Most Power i shops have neither the staff nor the tools to keep up with all their data access tasks. Without Sequel for Power i data access, end users and programmers must either use inferior query tools, or write high level language programs using RPG or COBOL. Either way, the results are the same: wasted time and frustrated users.
Sequel handles the problems associated with Power i data access for all levels of an organization by making the process of producing usable data, faster and easier. With Sequel, you can produce printed reports, ad hoc queries, summary files, spreadsheet data, and even perform file maintenance (with the proper authority). Sequel allows you to produce and distribute data easily by print, or download it to PC files and shared folders. Sequel is the answer to Power i data access issues, plus it offers multi-platform support to access other enterprise databases.
This document describes the features that make Sequel the Power i data access tool of choice.
Sequel lets you create and manipulate data in ways that normally require a software program. With Sequel, you can produce results much faster than with other query tools, or by writing a program.
Sequel provides the following features:
Sequel's graphical design interface helps you create views and reports quickly and easily.
Sequel provides:
With the Sequel Report Writer, you can create sophisticated reports that other tools cannot match. You can even create reports that normally require programming.
Sequel offers the following report features:
Run-time prompting allows you to change requests at run-time. Even if you don't know how to change a query, you can simply fill in values on a prompt screen to filter data any way you need. Any Sequel request can include run-time prompts.
Sequel allows you to:
Sequel's Tabling module creates spreadsheet-type summarized data from Power i detail data.
Sequel performs a cross-tabbing function that creates columns across the page instead of the summarized detail data that is stored in Power i files. The Tabling module also provides a percent of total and ranking feature. This feature saves you from the hassle of running multiple queries and creating multiple outfiles to produce the same result.
Sequel's tabling features let you:
With Scripting, you can perform multiple Sequel (or non Sequel) steps without writing a CL program.
With Sequel, you can:
Script Views combine the multi-step processing capabilities of standard scripts with the multiple output options of a view. Script Views are created in the same manner, in the same designer, and with full support for most of the same commands used in a standard script. However, unlike a standard script and more like a view, a simple right-click within the Viewpoint Explorer allows you to display, print, create files and more.
Sequel allows you to direct data almost anywhere, in any format. You can analyze data in the form you are most comfortable with: printed output, PC spreadsheets, or Power i files. Sequel saves effort with no need for RPG programs. You can use Sequel with ESEND to distribute data quickly and easily via e-mail or FTP. You can perform these functions interactively or in batch, and you can schedule them using a job scheduler.
With Sequel, you can easily:
Sequel provides features just for programmers. Programmers love Sequel's file maintenance commands that allow them to do updates or deletions based on joins without writing a program. The Open Sequel File command (OPNSQLF) is an easy alternative to other query tool options, and you can restrict any Sequel command using IBM object authority.
With Sequel, programmers can:
You can combine Sequel with the Client Reporting module or the Sequel Web Interface for additional data access capabilities.
This add-on module lets you create reports for PC-printer output using your Power i data. The Client Reporting module provides powerful report-formatting capabilities, plus complete graphics and font control to enhance the appearance and professionalism of your reports.
The Sequel Web Interface allows you to run your existing Sequel and Query/400 objects from a Web browser. In addition, you can display and manage spooled file output, either by user ID or output queue.
Sequel offers excellent technical support. We encourage you to contact HelpSystems if you have any Sequel questions, including questions about how to use Sequel and how to structure Sequel statements.
Still have questions? We can help. Submit a case to Technical Support.