Managing Cartridge Locations

How cartridges are originally entered in the library, or their status in the library, can have an affect on ACSLS performance.

Table C-3 Recommendations for Managing Cartridges

Action	Recommendation
Entering cartridges	Enter cartridges through the CAP. When manually placing cartridges in the library with the front access door open, library operations cease and ACSLS must perform a full audit to update the library database to match the actual contents of the library. To maximize performance, enter cartridges through the cartridge access port (CAP). During an enter, the library stays online, mounts can continue, and the library management software always tries to move the cartridge to an LSM adjacent to the CAP magazine—minimizing pass-thru activity. If this is not possible, the library controller moves the cartridge through the elevator to another LSM—which requires additional movement between two HandBots and the elevator.
Clustering cartridges	Cluster cartridges by workload on separate rails with enough tape drives to support the maximum activity—peak usage—for that workload.
Using float	When float is on, ACSLS selects a new home cell for a cartridge that is in an LSM as close to the drive as possible on a dismount. This option automatically clusters cartridges by the drives for the workload.
Supplying scratch cartridges	Make sure each rail has the correct amount and type of data cartridges plus enough scratch cartridges to support the workload.