What is TURNOVER for IBM i (previously iSERIES / AS400)

IBM i software developers, in an era where applications must evolve rapidly while maintaining rock-solid reliability and compliance, effective change management is no longer optional - it's essential. Whether you're modernizing RPGLE code, integrating with web services, or coordinating multi-platform deployments, tools that streamline the software development lifecycle (SDLC) can transform chaos into controlled progress. Enter TURNOVER Lifecycle Manager, a powerhouse solution tailored for the IBM i ecosystem. TURNOVER empowers teams to handle complex changes with precision, from initial user requests to production rollout.

This summary distills the 50-page guide (August 2022 edition) into key sections for system administrators. TURNOVER® Lifecycle Manager is an application lifecycle management tool for IBM i, supporting change management, distribution, and multilingual environments. Note: As of October 2025, this appears to be the latest guide based on available sources; check unicomsi.com or softlanding.com for updates.

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to: Understand the purpose and components of TURNOVER® for iSeries Client. Install or update the client software on a Windows PC. Set up connections and filters for efficient use. Configure optional features for IBM i, Java/PC/Web development, and reporting. Access online help and next steps for further learning. This summary distills the 42-page guide into key sections, focusing on practical steps for system administrators and end users. TURNOVER® for iSeries is a change management tool for IBM i systems, with client components for administration, development, forms, helpdesk, projects, reports, and tasks.

This summary condenses the 88-page Developer's Guide (January 2021 edition) into practical modules for developers. TURNOVER® Lifecycle Manager is an IBM i tool for managing application changes, ensuring controlled, auditable processes. Note: Based on web searches as of October 2025, no newer public Developer's Guide was found; check UNICOM/SoftLanding support for updates.

Welcome to your fast-track cheat sheet for mastering TURNOVER on IBM i. Whether you're a seasoned RPG wrangler or just dipping your toes into software change management, this guide is your go-to companion for navigating TURNOVER’s most essential commands, workflows, and gotchas. No fluff - just the good stuff.

This summary condenses the 445-page Administrator’s Guide (Release 2.100, November 2022 edition) into key sections for system administrators. TURNOVER® Lifecycle Manager (formerly TURNOVER® for iSeries) is an application lifecycle management tool for IBM i, focusing on controlled changes, auditing, and distribution. Based on web searches as of October 2025, no newer public Administrator’s Guide was found; check UNICOM/SoftLanding support for updates.

This summary distills the 66-page guide (October 2018 edition) into key modules for administrators planning TURNOVER® implementations. TURNOVER® for iSeries (now Lifecycle Manager) manages software changes on IBM i, using applications to model environments and automate promotions. Based on web searches as of October 24, 2025, no newer public Application Planning Guide was found; it may be integrated into later docs like the Administrator’s Guide. Check UNICOM/SoftLanding support for updates.

This summary condenses the 3-page supplement (Version 100, January 2010) into a concise guide for administrators. iASPs, introduced with IBM i V5R2M0, allow independent disk unit management, and this supplement outlines TURNOVER®'s support for promoting objects into them. Note: As of October 24, 2025, this is the latest version based on available data; check softlanding.com for updates.

This summary condenses the 493-page User Guide (January 2021 edition) into practical modules for end-users, such as programmers, managers, and operators. TURNOVER® Lifecycle Manager is an IBM i tool for application change management, integrating helpdesk, projects, and automated promotions. Note: Based on web searches as of October 24, 2025, no newer public User Guide was found; the product may have evolved, so check UNICOM/SoftLanding support for updates or Release 2.100+ documentation.

This summary condenses the 23-page supplement (v101, September 2018) into practical modules for developers and administrators. It details how TURNOVER® (now Lifecycle Manager) automates change processes on IBM i, ensuring controlled promotions. Based on web searches as of October 24, 2025, no newer public version of Supplement #14 was found; it may be integrated into later guides like the Administrator’s Guide (Release 2.100, 2022). Check UNICOM/SoftLanding support for updates.

This summary condenses the 12-page supplement (Version 100, January 2010) into a guide for administrators managing distributed IBM i environments. Note: This is based on 2010 documentation for TURNOVER® for iSeries v100. As of October 24, 2025, the product is TURNOVER® Lifecycle Manager Release 2.100 (2022). While core concepts may remain, check current Administrator’s Guide or UNICOM support for updates, as newer versions integrate modern protocols and may deprecate older ones like SNADS.

This summary distills the 5-page supplement (v101, September 2018) into key sections for developers and administrators. Emergency changes address urgent fixes while maintaining control and auditability. As of October 24, 2025, the product is TURNOVER® Lifecycle Manager (current Release 2.100+), and while core concepts remain, check UNICOM support for any updates to these processes, as integrations like ProGen Plus still reference emergency fixes

This summary condenses the 7-page supplement (v101, September 2018) into modules for IT administrators and auditors. It emphasizes configuration for traceability in IBM i change management. As of October 24, 2025, the product is TURNOVER® Lifecycle Manager (Release 2.100+), and while core auditing features persist, verify with current docs for enhancements like improved workflow enforcement or integrations.

This summary condenses the 4-page supplement (v101, September 2018) into practical modules for developers and administrators. It explains create command mechanics for reliable promotions in IBM i environments. As of October 24, 2025, no newer version of Supplement #53 was found via searches on UNICOM or SoftLanding sites; the content aligns with core features in TURNOVER® Lifecycle Manager Release 2.100 (2022), but verify with support for any post-2018 updates to command handling.

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to: Understand the three licensed versions of TURNOVER® for iSeries (now known as TURNOVER® Lifecycle Manager): development (standard), remote (production), and hub. Identify key functional differences between the development version and the production/hub versions, including menu options, commands, and limitations. Determine which version to install based on your IBM i environment's role (e.g., development vs. distribution targets). Apply licensing and authorization processes to activate the correct version. Recognize how these versions support distributed change management in multi-system setups. This summary condenses the 3-page supplement (v101, September 2018) into a guide for administrators deploying TURNOVER® in distributed IBM i environments. The supplement focuses on how production/remote and hub versions differ from the full development version described in the main guides. As of October 24, 2025, the product is rebranded as TURNOVER® Lifecycle Manager (with releases like v101 from 2018 still referenced in legacy contexts), but the version distinctions for development, production, and hub remain conceptually similar based on current product overviews. Modern releases emphasize application modernization (e.g., DDS to DDL conversions), but check UNICOM support for exact differences in post-2018 versions.

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to: Set up TURNOVER® for iSeries (now Lifecycle Manager) for direct FTP distributions to target IBM i servers, bypassing SNADS. Create system definitions for target servers, including FTP access and custom commands. Configure application distribution defaults, including adding targets, defining FTP overrides, and handling type codes. Test and troubleshoot FTP distributions, identifying common errors and job logs. Perform recovery after full or partial distributions using form logs and data areas. This summary distills the 21-page supplement (v101, September 2018) into modules for administrators managing distributed changes. Direct FTP enables efficient object transfers over TCP/IP. As of October 24, 2025, no newer public version of Supplement #26 was found via searches on UNICOM or SoftLanding sites; the content aligns with features in TURNOVER® Lifecycle Manager Release 2.100 (2022), but verify with support for any protocol updates or deprecations.

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to: Understand the purpose and benefits of TURNOVER® Distribution Queues for FTP distributions in multi-system environments. Configure and set up distribution queues, including global defaults, job descriptions, and starting worker jobs. Manage queue operations, such as starting/stopping queues, monitoring jobs, and troubleshooting common issues. Apply best practices for optimizing queue performance based on system resources and network constraints. Recognize how queues enhance FTP efficiency compared to linear processing or SNADS. This summary condenses the 10-page supplement (v101, September 2018) into modules for administrators handling large-scale distributions. It applies to TURNOVER® Release 5.3 (March 2004+) and later, addressing FTP's inline limitations by enabling parallel processing. As of October 24, 2025, no newer public version of Supplement #55 was found via searches on UNICOM or SoftLanding sites; the feature is likely integrated into modern TURNOVER® Lifecycle Manager (Release 2.100+), but confirm with support for updates to queue handling in current releases.

Understand the role of exits and APIs in TURNOVER® for iSeries (now Lifecycle Manager) for customizing and integrating with other tools like Hawkeye, LANSA, CA 2E, JD Edwards, and BPCS. Navigate the Work with Exits panel to view, activate, and manage exit points, including browsing sample source code. Identify key exit points and their purposes, such as form processing, checkout, and distribution exits. Use APIs (encapsulated as commands) to automate functions, with access to help text for parameters and usage. Apply best practices and cautions for implementing exits to avoid impacting all changes.

This summary distills the 63-page guide (likely pre-2018 edition, titled "for iSeries") into practical modules for developers and administrators. It focuses on extending TURNOVER®'s change management to IFS for unified control over native and non-native objects. Note: A related 2021 white paper, "Coding with Source Stream Files for Integrated Enterprise Software Management," provides updated insights on IFS management with TURNOVER® Lifecycle Manager, including support for stream files in repositories like SVN or Git; check UNICOM/SoftLanding for the latest guide or Release 2.100+ updates.

Understand how TURNOVER® Lifecycle Manager integrates with JD Edwards World on IBM i for comprehensive change management. Configure the interface, including application definitions, type codes, and exits for JDE-specific artifacts like SVR entries, data dictionaries, FASTrs, DREAM Writers, and menus. Manage JDE World changes using PWM, forms, checkouts, promotions, and distributions while maintaining auditability. Handle custom JDE workflows, such as source versioning, recompiles, and integrations with TURNOVER® tools. Troubleshoot common integration issues and apply best practices for compliance in regulated environments. This summary distills the 80-page guide (likely pre-2018 edition) into modules for developers, administrators, and JDE specialists. It focuses on extending TURNOVER®'s ALM to JDE World artifacts for controlled changes. Note: JD Edwards World is a legacy ERP (last major release A9.4), largely superseded by EnterpriseOne. As of October 24, 2025, TURNOVER® Lifecycle Manager (Release 2.100+) supports JDE integrations, but verify with UNICOM/SoftLanding for updates, as no public newer JDE World-specific guide was found; related docs emphasize artifact management like SVR and data dictionaries

Understand the background and benefits of the TURNOVER® for iSeries Mail Daemon for email notifications in change management processes. Configure the Mail Daemon, including editing properties files for JavaMail, TURNOVER® settings, EXPRESSDESK integration, plain text/HTML mails, IBM i connections, and SMTP authentication. Install, start, and end the Mail Daemon manually, and set up autostart jobs for automatic operation. Handle multiple TURNOVER® environments, log settings, and HTML message support with templates and overrides. Troubleshoot and apply considerations for using the daemon, such as shortcuts, URLs, and documents.

Understand how to create and manage ILE modules, programs, and service programs within TURNOVER® for iSeries (now Lifecycle Manager). Configure TURNOVER® to handle ILE objects, including type codes, create commands, and binding directories. Follow workflows for managing ILE objects in Version 100, such as handling bound modules and service programs. Convert existing OPM (e.g., RPG) objects to ILE using automated utilities like TCVTOBJTYP or manual worklist processes. Apply best practices for ILE management, including record length recommendations and post-conversion cleanup.

Understand how TURNOVER® for iSeries (now Lifecycle Manager) enables independent management of individual message IDs without locking or merging entire message files. Define and configure type codes for message IDs to integrate them into change management workflows. Add, checkout, change, and promote message IDs using Programmer Worklist Manager (PWM) and forms. Handle dependencies, such as ensuring message IDs are sequenced correctly on forms relative to dependent objects like commands or display files. Apply best practices for managing multiple message files across applications or within a single application.

Understand the purpose of mirroring IBM i systems with TURNOVER® for iSeries (now Lifecycle Manager) installed, including high availability and disaster recovery scenarios. Identify which TURNOVER® libraries, files, and objects should and should not be mirrored to ensure functionality on the mirror system. Configure mirroring packages to handle TURNOVER®-specific items, such as excluding temporary work libraries and save files to avoid locks or failures. Apply considerations for non-default installations, like custom library names or consolidated setups. Troubleshoot potential issues, such as distribution failures due to locked save files, and ensure the mirror system is operational.

Understand the benefits and considerations for setting up multiple TURNOVER® for iSeries (now Lifecycle Manager) environments, each with its own data library. Configure additional environments by duplicating or restoring data libraries, setting unique form prefixes, and managing Wisedesk integration for dynamic updating and escalation. Maintain separation between environments to avoid conflicts in IBM i libraries and applications. Handle practical setup steps, including library creation, environment file updates, and optional features like mail daemons or helpdesk processing. Apply best practices for multi-environment management, ensuring auditability and functionality across setups.

Understand the purpose of the TURNOVER® Synchronizer tool for managing vendor software releases and custom modifications on IBM i. Configure Synchronizer for tracking base vendor code, user modifications, and merging updates during upgrades. Perform synchronization processes, including baseline setup, modification tracking, and release merges. Use reports, utilities, and interfaces to audit and resolve conflicts in synchronized environments. Apply best practices for multi-release management and integration with TURNOVER® change workflows.

The Importance of Understanding Commands Behind Menu Options in IBM i TURNOVER Change Management. For programmers working with IBM i TURNOVER Change Management, relying solely on menu options can limit efficiency and flexibility. While TURNOVER’s menu-driven interface is user-friendly, understanding the underlying commands offers significant advantages for streamlining workflows and troubleshooting issues.

Here is a summary of all the main commands accessible from the TURNOVER Utility Menu

Here is a summary of all the main commands accessible from the TURNOVER Reporting Menu

Here is a summary of all the main commands accessible from the TURNOVER Distribution Menu

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - ADDCATSTR Add Category Search String

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - ADDHLPCAT Add Help Tree Category

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - ADDHLPTREE Add Help Tree

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - ADDPWLITM Add Programmer Worklist Item

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - ADDTIMSHT Add Timesheet Entry

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - AUDITADJ Application Audit Adjustments and Report

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - AUDITRPT Application Audit Report

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - BLDHLPCAT Build Help Tree Category

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - CHECKOUT Check Out Source

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - CHGHLPCAT Change Help Tree Category

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - CHGHLPTREE Change Help Tree

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - CHGPWL Change Programmer Worklist

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - CHGPWLITM Change Programmer Worklist Item

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - CHGPWLPGMR Change Worklist Programmer

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - CHGTOLIBL Change TURNOVER Library List

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - CHKAPPDFN Check Application Definition

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - CHKCHGOBJ Check Changed Object

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - CHKINMBR Check-in by Member

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - CHKINOBJ Check-in by Object

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - CHKOUTDFU Check Out DFU

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - CHKOUTMEN Check Out S/36 Menu

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - CHKOUTMSG Check Out Message ID

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - CMPSRCMBR Compare Source Members

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - CPYHLPTREE Copy Wisedesk Tree

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - CPYPWL Copy Programmers Worklist

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - CPYPWLITM Copy Programmer Worklist Item

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - CPYTOLLO Copy TURNOVER Library List

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - CPYTSTDTA Copy Test Data to Production File

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - CRTAPPDFN Create Application Definition

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - CRTFTFIL Create FASTTASK Files on Production Computer

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - CRTPWL Create a Programmer Worklist

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - CRTRCVFORMI Create Recovery Form (Interactively)

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - CUSTFKEY Set Custom Fkey (F15) on PWM Panel

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - DISTDATA

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - DLTCATSTR Delete Category Search String

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - DLTHLPCAT Delete Help Tree Category

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - DLTHLPTREE Delete Help Tree

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - DLTPWL Delete Programmer's Worklist

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - DSPCHKOUT Display Checked Out Members

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - DSPCOHST Display Checkout History

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - DSPFRMROL Display Rollover Notification

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - DSPRELTO Display Current Release Information

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - DSTFOR Distribute Forms

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - DUPREFOBJ — Create Duplicate Reference Objects in Production Library

TURNOVER for IBM i iSERIES AS400 - DUPTSTOBJ Duplicate Test Objects