Darstellung: digitale Struktur von Systemen im Web durch eXplain

Your platform for transparency, modernization, and AI-powered analysis

eXplain 9.0
Person steht vor einem Monitor mit verschiednen Diagrammen

Understand, control, and future-proof legacy systems—with deterministic analysis, web access, and VS Code integration.

Overcoming challenges – legacy systems in transition

Evolved over decades, often undocumented – legacy systems are stable but difficult to control.
eXplain sheds light on the situation and makes your applications fit for the future again.

Millions of lines of COBOL, RPG, or PL/I code, accumulated over decades, pose significant risks:

  • Know-how is lost
  • Changes become a source of uncertainty
  • Modernization becomes a monumental undertaking

eXplain provides a remedy:

With deterministic analysis, complete transparency, and a centralized fact base, you regain control of your system, making it ready for the future.

Those Who Stop at Transparency Today Will Fall Behind

Legacy Semantics as the Foundation for AI

While companies are investing heavily in AI, one critical bottleneck remains unresolved: a lack of understanding of their own legacy systems. Without reliable context, AI cannot deliver dependable results—and investments fail to generate value.

This whitepaper explains why this is where the real difference is made: organizations that unlock the semantics of their systems make AI effective. Those that do not will fall behind.

Discover how to transform your legacy systems into a fact-based foundation for decision-making—turning them from an obstacle into a strategic advantage.

eXplain at a Glance – Your Toolbox for Transparency and Control

PKS eXplain is the central platform for making complex, long-established legacy systems understandable and managing them with confidence.

Its deterministic analysis delivers reproducible results - without probabilities or speculation.

Access
  • New: Easy web access directly through your browser - no local installation required
  • New: VS Code integration - directly within your development environment
  • The Eclipse client remains available
Deployment Models
  • On-premises
  • As a PKS-hosted service, for example for proofs of concept
  • In the cloud
  • New: Linux support for modern IT environments
Core Components
  • Parser & Preprocessor: Analyze millions of lines of COBOL, RPG, PL/I, or Natural code. Even dynamic sequences are resolved reliably.
  • Repository: All analysis results are stored centrally, creating a shared knowledge base for developers, architects, and project managers.
Platform Highlights

🔍 Source code analysis providing a 360-degree view of dependencies and data flows
🧶 Clustering to structure complex systems
📊 Quality Dashboard featuring objective metrics and rule-based checks
🔄 Job network analysis with visualization and impact simulation
🤖 AI foundation for intelligent assistance systems and automated documentation

Benefits for Your Team

✅ Reproducible results instead of speculation
✅ A structured knowledge base for every role
✅ Faster onboarding and safer changes
✅ Future-ready through an open architecture and AI integration

eXplain in Action: Making Legacy Code Manageable

eXplain Capabilities: Analyzing and Assessing Legacy Systems

PKS eXplain brings transparency to complex mainframe, IBM i, and legacy systems—from code analysis and the visualization of dependencies to the assessment of technical debt.

eXplain supports you with:

  • Code Analysis: Top-down and bottom-up analyses of programs, transactions, tables, and modules
  • Data Flow Analysis: Tracing where data originates, where it flows, and which modules are involved
  • Technical Debt Detection: Identifying dead code, missing source code, and critical parameter mismatches
  • Clustering: Structuring monolithic applications by business domain and interface
  • Quality Assessment: Analyzing complexity, maintainability, code documentation, and other software metrics

eXplain as the Single Source of Truth for AI Agents

eXplain Architecture: Mainframe Analysis Without Host-Side Installation

PKS eXplain analyzes complex mainframe, IBM i, and legacy systems outside the host environment. This creates a centralized fact base for transparency, modernization, and AI readiness.

The platform processes actual source code, resolves copybooks and macro structures, and makes analysis results accessible through a web browser, Eclipse, or Visual Studio Code.

In short, eXplain makes long-established IT landscapes understandable, reduces the risks associated with changes, and supports well-informed decisions regarding legacy modernization and AI-assisted analysis.

In this video, Bernd Butscher explains the eXplain architecture:

Programming languages
  • Cobol
  • PL/I
  • Assembler
  • Natural
  • RPG (IBM i)
  • JCL
  • CL (IBM i)
  • REXX (partly)
  • Cobol generators (Telon, Detab Cobol, …)
Databases
  • Db2
  • Adabas
  • IMS-DB
Scheduler
  • AJM
  • TWS
  • Control-M
Transaction monitors
  • CICS
  • IMS-DC
Programming languages

Because eXplain technology is developed and maintained entirely by PKS, customer-specific enhancements can be implemented whenever required. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your requirements.
Please note, however, that eXplain does not support Java or C/C++.

Established companies have been using our tools and expertise for over 30 years

Logo DPD
Logo Marsh
Logo Elektrisola
Logo AVUS
Logo AON
Logo Webstar
Logo Reka
Logo EgeTrans
Logo Brax
Logo BMW Group
Logo Transgourmet
Logo Helaba
Logo DB Cargo
Logo CARBURA
Logo Brunata
Logo Hoegner
Logo Alpha
Logo Stahlgruber
Logo Planzer
Logo Galexis
Logo Krieger

eXplain Use Cases

The benefits of an analysis tool such as eXplain can best be demonstrated using specific use cases.

Laptop mit eXplain Code-Alayse Darstellung
Use Case 1: Source code analysis – creating a 360° view

eXplain analyzes millions of lines of legacy code deterministically – without heuristics, without speculation. Developers get a complete overview of dependencies, data flows, and interfaces.

Highlights:

  • Complete penetration of COBOL, RPG, PL/I, Natural, and much more.
  • Visualization of program connections and data flows.
  • Impact analyses for secure changes.
  • Automatic technical documentation.

Benefits:

Developers immediately recognize which programs are affected. Project managers gain confidence for planning and risk assessment.

Use Case 2: Clustering – Bringing structure to a tangled mess

eXplain groups programs into modules that make sense from a technical perspective and brings order to complex system landscapes.

Highlights:

  • Visualization of technical call paths
  • Identification of interfaces and refactoring potential
  • Basis for service-oriented architectures
  • Comprehensible communication between business departments and IT

Benefits:

Facilitates migration, modernization, and knowledge transfer – even with “black box” applications.

Laptop mit eXplain Clustering Darstellung
Laptop mit eXplain QA Dashboard Darstellung
Use Case 3: Quality Dashboard – Enabling proactive improvements

The Quality Dashboard makes code quality measurable and controllable – with objective metrics and automated rule checks.

Highlights:

  • Checks for nesting depth, return codes, naming conventions
  • Metrics such as complexity, maintainability
  • Visualization of technical debt and progress
  • Integration into CI/CD processes possible

Benefits:

Teams immediately recognize where action is needed – quality becomes controllable instead of subjective.

Use Case 4: Job Network Analysis – Creating Transparency for Operations

eXplain visualizes batch runs and job chains – including dependencies, data flows, and the effects of changes.

Highlights:

  • Interactive diagrams with drill-down
  • Simulation of changes and their effects
  • Identification of optimization potential
  • Support for typical schedulers such as TWS, Control-M, AJM

Benefits:

Operations teams gain clarity about critical processes – risks are minimized and stability is increased.

Laptop mit eXplain Schedular Darstellung
Darstellung: KI in Neonfarben
Use Case 5: AI Foundation – Fact Base for Intelligent Assistance Systems

eXplain delivers deterministic, reproducible analysis results – the ideal basis for AI-supported applications.

Highlights:

  • Natural language queries in the repository
  • Automated documentation and test case generation
  • Semantic enhancements through partner solutions
  • Secure use of AI thanks to a reliable database

Benefits:

AI becomes more than just hype; it delivers real added value based on verifiable facts.

eXplain – more than just a tool

eXplain is not only a platform for code analysis – it is also a strategic tool for sustainable modernization.

PKS supports companies not only technically, but also methodologically: with experience, coaching, and partnership-based collaboration.

That is precisely why, in addition to the eXplain tool, we also offer a comprehensive and differentiated portfolio of services, which is currently outlined and described in four white papers.

How to Get Started with eXplain

Quickly add value – with proof of concept
Achieve tangible results within just a few weeks - without risk and without installing software on the host system.

Proof of Concept (PoC):

  • Tangible results within 3-6 weeks
  • No host-side installation required
  • Web access and VS Code integration included
  • Typical use cases: dependency analysis, clustering, and dead code detection

➡️ Read the whitepaper and start your PoC today:

eXplain – What's new

eXplainWeb Cartridge
The eXplainWeb Cartridge Is Here!

With the new eXplain 9.0 release, the eXplainWeb Cartridge is now available - the key component for browser-based analysis and modern VS Code integration.

It opens up entirely new possibilities for analysis, collaboration, and ease of use.

What's new – Release 8.4
  •     GOTO analysis
  •     Graphical representation of tags and GOTOs in the new GOTO navigator
  •     Marking and tracking of GOTOs directly in the source
  •     Improved zooming with the mouse wheel in the graphs
  •     PDF user report
What's new – Release 8.3
  • eXplain system initialization
  • Shortcuts for defined eXplain actions
  • Application documentation: Dynasmic execution via a configurable user report
  • Source Compare: eXplain offers the possibility to display 2 files in Eclipse's own diff tool
  • Source Explorer: Hits can now be displayed in a grid via the context menu
  • User Multi Queries (UMQ): A Source Explorer search can be performed in the UserMultiQueries
  • User Report: Another graph for ProcessFlow has been implemented. Syntax highlighting for more convenient use
  • COPY modules in the IFS: eXplain now also supports the evaluation of COPY routes that are located in the IFS
What's new – Release 8.2
  • Function neighborhood (actually "routine neighborhood") can be opened directly in the grid for a selection
  • Saving and loading analysis collections
  • Jump from editor for a selected function / routine to the declaring source location
  • Sankey graphs in UserReports
  • Consolidation of line counts in the source code / adjustment of module metrics
  • Times of downstream analysis steps are explicitly stored in the repo and can be viewed in the diagnostics view

Your advantages with eXplain, the market-leading code analysis tool, at a glance

Save money and gain speed

Benefit from the best price-performance ratio on the market: analyse faster and visualise better than you could with IT Panorama, Enterprise Analyzer, ADDI, SonarQube, Cast, Cornerstone or Natural Engineer.

Controlling risks and utilising expertise

Reduce the risks of legacy transformation and avoid bad investments. Numerous references from well-known companies and major customers secure your decision in favour of eXplain.

Inspire your employees: from under 20 to over 60 years old

Bring your teams together with eXplain and eliminate the risk of misunderstandings in communication and project work with a clear view of the technical and functional relationships in your legacy code.

Transforming legacy into innovation

With eXplain, you can rely on the most modern and innovative analysis and reengineering software on the market. Thanks to eXplain, you can solve your tricky legacy problems and have full energy for new topics.

A Brief Introduction Is No Substitute for First-Hand Experience

As part of our transformation and modernization project, we worked with PKS to conduct a thorough and comprehensive analysis of our legacy system (based on IBM System i). Choosing a partner from the large pool of products and possible strategies was not easy. However, PKS impressed us not only with its outstanding eXplain analysis tool and extensive expertise in the analysis and modernization of complex software, but also with its competent and cooperative approach. After we had worked together to develop a comprehensive picture of the legacy system, PKS also proved to be an innovative source of ideas for the development and structuring of our strategic and technological orientation. We particularly appreciated the honest and respectful way in which we were treated as equals. We can only recommend that anyone responsible for transformation projects work with PKS to gain an overview of the existing system and develop possible strategies for transformation.

Anke Steigemann Project Manager Logistics Planzer Support AG

With eXplain from PKS, we were able to identify a significant portion of unnecessary code in our Natural and COBOL-based core banking system, thereby fundamentally cleaning up and streamlining the system. The fully automated documentation generated by eXplain also comprehensively meets our audit requirements. These are just two examples of how eXplain supported us in our „Core Banking System Stabilization“ project. I would particularly like to highlight the extremely pleasant collaboration with the competent PKS team and the flexible project options, which allowed us to always accommodate Helaba-specific requirements.

Stephan Böcher Group Manager Application Development Helaba-Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen

With eXplain, programme dependencies also become transparent for our business analysts, making it much easier for them to estimate the scope of the project and promoting understanding of the ERP system outside the development team.

Christian Dietl Chief Digital Officer EgeTrans Internationale Spedition GmbH
Containerterminal von oben

PKS’s eXplain enabled us to identify a considerable portion of code in our Natural and COBOL-based core banking system that was no longer needed, so we could fundamentally clean up and clear out the system. In addition, the documentation that was created automatically by eXplain meets our auditing requirements fully. Those are just two of the ways that eXplain supports us in our Core Banking System Stabilization project. I’d also like to highlight how pleasant it was to work with the expert PKS team, and how we appreciated the flexibility as we worked on the project, so we could always take Helaba-specific requirements into account.

Stephan Böcher Group Lead Application Development Helaba-Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen
Skyline Frankfurt a.M.

As part of our transformation and modernisation project, we worked with PKS to carry out a solid and comprehensive analysis of our legacy system (based on IBM System i ). Choosing a partner from the large pool of products and possible strategies was not easy. But PKS not only convinced us not only convinced us with their outstanding analysis tool eXplain and their extensive expertise in the analysis and modernisation of complex software, but also with their competent and cooperative approach. After we had worked out a comprehensive picture of the old system together, PKS also proved to be an innovative source of ideas for working out and structuring our strategic and technological orientation. We were particularly pleased with the honest dialogue at eye level. We can only recommend that anyone responsible for transformation projects should work with PKS to get an overview of the existing system and work out possible strategies for transformation.

Anke Steigemann Project Manager Logistics Planzer Support AG
Cargo Zug mit Containern

In PKS we have come to know a reliable partner that is characterised by a high level of expertise. Thanks to the structured help with the code review, we were able to observe significant increases in efficiency in the area of i-series development. We feel well positioned for the future.

Ingo Geiselhart Head of IT HELLWEG Die Profi-Bau- & Gartenmärkte GmbH & Co. KG
Mann zeichnet ein Brett an

In PKS, Porta has found an essential partner who has provided significant support in stabilising our ERP system. Their profound and detailed knowledge of ERP systems based on RPG code, combined with their expertise in modern build processes on an iSeries, has led to a significant stabilisation of our ERP system. During our collaboration, we were able to carry out extensive code cleaning and modernise our development and deployment process together. This laid the foundation for the implementation of agile working methods, which enabled significantly shorter deployment cycles. The cooperation was characterised by a constructive, appreciative dialogue throughout - a cornerstone for the success of our partnership.

Thorsten Kowitz CIO porta Unternehmensgruppe
Schön eingerichtetes Wohnzimmer mit einem Sofa

As part of an IBM i software assessment, we asked PKS to advise us on the status of our customised RPG software and the best way forward. With its competent team and the eXplain tool, PKS was able to completely penetrate the system in just a few weeks so that we could decide on the necessary modernisation steps on the basis of valid facts and parameters. I can only recommend such an assessment with PKS to every IBM i user when it comes to benchmarking their own software free of gut feelings and internal blinkers. The cooperation with the PKS team was always pleasant and at eye level, characterised by a high level of expertise, efficiency and reliability. We will be happy to consult PKS as a consultant and service provider for future projects.

Martin R. Ruppenthal Commercial Manager alpha trading solutions GmbH
Mann läuft durch ein großes Lager

Ready for the next step?

With eXplain 9.0, you create transparency, reduce risks, and lay the foundation for a future-ready IT landscape.

Whether you are interested in a proof of concept, a demo, or in-depth consulting, we are here to support you.

Your Options:

  • Download the eXplain 9.0 Whitepaper - Discover all the details about architecture, analysis, and modernization.
  • Start a Proof of Concept - Achieve tangible results within 3-6 weeks, with no host-side installation required.
  • Book a Demo - Experience eXplain live, tailored to your specific requirements.
Your PKS Contacts

Would you like to learn more, or do you have specific questions?

Contact us directly and schedule a personal consultation.

Ansprechpartner Bernd Butscher, Heidi Schmidt, Doris Zodel, Matthias Quaisser.
Mockup eXplain Codeanalyse Whitepaper
Whitepaper 7/2/24

eXplain - Download code analysis whitepaper

eXplain - The tool for code analysis on the IBM i (AS400) & IBM Z (mainframe)

Mockup Whitepaper
Whitepaper 7/2/24

eXplain – Sustainability Whitepaper Download

eXplain - Sustainability as a strategic approach for the transformation of IBM Power i (AS400) or IBM Z (mainframe) legacy applications.

Wütender Leopard
Leistung 5/12/23

IBM i (AS400) modernization reimagined. Holistic.

IBM i (AS400) modernization reimagined. Holistic. Open to the future.

Referenz

HARK Modernizes IBM i with PKS eXplain

Learn how HARK used PKS Assessment & eXplain to gain transparency into its IBM i applications and establish a solid foundation for a structured modernization initiative.

Two people discussing in front of a computer
Lösung 2/14/22

The COBOL Survival Team for IBM i (AS400)

COBOL developers on IBM i (AS400) are a rare commodity. PKS provides a powerful team especially for this application!

Leistung 2/9/22

Application development on IBM i (AS400)

We maintain, modernise or migrate IBM i applications (AS400). To ensure that digital transformation does not remain a buzzword, we provide the developer manpower to drive and realise it.

Picture of the Whitepaper: eXplain for decision-makers
Whitepaper

The eXplain Whitepaper: “Legacy Systems in the Age of AI”

Rethinking legacy systems in the age of AI: discover how semantic transparency and a “digital twin” provide the foundation for successful AI initiatives.

Referenz

AVUS Group Case Study

How AVUS modernized its IBM i interface with PKS to create a future-ready user experience for business-critical processes.

Mockup eXplain Coaching Whitepaper
Whitepaper 7/1/24

eXplain – Coaching Whitepaper Download

Mastering legacy transformation: coaching as a key discipline for consistent success.

Jetzt das eXplain Partnering Whitepaper downloaden
Whitepaper 7/2/24

eXplain – Partnering Whitepaper Download

PKS as a partner for IT service providers in order to be visible in the market in a sustainable and differentiating way.

eXplain – Train The Boss Whitepaper
Whitepaper 7/2/24

eXplain – Train the Boss Whitepaper Download

eXplain – Finally, an end to the legacy dilemma! No more „That‘s not possible, we‘ll do it later, it‘s far too time-consuming“

Leistung 2/10/22

Technology transformation

We transfer old development environments and legacy source code to a future-proof basis. ► Enterprise DevOps ► Re-Platforming Mainframe & Adabas/Natural-applications ►CA-TELON Dismissal

Jobs

Senior Mainframe Modernisation Consultant (w/m/d)

PKS | Frankfurt, Hannover oder Ravensburg | Vollzeit & Festanstellung | Ab sofort

Server farm
Leistung 2/14/22

From Unix to Linux with Adabas/Natural

Mit Adabas/Natural von Unix nach Linux

Leistung 6/21/22

iOpen

Vollautomatisiertes Code-Re-Engineering für die effiziente Weiterentwicklung in nativer Umgebung.

Laptop mit vielen Grafiken
Leistung 5/30/22

Software Assessment

Get through the is state of your core systems with the Legacy Software Assessment.

Referenz

KBC – Replacing CA-TELON

Find out, how KBC replaced CA-TELON, saved maintenance costs and enabled innovation.

Four professionals in front of a laptop
Leistung 6/15/22

CA-TELON Dismissal

CA-TELON users are now at great risk - the valuable core applications must be saved!

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Whitepaper

The eXplainWeb Cartridge

Modern code analysis - directly in the browser and in VS Code

Referenz

Weitblick statt Dickicht – so gelingt Anwendungspflege

Wie der Volkswohl Bund mit eXplain Transparenz in komplexe Legacy-Anwendungen bringt, Wissen sichert und die Modernisierung seiner IBM-Z-Landschaft erfolgreich vorantreibt.