The task of tuning a system is an iterative and continuous process. The controls offered by SRM are only one aspect of this process. Initial tuning consists of selecting appropriate parameters for various system components and subsystems. Once the system is operational and criteria have been established for the selection of jobs for execution via job classes and priorities, SRM will control the distribution of available resources according to the parameters specified by the installation.

SRM, however, can only deal with available resources. If these are inadequate to meet the needs of the installation, even optimal distribution may not be the answer — other areas of the system should be examined to determine the possibility of increasing available resources.

When requirements for the system increase and it becomes necessary to shift priorities or acquire additional resources, such as a larger processor, more storage, or more terminals, the SRM parameters might have to be adjusted to reflect changed conditions.