Re: IBM 3494 Tape Library

[Dennis G. Wicks]

VM/ESA and z/VM Discussions <VMESA-L@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU> wrote on 12/20/2005 03:18:03 AM:

> > Even more helpful tip: Turn off/disable the automatic inventory.
>
> Through more than a couple of bad experiences, I've found this to be
> a not-so-hot idea. The first time you overwrite a tape due to
> someone putting it in the wrong slot (particularly if you have to
> manage NL tapes as well as SL), or have the library manager get
> confused about what's in what slot, you'll regret it. You're much
> better off to use the operator port and keep the library manager in
> control of the contents of the library rather than getting into the
> habit of opening the box often. It takes one major source of
> mistakes out of the picture.
>
I agree, opening the door to mount a cart is not the best practice,
but automatic inventory isn't either. You are effectively shutting
down production for the time the inventory is going on and that is a
big hit. And on the rare occasion that somebody slams the door too
hard and dumps a bunch of carts on the floor you can force an inventory
after you get them picked up. But taking an automatic inventory for the
occasional dropped cart or drive malfunction just isn't acceptable.
There is a procedure for that which will cause the library to
file the cart back in its proper slot.

Oh, and the library doesn't know the difference between NL and SL
carts. It only uses the physical OCR label on the cart. Or, if it doesn't
have an OCR label I think you can assign some identification to it
when you insert it. But then neither you nor the library know what
it is except by by where it is, and then an inventory won't do you
any good anyway!