Using Robot/SCHEDULE to Monitor IBM MQ Series (WebSphere MQ) Message Queue Depths

Robot/SCHEDULE 10.16 can monitor the message queue depths of IBM’s MQ Series (6.0 and higher) messaging software on the iSeries or AS/400. MQ Series is now called WebSphere MQ. Monitoring queue depths prevents critical WebSphere MQ situations or failures from occurring and lets you know, before running critical jobs, if messages on the WebSphere MQ are backed up. If you are a current Robot/SCHEDULE user, you are eligible for this enhancement free of charge.

Robot/SCHEDULE uses an OPerator Assistance Language (OPAL) keyword to check message queue depths. Using Robot/SCHEDULE, you can check queue depths as often as is necessary. If a message queue depth reaches a maximum that you specify, Robot/SCHEDULE can start any job you choose, start a specific job to correct the problem, execute a warning message, page an operator, etc.

To use Robot/SCHEDULE to monitor WebSphere MQ queue depths, start the message queue manager with the STRMQM command and start the message queue manager command server with the STRMQMCSVR command. In addition, RBTUSER needs *USE authority to the QMQMADM user profile.

The OPerator Assistance Language panel below contains OPAL code for a sample scenario that specifies when the message queue depth is greater than 50 messages, a pager message is sent to notify an operator of a potential problem.

Following is the completed OPerator Assistance Language panel for the sample scenario. We recommend that you call Technical Support at 952-933-0609 for specific instructions on setting up your system to monitor WebSphere MQ queue depths.