Background
Runnings Supply, a prominent farm and ranch retail store chain based in Marshall, MN, started as an automotive supply store and was deeply rooted in selling farm and fleet supplies until the late 80’s when additional product lines were added. Runnings has evolved to become a retail destination for high quality merchandise including clothing, footwear, automotive, sporting goods, farm supplies, lawn and garden, toys, housewares, tools, pet and animal supplies and more.
Runnings Supply has grown to over 80 stores in 8 states including Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa, Montana, New York, New Hampshire and Connecticut. With a network serving approximately 3,500 users, Runnings relies on its IBM 9009-41A system running Horizon Retail software to support its operations. Following the acquisition of 22 new stores and a distribution center in June 2023, Runnings faced the challenge of integrating these new locations into its existing infrastructure while also preparing for an upgrade from IBM i V7.3 to V7.4.
Trusting The Process
Terry Kriz, Director of Information Services at Runnings Supply, reflects on the decision making process and the company’s experience with Source Data Products and Senior IBM i Engineer Mark Breisacher. Having collaborated with Source Data since 2022, Terry acknowledges Mark’s expertise and reliability, earning a reputation for his extensive experience conducting version upgrades. With confidence in Mark’s guidance, Runnings opted to proceed with the upgrade, leveraging their sandbox LPAR for initial testing before transitioning to the production environment.
“Mark has been great to work with. He has experience with version upgrades, has seen where issues can arise and can help avoid those. The preparations he assisted with in both the sandbox and the final production system interactions went really well.”
Smooth Version Upgrade
Mark Breisacher, working closely with Runnings’ System Administrator Clint Carver, conducted the version upgrade process with precision. Beginning with a complete system save, Mark meticulously executed the upgrade, ensuring minimal disruption to Runnings’ operations. For both the sandbox and production LPARs, Mark’s efficient approach enabled the upgrades to be completed overnight, allowing Runnings to resume normal operations seamlessly by the following morning.
“Mark and Clint worked in conjunction to make sure we had very few issues throughout. Clint relied heavily on Mark to make sure we had all the right downloads and PTFs so that the upgrade was successful.”
Resolving Minor Issues
During the production upgrade, Runnings encountered a minor issue with their web interface. However, with prompt assistance from Mark and IBM, the issue was swiftly resolved, underscoring the effectiveness of collaboration and support in overcoming challenges. Despite this minor hiccup, the overall upgrade process proceeded smoothly, with no discernible impact on Runnings’ day-to-day operations.
“We did a sandbox environment first before updating the production environment.
“For our production LPAR, we took the system down on Saturday evening. Mark had us back up, upgraded, and back online by 8am the next morning.”
Terry Kriz’s Insight
Reflecting on the experience, Terry Kriz expresses unequivocal praise for Source Data Products and Mark Breisacher, highlighting their expertise and professionalism throughout the version upgrade process. Terry’s endorsement underscores the value of partnering with experienced professionals like Mark, who not only possess the technical know-how but also demonstrate a commitment to ensuring a successful and seamless transitio
Terry Kriz Recommends Source Data Products Version Upgrade
“I would absolutely would recommend Source Data Products for your version upgrade. It went really well. It’s clear that you guys do a lot of these and understand what needs to be done and when, so you can guide and advise us throughout the whole process.”
