The Solution: Create a DDS specification to build a logical file against this physical file that will redefine the packed fields.

1. Take note of the following:

a. Physical file name - EXTTABLEP

b. List of all key fields including the ones that are NOT packed decimal – FIELD1P and FIELD2P.

c. The cross reference field - NAME.

2. Find out what is the record format name of the physical file by looking at the DDS which created it or using the command: DSPFD FILE(yourlib/yourfile) TYPE(*RCDFMT). Take note of the record format – REXT_TABLE:

3. Please consult with your IT department/ERP Coordinator/Database Administrator before doing anything from this step on.

4. Create a DDS logical file definition:

5. Compile.

6. Modify the External Table Definition to pick up the newly created logical.

Note: There are other ways of doing this, but we are recommending this not-so-easy solution because we are assured that this modification/addition will be documented in your change management system.

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