TurboTune Data Collection Instructions
Follow straightforward instructions to collect key statistical data needed for a comprehensive initial assessment of your data center’s performance.
VSAM LISTCAT Data Collection: Simple, Secure, and Non-Intrusive
How CPS Collects VSAM LISTCAT Data for Analysis
Optimizing VSAM datasets requires understanding how they are structured and utilized. CPS leverages LISTCAT data collection to analyze dataset attributes and identify inefficiencies—without accessing sensitive business or customer data. Our process is designed to be simple, secure, and non-intrusive, making it easy for organizations to gather the necessary information with minimal effort.
What is LISTCAT Data?
LISTCAT (short for LIST CATALOG) is a command in IBM z/OS that retrieves metadata about VSAM datasets. It provides: ✔ Dataset structure details (CI/CA sizes, buffer settings, free space allocations).
✔ Utilization metrics (insert rates, record counts, and dataset growth trends).
✔ Storage attributes (primary/secondary allocations, volume information).
✔ Fragmentation insights (split records and inefficient space usage).
Importantly, LISTCAT does not contain business data, customer records, or proprietary application logic—only technical dataset attributes that inform our optimization process.
Why LISTCAT Collection is Safe & Non-Intrusive
CPS only requires VSAM LISTCAT output, which contains no actual file content, transaction data, or confidential information. The data we collect is purely statistical and helps us: ✅ Identify storage inefficiencies impacting performance.
✅ Optimize CI/CA sizes, buffering strategies, and free space allocations.
✅ Improve multi-user access and reduce contention.
✅ Ensure optimal VSAM performance with minimal CPU overhead.
Because LISTCAT data is read-only, it does not modify, move, or delete any datasets, ensuring that our collection process is completely risk-free.
How Easy is LISTCAT Data Collection?
Collecting LISTCAT data is a simple one-step process using a basic JCL command provided by CPS.
Steps to Collect LISTCAT Data:
Execute the provided JCL script – CPS supplies an easy-to-run job to extract LISTCAT information.
Run the job during off-peak hours (optional) – Though lightweight, collection can be scheduled to minimize any system impact.
Securely transfer the output to CPS – Once collected, the data is zipped and sent to CPS via a secure transfer link for analysis.
Our team then processes the data and provides a detailed VSAM optimization report outlining opportunities for performance improvements and cost savings.
Why Choose CPS for VSAM Optimization?
🔹 Proven AI-driven analysis – We compare your dataset configurations against billions of historical data points for precise recommendations.
🔹 No impact on production – LISTCAT data collection is read-only and does not disrupt ongoing operations.
🔹 Fast and simple process – Data collection can be completed in minutes with no complex setup required.
🔹 Actionable insights – Our recommendations help reduce CPU usage, I/O overhead, and improve dataset efficiency.
Get Started with VSAM Optimization
Are you ready to improve VSAM performance while reducing storage and CPU costs? Collecting LISTCAT data is the first step!
📢 Contact us today to get started with an initial analysis.
Find examples of the data gathering instructions and JCL here:
– DATA COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS
NOTE: JCL is individually customized with client identification [CLIENTID]. Please contact Critical Path Software to request an initial analysis.
