Mastering Scripting in BMC Control-M: Using Python, Bash, and PowerShell for Automation

In modern IT environments, automation is key to optimizing workload management, reducing manual intervention, and increasing operational efficiency. BMC Control-M, a leading workload automation tool, provides the capability to integrate scripting languages like Python, Bash, and PowerShell to automate, customize, and extend job execution functionalities.

This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough on how to effectively use Python, Bash, and PowerShell within Control-M to enhance automation, streamline workflows, and improve efficiency.

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Why Use Scripting in BMC Control-M?

1. Enhanced Automation Capabilities

• Automates repetitive tasks like file transfers, data processing, and system monitoring.
• Reduces manual intervention and improves overall workflow efficiency.

2. Customization and Flexibility

• Enables users to define custom job behaviors.
• Supports conditional execution, logging, and error handling mechanisms.

3. Cross-Platform Compatibility

• Works across Windows, Linux, and Unix environments.
• Enables interaction with databases, REST APIs, cloud services, and file systems.

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Using Python for Control-M Automation

Why Use Python in Control-M?

• Easy to learn and implement
• Extensive libraries for data processing, API calls, and automation
• Supports REST API interactions with Control-M

Example 1: Creating a Python Job in Control-M

Step 1: Writing the Python Script

import os
import datetime

# Define log file path
log_file = '/var/log/controlm_python_job.log'

# Get current timestamp
timestamp = datetime.datetime.now().strftime("%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S")

# Write log entry
with open(log_file, 'a') as log:
    log.write(f"[{timestamp}] Control-M Python Job Executed Successfully\n")

print("Job execution completed.")

Step 2: Integrating Python Script in Control-M

1. Open Control-M Enterprise Manager.
2. Create a new job.
3. Select Execution Method: Script.
4. Specify the script path (e.g., /scripts/controlm_python_job.py).
5. Define scheduling and dependencies.
6. Save and execute the job.

✔ Best Practice: Use virtual environments to manage dependencies (venv or conda).

Example 2: Calling REST API from Python in Control-M

import requests

# Control-M API Endpoint
url = "https://controlm-server/api/jobs"
headers = {
    "Authorization": "Bearer YOUR_API_KEY",
    "Content-Type": "application/json"
}

response = requests.get(url, headers=headers)

if response.status_code == 200:
    print("Job Data:", response.json())
else:
    print("Error fetching data", response.status_code)

✔ Best Practice: Store API keys securely in environment variables.

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Using Bash for Control-M Automation

Why Use Bash in Control-M?

• Native support in Linux and Unix environments
• Lightweight and efficient for file manipulation, system monitoring, and job execution

Example 1: File Transfer Job Using Bash

Step 1: Writing the Bash Script

#!/bin/bash
# File Transfer Job in Control-M
SRC_DIR="/data/source"
DEST_DIR="/data/destination"
LOG_FILE="/var/log/controlm_bash.log"

echo "Starting file transfer..." >> $LOG_FILE
date >> $LOG_FILE

mv $SRC_DIR/* $DEST_DIR/

if [ $? -eq 0 ]; then
    echo "File transfer completed successfully." >> $LOG_FILE
else
    echo "File transfer failed." >> $LOG_FILE
fi

Step 2: Integrating Bash Script in Control-M

1. Open Control-M → Create New Job.
2. Select Execution Method: Shell Script.
3. Enter the script path (e.g., /scripts/controlm_file_transfer.sh).
4. Define execution parameters.
5. Save and execute the job.

✔ Best Practice: Schedule jobs during off-peak hours to reduce system load.

Example 2: Automating Log Rotation with Bash

#!/bin/bash
# Log Rotation Script
LOG_DIR="/var/logs"
ARCHIVE_DIR="/var/logs/archive"

echo "Rotating logs..."
mv $LOG_DIR/*.log $ARCHIVE_DIR/
echo "Log rotation complete."

✔ Best Practice: Use cron jobs alongside Control-M for system maintenance tasks.

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Using PowerShell for Control-M Automation

Why Use PowerShell in Control-M?

• Designed for Windows system automation
• Native support for Active Directory, registry, and system administration

Example 1: Managing Windows Services Using PowerShell

Step 1: Writing the PowerShell Script

# Restart Windows Service using Control-M
$serviceName = "MSSQLSERVER"

if (Get-Service -Name $serviceName -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue) {
    Restart-Service -Name $serviceName -Force
    Write-Output "Service $serviceName restarted successfully."
} else {
    Write-Output "Service $serviceName not found."
}

Step 2: Integrating PowerShell Script in Control-M

1. Open Control-M → Create New Job.
2. Select Execution Method: PowerShell Script.
3. Enter the script path (e.g., C:\Scripts\restart_service.ps1).
4. Define execution parameters.
5. Save and execute the job.

✔ Best Practice: Implement logging with Out-File for debugging.

Example 2: Fetching System Performance Data with PowerShell

# System Performance Monitoring
Get-Process | Sort-Object CPU -Descending | Select-Object -First 5 | Format-Table -AutoSize

✔ Best Practice: Combine PowerShell with Control-M Alerts for proactive system monitoring.

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Best Practices for Scripting in Control-M

1. Use Error Handling: Ensure scripts handle failures gracefully.
2. Implement Logging: Store logs for debugging and auditing.
3. Schedule Efficiently: Avoid scheduling heavy scripts during peak hours.
4. Secure Credentials: Store API keys and passwords securely.
5. Test Before Deployment: Validate scripts in a staging environment.

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Conclusion

Mastering Python, Bash, and PowerShell for Control-M automation empowers IT professionals to automate complex workflows, improve job execution reliability, and reduce manual intervention. By implementing best practices, organizations can streamline workload automation, enhance system efficiency, and improve overall operational resilience.

Start integrating scripting in Control-M today and take your workload automation capabilities to the next level!