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Version: 23.1

OR Script Screens and Windows

Operator Replay Configuration​

OPRRPYD301 - Operator Replay Configuration​

Main Menu > Operator replay menu (#4) > Operator Replay configuration (#5)

Fields​

TCP/IP and Device Configuration

  • Telnet device modes:
    • The list of optional Telnet device modes is introduced by the F1=Help text, and it is fully explained in the Managing Virtual Devices section near the end of the Operator Replay Scripts chapter.
    • NOTE**: MODEs 2-4: Use F1=Help to view an introduction to the Telnet Exit Program use and configuration. See Managing Virtual Devices near the end of the Operator Replay Scripts chapter for complete instructions.
  • IP Address:
    • This address is used to start an emulated interactive user session, using IP Telnet protocol. The default value for this field is the typical *LOOPBACK interface address of 127.0.0.1. Use F4=Prompt to see a list of valid values that IBM i supplies from existing configured IP lines. SMA Technologies recommends using loopback interfaces instead of physical line descriptions for Operator Replay Script jobs to ease the configuration and improve system efficiency.
    • An IP Address is always required by the Operator Replay Script driver program. However, the IP Address might be provided from either User Management, from the OpCon job start request (as an extension to the Script name) or from the STROPRRPY command when it is used for testing. When an alternate source for the IP Address has been configured, this field value in the Configuration screen is usually ignored, unless it may be used by reference to a *DEFAULT value in the IPADDR( ) parameter of the STROPRPRY command.
  • Telnet port:
    • The default telnet port of 23 should be specified, unless IBM i has been configured to support Telnet services at a different port. This is the port where the emulated interactive user session will be started by the Operator Replay control program.
  • Telnet device name:
    • Enter a virtual display device name or one of the functional values:
    • Mode 1: Leave this field blank. The system will select or create an available virtual display device.
    • Mode 2: This mode requires an actual virtual display device name.
    • Mode 3: Type "*USER" into the device name field.
    • Mode 4: Type "*CMD" into the device name field.
      tip

      To allow command line parameter overrides when in User mode, type both values into this field: "USER CMD"

  • ** Telnet device exit program number:
    • This is a protected display field, showing the default exit program number that will be used by the Agent when adding or removing the exit program entry in the IBM i registry.
    • In case of the unlikely event that this unique number is already in use by some other software application, use function key F13 to unlock this field and type in a different, valid exit program number. (Valid values are mostly below the default value, since this was intentionally set to very near the upper limit.)

General Configuration Options

  • Script job logging:
    • Controls whether the interactive user emulation session will be recorded in the LSAM's Operator Replay log file. Use this feature whenever a new script is added, or to diagnose suspected problems with a script. There will always be a log index entry made for every script that is executed, but only:
      • Y = yes, record each Script execution in its own log file data member, corresponding to the log index entry.
  • Script job debug logging:
    • For use by technical support personnel only. This option causes additional log entries to be added to a special trace file, OPRLOGF20. Refer to more information about this function under the F17 and F18 function key descriptions.
  • Telnet exit pgm trace log:
    • For use by technical support personnel only. This option causes additional log entries to be added to a special trace file, OPRLOGF20. Refer to more information about this function under the F19 and F20 function key descriptions.
  • Post-send delay:
    • The number of microseconds to wait after sending a reply to a screen format, before attempting to read the system response to the sent data. A tuning option for the script execution program, this value should only be changed by trained technical support personnel.
  • Inter-read delay:
    • The number of microseconds to wait in between reading segments of the screen buffer that the system is writing. A tuning option for the script execution program, this value should only be changed by trained technical support personnel. SMA Technologies recommends using 0.1 seconds for this field (instead of a whole 1 second, previously offered as the default value).
  • Receiving data timeout:
    • The number of microseconds to wait before deciding that the system is no longer replying to the script execution. A tuning option for the script execution program, this value should only be changed by trained technical support personnel.
      tip

      This value can be overridden at the script step level.

  • Script loop detect limit:
    • Number of repeats by Script Branching Logic to same or lower Step sequence number allowed within same Script name before script execution is aborted with an error message reporting too many loops.
      • The Script Step master records support an override value to this limit, in case a script must intentionally loop back to the same step more times than this global loop limit would allow.
  • Separator data columns:
    • Each of the three separator hex character values shows a maintainable value field in yellow. To the right is the current value in the control file, shown in turquoise. The displayable character equivalent of each hex character sequence is displayed as a single pink character. Use the LSAM command LSATBLTEST to test results for hex character sequences, especially when US English (CCSID 37) is NOT the IBM i default character set.

Hexadecimal control characters

  • Token/variable separator:
    • The special character that is inserted by the script maintenance program to designate a character string that is actually a token or variable field that will have its value substituted from the user-defined list of tokens.
    • If this value is changed, it could affect all the existing scripts. A warning and utility function screen will follow.
    • This value should only be changed by trained technical support personnel, and then only if required to work around a conflict in the character sequences being managed by the script execution program.
  • Cursor control separator 1:
    • The special character that is inserted by the script maintenance program to designate the start of a character string that will be used to move the cursor on the emulated green screen image during script execution.
    • If this value is changed, it could affect all the existing scripts. A warning and utility function screen will follow.
    • This value should only be changed by trained technical support personnel, and then only if required to work around a conflict in the character sequences being managed by the script execution program.
    • This value is a pair of displayable characters used to represent the hexadecimal value of the actual single character used as the separator.
  • Cursor control separator 2:
    • The special character that is inserted by the script maintenance program to designate the end of a character string that will be used to move the cursor on the emulated green screen image during script execution.
    • If this value is changed, it could affect all the existing scripts. A warning and utility function screen will follow.
    • This value should only be changed by trained technical support personnel, and then only if required to work around a conflict in the character sequences being managed by the script execution program.
    • This value is a pair of displayable characters used to represent the hexadecimal value of the actual single character used as the separator.

Displayed Data Translation

  • Displayed data translation:
    • Refer to the discussion below about the purpose for these table names. Note the option to use CCSID character set numbers instead of translations; this option may produce better results in countries outside of the United States of America. SMA Technologies Support can help with the analysis of any translation problems.

"Attempt to Recover Interactive Job" Display -- Local Language

  • Instructions:
    • If an Operator Replay Script job ended abnormally, depending on the system value QDEVRCYACN, the next attempt to access the same display device might be intercepted by a job recovery message. The Operator Replay script driver will attempt to recognize and bypass this message if the display matches these configuration values. This will prevent another script job failure and it will also reduce the requirement for manual operator intervention to restore the status of the display device.
    • It might be necessary to view the Operator Replay log display and examine the detailed log of screen output to determine the exact values required in these Configuration fields. But after the first incident, if the Row, Column and Text are configured correctly, then the script driver program will be able to successfully bypass future incidents of this type.
    • The default title text shown in the display is intended to match the screen title that appears in a default US EBCDIC partition. Update this text to match what is found in the Operator Replay log details display.
  • Row of title:
    • 1 (the row location of the screen title in a default US EBCDIC partition)
  • Column of title:
    • 24 (the column where text begins in a default US EBCDIC partition
  • Local title text:
    • Attempt to recover interactive job

Functions​

  • F3=Exit: Do not update the data, return to the LSAM menu.
  • F4=Prompt IP Addr: Shows a list of IP addresses configured under IBM i, from which a valid value may be selected to insert into the IP Address field.
  • F12=Cancel: Do not update the data, return to the LSAM menu.
  • F17=View debug log: For technical support only, view the contents of the Operator Replay debug log file (available if Script job debug logging was set to Y=yes during any script execution). This screen is not documented in this documentation.
  • F20=Clear debug log: For technical support only, use this function to clear the Operator Replay debug log file (OPRLOGF20) after a previous test and before the next test, in order to help isolate test data.
tip

The LSAM automatic log file clear routines do not clear the Operator Replay debug log file. This is the responsibility of the technical support personnel who may have set the debug log flag to Y. The Operator Replay debug logging function must be set back to N=no after diagnostic work has been completed, in order to avoid the consumption of large amounts of the client's disk space. The debug log file should be cleared using F20 from this display after a copy of the file has been extracted. Refer to Delivering the LSAM File Extract to SMA Technical Support.

Displayed Data Translation​

The Operator Replay configuration function supports specification of the translation tables (or CCSID character sets) used for managing displayable text. The screen formatting characters sent by the IBM i host to a Telnet workstation are processed in their native ASCII character format. However, the character text that would normally appear on the workstation display must first be translated to EBCDIC before the Operator Replay Script driver program can interpret what is on the display. This EBCDIC character interpretation is critical for enabling the various scripting tools that must test the content of the display.

These tables should not be changed from their default values unless international language support requires it. Please contact SMA Support for assistance if it is believed that these table names might need to be changed. An SMA technical analyst should evaluate a special "trace log" of an Operator Replay session in order to help determine whether a change to the displayable text translation tables will be required.

To specify a numeric CCSID character set in the Table field, type the special value of "*CCSID" into the Library field. If one table uses a CCSID number, then both tables must use a CCSID number. It is not allowed to mix a translation table name with a CCSID character set number.

When specifying CCSID character set numbers, specify the character set that pertains to the set name that is on the right side of the -> arrow character. For example, in the United States, a value of 37 (US EBCDIC) would be specified next to ->EBCDIC, and a value of 819 (US ASCII) would be specified next to ->ASCII.

The CCSID pair of 37 <-> 819 typically produces the same result on a US EBCDIC machine as using the default translation table names of QEBCDIC and QASCII. But in other countries it is more difficult to identify useful translation tables, and in those sites better results can be obtained by identifying the CCSID character sets that are used by the IBM i operating system for DB2 EBCDIC data and IFS ASCII stream files.

Hex Character Conversion​

This screen appears whenever any of the three "separator" hex values are changed. The instructions at the top of the display explain the warning and the available function key options. SMA recommends consulting SMA Support before attempting to change any of the separator values, to make sure that all of the implications of this very technical change are clearly understood.

However, LSAM installations that were upgraded to version 04.00.03 from prior versions are advised to use this function to change the Cursor control separator characters to X'A1' and X'79' in order to avoid potential conflicts with LSAM Dynamic Variable tokens. These hexadecimal values are the new defaults for the LSAM as of version 04.00.03 and newer.

OPRRPYRD302 - Hex Character Conversion​

Fields​

  • New/Old: The New values will be inserted into the Script Steps if conversion is confirmed, replacing the Old values (when they are different). For more information, refer to the field descriptions for Operator Replay Configuration.

Functions​

  • F3=Exit: Quits the maintenance function and returns to the menu without changing any control field values.
  • F12=Cancel: Quits the warning/utility display and returns to the control file maintenance main screen without committing any changes.
  • F14=Confirm conversion: This function key first commits all control file changes to the LSAM control file, then it starts a process to check every Step of every Operator Replay Script for hex character sequences to convert. (Note: The Script Steps store these same representative hex character sequences in the same alphanumeric format as they are shown on the screen. Actual conversion of the representative characters into a single value, as it appears in pink on this display, does not occur until during Script execution.)
  • F16=Bypass conversion: This function key allows all control file changes to be committed but it does not perform the automatic scan and replace function for the Script Steps. This option is not recommended in most cases because the actual Script Step content must always match the control file values in order for Script execution to be successful.
caution

Do NOT change the settings for the Token/variable separator or the Cursor control separators without first learning all about them. Please consult with SMA Technologies Support before attempting this change to be sure that Scripts will continue to execute as expected.

However: LSAM installations upgraded to version 04.00.03 from prior versions are advised to change the Cursor control separator characters to the new LSAM default values of X'A1' and X'79'. Please contact SMA Technologies Support for more information.

Operator Replay Script List​

OPRRPYR10-1 - Operator Replay Scripts​

Main Menu > Operator replay menu (#4) > Operator Replay scripts (#2)

Fields​

  • Position to Script Name: This is used to quickly search for a particular script. Type the first characters of the script name and press <Enter>.
  • Opt: <Tab> to a row in the table and enter an option. The options are listed below.
  • Name: Shows the name of the scripts. Select the name of the script to change, copy, or delete.
  • User: Shows the creator of each individual script.
  • Description: Shows the existing description of the script. Add a description or modify the existing description.

Options​

  • 1=Script step: To work with script steps, type 1 in the Opt field next to the Name of the script. Press <Enter> to proceed to the Operator Replay Script Step screen
  • 2=Change: To change the user or title of an existing script, type 2 in the Opt field next to the Name of the script. Press <Enter> to proceed to the Operator Replay Script (CHANGE) screen.
  • 3=Copy: To copy a script and its steps, type 3 in the Opt field next to the Name of the script. Press <Enter> to proceed to the Copy Script screen. A pop-up window will offer the option to also copy any associated Capture Data Rules and Response Rules associated with each script step (example below).
  • 4=Delete: To delete a script, type 4 in the Opt field next to the Name of the script. Press <Enter> to proceed to the Delete Script confirmation window. A pop-up window will offer the option to also delete any associated Capture Data Rules and Response Rules associated with each script step (example below).
  • 5=Display: To view the script master record, type 5 in the Opt field next to the name of the script and press <Enter> to proceed to the Display Script screen.
  • 7=Capt chart: To view a list that reveals all the Capture Data and Response Rules connected to each step of a script, type 7 in the Opt field next to the name of the script and press <Enter>.
  • 8=Export: Type 8 in the Opt field next to the name of the script and press <Enter> to start the data export process for a script. This process is used, for example, to transfer a complete script and all associated rules and variables from a Test LSAM environment to a Production LSAM environment.
  • 9=Flow chart: To view and optionally print a flow chart of script steps, including any other scripts that are linked by branching operations, type 9 in the Opt field next to the name of the script and press <Enter> to proceed to the script flow chart display. The flow chart display is described above, in the How-To section of this document. The flow chart display screen supports a function key F9=Print that will generate a printable report (spool file) of the flow chart on display, but the report includes up to 132 characters of information per line, while the display is limited to less than 80 characters per line.

Functions​

  • F6=Add: Proceeds to the Add Script screen.
  • F16=Search next: When the list of scripts is long, the Search content field may be used to find a script in the list, either by matching the name or by matching any characters in the description, or even matching on the user name. Function key <F16> can be used to continue an existing search (represented by a pink search value below the Search content input field) to additional script records that may also match the search content value.

Windows and Sub-Screens​

OPRRPYR10-3 - Add/Change/Copy Operator Replay Script​

This screen appears the same for both the Add and Copy functions. The mode is indicated by the pink subtitle on line 2 of the screen. The Copy function also copies all Steps associated with the from-script.

The Change screen is similar to the Add/Copy screen, but with an informational field added and the Name field cannot be changed.

Fields​

FieldDefault ValueRequiredDescription
NameNoneYThis name is used as a parameter in the STROPRRPY command when registering a script as a scheduled job in OpCon.
Any Alphabetic characters may be used to identify a script.
This field cannot be updated in Change mode.
UserNoneYThe name of an IBM i user profile that is registered in the Operator Replay user table.
Press <F4> (Prompt) from this field to view and select from a list of registered User names.
DescriptionNoneNEnter text describing what this script does.
Int record IDoutput only In Change mode, this field is displayed for technical support purposes only. The hidden, internal record number has no meaning at the level of Script maintenance or flow analysis.

Functions​

  • F3=Exit: Quits the OR Script's maintenance function and returns to the menu without completing the maintenance function (add, change, copy).
  • F4=Prompt: Prompts for User Names when the cursor is in the User field.
  • F9=Flow chart: Produces a display of the logic flow of this script and any scripts that it may branch to. This function key produces no results during Add mode because no script record exists to analyze. (Refer to option 9=Flow chart on the list of Scripts display, above, for more information.)
  • F12=Cancel: Quits the Script maintenance function and returns to the list of scripts without adding or updating a record.

OPRRPYR10W1 - Delete Script​

The list Scripts display format is presented to show the collected options 4=Delete. Press F14 to confirm the deletion, or press F12 to go back to the main Script list, where choices for deletion can then be modified or abandoned.

Fields​

  • ScriptName: The name of the script(s) that is being deleted.
  • User Name ...: The name of the Script User, if assigned at this Script master file level.
  • Description: A description of the Script that is being deleted.

Functions​

F12=Cancel: Quits the Delete Script confirmation window and returns to the list of scripts without deleting any records. F14=Confirm: Press to complete the delete action for all listed Scripts.

Copy/Delete Script Windows (Options 3 and 4)​

Manage Capture Rules Window (Copy)​

                   Manage Capture Rules

   Copy capture rules also?   1  0=No, 1=Yes            (Recommended: 1=Yes)

  Enter=Select   F12=Cancel

Manage Capture Rules Window (Delete)​


                     Manage Capture Rules

   Delete capture rules also?   1  0=No, 1=Yes            (Recommended: 1=Yes)

  Enter=Select   F12=Cancel

Fields​

Copy? - or - Delete?

  • 0=No, 1=Yes
  • When either option 3=Copy or option 4=Delete is selected, the program offers the option to perform either a copy or a delete of all Capture Data and Response Rules that are related to each step in the script.
  • For option 0=No, the copy or delete action is completed, but any associated Capture Data and Response rules are ignored.
  • When this window is presented from the Step list, it applies only to the step(s) being copied and not to the whole script.

Functions​

F12=Cancel: Quits the opt ion window and returns to the list control display. (The copy or delete option remains incomplete and must be restarted, if desired.)

OPRR10R7 - Capture Screen Data Chart (5 Views)​

Option 7 from the list of Scripts will present a read-only list that documents all Capture Data Rules, Response Rules and variables (Dynamic Variables or the older Operator Replay token variables). Use function key <F11> to rotate the list details among 5 different views. The explanation of each data field in this list may be found in the Screens and Windows documentation for each record type. Use option 5=Display from this list to view the entire detail of any record, for additional help understanding what appears in this summary list.

Views 4 and 5 Details​

In View 4, for each Step there is a profile of the Top Control String. (View 5 shows the Bottom Control String.) The control string rules use these labels:

  • CtlOpt = control option: F=Fail if "not", S=Skip if "not"
  • TR = top row
  • TC = top column
  • TL = top length
  • not = shows the Boolean comparison rule, such as EQ (equal) or NE (not equal). "not" means that if the comparison is not true, then the CtlOpt action will be taken
  • Str = the reference character string that is compared to the screen content (may be blanks if the Length value is supplied)

The field labels above show a letter "T" in the screen tabel that refers to "top", which means the Top Control String (as described in the Step master record displays). When switching to view 5 the label abbreviation letters are changed to "B" refering to the Bottom Control String.

Main Menu > Operator replay menu (#4) > Operator Replay scripts (#2) > Option 7 (Capt chart)

Fields​

  • Script: Under the screen title is the name of the Operator Replay Script that is being analyzed by this list display.
  • Search content: Type a value to be used as a search argument. Press <Enter> or <F16> to start a new search. All fields in a step record will be searched, not only the data displayed on the list. Use option 5=Display to discover the matching field that may not appear in the list.
  • Opt: Use the <Tab> key to move the cursor to the line in the list and type an option number. Press <Enter> to perform the option function.
  • Step: The Script Step number is shown for lines colored yellow (left-most indent).
  • Capt ID: The Capture ID is shown for lines in blue (indented 1 space under a Step).
  • RspSeq#: The Response Rule sequence number is shown for lines in pink (indented 2 spaces under a step).
  • Var-Tok: The Dynamic Variable name (or an Operator Replay Token name) is shown for lines in cyan (indented 3 spaces under a step).
  • View: Press function key <F11> to rotate the list display among 5 different views. Each view shows a summary of a different part of each record type. Rotate the views to quickly analyze what is configured for each record type.

Option​

5=Display: Type 5 next to any record type and press <Enter> to quickly access a read-only view of the complete record detail.

Functions​

  • F3=Exit: Quits the Script maintenance function and returns to the menu. Note that changes already made to script records are retained.
  • F5=Refresh: Reloads the list from the database file.
  • F9=Print: Creates report OPRRPYP10 that transfers the entire Capture Chart analysis list to a printable report spool file. The report will show only the current View. Use F11 to change the view in order to print other details about each record on display the next time that F9=Print is pressed.
  • F11=Next view: Rotates the list view among 5 different summaries of details about each record type. The current view in effect is displayed in the View field, to the right of the column headings.
  • F12=Cancel: Returns to the list of Scripts.
  • F16=Search: When a value is entered into the Search content field, pressing <Enter> or <F16> starts a new search for step records that contain the search content string anywhere in the step master record (the search includes all step record fields, including comments, string to send, branch operations, control strings, etc.). After a search is started, when there is a previous search content value shown in pink under the search input field, <F16> is used to continue the search on to the next step record that matches the search content value.

Operator Replay Script Step List​

OPRRPYR10-2 - Operator Replay Script Steps​

Main Menu > Operator replay menu (#4) > Operator Replay scripts (#2) > Option 1 (Script steps)

Fields​

  • Search content: Type a value to be used as a search argument. Press <Enter> or <F16> to start a new search. All fields in a step record will be searched, not only the data displayed on the list. Use option 5=Display to discover the matching field that may not appear in the list.
  • Opt: Use the <Tab> key to move the cursor to the line of a Step record and type an option number. Press <Enter> to perform the option function.
  • Seq: Sequence number controls the order in which steps are performed as part of a script.
  • Label: An optional label assigned to a step that becomes the target of a branching operation.
  • CPT: 'X' marks the spot where a Script Step is connected to a Screen Capture Application by storing the APP KEY value into the Step master record.
  • Comments/String to send + F-Key: A description of what each step in a script accomplishes. When <F11> is pressed, the list display rotates between Comments and the String to send data plust its Function key.

Options​

  • 2=Change: To change the Step record, type 2 in the Opt field next to the Step record(s). Press <Enter> to proceed to the Change Step detail screen.
  • 3=Copy: To copy the Step record, type 3 in the Opt field next to the Step record. Press <Enter> to proceed to the Copy Step detail screen. A pop-up window will offer the option to also copy any associated Capture Data Rules and Response Rules associated with each script step. (Refer to the Manage Capture Rules pop-up window above, following the Scripts List display.)
  • 4=Delete: To delete the Step record, type 4 next to each Step record. Press <Enter> to proceed to the Delete Step confirmation window. A pop-up window will offer the option to also delete any associated Capture Data Rules and Response Rules associated with each script step. (Refer to the Manage Capture Rules pop-up window above, following the Scripts List display.)
  • 5=Display: To display the Step record, type 5 next to each Step record. Press <Enter> to proceed to the Display Step Details screen. Typing option 5 next to many or all step records at once before pressing Enter is a convenient way to review all the steps in a script. Press <Enter> to advance as each detail screen is presented.
  • 6=DSPLBLWU: Display Label Where Used. If a step is assigned a Label, this script analysis tool will produce a list of all scripts that have a branching operation assigned to this label value.
  • 7=Capt chart: Type 7 next to a Step and press <Enter> to see a list of all Capture Data Rules, Response Rules, and variable tokens used by the step. The list of the Capture Chart appears the same for the whole Script(as desrcibed above), except this option will show data for only one Step.
  • 8=ViewCapt: "View screen Capture Application." This option shows a list of Screen Capture Applications used for Operator Replay screen data capture. If a Script Step is linked to a screen Capture Application, then that single Capture Application will be listed. Using option 5=DspAppWU (Display Application Where Used) will reveal if that Capture Application is being shared by any other Script Step. If there is no screen Capture Application linked to the selected Script Step record, then this option 8 will show a list of all available screen Capture Applications.

Functions​

  • F3=Exit: Quits the Script maintenance function and returns to the menu. Note that changes already made to step records are retained.
  • F5=Refresh: Reloads the list of steps from the database file.
  • F6=Add: Proceeds to the Add Step Detail screen.
  • F9=Flow: Shows the analysis flow chart for the whole script, the same as using option 9 from the list of script master records.
  • F11=View 2/1: Toggles the list display between showing step Comments or showing the String to send and function key, for each step.
  • F12=Cncl: (Cancel) Returns to the list of Scripts. Changes already made to step records are retained.
  • F16=Search: When a value is entered into the Search content field, pressing <Enter> or <F16> starts a new search for step records that contain the search content string anywhere in the step master record (the search includes all step record fields, including comments, string to send, branch operations, control strings, etc.). After a search is started, when there is a previous search content value shown in pink under the search input field, <F16> is used to continue the search on to the next step record that matches the search content value.

Delete Step Window​

               Delete Step

Seq       Comment
10       Bypass logon messages 1

                                    Bottom
Enter=Confirm   F12=Cancel

Fields​

  • Seq: The sequence number of the step record to be deleted.
  • Comments: A description the step record

Functions​

F12=Cancel: Returns to the list of step records without completing the delete action.

Operator Replay Step Detail Screens​

OPRRPYR10-4A/-4B - Add/Change/Copy Operator Replay Step​

Two display formats are used to build or maintain a Script Step record. Press Enter or PageDown to move from display format A to B, and F12 or PageUp to move back from fomrat B to A. Moving between the two displays does not update master record data. The database update is completed only when Enter is pressed from the B display format. When moving between the two display formats, any data that is entered on either screen is preserved, so that the two formats work together as if they were just pages of a single interaction with the operator.

tip

The screen denotes the functions Add, Change, Copy or Display in the title line. The field values are all the same, except the internal "Rec ID" does not appear in the Add or Copy modes.

  • Main Menu > Operator replay menu (#4) > Operator Replay scripts (#2) > Option 1 (Script steps) > Operator Replay Step List > Option 2 (Change)
  • Main Menu > Operator replay menu (#4) > Operator Replay scripts (#2) > Option 1 (Script steps) > Operator Replay Step List > Option 3 (Copy)
  • Main Menu > Operator replay menu (#4) > Operator Replay scripts (#2) > Option 1 (Script steps) > Operator Replay Step List > F6 (Add)
  • Main Menu > Operator replay menu (#4) > Operator Replay scripts (#2) > Option 1 (Script steps) > Operator Replay Step List > Option 5 (Display)

Fields​

(Look for DynVar notation in Default Value to find fields that support Dynamic Variables)

FieldDefault ValueRequiredDescription
Format 4ADisplay Format A Fields
Step descriptionNoneN (recommended)Type a Text Description for the script (up to 40characters)
Rec IDSystem assigned Not shown for Add or Copy mode, this internal number is for technical support use only.
Step sequence numberAuto-assigned,YThe next available sequence number is autoassigned when the Add or Copy function is being used. This number can be changed to reposition a step to a different relative position among all the sequence steps.
Use F7=ReSeq (re-sequence) from the list of steps to renumber all steps in increments of 10, if there are no more numbers available for inserting steps between existing steps.
Step labelNoneNOptional value used as the target of a branching operation from another step and/or script.
Receive timer override (in seconds)ZeroNA response wait timeout value that overrides the global wait timeout value set for all Operator Replay Scripts, optionally allowing this step of the Script to take as long as the specified number of seconds before the session control program logs a timeout failure of the Script. (Refer to discussion above about using this override field with branching logic.)
Loopback OVRZeroNThis field allows a script to loop back to this same step more times than are allowed by the Operator Replay Configuration global setting for the Script Loop Detect Limit. A value of blank or zero means that there is no override to the global loop limit.
A value of all 9s (99999) will mean *NOMAX, that is, there is no limit.
CAUTION: Using the *NOMAX value of all 9's might allow a script driver program to run endlessly, possibly consuming system resources until the system reaches a critical resources limit (depending on the script actions that are repeated).
Capture App ID / KeyNoneNTo connect a Capture Screen Data Application to this Step record, press F10 to branch to the Select Capture Application display. For more information about using this display see Data Capture and Response Rules. Build a new Capture Application, if necessary, with Capture Rules and linked Response Rules. From the Select Capture Application display type 1 and press Enter to store the Key of the Capture Application into the Step record. The current description text from the Capture Application is reported on this display, but the text is not stored into the Step master record.
String to sendNone supports DynVarNIn this field, type all the characters and spaces that an operator would type. Stop right before the next press of a Function key or Enter.
Dynamic Variable tokens may be used in this field (use F8 to select from list and format tokens), but care must be taken that after all Tokens are replaced, the String to send will not exceed 250 characters in total length.
If it is necessary to type more than 250 characters into a single display format, extra steps may be added to type the additional data. (Do not use the Function to send until the last step record.) Use F13 to branch to a display with a larger data entry field. But remember that the larger field is provided to support long key-qualified Dynamic Variable tokens, and the size of the data entry field is not related to the limit of 250 characters to Send.
NOTE: When long multi-instance Dynamic Variable qualifying keys must (rarely) be used, the multi-instance key values do not count as part of the 250 characters to send. However, it might be necessary to concantenate two or more Step records just to provide space for a long multi-instance Dynamic Variable with keys, because the key string cannot be broken up into separate Step records.
Press F9 to use a prompt window to select any required cursor movement keys. When a cursor movement key is selected from the pop-up window, the correct control sequence of characters will be inserted into the String to send field (at the current cursor location).
This field may be left blank, such as when the step record only executes a function key (refer to next field), or when a Step record could be used just to insert a Step Label for Script branching, or if more than two Top/Bottom string comparisons might be required to qualify the display on the screen.
Function to send (function key mnemonic)None supports DynVarNA Function to send is required to execute the String to send. However, a given Step record does not have to include this field value, depending on the purpose of the step record. Use F11 to view a window that supports selecting one of the valid Function Key mnemonic names.
A Dynamic Variable token may be used in this field, similar to the way a token may be inserted into the String to Send field. To enter a longer or key-qualified Dynamic Variable token, press F13 to branch to a larger data entry field on a separate display.
However, before this Step is executed, the Token must be set to one of the valid mnemonic values for a function key, as appear on the prompt Window when F4=Prompt is pressed from this field.
A Step record may have only a function key (and no String To Send). There are also uses for Step records that have no Function to send.
Example: No String to send is required when the intention of pressing Enter is to bypass a display that does not require any data input.
Format 4BDisplay Format B Fields
Page header fieldsThe header fields on the B display format remind the user of which Step record is being maintained. These fields are described among the A display format fields, just above in this table.
Branch typeBlankNGOTO = Redirect the control of the virtual workstation to a different Step within the current Script, or to a different Script (and, optionally, to a specific Step within that other Script).
EXSR = "EXecute SubRoutine" (an imitation of the RPG operation code). This Branching Type causes Script logic in a separate, utility Script to be executed, and then after that Script completes, the virtual workstation control program returns to the next Step in the Script of origin, just after the step that performed the EXSR Branching action. The EXSR Branch type requires that a different Script name be provided in the to-script field.
Branch to scriptBlankNSpecify a Script Name as the target of the Branching action. The value can be a Dynamic Variable {TOKEN} which might have its value set by a Captured Data Response Rule. When this field is blank, the program assumes that the Branching action refers to the current Script.
Branch to labelBlankNSpecify the label of a Script Step as the target of the Branching action. The value can be a Dynamic Variable {TOKEN} which might have its value set by a Captured Data Response Rule. When this field is blank, the program assumes that the Branching action refers to the first Step in the target Script.
Note: If the Branch Type is not blank, it is not logical to leave both of the Branch-to fields blank.
Top/Bottom Control strings  Either or both of the control string rules may be specified. Both control rules, when specified, must be met in order to perform any operation on a Step record. String to send, Function to send and branching operations are controlled by these control string rules.
If no match: Skip/FailFYF = fail the Script job if a rule is not matched.
S = skip this Step only if a rule is not matched. When the Skip option is specified there must be another Step record following this one that will process the current display format in the Script execution program's buffer, otherwise the Script Steps will be out of synchronization with the sequence of display formats. The Skip option does not include any means of responding to a display format by itself.
Comp numericNNCompress numeric = forces processing of both the Top and Bottom control strings to use numeric comparison rules. Both the control value and the found string at the specified location are first processed to remove all but the digits 0 - 9, then each string of digits is right-adjusted and zero filled into a numeric work field before the comparison is performed. All compared values may include other characters, but they will be ignored and the rule will pass as long as the compressed numeric digits pass the Rule. If Comp numeric is specified, then character string comparisons cannot be used; include another Step record if a character string comparison must be provided as an option.
RuleEQNIf the Rule field for either the Top or Bottom control string is blank, that control string has no effect.
Possible Rule values are:
EQ = Equal
NE = Not Equal
GT = Greater Than
LT = Less Than
GE = Greater or Equal
LE = Less or Equal
Val: (value) characterblank supports DynVarNType a character string that will be compared to the location specified on the current display format.
This field can be left blank so that blanks will be used for the comparison if the Length is specified. The Length field determines how many blank characters will be compared.
This field supports a Dynamic Variable token. Press F13 to work with a larger data entry display if a long key-qualified multi-intance Dynamic Variable token is required.
R: (row) NType a value from 1 to 24 to designate the vertical row of the display that should be searched for the Control string.
Note: There may be row numbers higher than 24 when alternate display formats are being used, however, screen formats other that *DS3 (24 rows by 80 columns) are not supported at this time. Contact SMA Technologies Support if support for 27 X 132 formats is required.
C: (column) NType a value from 1 to 80 to designate the horizontal column position where the Top string must begin.
Note: Refer to the note on R: (row) about value limits.
L: (length) NType a length up to 30 characters that indicates how many characters should be used for the comparison.
When the control string is not blank, this value is optional and the system assumes the length is equal to the last non-blank character.
However, if trailing blanks must be included, or if the whole control string must be a certain number of blanks, then the length specifies exactly how long the control string is and how many characters in the display format location specified must match.

Functions - common to both display formats A and B​

  • F3=Exit: (Not shown, but supported.) Quits maintenance function without completing any data changes and return to the menu.
  • F6=OldVar: Shows the list of the Token/Variable data fields that are registered for use with Operator Replay (refer to Tokens/Variables Management). When variables are inserted into supported fields, the Operator Replay function substitutes the currently registered value in place of the token at the time the script is executed.
  • F8=DynVar: Shows a list of Dynamic Variables, when the cursor is in a supported field (refer to table of fields, above). When a Dynamic Variable is selected from the pop-up window, a formatted token is inserted at the current cursor location. The Dynamic Variable token will be replaced with its value at run time. Captured Data Response Rules (linked to the same step, or to prior steps) can be used to set Dynamic Variable values just before they are used. Full instructions for multi-instance Dynamic Variable configuration prompting is found at Prompt Dynamic Variable list.
  • F12=Cancel: (Not shown, but supported.) Quits the maintenance function without completing any data changes and returns to the list of step records.
  • F13=More+: Fields that are supported by an alternate, larger data entry display format are marked with a plus sign (+) at the end of the field. When there is more data stored in this field than can be shown in the display formats A or B, these fields will appear in cyan color and will be protected from input. In this case, put the cursor over the protected field and then press F13 to branch to the alternate data entry display.

Functions - unique to display format A​

  • F4=Cmd prompt: When the cursor is positioned in the String to send field, press F4 to branch into IBM i command prompting. The selected command and any parameter values prepared during this branch will be returned to the string to send field (unless the prompting is exited using F3 or F12.)
    • Hint: It helps to type in a command name first before pressing F4, since the access to command entry using this function key is intentionally restricted.
  • F7=DSPLBLWU: Display Label Where Used. If a Step label value has been assigned to this step, a script analysis utility will search for all Scripts that reference this label value in a branch operation and then show a list of the Scripts that use this label value.
  • F9=Cursor cmd: View the list of values that represent cursor movement actions. The values shown in the prompting window could be manually typed into the String to Send field, but errors can be avoided by positioning the cursor over the desired value and then pressing Enter to insert the control sequence into the String to Send field where the cursor was located as F9 was pressed. Do not add space characters before or after the cursor movement characters, unless space characters are desired in either of the data entry fields (or field locations) that surround the cursor movement instruction. (Function key F9 has a different purpose on display format B.)
  • F10=Capt Defn: This function key causes a branch into the Agent master file maintenance where a Capture Data Application can be selected. During this logic branching it is possible to register new Capture Data Application IDs and the Capture Data and Response Rules that are linked to that Application ID. (Refer to Data Capture and Response Rules for instructions about creating and linking Screen Capture defintions.)
  • F11: View the list of supported Function Key mnemonic names that are valid for the Function to Send key. It is allowed to manually type these (mostly) obvious Function Key names.

Functions - unique to display format B​

  • F9=Comp rule: View the list of values that are supported for the Top/Bottom Control strings comparison rule. These are boolean comparison operators. They may be typed into the "Compare rule" fields, or they can be selected from the prompting window. (Function key F9 has a different purpose on display format A.)

Discussion of Receive Timer Override​

The Step details screen above shows the Receive timer override field, just under the Sequence number field. This field will display blank when zero. A zero or blank value means that there is no override, and the control file default Receiving Data Timeout value applies to this step.

The Receive timer override value is specified in seconds (not microseconds, as in the Operator Replay Configuration screen) because it is assumed that an override value will be a generally larger value and not require timing as small as microseconds. For example, specifying a value of 360 in this field means that the LSAM Operator Replay Script driver program will wait up to 6 minutes for this step to execute, rather than timing out after only the 30 seconds specified in the control record.

A value specified for the step Receive timer override value will have no effect on any other step of a Script. The system allows a step with a timer override to complete more promptly, and the script will continue processing as soon as the step is complete (that is, after the Inter-read delay value and/or the Post send delay value specified in the Operator Replay configuration display). There is no penalty for specifying a longer Receive timer override value.

If a branch operation is being used in a Script there are special rules for making sure that the expected timer override value will apply. Refer to the discussion about this timer override field above, in the section about how to use Script branching.

Windows​

Function to Send​

Fctn Selection
     ACK
     ATTN
     ENTER
     F1
     F10
     F11
     F12
     F13
     F14
     F15
     F16
     F17
     F18
     F19
     F2
     F20
           More...
F12=Cancel
tip

The special function key value ACK does not generate any data sent to the Host system. It is used to clear the script driver program's screen image buffer, typically after a *STATUS message was received from the host. (Status messages do not require any response by a human operator, but the Script driver program must clear them from the program's buffer in order to manage step timeouts and recognize the next display format write that would require a response.)

Functions​
  • Cursor up/down: Moves the cursor down or back up to select the function that is inserted into the Function to send field.
  • Pageup/Pagedown: When the window shows "More..." at the bottom, right-hand corner, use the Paging keys to show other valid values from the entire list.
  • Enter: Returns the currently highlighted function and inserts it into the Function to send field.
  • F12=Cancel: Quits the window and returns to the step details screen without selecting a function.

Cursor Control Selection​

Cursor Control Selection Window

Cur Ctl Sel

  Backspace
  Cursor Down
  Cursor Left
  Cursor Right
  Cursor Up
  Field Advance
  Field Backspace
  Field Exit
  New Line

               Bottom
F12=Cancel
Functions​
  • Cursor up/down: Moves the cursor down or back up to select the cursor control operation that is inserted into the String to send field.
  • Page Up/Page Down: When the window shows "More..." at the bottom, right-hand corner, use the Paging keys to show other valid values from the entire list.
  • Enter: Return the currently highlighted cursor control operation and inserts it into the String to send field.
  • F12=Cancel: Quits the window and returns to the step details screen without selecting a cursor control operation.

Token/variable Selection​

Refer also to Tokens and Variables Management below.

The original Operator Replay Token variables are supported in the following Step record fields: String to send, Function to send, Branch-to Script, Branch-to Label and the Control string Val(ue) fields. SMA recommends using Dynamic Variables instead of this older type.

Dynamic Variable Selection is discussed in the next sub-section of this document.

Original Token/variable Selection Window​

            Var Selection

DATE1      Application date                   
MAXJOBS    Max Concurrent Jobs Token  

                                 Bottom
F12=Cancel

Functions​

  • Cursor up/down: Moves the cursor down or back up to select the variable that should be inserted into the supported Step field.
  • Page Up/Page Down: When the window shows "More..." at the bottom, right-hand corner, use the Paging keys to show other valid values from the entire list.
  • Enter: Returns the currently highlighted variable as a token and inserts it into the supported field where the cursor was last positioned.
  • F12=Cancel: Quits the window and returns to the step details screen without selecting a variable.
    tip

    The special characters that are reserved to designate the original token/variable fields and cursor control characters are specified in the Operator Replay Configuration display (LSAM sub-menu 4, option 7). The "Token/variable Separator" and the "Cursor Control Separator" characters can be maintained by the Operator Replay Configuration function, however, SMA Technologies recommends against changing these characters (except for the one-time conversion recommended after upgrading to LSAM version 04.00.03 from a prior version). If these special characters must be changed, it is required to observe the following caution. Also, please contact SMA Technologies Support for advice.

    caution

    If these special characters are changed in the control file, then every existing Operator Replay script that uses them must also be updated. The Operator Replay script execution program relies on the contents of the LSAM control file to recognize which characters designate token/variable fields and cursor control characters. A special warning screen appears after pressing <Enter> on the Operator Replay configuration maintenance screen, if any of the three Separator hex character sequences has changed. Use the function key <F14> to confirm the change and allow a conversion program to scan all Script Step records, replacing the old separator characters with the new characters. This keeps the control file synchronized with the Step record content, which is required for successful execution of an Operator Replay Script.

Dynamic Variable Selection​

SMA recommends using these Dynamic Variables instead of the older Operator Replay Token variables in Operator Replay Script Steps. The fields that support Dynamic Variables are marked in the table of screen format fields, above. When the DynVar function key is pressed, the following window overlays the display. Position the cursor to the desired variable name, then press <Enter> to insert the variable name surrounded by the token special characters into the field at the current cursor location.

Full instructions for multi-instance Dynamic Variable configuration prompting is found at Prompt Dynamic Variable list.

Dynamic Variable Selection Window​

Select Dynamic Var
F4=Instance Tempates

Dynamic Var.   Seq

ANYMSGTXT       00                                               
MAXJOBS         00
TESTSTSVAR      00

                 Bottom

Enter=Select   F12=Cancel
Functions​
  • Cursor up/down: Moves the cursor down or back up to select the variable that should be inserted into the supported Step field.
  • Page Up/Page Down: When the window shows "More..." at the bottom, right-hand corner, use the Paging keys to show other valid values from the entire list.
  • Enter: Returns the currently highlighted variable as a token and inserts it into the supported field where the cursor was last positioned.
  • F4=Instance Templates: Branches into a helpful series of prompts for building the keys that may rarely be required for multi-instance Dynamic Variables.
  • F12=Cancel: Quits the window.

Operator Replay Log​

OPRLOGR00-1 - Operator Replay Log Selection Screen​

Column headings view 2 (Use F10 to rotate among 3 views)​
OPRLOGR00-1             Operator Replay Log Selection               00/00/00
QSECOFR                                                             00:00:00

  Position to Script Name...   _________
  Type options, press Enter.
     5=Display  7=VrtWsJob  8=RpyUsrJob  9=WRKJOB
                                                   - IBM i Replay Control Job -
  Opt Script      Rpy User       Date      Time    Name       User       Number       
   _  TSTOPRPY02  TSTOPR      03/12/0000 10:06:06  TSTJOBNM   QSECOFR    109972
   _  TSTOPRPY02  TSTOPR      03/09/0000 16:35:05  TSTJOBNM   USER01     109787
   _  TSTOPRPY02  TSTOPR      03/09/0000 16:34:12  TSTJOBNM   USER01     109787
   _  TSTOPRPY02  TSTOPR      03/09/0000 15:45:43  TSTJOBNM   USER01     109776

                                                                         More...

F3=Exit   F5=Refresh   F10=Alt view   F11=Sort date   F12=Cancel
Column headings view 3​

Data identifying the Virtual Workstation Job may not always be avaiable. This depends on which of four modes of virtual workstation device management was in effect as each job executed. To force registration of the virtual workstation job, see the instructions about using the Operator Replay utility command SMAJOBDTL explained at Operator Replay Sharing Variable Values with an Interactive Job.

OPRLOGR00-1             Operator Replay Log Selection               00/00/00
 
                                                   - IBM i Virstual Wrkstn Job -
  Opt Script      Rpy User       Date      Time    Name       User       Number
Column headings view 1 (this is the initial view of the log entries list)​
OPRLOGR00-1             Operator Replay Log Selection               00/00/00
 
                                                   
  Opt Script      Rpy User       Date      Time    Device     IP Address

In the examples above the list of log index entries uses the following colors on an IBM i color workstation display that uses default colors, to indicate the status of each job:

  • Red highlights any jobs that completed (failed) with a non-zero completion code.
  • Blue indicates that the Script job is still active.
  • Green indicates a normally completed job.
  • White indicates that the job is no longer found in the system (rare).

Use option 5=Display to view more information about any job, including the error code and text that describes the job completion status. From the detail display of each Operator Replay job, function key <F10> may be used to view the Operator Replay Script Log entries, as illustrated above and below. F10 is also supported for incomplete/active jobs.

Main Menu > Operator replay menu (#4) > Operator Replay logs (#3)

Fields​

  • Opt: Use the <Tab> key to position the cursor to the line of a log record and type an option number. Press <Enter> to perform the option function. Type 5 to view the log information for the execution of the script.
  • Script: The name of the Script that was executed at each date and time.
  • Rpy User: The name of the IBM i User ID that was specified to run the script.
  • Date: The date when this Script was executed.
  • Time: The time when this Script was executed.

The following IBM i Job ID values will appear in list views 2 and 3. The jobs they identify will be either the Script Control Job ID (always available) or the Virtual Workstation Job ID (not always available, as described above).

  • Job Name: The name of the IBM i job that controlled the script execution.
  • Job User: The name of the IBM i user that controlled the script execution.
  • Job Number: The number of the IBM i job that controlled the script execution (NOT the number of the script's emulated job).

The following technical data columns only appear in list view 1:

  • Device: The name of the virtual workstation device will appear depending on which of the four virtual device selection modes were in effect when the Script job was executing.
  • IP Address: The IP address used by the Script driver program to access the virtual workstation display device.

Options​

  • 5=Display: To view the log entry details and access the log entry content, type 5 next to the selected script name and date/time. Press Enter to proceed to the log content viewer.
  • 7=VrtWsJob: (View Virtual Workstation Job) Access to the IBM i Work with Job menu is only available if the virtual workstation Job ID was registered for this execution of a Script job. The data is available depending on (1) the virtual workstation mode that was in effect as the job executed, or (2) if the Script executed the SMAJOBDTL command to force a display of the IBM i Job ID for the workstation job.
  • 8=RpyUsrJob: (View Replay User Jobs) To view all the virtual workstation jobs that have been run by the specified replay script user, type 8 next to the selected script name and date/time. Press Enter to proceed to a list of jobs that were run with this user name. This option is useful for locating the printed output of the actual emulated interactive job that was executed by the script whenever the Virtual Workstation Job ID was not stored in the log entry. Since it is not easily possible to identify the actual virtual workstation job number while a script is running, the log entry does not always contain this information. The user name used for the job is known, so a list of all jobs associated with this user provides a limited list of jobs that may be reviewed.
  • 9=WRKJOB: (Work with Job) To view any information remaining in the system about the Replay Control Job that executed the replay script, type 9 next to the selected script name and date/time. Press Enter to proceed to the IBM i Work with Job menu. Just in case any problems require research, this option can be used to find a job log from the job that controlled script execution. This is NOT the actual virtual workstation interactive job. It is the job that launched the virtual workstation and emulates operator interaction according to the Script Steps that it reads. This job is also the one that executes data capture operations and then also any connected Captured Data Response Rules.

Functions​

  • F3=Exit: Quits the list of log entries and return to the menu.
  • F5=Refresh: Shows an updated list of script log entries, in case more have been added since the list was first displayed.
  • F11=Sort date/Sort script: Changes the order in which log entries are shown on the display. The column heading of the current sort order is shown in pink. When F11 is selected, the F11 function key legend text changes as well as the prompt text in front of the Position to... input field. This function key makes it easier to locate script log index entries, depending on whether the script name or the date/time of execution is known.
  • F12=Cancel: Quits the list of log entries and returns to the menu.

Operator Replay Display Log Detail​

Example Operator Replay Display Log Entry​

OPRLOGR00-2               Operator Replay Log Entry                  00/00/00   
USERNAME                                                             00:00:00

  Press F10=Log detail to see captured dialog.

Script name . . . . . . . : OOOOOOOOOO                                         
Device selection mode . . : OOOOO       1:*DFT 2:*CTL 3:*USER 4:*CMD 3+4:*U/*C 
IP address selected . . . : OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO 
Designated virtual display: OOOOOOOOOO                                         
Replay job user name  . . : OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO   
Replay job return code  . : O  OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO                      
OPRLOGF10 data member name: OOOOOOOOOO                                         
Log entry date/time . . . : OOOOOOOOOO  OOOOOOOO                               
                                                                               
            Script Driver   Virtual Workstation  ...if SMAJOBDTL command used  
Job name..: OOOOOOOOOO      OOOOOOOOOO                                                   
Job user..: OOOOOOOOOO      OOOOOOOOOO                                                   
Job number: OOOOOO          OOOOOO                                                   
Job date..: OOOOOOOO        OOOOOOOO                                                           
Job time..: OOOOOO          OOOOOO                                                         

  F3=Exit  F7=VrtDevJob  F8=RpyUsrJob  F9=WRKJOB  F10=Log detail  F12=Cancel

Main Menu > Operator replay menu (#4) > Operator Replay logs (#3) > Option (#5)

Fields​

  • Script name: The name of the Script that was executed at each date and time.
  • Device selection mode: The symbolic mode abbreviation documented on the display records which virtual device select mode was used. Modes 1 - 4 can be used individually, but there is an Operator Replay Configuration option that supports either mode 3 or 4, depending on the virtual device configuration options recorded in the User Management function (LSAM menu 4, option 1). IP address selected: Records the IP address used by the Script driver program as it requested a virtual workstation device. For modes 2 through 4, this IP address is registered in the User Management master file, which file is then consulted by the SMA Telnet Exit program in order to select the desired virtual workstation device.
  • Designated virtual display: Reports the virual workstation device used, if that information is made available via the device selection mode or by the Script Step execution of the SMAJOBDTL command.
  • Replay job return code: The code returned by the script control job. The interpretation of the code appears to the right of the code in pink text.
  • OPRLOGF10 data member name: For technical support use, this is the name of the data member that was added to the script log file OPRLOGF10, in which the actual script logging data was stored. The member name is comprised of an initial letter "O" followed by digits 2 through 10 of the SAM job name (if OpCon executed the job in normal mode "O") or all 6 digits of the IBM i controlling job (if the job was executed in the debug mode "A").
  • Log entry date/time: From the IBM i system time stamp at the moment when the log record was first registered. (It can be updated later during the Script job initiation process.)
Table of IBM i Job IDs​

The Script Driver job ID will always be known. The Vritual Workstation job ID will be displayed if it was recorded during the Script job execution either by the device selection mode or by the Script Step execution of the SMAJOBDTL command.

The job entry date and time components of the Job ID information are reserved for implementation in the next pending IBM i Agent release.

  • Job name: IBM i Job ID component identifying the Job Name
  • Job user: IBM i Job ID component identifying the Job User
  • Job number: IBM i Job ID component identifying the Job Number
  • Job date: The date when the Script driver job entered a job queue
  • Job time: The time when the Script driver job entered a job queue

Functions​

  • F3=Exit: Quits the list of log files and returns to the menu.
  • F7=VrtDevJob: Only when the virtual workstation device ID is recorded, this function key is displayed to provide access to the IBM i Work with Job menu for the virtual workstation job.
  • F8=RpyUsrJob: (view Replay User Jobs) To view all the jobs that have been run by the specified replay script user, type 8 next to the selected script name and date/time. Press Enter to proceed to a list of jobs that were run with this user name. This option is useful for locating the printed output of the actual virtual workstation job that was executed by the script. Since it is not easily possible to identify the actual emulated job number while a script is running, the log entry does not always contain this information. The user name used for the job is known, so a list of all jobs associated with this user provides a limited list of jobs that may be reviewed.
  • F9=WRKJOB: (Work with Job) To view any information remaining in the system about the job that controlled execution of the replay script, type 9 next to the selected script name and date/time. Press <Enter> to proceed to the IBM i Work with Job menu. This option can be used to find a job log from the job that controlled script execution, in case any problems require research. This is NOT the actual script emulation job, but the job that launched the operator emulation script.
  • F10=Log detail: View the actual log content to see the recorded system output and the automated script input.
  • F12=Cancel: Quits the list of log files and return to the menu.

Replay Log Detail (F10)​

The Operator Replay Display Log function is explained in detail above under OR Script Operation > Viewing Operator Replay Logs.

Tokens and Variables Management​

tip

SMA Technologies recommends using Dynamic Variables instead of the older, simple Operator Replay token/variables. Documentation of this older variable type is retained to support existing users. Dynamic Variables are explained in detail in their own chapter of this Agent documentation: Dynamic Variables.

The terms Token and Variable may be used interchangeably, but the actual meaning assigned to these terms is: A Variable is an entry in the LSAM table of Operator Replay Variables, and it includes its name, a description and its current value setting. A Token represents the Variable in the one of the Operator Replay Step detail record fields. The format of a Token is |variable_name|, where the vertical bars (pipes) are the special character used to separate the Token from other text in the string to send field. The special character assigned to denote Operator Replay Tokens is specified in the Operator Replay configuration function, LSAM menu 4, option 7.

Tokens and Variables Management Operations​

An Operator Replay variable can be added, or have its value reset, using the IBM i LSAM command ADDRPYTOK (Add Replay Token). Operator Replay variables can also be added and set by a special field that appears in the Captured Data Response Rules record. These methods may be helpful to capture values that exist only while a job is active. But Operator Replay variables may also be configured in advance, so they are readily available during maintenance of Script Steps, using the following procedure.

Add a Token/Variable​

  1. In the command line, enter STRSMA. For more information on STRSMA command parameters, refer to the STRSMA Command.
  2. Enter 4 to choose the Operator Replay menu in the SMA Main Menu.
  3. Enter 4 to choose Operator Token/Variable Management in the Operator Replay Menu.
  4. Press <F6>.
  5. Enter the Token Name, Token Value, and a Description.

OPRVARR00-1 - Operator Tokens/Variables Management​

Main Menu > Operator replay menu (#4) > Operator Token/Variable management (#4)

Fields​

  • Position to Token Name: To quickly search for a particular token or variable, enter the first characters of the name and press <Enter>.
  • Opt: Type a valid option value and press <Enter> to execute the function for one or more entries in the list.
  • Token Name: The identifier of the token or variable.
  • Token Description: A description of the token or variable.

Options​

  • 2=Change: To change the token/variable, type 2 next to a token/variable. Press <Enter> to proceed to the Change Tokens/Variables window.
  • 4=Delete: To delete the token/variable, type 4 next to the token/variable. Press <Enter> to proceed to the Delete Tokens/Variables confirmation window.
  • 5=Display: Used to view the details of a single record, although all details may also be viewed by toggling function key F11.

Functions​

  • F3=Exit: Quits the list function and return to the menu.
  • F6=Add: Proceeds to the Add Tokens/Variables window.
  • F11=View value/View description: Change the third column in the list between showing either the token description or the token value. This function key may be used instead of option 5=Display.
  • F12=Cancel: Quits the list function and return to the menu.

OPRVARR00-2 - Add Tokens/Variables​

The Add and Change Token windows appear the same, except for the title.

Fields​

  • Token Name: Y
  • Token Value: Y
  • Description: N

Functions​

F12=Cancel: Quits the Add or Change window and returns to the list of variables without adding or changing any data.

Delete Token Window​

            Delete Tokens/Variables

 Token Name        Token 
                Description
 $TEST        Valeur de Test
 MAXJOBS      Max Concurrent Jobs Token

                               More...
Enter=Confirm   F12=Cancel

Fields​

  • Token Name: The name of the deleted token or variable.
  • Token Description: A description of the deleted token or variable.

Functions​

F12=Cancel: Quits the Delete confirmation window and returns to the list of variables without deleting any records.

ADDRPYTOK Command for Setting Operator Replay Variables​

The LSAM utility command ADDRPYTOK can be used from IBM i command entry or from within a job submitted by OpCon to complete the same Create or Change maintenance of the Operator Replay Tokens as the LSAM screens above. This command is able to add new variables to the LSAM table when the do not already exist, or to update the value of an existing token.

Also refer to the discussion under Captured Data Response Rules about how the response rules can be used to create or set the value of Operator Replay Token Variables.

Work with Screen Capture Definitions​

LSAJ50R1 - Select Capture Application​

The title of this display shows to Work with Capture Applications when it is accessed directly from an LSAM Menu. The sub-title of "Application type:" shows the Agent automation tool that has its own data capture definitions, such as "OPERATOR REPLAY".

Details about working with Application IDs are provided at Work with Data Capture Application IDs.

After optionally creating or maintaining an appropriate Application ID, use the Application ID list display option 6 to Work with Capture Definitions for the currently selected Agent automation tool, as described next for the Operator Replay feature.

OPRR40R1 - Work with Screen Capture Definitions​

  • Main Menu > Operator replay menu (#4) > Operator Replay Scripts (#2) > Script step list (Opt 1) > F6=Add - or - option 2=Change - or - option 3=Copy > F10=Capt Defn. > Select Capture Application > 6=Work with Rules.

  • Main Menu > Operator replay menu (#4) > Work with Capture Applications > option 6 = Work with Rules.

Using the F10 pathway is always required when linking a Screen Capture Application to an Operator Replay Script Step. While it is possible to define Screen Capture Applications starting from the LSAM menu system, the same maintenance can be done after accessing Screen Capature Applications from the Select screen that appears when F10 is pressed.

Fields​

  • Search content: Type a value in this field and press <Enter> or <F16> to initiate a search for a record that has matching data anywhere in the record, including data that might not appear on the list display (but the matching data would appear in the display of the detail of the record). When <F16> is pressed a second time, the search continues from after the last matching record, using the same Search content data. Press <Enter> a second time (with no options typed), or press <F5=Refresh> to start a new search.
  • Opt: Type option from list displayed near the top of this screen. Refer to options definitions, below.
  • App Key: The link to a data capture Application ID that represents a collection of data capture rules.
  • Application ID: A label that describes groups of the data capture rules that are linked to an Operator Replay script step Sequence number.
  • Seq: The sequence of the data capture rule. This number determines the order in which data capture rules are executed. The effect of this sequence number is more noticeable when there are captured data response rules associated with each data capture definition, in that it imposes a high level of control over the sequence of response rules that might apply to a given screen format (or to a SCANSPLF spool file).
  • Row: For screen data capture, this is the row where the data capture operation starts. (For the SCANSPLF command, this is the report line, within a page, where data is found and captured.)
  • Col: The column within the Row (above) where the data capture starts.
  • Len: The length of data that should be captured, starting at the Row and Col specified. For Operator Replay screen data, up to 1920 characters of displayable data may be captured by a single capture rule. (For display formats larger than 24 X 80, more than one screen capture rule would be required to capture more than 1920 characters of data. For the SCANSPLF command, the capture length is normally limited to 132 characters, or one print line of data.)

Functions​

  • F3=Exit: Return to the LSAM menu or to the Operator Replay Step maintenance screen.
  • F5=Refresh: Reload the list display with the latest data from the master file.
  • F6=Add: Branch to the screen for creating a new Screen Capture Definition record.
  • F12=Cancel: Return to the LSAM menu, or to the Operator Replay Step maintenance screen.
  • F16=Search next: Starts a new search, or continues searching after the last found record.
  • F17=Top: Reposition the list display to show the first record in the list.
  • F18=Bottom: Reposition the list display to show the last record in the list.

Options​

  • 2=Change: To change a record, type 2 in the Opt field next to the record(s). Press <Enter> to proceed to the Change detail screen.
  • 3=Copy: To copy a record, type 3 in the Opt field next to the record. Press <Enter> to proceed to the Copy detail screen.
  • 4=Delete: To delete one or more records, type 4 next to each record. Press <Enter> to proceed to the Delete confirmation window.
    tip

    The Screen Capture definition records do not have to be deleted to change their position; use option 2=Change to update the sequence number to a different position in the list.

  • 5=Display: To display record details, type 5 next to each record. Press <Enter> to proceed to the display details screen. Typing option 5 next to many or all records at once before pressing <Enter> is a convenient way to review all the definition details at once. Press <Enter> to advance as each detail screen is presented.
  • 6=Response: To display a list of all captured data response rules that pertain to each data capture definition, type 6 next to each record. Press <Enter> to branch to the Work with Capture Response Rule list display. After exiting the Response list for each Capture Rule, another list will display for each Capture Rule record selected with option 6.

Add/Change/Copy Screen Capture Definitions​

OPRR40R2 - Copy Screen Capture Definition​

  • Main Menu > Operator replay menu (#4) > Operator Replay Scripts (#2) > Script Steps (Opt 1) > F6=Add - or - option 2=Change - or - option 3=Copy > F10=Capt Defn > F6=Add - or - option 2=Change - or - option 3=Copy.
  • Main Menu > Operator replay menu (#4) > Work with Screen Capture definitions (#5) > F6=Add - or - option 2=Change - or - option 3=Copy > F10=Capt Defn > F6=Add - or - option 2=Change - or - option 3=Copy.
Fields​

  • Copy-from record keys: When Copying from one definition to another, the labels of the source record appear near the top of the screen as heading information. These fields do not appear for Add or Change.

    • Application ID
    • App Key
    • Capture Sequence Number

  • Application Key: The key number used to link an Application ID to an Operator Replay Script Step record.

  • Application ID: A label that groups together all of the data capture rules that apply to a single Operator Replay script step Sequence number. (This field is more important when data capture is used with the SCANSPLF command, and only serves Operator Replay screen capture as a useful means of labeling captured data when it appears in the captured data debug log file list, or when prompting for a Capture ID from Response Rules.)

  • Capture sequence: The sequence of the data capture rule. This number determines the order in which data capture rules are executed. The effect of this sequence number is more noticeable when there are captured data response rules associated with each data capture definition, in that it imposes a high level of control over the sequence of response rules that might apply to a given screen format (or to a SCANSPLF spool file).

  • Screen row start pos(-ition): For screen data capture, this is the row where the data capture operation starts. (For the SCANSPLF command, this is the report line, within a page, where data is found and captured.)

  • Screen col(-umn) start pos(-ition): The column within the Row (above) where the data capture starts.

  • Length of data string: The length of data that should be captured, starting at the Row and Col specified. For Operator Replay screen data, up to 1920 characters of displayable data may be captured by a single capture rule. (For display formats larger than 24 X 80, more than one screen capture rule would be required to capture more than 1920 characters of data. For the SCANSPLF command, the capture length is normally limited to 132 characters, or one print line of data.)

  • Capt Seq Description: Text describing the content expected from the data capture parameters.

Functions​

  • F3=Exit: Do not update the data, return to the list display.
  • F5=Refresh: Reload the list display with the latest data from the master file.
  • F11=Response rules: Branch to the screens for maintaining Captured Data Response Rules that will be associated with this Data Capture definition. This function should not be used until key information has been entered to define the Screen Capture definition. Remember to press <Enter> to complete entry or update of the Screen Capture definition after returning from the F11 branch.
  • F12=Cancel: Return to the LSAM menu.

Work with Captured Data Response Rules​

OPRR50R1 - Work with Capture Response Rules​

The same data capture response functions support Screen data capture for Operator Replay, message data capture from the Message Management server job, and report data capture for the SCANSPLF utility command.

Refer to Captured Data Response Rules for detailed information about managing Response Rules.

  • Main Menu > Operator replay menu (#4) > Operator Replay Scripts (#2) > Script steps (Opt 1) > F6=Add - or - option 2=Change - or - option 3=Copy > F10=Capt Defn > F6=Add - or - option 2=Change > F11=Response rules.
  • Main Menu > Operator replay menu (#4) > Work with Captured Data Response Rules (#6).

Using the F11 function key to branch into Response Rules from the Capture Data definition display offers the advantage of automatically carrying the key data that links from the Capture Data Rule and inserting it into new Response Rule records. F11 is also useful for automatically presenting a subsetted list of existing Response Rules that are connected to the screen data Capture Rule.

Display Captured Data Log​

The function for displaying the captured data log is important as an auditing tool. This inquiry provides evidence of the data that was actually captured from either a display screen during an Operator Replay script execution, or from a report line during the use of the SCANSPLF command.

A detailed explanation of this inquiry feature is presented in Display Captured Data Log.