SEV parameter

The severity (SEV) parameter specifies a severity code.

The severity (SEV) parameter specifies the severity code that:

Note: The LOG parameter on some commands also uses these severity codes for logging purposes (to control which job activity messages and error messages are logged in the job log).

The severity code is a 2-digit number that can range from 00 through 99. The higher the value, the more severe or important the condition. The severity code of a message that is sent to a user indicates the severity of the condition described by the message. More than one message can have the same severity code. If a severity code is not specified for a predefined message, it is assumed to be 00 (information only).

You can specify a severity code for any message when it is defined by the Add Message Description (ADDMSGD) command. To change the severity code of a message, use the Change Message Description (CHGMSGD) command.

IBM® -defined severity codes are used in all of the IBM -supplied messages that are shipped with the system.

00 - Information:
A message of this severity is for information purposes only; no error was detected and no reply is needed. The message could indicate that a function is in progress or that it has reached a successful completion.
10 - Warning:
A message of this severity indicates a potential error condition. The program may have taken a default, such as supplying missing input. The results of the operation are assumed to be what was intended.
20 - Error:
An error has been detected, but it is one for which automatic recovery procedures probably were applied, and processing has continued. A default may have been taken to replace input that was in error. The results of the operation may not be valid. The function may be only partially complete; for example, some items in a list may be processed correctly while others may fail.
30 - Severe Error:
The error detected is too severe for automatic recovery, and no defaults are possible. If the error was in source data, the entire input record was skipped. If the error occurred during program processing, it leads to an abnormal end of the program (severity 40). The results of the operation are not valid.
40 - Abnormal End of Program or Function:
The operation has ended, possibly because it was unable to handle invalid data, or possibly because the user ended it.
50 - Abnormal End of Job:
The job was ended or was not started. A routing step may have ended abnormally or failed to start, a job-level function may not have been performed as required, or the job may have been ended.
60 - System Status:
A message of this severity is issued only to the system operator. It gives either the status of or a warning about a device, a subsystem, or the whole system.
70 - Device Integrity:
A message of this severity is issued only to the system operator. It indicates that a device is malfunctioning or in some way is no longer operational. You may be able to restore system operation, or the assistance of a service representative may be required.
80 - System Alert:
A message of this severity is issued only to the system operator. It warns of a condition that, although not severe enough to stop the system now, could become more severe unless preventive measures are taken.
90 - System Integrity:
A message of this severity is issued only to the system operator. It describes a condition that renders either a subsystem or the whole system inoperative.
99 - Action:
A message of this severity indicates that some manual action is required, such as specifying a reply or changing printer forms.
Related tasks
Assign a severity code