M4: Parameter Prompting Facilities

Control-M Parameter Prompting facilities provide an automatic online interface for assigning values to AutoEdit parameters in the JCL. These facilities prompt the user for values requiring manual modification.

These facilities eliminate the need to remember which AutoEdit parameters require assignment each day, the location of AutoEdit members, and the manual conditions that need to be added (Screen 7).

To display the Parameter Prompting entry panel (below), select option M4 on the Online Utilities menu.

Figure 114 Parameters Prompting Entry Panel

------------------- CONTROL-M PARAMETER PROMPTING ----------------------------

OPTION  ===>                                                                  

                                                             USERID   - M14   

                                                             TIME     - 21:05

                                                             TERMINAL - 3278  

   1  CTMCFMNU   -  Parameter Prompting Facility - TYPE 1                     

   2  CTMCAMNU   -  Parameter Prompting Facility - TYPE 2                     

   X  EXIT       -  Terminate this menu                                       

Two different prompting facilities are available:

• Parameter Prompting facility – TYPE 1
• Parameter Prompting facility – TYPE 2

Using these facilities requires a basic understanding of JCL, the AutoEdit facility, and the concept of prerequisite conditions.

An brief introduction to each of these two types of facilities is presented before the description of the screens in that facility.

Note: For a much more detailed explanation of how the Parameter Prompting facilities work, how they differ from each other, and how to choose the facility that best suits your operational needs, see the discussion of that topic in Parameter Prompting Facilities.

Introduction to Parameter Prompting Facility - Type 1

The Parameter Prompting facility – Type 1 is an ISPF table based facility that provides automatic prompting for AutoEdit parameter values and setting of prerequisite conditions.

This facility is the recommended method for updating AutoEdit parameter members when the parameter value requires manual specification or modification. Frequently, such parameters are associated with prerequisite conditions that must also be manually added to the IOA Conditions file (from the Manual Conditions file).

Example

Tape ABC, which is required by a particular job, arrives from an external location. The volume serial number must specified in the AutoEdit parameter %%ABC_TAPENO, and the condition TAPE_ABC_ARRIVED must be added to the IOA Conditions file, before the job can run.

Without this facility, the user (generally operations personnel) must access the appropriate AutoEdit member and update the parameter value, and must enter the Manual Conditions screen to manually add the required condition to the IOA Conditions file.

With this facility, the user is prompted for the required value. The facility automatically updates the AutoEdit member and adds the related condition to the IOA Conditions file.