The APAR process

The first step in the APAR process is that a Level 2 representative will enter your APAR into the RETAIN® system. The APAR text will contain a description of your problem. If you have found a means of bypassing the problem, details of this will be entered as well.

When the APAR has been entered, you will be given an APAR number. You must write this number on all the documentation you submit to the change team. This number will always be associated with the APAR and its resolution. If a code change is required, this number will be associated with the APAR fix as well.

The next stage in the APAR process involves providing the change team with the necessary documentation. Here is a summary of the things you must do:
  1. You must collect the documentation that is required for the APAR. You will be given guidance by the Level 2 representative on precisely what you must send. The documentation that is required will vary, depending on the problem area (see Collecting the documentation for the APAR).
  2. You must package all the documentation and send it to the change team. The procedure for this is given in Sending the documentation to the change team.
  3. You must apply the PTF resulting from the APAR, possibly after testing the fix on your system. This is described in Obtaining and applying the fix.