertise ensures seamless transitions, regulatory compliance, and maximized uptime, empowering teams to focus on innovation.
By partnering with i-Rays, organizations automate everything from financial transactions and compliance audits to modernization efforts like SSO implementation. This not only boosts efficiency and reduces errors but also scales with business growth, securing IBM i's legacy for the future.
Automation via Ansible and partners like i-Rays isn't optional: it's essential. Embrace it to safeguard operations against talent gaps and drive sustained success.
