Hardware Configuration Manager

In addition to the logical connections, you can also manage the physical aspects of a configuration. For example, you can effectively manage the flexibility offered by the FICON infrastructure (cabinet, cabling). Due to the client/server relationship with HCD, all changes of the logical I/O configuration are written into the IODF and fully validated and checked for accuracy and completeness by HCD, thus avoiding unplanned system outages due to incorrect definitions.

Navigate around the configuration diagram and dialogs to edit information, create or delete objects (including only physical objects such as cabinets, patchports, crossbar switches or converters), and modify any object by double-clicking it in the configuration diagram and adjusting its information in the resulting dialog.

Physically connect and logically define the objects you've created/modified. HCM intelligently adjusts the positions of objects in the diagram to clearly display all connections. Generate reports and wall charts to help you analyze, plan, and implement changes to your configuration. Tailor your view of the diagram to display only the objects of interest. Zoom in to focus on one area of the diagram, or crop, reorder, show, or hide selected objects. Highlight all connections to selected objects.

The data you define with HCM is used to activate your system. You can use the same data to automatically generate reports and diagrams, eliminating inconsistencies and ensuring accurate documentation of system definitions. By skipping the tedious process of manual data entry, you make fewer errors and save significant amounts of time.

System programmers can more easily create and edit configuration definitions that have been previously maintained in HCD. Hardware support groups can add physical data to the configuration. System planners can generate reports and diagrams to develop future or alternate configurations for planning purposes.

Because physical and logical information cannot diverge in HCM (the IODF and the configuration file data together form a single data source or repository), finding and fixing configuration problems becomes much easier and less tedious.