implementing   performance-tuning   initiatives   to improve computer system performance. You will also be  expected  to  project  future  application  growth capabilities.  All  these  are  technical  functions  needed  to ensure the smooth operation of an AIS facility. In this chapter, you will learn about the many varied tasks you may perform as an input/output control clerk and then as a scheduler, reports preparation, trouble  reports,  technical  assists,  and  operational guidelines.  Our  objective  is  to  give  you  a  better understanding   of   the   importance,   scope,   and responsibilities that go with processing production jobs—receiving  jobs,  scheduling  AIS  production within the AIS facility, and ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of products. I/O CONTROL I/O control is the interface between the user and the computer system. Figure 1-1 shows an example of the role played by I/O control in the processing of computer jobs. I/O CONTROL PROCEDURES I/O, as you know, stands for input/output. The people who perform I/O functions are called control clerks,   I/O   control   clerks,   job-staging   clerks, distribution clerks, or computer aids. In short, these are the people who are responsible for the quality and control of data processing input and output media and products.  They  ensure  that  the  data  to  be  processed meets all the requirements as outlined in the input criteria (instructions and procedures), that all data are processed, that all processing steps are performed, that the output products are distributed to the appropriate users once they are complete. To be an efficient and effective I/O control clerk, you  should  be  able  to  work  on  your  own  with  a minimum of supervision; work well with other people; display tact and diplomacy; be a good communicator; use  sound  judgment;  be  logical,  methodical,  and persuasive; and most of all be able to respond to users’ requests. Although you may manage to stay out of the limelight in this job, you do perform an integral function in the overall ADP operation. The importance and impact you have (whether it be aboard ship or ashore) is   far-reaching   and   invaluable.   Most   opinions formulated by the AIS users (customers) are based on the quality of their output products and their personal contact with you as an I/O control clerk. Your attitude toward your job and its importance is seen not only by the  customer,  but  also  by  your  fellow  workers, supervisor, and, in some cases, management. The quality of your work will be your signature when dealing with other AIS personnel and customers. I/O control is a process. Your job will be to follow your   installation’s   procedures.   Although   the procedures may differ from one installation to another, they all require the same knowledge and skills. As an I/O control clerk, you act as the middle person between  the  user  (customer)  and  the  computer. Normally, the users come to you with a transmittal or request form and sometimes with their input—source documents,  magnetic  tapes,  diskettes,  and  so  on. Before accepting and logging in their jobs, take a few moments to look over the transmittal form. Be sure that all  the  necessary  entries  are  properly  filled  in,  that  they are readable, and that any special instructions are understandable.   It   is   better   to   clear   up   any misunderstandings  right  then  and  there,  rather  than having to contact the user again later and possibly cause a delay in the job getting on the computer. Never be embarrassed  to  ask  questions.  You  must  remember  that many  of  the  users  you  come  in  contact  with  are non-ADP oriented; therefore, it is up to you to help them understand the process and its requirements. Once you have logged the job in, you may work with data entry to prepare data or programs; then with the media library to pull the needed tapes or disks; and then with computer operations to have the job run. Once the job has been run on the computer, you may check the output products. When you are sure the outputs are OK, you distribute them according to instructions, log the job out, and file or return the job materials  to  the  user. Study figure 1-1 for a few moments. It will help you see how the work flows and how you, as an I/O control clerk, fit in the picture. The functional areas are listed across the top of the figure. As you enter the level of middle management, you will be required to take on added duties and additional responsibilities. You will be a technical administrator, and  you  will  provide  support  to  management.  You  will use your expertise to evaluate current procedures and equipment   and   to   make   recommendations   for improvements to operations. This includes estimating future equipment needs. 1-2