SMF Data

Key SMF Subtypes for ITBI: Unlocking Mainframe Transparency

From Raw SMF Data to Strategic Insight

At SMT Data, we help organizations transform complex mainframe data into actionable IT Business Intelligence (ITBI). A cornerstone of this transformation is the ability to collect, interpret, and leverage the right SMF (System Management Facility) records — the raw data behind cost transparency, capacity planning, and performance optimization.

Why SMF types Matter

Mainframe environments are incredibly rich in data, but some SMF records offer more practical value than others.
In our experience across sectors and industries, some subtypes stand out for their ability to drive decision-making and deliver real business value.

Therefore, we have highlighted eight of the most impactful SMF record types that form the foundation for ITBI insights.

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The 8 Most Valuable SMF types for ITBI

SMF 70 – CPU Utilization, LPARs & Configuration

SMF 70 delivers core metrics on processor activity and logical partition (LPAR) usage.
Why it matters:
As a result, it’s essential for capacity planning, software license optimization, and long-term performance trend analysis.

SMF 72 – Workloads & WLM (Workload Manager)

SMF 72 tracks workload activity under the Workload Manager, providing detailed data on service classes, performance goals, and resource consumption.
Why it matters:
In addition to tuning system performance, it helps ensure IT delivers on business priorities.

SMF 113 – CPU Cache Metrics

SMF 113 offers insight into how efficiently your workloads are using CPU cache.
Why it matters:
This is vital when planning hardware upgrades or optimizing for newer processor models.

SMF 30 – Address Space Activity

SMF 30 captures execution and resource usage data at the address space level, including job and task behavior over time.
Why it matters:
It’s widely used for invoicing, usage reporting, and job-level analysis.

SMF 110 – CICS Transactions

SMF 110 provides detailed metrics on CICS transaction response times, throughput, and resource usage.
Why it matters:
This subtype is crucial for workload optimization, operational transparency, and cost allocation.

56FA – IMS Transactions

Known by its hexadecimal code, 56FA captures granular IMS workload activity.
Why it matters:
It supports performance analysis, invoicing, and cost attribution in IMS environments.

SMF 101 – DB2 / DDF Metrics

SMF 101 collects performance and accounting data for DB2 and Distributed Data Facility (DDF) workloads.
Why it matters:
This enables precise tracking of distributed workloads and optimization of DB2 environments.

SMF 100 – DB2 Buffer Pool Activity

SMF 100 focuses on how DB2 uses its buffer pools, revealing opportunities for I/O efficiency.
Why it matters:
Better buffer pool tuning can reduce CPU usage and improve throughput.

Go Beyond the Core Eight

While these eight subtypes are powerful, they’re only the beginning. SMT Data’s ITBI platform supports a wide and continuously evolving range of SMF records to meet diverse customer needs.

Existing ITBI users can explore the full and regularly updated list of supported SMF subtypes in the ITBI Help Universe.

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Want to Learn More About Your Mainframe Potential?

Get in Touch with Our Experts

Whether you’re exploring ITBI for the first time or looking to extend your current insights, we’re here to help.

Contact us to find out how we can support your goals — from reducing costs to transforming IT into a driver of business value.