MFS data bytes (Finance)

Bytes 3 through the end of the header can contain MFS data, and one or two fields can be present. Bits 6 and 7 of the message descriptor byte indicate whether these fields are included.

The first field, if present, is 2 to 9 bytes long and contains a 1-byte length indicator including length byte and a 1- to 8-byte MFS MID name. This MID name field is present if the message output description contains the name of the MID to be used for the next input message, and should be returned to IMS by the controller program. The second field, if present, is 2 to 17 bytes long and contains a 1-byte length indicator including length byte and a 1- to 16-byte FORMS name. FORMS name identifies the special form required for this message. Before printing the message, the application program should ensure that the form is in place and that page size and forms alignment are established.