SuperView / Job Scheduler has a co-ordinating function. It provides central control of the various computer systems on the basis of a schedule. During execution of a schedule, progress is clearly indicated. SuperView / Job Scheduler is system independent. Explicit overviews, easy operation and continuity play a central role. SuperView / Job Scheduler is indispensable for companies who want to keep their IT department flexible and manageable and to reduce the costs to a minimum.

Scheduling
Drawing a schedule is particularly user-friendly. Schedules are created graphically, using the mouse as an important tool.

Relationships between jobs are easy to define, even on different computer systems. For example, file transfers or back-up jobs may be started after the completion of certain procedures. If something goes wrong during execution, the right person will be notified immediately. SuperView / Job Scheduler can start an emergency scenario right away, if necessary.

A schedule consists of a number of SuperView actions. SuperView actions are basic procedures, similar to the actions a human operator would perform on the systems. Various parameters may be indicated for each action, for instance the computer system which will carry out the action, and the maximum execution time allowed.

Four action types
Four different SuperView action types may be included in a schedule:

• Executing Batch Jobs
  
• Sending commands to a system
  
• Reporting messages (e.g. via pager or telephone) or Events
  
• Executing SuperView scripts.

The clear way in which these actions are presented continuously ensures a good, comprehensive overview. Actions are grouped into clusters. There are two types: serial and parallel clusters. The actions in a parallel cluster can be carried out simultaneously. Actions in a serial cluster are executed one by one.

Both individual actions and clusters can depend on Events. Another schedule or an external signal may trigger an Event message. Event messages can also be generated by simply clicking on the corresponding symbol in the schedule.

The status of SuperView actions is indicated in colour during the execution of a schedule. Possible action status indicators are HELD, WAITING, READY, SUBMITTED, STARTED, COMPLETED, and ABORTED.

Before a schedule is put into use, it can be tested in simulation mode.

Both individual actions and complete schedules can be linked to a calendar, determining the date when the action or schedule will be executed. SuperView contains a number of standard calendars, such as the twenty-third day of each month or the third day of each week. You can also define your own calendars. You can store the most intricate date patterns, for example the last working day of the third week of each month.

If a schedule ends abnormally, a problem message will be displayed. SuperView / Job Scheduler has extensive possibilities to send messages to the right people, which is accomplished by means of duty rosters.

Job requests
Not every job is scheduled at a fixed time. Some jobs may be executed at the request of the end users. The properties of such jobs can be stored in SuperView. When an ad hoc request comes in, the corresponding job will be inserted in the schedule at exactly the right place. If necessary, SuperView / Job Scheduler will ask for any parameters that have yet to be defined.

Simple menus can be created that allow the users to request ad hoc jobs to be started by SuperView / Job Scheduler (per group or individually). They can do so at any time, whenever convenient. The menu options depend on the user's access rights. The system records exactly who has requested the ad hoc job.

Before a requested ad hoc job is entered into the schedule, it is possible to indicate whether authorisation by the IT staff member is required. It is also possible to delete any ad hoc job incorrectly scheduled by an end user at one go. The status of the requested jobs can be displayed for each separate end user.

The power
SuperView / Job Scheduler brings scheduling to a logical level. Planning file transfers between different systems becomes easy. Progress information is clearly indicated and the overview is recorded permanently. SuperView / Job Scheduler stores all kinds of information, enabling the creation of customised reports. SuperView provides various default reports, such as production progress, aborted jobs and sent messages.

Flexibility
SuperView / Job Scheduler offers comprehensive capabilities and unprecedented flexibility. The scheduler is entirely based on SuperView scripts, allowing you to fully adapt both the methods and the data to your own ideas, requirements and circumstances.

Shortlist of SuperView / Job Scheduler advantages:

• Open Job Scheduler with very extensive possibilities.
  
• Unique ease of use in the familiar Windows environment.
  
• Accommodates several simultaneous users without interrupting the production planning.
  
• Secures production planning expertise using excellent graphical overviews.
  
• Simple user-definable menus for requesting ad hoc jobs.
  
• Countless report possibilities.
  
• Very extensive options for the exact definition of the required messages and the persons who have to receive them.
  
• Unprecedented flexibility allows you to customise Job Scheduler to exactly fit your requirements with or without our assistance.
  
• State-of-the-art Client/Server architecture with Remote Access support.