Improvements to File Manager/IMS Batch Edit or other utility to compete with ISV software

An in-depth analysis of the work required to convert Cigna's Compuware FileAid/IMS Extract jobs to File Manager/IMS IEB or File Manager Export or Import has identified several product enhancements required to meet the same functionality. These functions can be categorized into:
1) Processing an input file to identify the fields to position the IMS data base prior to the next function.
2) Processing the same input record to provide data to modify with an INSERT or REPLACE operation.
In the above scenario, the IMS data base is re-positioned for each input record. Positioning and assignment of data should be able to be derived from the input file and the "instream" coding, as allowed today with the File Manager IEB functions.
3) Data Conversion and formatting of the input file - The field type of the input file may differ from the IMS Segment data. It would be appropriate to provide an input file template that would allow assignment of data from the input file to the IMS Segment, and provide data type changes, for example zoned decimal to packed decimal.
4) Functions within IEB - The current IEB allows provides for a segment GET, INSERT, REPLACE or DELETE. IBM's File Manager also provides for an Extract and Import of an IMS Data base using specified Criteria. However, some of the jobs I found extract specific fields. This may be used to extract specific fields, update such fields, then use this as an input file to update segments. We do not provide a facility to extract specific fields from a segment.