entry, computer operations, and the magnetic media library. I/O CONTROL personnel handle all incoming work for AIS services along with all types of input media from the user. Some of these inputs are source documents, magnetic tape, and diskettes. I/O control personnel perform the following tasks: Count,   verify,   edit,   and   total   all   source documents received; Check   that   the   amount   of   input   data   is approximately  the  same  amount  as  was  indicated in the production schedule; Verify  all  incoming  work  for  accuracy  and  legibility; Log all inputs received in various input/output control logs; Coordinate the receipt of late submissions with users and scheduling; Forward source documents to data entry and computer  inputs  to  either  computer  operations  or the media library depending on when the job is scheduled; Receive output products from quality control; process, log, and package output products; and ensure proper and timely delivery to users. QUALITY  CONTROL  personnel review all completed  output  products  from  data  entry  and computer operations to determine their accuracy and completeness before releasing them to I/O control personnel for further processing and distribution. They forward incomplete or incorrect jobs to scheduling or technical support for further investigation. DATA  ENTRY   personnel   convert   source documents  into  machine-readable  form  using  some type of key-driven (terminal) device if this is not done by the user. They accept source documents, key-enter and verify all inputs, and return completed data to quality control so it can be checked for completeness and accuracy before turning it back over to I/O control to be submitted with the job. COMPUTER OPERATIONS  personnel  operate the computer and associated peripheral devices in accordance with authorized schedules. They receive inputs  and  associated  run  instructions  from  I/O  control, update schedules as the work is completed, forward output  products  to  quality  control,  and  transfer magnetic media to the library for further handling and processing. MEDIA LIBRARY personnel check in/out tapes, disks,  diskettes,  and  documentation  to  computer operations personnel. They also condition, clean, retire, store, and transfer magnetic media to off-site storage and other outside activities. TECHNICAL SUPPORT  personnel  provide scheduling and production control with technical support,  as  needed,  to  resolve  production  problems. They examine problems that occur during production to determine if errors were caused by hardware or system/applications  software.  Then,  they  initiate corrective action with computer operations and/or scheduling. By charting all AIS facility functions and defining their interrelationships, you, as scheduler, are able to create   a   workflow   diagram   for   your   particular scheduling  environment.  It  will  help  you  to  decide which functions and fictional areas require scheduling and which do not. Now that you have some idea of how the work flows in, and about, and out of the AIS facility, let’s see how you, as a scheduler, fit into the picture. Normally, the users get together with the division chief, LPO, and yourself (as scheduler) to make their requests for AIS services known for the upcoming month(s).  This  initial  scheduling  phase  is  known  as  the planning phase  or forecasting phase.  By  knowing  these workload demands early, more time is available to determine where excessive demands and inadequate demands are being made on resources. To put it another way, the forecasting phase allows everyone to see where there may be an overloading or underloading of AIS resources. As the users go about presenting their daily, weekly, and   monthly   requirements,   you   will   be   busy incorporating  their  requirements  into  the  production schedule. During the forecasting phase, you must remember to set aside whatever time is needed for file and computer maintenance. You should pay particular attention  to  those  out-of-the-ordinary  and  one-time requests that tend to pop up. These, too, must be accommodated in the schedule. When given a new job where there are no previous production statistics, ask the user for a rough time estimate of how long the job may run. Ask if there will be input data, and if so, will it  require  data  entry  services.  Know  how  many  and what  resources  the  job  will  use.  Know  the  environment in which the job will run—online, batch, or real-time. You will want to keep a close eye on new jobs. Using   previous   schedules   and   scheduling procedures as a guideline, you can begin to prepare 1-12