Use as400 SQL views to transfer packed data using FTP

The question of how to transfer packed data from an iSeries to an ASCII system has been asked many times. It has been suggested that one can use a logical file that redefines the packed field as zoned. This works as long as the value is non-negative and the number of decimals is 0 - the decimal point does not get transferred. CPYTOIMPF and CPYFRMIMPF can also be used but require extra steps in the process.

A standard logical file cannot convert numeric data to character, either. But an SQL logical view can use the SQL CHAR function to convert any numeric data to left-justified values that have the sign and the decimal point

http://search400.techtarget.com/tip/1,289483,sid3_gci1044575,00.html