SAVRS Tool – Complete Reference Guide
1. Introduction
SAVRS (SYSOUT Archival and Viewing and Retrieval System) is a JES output management
tool widely used in mainframe environments to archive, retrieve, and view system output
(SYSOUT) and job logs. It enables users to access job logs from past days, search by job
attributes, and view archived system output efficiently.
2. Key Features
• View JES job logs and outputs archived in SAVRS
• Retrieve outputs for specific job names, users, or dates
• Filter outputs by job type, class, or date range
• Access long-term archives without recalling from tape
• Search logs using job number, type, or date filters
3. Accessing SAVRS
From the ISPF primary option menu, navigate to the SAVRS option or enter the transaction
command depending on site setup (for example, typing SAVRS or selecting it from the tools
menu).
[Insert Screenshot of SAVRS Main Menu Here]
4. Search Criteria and Filters
SAVRS provides flexible filtering options to locate archived JES outputs. The key filters
include:
• JOBNAME – The name of the job to locate
• USERID – The ID under which the job executed
• TYPE – Defines the type of output (e.g., JN, AH, ST, etc.)
• START DATE / END DATE – Used to specify the date range for logs
• CLASS – Optional filter for output class
[Insert Screenshot of SAVRS Filter Panel Here]
5. Understanding the TYPE Parameter
The TYPE parameter in SAVRS helps define the kind of job output you wish to retrieve.
Common types include:
• JN – Displays completed job logs and SYSOUT
• AH – Displays archived history logs (used for older data beyond retention)
• ST – Shows started tasks
• SY – Displays system output messages
Tip: If you don’t find your job under TYPE=JN, try using TYPE=AH — it means the job has
been archived.
6. Filtering by Date Range
You can specify a date range to retrieve logs. For example:
• START DATE: 2025/10/01
• END DATE: 2025/10/15
Ensure both start and end dates are in valid format (YYYY/MM/DD). If the date range
exceeds retention limits, an 'Invalid End Date' message may appear.
[Insert Screenshot Showing Date Range Filter Example Here]
7. Viewing Job Output
Once the search results are displayed, select the desired job entry using the line command
such as 'S' (Select) or 'V' (View). The job log, JES messages, and DD outputs are displayed in
sequence.
[Insert Screenshot of Job Output Viewer Here]
8. Downloading / Printing Output
Users can download or print specific job logs for audit or troubleshooting purposes. The
available commands vary by site configuration but typically include options like 'XMIT',
'PRINT', or 'SAVE'.
[Insert Screenshot of Print/Save Options Here]
9. Troubleshooting Tips
• If 'Invalid End Date' appears, verify the format and available archive retention
• If no records are found, check TYPE and JOBNAME filters
• Use TYPE=AH for older archived outputs beyond current retention
• Ensure you have access permissions for the job owner or class
10. Conclusion
SAVRS is an essential enterprise-level tool for viewing and managing JES output archives. It
enhances operational efficiency by providing historical job logs, audit trails, and
troubleshooting insights.
