This topic applies only to the IBM Business Automation Workflow Advanced configuration.

Configuring the PL/I importer for a PL/I program on an IMS system

Edit online
Draft comment:
This topic only applies to BAW, and is located in the BAW repository. Last updated on 2025-03-13 12:15
Draft comment:
This topic was viewed 3 times since its publication
Depending on the prefix style that the target PL/I program uses on an IMS transaction system, you must configure the PL/I importer.

The message prefix style used by PL/I programs can either be LLZZ (4 bytes in all) or LLLL (4 bytes) followed by ZZ (2 bytes). All other IMS programs such as COBOL, C, or C++ use a two-byte LL field.

To enable IMS support, configure the PL/I importer under IBM® Integration Designer and convert the LLLL (4 bytes) field into LL (2 bytes). You must select the Enable IMS support option when working with the IMS TM resource adapter, but this selection is optional when working with WOLA.

When exchanging information between a WOLA external service and the target PL/I IMS program, you must specify the format for the message prefix style. For example, if you enabled IMS support for the PL/I program, use the LLZZ prefix style. However, if you did not enable the IMS support, you must use the LLLL prefix style with the appropriate field length so that WOLA correctly parses the message at run time and delivers it accordingly to IMS OTMA. The IMS Transaction Manager (TM) ensures that correct LLLL size is used when delivering the message to the PL/I IMS program.

When creating the WOLA import using the New External Service wizard, you can set the values for the request and response prefix styles under the IMS OTMA connection properties area which is under Advanced.

To configure the PL/I importer, choose one of the following methods:

  • When creating the WOLA import in the New External Service wizard, define the operations in the New Business Object From External Data window where you can specify the mapping details for the business objects that you want to create. Select PL/I to Business Object and then select a PL/I program, the Select Data Structures page opens. Under Advanced properties, set Enable IMS support to true to use the LLZZ prefix style for the target PL/I program on the IMS system. This field is false by default.
  • Set the mappings for the PL/I importer in the preferences window in Integration Designer. To set these preferences, from the menu, select Window > Preferences > Importer > PL/I and select Enable IMS support. This setting enables the LLZZ prefix style for the target PL/I program on the IMS system.