Zumasys senior developer, John Hill, is transforming PICK/MultiValue applications and databases with GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT.
“I call it my junior programmer,” Hill said. “AI doesn’t get tired, it points me in the right direction, and it drafts fixes I can refine.”
Instead of manually combing through thousands of lines of PICK code, Hill now:
- Loads PICK codebase into Visual Studio Code
- Describes the problem in plain English
- Let’s AI suggest solutions or generate corrected code
AI recognizes core PICK BASIC elements such as EQUATE statements, dynamic arrays, and common INCLUDE files—and it can even prompt reminders about updating related customer programs or configurations. Debugging that once took hours now takes minutes, Hill said.
Hill’s breakthroughs didn’t stop with debugging. One of the most time-intensive tasks in Rover ERP migrations has always been data conversions. Migrating records from legacy PICK Multi-Value systems into Rover ERP used to require endless spreadsheet mapping and custom code.
Now, Hill uses AI to:
- Extract clean data with his custom routines (also generated with AI in Pick or python depending on the data source)
- Generates equates automatically as well as documented table layouts saving hours of manual work and for easy reference
- Build complete conversion programs by comparing source and target layouts
- Compile and test instantly, sometimes running successfully the very first time
Looking ahead, Hill envisions an AI-assisted pipeline that bridges the gap between end users and custom modifications to the Rover ERP code:
- Interview stakeholders – A warehouse manager or sales rep shares their needs.
- AI transcript and analysis – Tools such as Otter or Grain capture requirements and draft a Product Requirements Document.
- AI-powered code generation – Copilot uses that PRD, the existing codebase, and file layouts to draft new features.
- Developer refinement – The human developer tests, adjusts, and deploys.
This requirements-to-code process could revolutionize PICK development—faster delivery, fewer missed requirements, and systems that reflect the real needs of users.
For the PICK/MultiValue community, this is modernization without compromise—an opportunity to preserve decades of business logic while embracing the future, according to Hill.
For more information about this news, visit www.zumasys.com.