Mainframe Batch Run Library for Flexible Date-Based Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mainframe batch scheduling systems lack flexibility to accommodate past-dated, current-dated, and future-dated testing, hindering agile testing and delaying time-to-market due to rigid dependencies on system dates and inflexible scheduler software.
Innovation Solution
The Agile Batch Cycle Generator (ABCG) accesses a custom-built mainframe database to capture coded date values, generating batch jobs with desired run dates, allowing flexible scheduling and testing without impacting existing mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mainframe scheduler software is used, then batch jobs execute with standard system date control, but scheduling flexibility for custom run dates (past, present, or future) is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (batch job parameter modification mechanism) that sits between the scheduler software and batch job execution. This intermediary captures coded date values, modifies batch job parameters accordingly, and enables custom run dates without requiring changes to the core scheduler software, thus maintaining scheduling flexibility while avoiding direct modification of the rigid scheduler system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies batch job parameters (specifically date-related parameters) to enable execution with custom run dates. By capturing coded date values and injecting them into batch job parameters, the system achieves scheduling flexibility for past, present, or future dates without altering the fundamental scheduler operation, effectively changing parameters to achieve adaptability
2Productivity
If rigid scheduler software with system date dependencies is used, then batch processing stability is maintained, but agile testing capability and speed to market are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by capturing coded date values and pre-modifying batch job parameters before scheduler execution. This preparation enables the batch jobs to run with custom dates (past, present, or future) without requiring changes to the stable scheduler system, thus accelerating agile testing while maintaining processing stability through pre-configured parameters
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual batch job modification for custom dates is performed, then scheduling flexibility is achieved, but manual work and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the system automatically captures coded date values, determines the appropriate date interpretations, and modifies batch job parameters without requiring manual intervention. This automation eliminates manual work and processing overhead while maintaining custom run date capability, allowing the system to serve itself in the date modification process
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, computer program products, and methods are described herein for mainframe resource utilization for batch cycle application integration. The invention generally involves extracting, organizing, and collating batch cycle processing data from various sources, executing data preparation steps, converting file formats, loading data into a designated storage location, generating a mainframe database table with coded date values for predefined batch run dates, and generating a batch job run library by scanning and replacing coded date values with respective date values for predefined batch run dates.