A PTF group or fix group is a name that is used to order and manage a group of logically related PTFs.
A PTF group or fix group consists of a list of PTFs that are
defined for the purpose of managing those PTFs as one entity. A PTF group
can identify other PTF groups called related PTF groups. 
IBM creates and maintains a set of PTF groups for certain functions
on the system. PTF groups are available for each supported i5/OS™ release
and are updated periodically. For a complete listing of PTF groups, see the
preventive service planning information at the IBM eServer iSeries Support 
Web
site.
The cumulative PTF package is shown as a PTF group on the WRKPTFGRP display
and in the Management Central fix group inventory. The cumulative PTF package
is identified as a PTF group named in the format SF99vrm where vrm stands for version, release, and modification of the operating
system. However, some operations that are supported by Management Central
are not allowed for this fix group. These operations include sending fixes,
sending and installing fixes, and installing fixes.
In iSeries™ Navigator, you can perform the following tasks for fix groups: send, send and install, or install. When you copy your fixes from media, fix groups are automatically copied from media when you select All products or All supported products for Fixes to copy.
A related fix group is a fix group that is listed in another fix group. The fixes in the fix group as well as the fixes in all related fix groups are used to determine the overall status of the fix group. When you select a fix group to send and install, the fixes from all related fix groups are also sent and installed.
For information about the tasks that you can perform with PTF groups, see the following items:
- Order PTF groups
- You can order PTF groups through several different methods.
To determine the best way for you, refer to Order fixes.
- Manage PTF groups
- Manage your PTF groups with the Work with PTF Groups (WRKPTFGRP) command, the Copy PTF Group (CPYPTFGRP) command, or the fix group function that is available from iSeries Navigator
- Display properties for fix groups
- Use iSeries Navigator to display properties for fixes and fix groups. Refer to Display properties of a fix or fix group.
- Create PTF groups
- Create your own fix group with the Create PTF Group (QpzCreatePtfGroup) API.