OPERATIONAL  REQUIREMENTS Your  operational  requirements  will  include  some  or all of the following tasks: l l l l l l l l l l l l l Receive user job requests. Maintain input and output control logs. Verify inputs to be processed to ensure they are correct and in accordance with the run folder or run instructions. Make  system  control  language  (SCL)  run  stream changes as required for correct data processing of the user’s runs. Input  the  user’s  run  package  (jobs)  to  the computer operations personnel according to a schedule. Monitor the jobs in progress to ensure that all data are processed and that all processing steps have been properly performed. Balance the number of records input relative to the number output. Verify the format and the number of copies of each  printed  output  in  accordance  with instructions in the run folder. Reconcile   processing   discrepancies   and inconsistencies. Ensure  that  printed  outputs  are  complete, properly collated, and assembled. Arrange  for  distribution  of  outputs  to  authorized users. Operate  a  variety  of  auxiliary  equipment: copying  machines,  decollators,  tape  cleaners, CRT terminals, and so on. Become familiar with the basic operations of the AIS   computer   facility. Now that you are familiar with the process and with operational responsibilities, let’s look at the parts: transmittal forms, input control logs, job preparation, scheduling, monitoring, and output products. Processing AIS Service Requests Your first task may be to receive jobs from users. Each job will have an AIS service request of some type. A typical AIS service request is illustrated in figure 1-2. 1-4 In  looking  over  this  form,  you  will  notice  that  it provides you with such information as the following: l l o l l l l l The program name, job number, or task number that  is  used  to  reference  a  particular  job application; The   user’s   name,   department   and/or organization, and phone number; Where and/or to whom the output is to be sent; The desired completion date of the job; The computer (machine type) to be used for the job. The   type   of   operation   to   be   performed: production, test, assemble, compile, and so on; The quantity and type of input media and/or material  to  be  used:  magnetic  tape,  blank checks, and so on; and Any special instructions or remarks the user wishes  to  include. You will also notice that the lower portion of the AIS service request (see figure 1-2) is reserved for operations  use  only.  This  is  where  you  enter  the time and date that the job was accepted for processing (lower left-hand corner). The remaining blocks are used by the people in operations to indicate when the job started, when it was completed, along with any significant comments about the job during the time it was run. If, while reviewing the user’s request, you happen to come across a discrepancy or find something that is incomplete or unclear, be sure to bring it to the user’s attention. Just remember that throughout the course of your conversation, you are to be tactful and diplomatic. You must always keep in mind that you are representing your  command,  and  the  image  you  project,  both personally and professionally, is as important to your job as the work that is being submitted. The key word is communication, NOT confrontation. Once you have accepted the user’s request, you make the necessary entries in the job control log. Job Control Log A job control log is important, especially when you deal with multiple users. It will be up to you to keep an up-to-date record of all jobs received for processing. A job control log will serve as a continuous point of