JES2 output processing

Once a job has finished executing, the output it created must be processed. First, the job is placed on the output queue, where the output processor groups a job's output data sets together based on similar output characteristics. Each of these output groups is represented by a job output element (JOE), which is identified by a group id. Using the $L and $T O commands, you can display and modify each of these job output elements. The $D O job and $T O commands are described in Controlling jobs and output.

Once the JOEs are created, the job is placed on the hardcopy queue. The JES2 print/punch processor, the functional subsystem (FSS), or the external writer can now process the job. While it is generally more efficient to use the JES2 print/punch processor or the FSS, you will occasionally want to use the external writer (for example, when you want to put your output on magnetic tape or disk). For further information, see z/OS MVS System Commands, SA38-0666 .

Your installation, depending on its needs, can group SYSOUT data into as many as 36 different classes. Each class consists of all system messages and SYSOUT data sets the system associates with that class name. Furthermore, users may determine the grouping of their system messages and SYSOUT data sets by using the GROUPID keyword on the OUTPUT JCL statement. Groups formed in this manner must match on class, destination, writer name, and process mode; however, groups may be formed that have SYSOUT data sets that differ on forms, burst, flash, and other characteristics.

At system initialization, JES2 uses the initialization deck to define all local printers and punches and assign a numeric identifier to each local printer (1-32767) and punch (1-99). You use these identifiers to control the associated devices. If you are uncertain of the status or characteristics assigned to a device, you can display them using the appropriate $D U command ($D U,PRTS for printers; $D U,PUNS for punches) or $D PRT for printers.

JES2 selects output for a device on the basis of a work selection (WS=) list. This list contains criteria that must be matched exactly with the characteristics of the output device and criteria that are preferred in priority sequence. Using any combination of user- and JES2-defined criteria, you can specify up to 19 criteria in the WS= list. The individual criteria can be specified using the WS= keyword on the output device initialization statement or using the WS= operand on the following commands: $T L(nnnn).ST(n), $T OFF(n).JR, $T OFF(n).JT, $T OFF(n).SR, $T OFF(n).ST, $T PRTnnnn, and $T PUNnn.

Note:

If a JES2 device becomes inoperative and you fail to get a system response when you enter a $C, $I, or $E command, reenter the command. JES2 processes the output according to the command you entered.
If a 3800 printer fails because of a hardware malfunction, JES2 halts that printer. After you start the printer by operator command, JES2 initiates an automatic restart.
If you try to restart the printer by using the $E operator command, your output might be printed twice. You can control the number of output groups that refer to JOEDID1 by issuing the $L command and then canceling unnecessary queued output.
When controlling remote devices, you should be aware that the central system is always several lines or cards ahead of the physical output at a remote workstation.