The APAR process

The first step in the APAR process is that an IBM support center representative enters your APAR into the RETAIN system. The APAR text contains a description of your problem. If you have found a means of getting round the problem, details of this are entered as well. Your name is also entered, so that the support center know whom to contact if the change team needs to ask anything further about the APAR documentation.

When the APAR has been entered, you are given an APAR number. You must write this number on all the documentation you submit to the change team. This number is always associated with the APAR and its resolution and, if a code change is required, with the fix as well.

During the APAR process, the change team might ask you to test the fix on your system.

Lastly, we need to apply the PTF resulting from the APAR when it becomes available.