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[satyajit_datta]

We have a system in which an online CICS transaction triggers a batch job. This batch job extracts some data (based on some key information pased from the online transaction) and then routes the extracted data to a printer (real printer or a virtual printer). Often the output of the batch job is required quickly, but due to backlog in the batch processing the batch job may be waiting in the queue and may get delayed.
We are planning to build a parralel system where the data extraction and the routing of the data will be done online instead of batch. How can this be achieved. Note that the extracted data will be mutiple lines of fixed length, but the numbers of lines may vary from a few 100 lines to a few 1000 lines.
What are the possible ways to achieve this?

Regards,
Satyajit

[kolusu]

satyajit,

[satyajit_datta]

I would like to clarify the requirement. The batch process extracts data not from tapes but from IDMS database and the online process will do the same. The only thing we need to do is that on certain occassions we cannot wait for the batch process to complete and we would use this fully online transaction to get the data extracted and printed immediately.

Let me give an example:

In the current scenario let's say we have a customer number and wish to print out al the details of the customer account in a specified format. The clerk enters the customer number in the online txn, the online txn in turn triggers a batch process and passes the customer number to it. Th batch job extracts the required data for the customer, puts it in a particular format and directs the output to a printer where it gets printed on preformatted forms.

Sometimes we need this printout immediately and caanot wait for batch job completion in case of system backlog. This is where we require an online txn which will accept the customer number, extract the data from database and direct the formatted output to the same printer.

Note that in both the above cases the printer ID is also one of the information entered online by the clerk aloong with the customer number.

[kolusu]

Satyajit datta,

You split the requests into 2 categories. category 'A' has all the requests that you need to process immediately. If this is the case first get all records and from the IDMS and send the map with the data. You can route the extracted data to a printer via TDQ. You can queue all the print requests into one request and let the job run after hours.

For non-emergency requests ,it is very simple. Just trigger the batch process


Hope this helps...

Cheers

kolusu
_________________
Kolusu
www.linkedin.com/in/kolusu

[satyajit_datta]

Using TDQ how can we trigger the print?
We have two conditions to be taken care of:

First the data for each Customer account can vary widely in the number of lines. So how do I trigger the print for the data for one user account.

Secondly, this transaction will be used by several users wishing to print the data for different user accounts on different printers. How can we prevent mix up and direct each print to the desired printer using the same TDQ?

[Mike Chantrey]

Sounds like youmight need a supplied CICS print management product such as CA-Spool or Software Technology's CICS Print Facility (CPF). Products like this provide all the facilities for defining, managing, viewing, storing and routing prints that you might need. You may already have a product like this available - ask your systems programmers.