Choosing a data collection method

Figure 1 shows three job control language (JCL) entry points from which the ARCUTIL load module can be accessed. Because ARCUTIL first tries to access the CDS in RLS mode, you can ignore message IEC161I 009 if you have not specified record level sharing. This section discusses those entry points. You can choose any of three methods for collecting system data:
  • Invocation of the IDCAMS DCOLLECT command.

    DCOLLECT is a command in Access Method Services (AMS), available in MVS/DFP™ Version 3 Release 2 or later. By using IDCAMS DCOLLECT, you can create reports including not only DFSMShsm-specific but also DFSMSdfp-specific information.

    You can use the following parameters:
    Parameter
    Data Collected
    MIGRATEDATA
    Migrated data set information
    BACKUPDATA
    Backup version information
    CAPPLANDATA
    Tape capacity and DASD capacity planning
  • Direct invocation of ARCUTIL using JCL.

    You can access the ARCUTIL module with JCL and receive DFSMShsm-specific data.

  • Invocation of a user-written program.

    A user-written program may request DFSMShsm to create the collection data set. By writing your own program, you can generate custom reports for your environment without using the IDCAMS DCOLLECT command. For an example of a user-written program, see Figure 2.