SMP/E is a package manager for the z/OS operating system. For questions that pertain to RECEIVE, APPLY, ACCEPT, and REJECT processing for this package manager this is the appropriate tag.
All operating systems have a package / installation manager for software. SMP/E is a proprietary package manager designed and maintained by IBM. In addition to installing software, checking pre-reqs and other routine maintenance functions maintenance for z/OS has some additional tagging that can be used.
Basic artifacts are APARs and PTFs. APARs are small fixes generally addressing an issue for a specific problem. Multiple APARs can be packaged in a PTF (Program Temporary Fix) which is the normal unit for installation of maintenance.
SMP/E also allows for documentation as well as action holds to prevent the installation of software without indicating that the system administrator has read and understood the manual or other changes necessary to support the software.
