Still another step in updating the distribution libraries is the installation of replacements for data elements, hierarchical file system elements, and program elements. Multiple SYSMODs can be accepted, each of which may contain a replacement for the same element. When two or more SYSMODs replacing the element are accepted concurrently, SMP/E determines which version is at the highest function and service level. For a full explanation of how SMP/E determines the functional and service level of an element, see Element selection.

SMP/E then schedules the actual update of the distribution library. The library to be updated is determined from the DISTLIB information in the distribution zone element entry. The actual update is done by either the copy utility or SMP/E.