Lecture Notes on Control-M Tool

Introduction

• Control-M is a tool used in batch operations, application support, and production support.
• Focus on user-friendliness compared to other tools like CA7.
• Explanation of batch operations and characteristics.

Batch Operations

• Definition of Batch:

  • Mainframe server runs multiple programs that need to be arranged in a sequence.
  • Batch processing involves huge transactions executed without manual intervention.
  • Examples: Daily, monthly stock updates, customer billing.

• Characteristics of Batch Processing:

  • Processes large data in bulk.
  • Maintains online activities within Service Level Agreement (SLA).
  • SLA is a critical time constraint for business operations.
  • Information generated for many users or data entities.

Control-M Overview

• Why Control-M is Popular:

  • User-friendly and easy for new users to understand.
  • Compared to CA7, Control-M is more interactive.

• Functions of Control-M:

  • Manages and automates setup, scheduling, and execution of jobs.
  • BMC product, also BIM (Business Information Management) is more advanced.
  • Control-M available in versions: Controller O for console, Controller T for tape management.

Control-M Interface

• Logging In:
  • Access via TSO IOA command in ISPF.
  • Options include Job Schedule Definition, Active Environment, Conditions & Resources, etc.

Scheduling in Control-M

• Job Scheduling Definition:

  • Months, days, weekdays for job execution.
  • MaxWait to control job retention; up to 90 days.

• Runtime Scheduling Parameters:

  • 'In' condition: prerequisite conditions for job execution.
  • 'Control' and 'Resources': shared resources needed.
  • 'From Time': Time frame for job execution.

Post-Processing in Control-M

• Post-Processing Parameters:
  • Out condition, Archival, MaxRerun, Interval for cyclic jobs.
  • Program Steps and Conditions for execution.
  • Do Mail, Do Not OK, Do Remedy for notifications.

Active Job Environment (AJF)

• AJF Features:
  • Daily Load Job manages job load into AJF.
  • Manually forcing jobs from the scheduled library.
  • Only AJF jobs can be submitted or modified.

Job Commands in AJF

• Important Commands:

  • Zoom (Z), Question Mark (?), Statistics (S), Delete (D), Hold (H), Free (F), Force Completion (O).
  • Weight Confirmation (C) for manual job confirmation.

• Filters in AJF:

  • Create filters to monitor specific job statuses.

Restart Procedures

• Restart Options:

  • With or without Control-M.
  • Restart from top or from a specific step.

• Process:

  • Use R before a job for a panel of restart options.
  • Confirm and adjust restart conditions as necessary.