When a device first connects to the iSeries, a "virtual device" is created - consider it a placeholder for that workstation or printer.  Only one device can exist for each ID, which is why only one person can sign into a printer at a time.  Throughout the virtual devices lifecycle, there are several different statuses that device can be in.  Read below for some details!

Workstations
  • VARY ON PENDING - this is the default status of the virtual device.  This status means the device is ready and waiting for a connection.  When no one is logged into a GOLD session with this ID, the virtual device should be at this status.
  • SIGN ON DISPLAY - this status means that someone has opened a GOLD session, and it is now sitting at the username/password screen on the workstation.
  • ACTIVE - once a user has logged into the session, this is the status that the virtual devices moves to.
  • VARY ON and VARIED OFF - both of these statuses are abnormal and can occur when a device is improperly shut down.  For instance, if a power outage occurs, it's common to find devices stuck in these statuses.  CU*Answers support staff can reset the device so that the session can start up again.
Printers
  • VARY ON PENDING - this is the default status of the virtual device.  This status means the device is ready and waiting for a connection.  When no one is logged into a GOLD session with this ID, the virtual device should be at this status.
  • ACTIVE/WRITER - once a user has logged into the session, this is the status that the virtual devices moves to.
  • VARY ON and VARIED OFF - both of these statuses are abnormal and can occur when a device is improperly shut down.  For instance, if a power outage occurs, it's common to find devices stuck in these statuses.  CU*Answers support staff can reset the device so that the session can start up again.
In addition to the device statuses, each print job in an OUTQ has it's own status.
  • OPN - jobs in an OPN status are still being created by CU*BASE.  Jobs stuck in this status are likely due to the end user not properly finishing the operation they were trying.
  • RDY - once CU*BASE is done creating the file, it goes to the RDY status.  The job will remain in this status until the print is signed in, at which point it will print.
  • WTR - after the printer is signed in, any jobs in RDY status move through the OUTQ by changing to a WTR status.  The WTR status means the data is being sent through the print session to the laser printer (or eDocument software) at the credit union.  Once a documented has fully spooled through it is deleted from the queue.
  • HLD - jobs in a HLD status are prevented from moving to the WTR status and printing - sort of like "pausing" the print job.  To print one of these jobs you need to "Release" them.  This will move them to the RDY status again.
  • SAV - users have the option to save a print job in the OUTQ.  After the job has fully spooled to the print session in the WTR status, it is typically deleted from the OUTQ.  If the job is saved, it will remain in the OUTQ to be reprinted later on (by releasing the document) in a SAV status.
  • MSGW - this status means there is a message waiting to be answered on the iSeries operating system.  This status often indicates an issue with the system configuration in some way, and the CU*Answers technical teams will investigate the cause.