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To elaborate, the enhancement to send an alert message when the maximum number of spooled files is being reached was delivered in the Database Group PTFs, SF99704 - 740 Db2 for IBM i level 13 and SF99703 - 730 Db2 for IBM i level 24. For more detail, refer to Alerts for IBM i System Limits: https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/1116795. More information is also available in the Information Center: System limit alerts global variables: https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/i/7.5?topic=services-system-limit-alerts.
The Limit ID for the maximum number of spooled files is 19002. The maximum number of spooled files on the system ASP is 2,610,000. An alert is set to issue a message once a day if the number of spooled files on the system is equal to or exceeds 90% (2,349,000 or higher).
System limits that send alerting messages
Limit ID Limit description Maximum Default Alerting Level Alerting Cadence
19002 Maximum number of spooled files 2,610,000 Greater than 90% Once per day
System limit alerts global variables
Limit ID Global variable Shipped limit
19002 QIBM_SYSTEM_LIMITS_ALERT_19002_PERCENTAGE 90
This enhancement was delivered in spring 2021 with IBM i 7.4 PTF Group level 13 and IBM i 7.3 PTF Group level 24.
A new system limit alert has been implemented for the maximum number of spooled files. In addition, global variables have been defined to allow you to set the alerting level to a value other than 90%.
IBM will use this request as input to planning but no commitment is made or implied. This request will be updated in the future if IBM implements it.
Due to processing by IBM, this request was reassigned to have the following updated attributes:
Brand - Servers and Systems Software
Product family - Power Systems
Product - IBM i
Component - Db2 for i
Operating system - IBM i
Source - Client
For recording keeping, the previous attributes were:
Brand - Servers and Systems Software
Product family - Power Systems
Product - IBM i
Component - System Management
Operating system - IBM i
Source - Client
The CAAC has reviewed this requirement and recommends that IBM view this as a medium priority requirement that should be addressed. When someone reaches the problem, it is too late to take action. Although it might not happen often (or ever), it does create panic, so a warning would help. Meanwhile, one could be monitoring the job tables to see rapid growth.
Background: The COMMON Americas Advisory Council (CAAC) members have a broad range of experience in working with small and medium-sized IBM i customers. CAAC has a key role in working with IBM i development to help assess the value and impact of individual RFEs on the broader IBM i community, and has therefore reviewed your RFE.
For more information about CAAC, see www.common.org/caac
For more details about CAAC's role with RFEs, see http://www.ibmsystemsmag.com/Blogs/i-Can/May-2017/COMMON-Americas-Advisory-Council-%28CAAC%29-and-RFEs/
Nancy Uthke-Schmucki - CAAC Program Manager
Hi Rudi,
I agree you can get the information using system limits, but the system needs to have built-in notification when this limit is being reached.
When this situation occurs, it is a critical issue and you should not be dependent upon building your own tooling to be notified.
Dawn
Hi Rudi,
I agree you can get the information using system limits, but the system needs to have built-in notification when this limit is being reached.
When this situation occurs, it is a critical issue and you should not be dependent upon building your own tooling to be notified.
Dawn
Hello,
There is an alternative available to determine how close you are to the limit, by using the SQL statement below:
select * from QSYS2.SYSLIMITS where SIZING_NAME LIKE '%SPOOL%' order by LAST_CHANGE_TIMESTAMP desc;
With the fields Current_Value and Maximum value you can do the math.
I hope this helps.
Greetings Rudi