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Control-M Expertise Unplugged: Lessons, Tips, and Stories from Mark Francome
As part of our ongoing AMA (Ask Me Anything) series in the BMC Community, we connect with Control-M experts who’ve been hands-on in solving real automation challenges. Through these conversations, members get to hear practical tips, behind-the-scenes lessons, and stories from those shaping the future of workload automation.
Mark Francome is a seasoned Control-M expert with over 20 years of experience in workload automation. He’s known for bringing automation to the “dark corners” of IT enterprises — a phrase his peers know him for. Mark combines deep technical knowledge with practical insights to optimize complex business workflows. He’s also been one of the go-to voices in the BMC Community since 2014, always ready to share a workaround or tip.
He has extensive experience in Control-M administration and in creating batch flows for complex business requirements across High Availability environments on Unix, Linux, Windows, and AIX platforms, including virtual environments. Beyond product expertise, Mark has strong skills in scripting, CLI utilities, DBA aspects, networking, and LDAP — all critical for keeping enterprise automation running smoothly.
When we sat down with Mark to talk about his Control-M journey, he spoke candidly about his early challenges, favorite features, and what keeps him inspired after two decades of automation. Here’s what he had to say:
1. Can you tell us a bit about your journey with Control-M and how you got started in our BMC community?
Back in 2001, I was working for a large organisation that was looking to migrate off the mainframe and go “lights out”. It was assumed that the departing mainframe operators only did mainframe things. But it soon became clear that they did a whole lot more, and that whole lot more turned out to be somewhat complex and often involved hopping between systems and infrastructure areas. I had installed and configured the old mainframe scheduler (CA-7) and was tasked with finding something similar (a “batch job scheduler”, as we used to call them) that could run vital tasks in our new distributed environment. We identified maybe 10 or 11 suitable products, of which Control-M was one. We whittled that down to a shortlist of three and, needless to say, BMC won. The first version of Control-M that I installed was 2.2.4 – the one with ships and containers representing datacenters and job icons. The amount of manuals that were shipped with the product was huge - and not always user-friendly. It was a great relief to find a couple of user websites (one of which was the old Control-X Yahoo group) and, eventually, BMC created the Control-M community website. It took me a while to find it, but I'm very glad I did!
2. How has Control-M helped you achieve success in your work or projects? Any practices or features that make a real difference?
As a consultant I have installed Control-M at many sites, and I'm delighted to say that the majority of customers still use Control-M to this day, in pretty much the same way that they did when we first installed it. People are naturally suspicious of automation, but I like to apply the same phrase to Control-M that people are using for AI today. “Control-M won't take your job, but somebody using Control-M might!” Probably the biggest advances with Control-M have been the addition of all the modules and the API. Regarding the modules, being able to integrate file transfers directly with database jobs or ERP, out-of-the-box, that's great and saves a whole load of effort. And the API is fantastic for creating active and reactive batches.
3. How has the community influenced your work or learning—any surprising insights along the way?
The community is a great reference tool and sounding board. Some of the best bits of advice are really more conceptual, rather than plain technical details. And sometimes you answer a question about the community and then, only days later, end up using the same information when dealing with a problem in your “own backyard”.
4. What’s one tip you would give to someone just starting out in the Control-M field?
Recognise that Control-M is a vast array of small building blocks. Try and make each job as functional as possible and consider how it can be improved. Once you are completely happy with it, use that as a template for future jobs of that kind.
5. What keeps you excited and motivated about your role every day?
That you are really at the heart of the enterprise and are able to positively influence operations in a vital way.
6. What’s your favourite part about being part of the BMC Control-M community?
The Control-M community is a very generous environment. Everybody gets to have their say - and even the “old dogs” can learn something new!
7. What common challenges do you encounter in Control-M workflows, and how do you tackle them?
Complexity and locating workflow redundancy, sometimes the batch is just too dense to see what is happening. BMC has products like Workflow Insights, but sometimes you just need to review the processes manually and make sure the fundamentals are optimized.
8. Can you share a project or accomplishment using BMC Control-M that you’re particularly proud of?
It’s difficult to pick out a highlight. I would say that any time that I’ve worked in an environment where a tangible product is produced, that has always been a good feeling. I once did a project at an electronics manufacturer, and they explained that they needed Control-M to run their warehouse. “Ah, you have a data warehouse, interesting …” No, they responded, they had a real warehouse for the raw materials and components that they used to build domestic appliances. They used Control-M to bridge the gap between their legacy mainframe, Unix, Unisys, and a large array of Windows servers.
9. Outside of work, how do you unwind or recharge after a busy day?
I am lucky that I can still work from home for part of the week. My one-way commute is over 2 hours, which is long by Swiss standards. We have a dog, who always needs a walk, and that is my relaxing time. Now if I can just teach the dog how to roll out Control-M Agent patches
We hope you enjoyed reading Mark’s insights! Which of Mark’s tips or experiences resonated most with you? Share your thoughts or your own Control-M lessons in the comments — we’d love to keep the conversation going.
New BMC Helix ITSM & ITOM Courses available now [Oct 2025]
We’re excited to share the launch of six new BMC Helix ITSM and ITOM courses and certifications for our community of learners!
1) BMC Helix ServiceOps: Fundamentals Overview (WBT)
2) BMC Helix Innovation Studio 23.x: Fundamentals Developing Codeless Application (ASP)
3) BMC Discovery 24.x: Fundamentals Application Modeling - Part 1 (ASP)
4) BMC Discovery 24.x: Fundamentals Application Modeling - Part 2 (ASP)
5) BMC Certified Associate: Helix Operations Management 25.x for Administrators & Consultants Online Exam
6) BMC Certified Professional: BMC Discovery 24.x Online Proctored Exam
Join the community of learners advancing their BMC Helix expertise. Your next certification awaits!
Helix Workshop Series - BMC HelixGPT Hands-On Agent Workshops
Welcome to the Connect with Helix Workshop Series.
Step into the world of the Connect with Helix Workshop Series, your dedicated space for learning, exploring, and growing. This page brings together all upcoming workshops in one convenient hub, giving you a clear view of session dates, topics, and the expert facilitators leading them.
Each workshop is thoughtfully designed to offer practical insights, hands-on experience, and opportunities to connect with peers and industry experts. Whether you’re looking to deepen your skills, discover new ideas, or engage in meaningful discussions, the Workshop Series provides the perfect platform.
Join us, plan your learning journey, and make the most of every session—because every workshop is not just a session, it’s an experience that inspires growth and sparks curiosity.
Workshop Calendar
Insight Finder Workshops
Friday 24 October 2025 - Insight Finders Workshop (EMEA & AMERICAS)
Wednesday, 5 November 2025 - Insight Finder (EMEA & AMERICAS)
Friday, 14 November 2025 - Insight Finder (EMEA & AMERICAS)
Thursday, 8 January 2026 - Insight Finder (EMEA & AMERICAS)
Service Collaborator Workshops
Wednesday 29th October - Service Collaborator (EMEA & AMERICAS)
Wednesday 12th November - Service Collaborator (APAC & INDIA)
Thursday 13th November- Service Collaborator (EMEA & AMERICAS)
Thursday 15th January -Service Collaborator (EMEA & AMERICAS)
Service Catalog Curator Workshops
Thursday 6th November - Ask the Experts Insight Finder Workshops (EMEA & AMERICAS)
Click Here For Announcement
Wednesday 19th November - Service Catalog Curator
Click Here For Announcement
Tuesday 25th November - Ask the Experts Service Collaborator (APAC & INDIA)
Tuesday 25th November - Ask the Experts Service Collaborator (EMEA & AMERICAS)
Thursday 4th December - Service Catalog Curator
Thursday 11th December - Ask the Experts Service Collaborator (EMEA & AMERICAS)
Thursday 22nd January - Service Catalog Curator
Thursday 29th January 2026 - Ask the Experts Service Catalog Curator (EMEA & AMERICAS)
BMC Community Stars: Recognizing Our Top 5 Most Active Contributors
Behind every insightful discussion, practical solution, and helpful tip in the BMC Community, there’s a group of dedicated members who make it all possible. These active contributors are the engines that keep our community vibrant, knowledgeable, and collaborative. Today, we take a moment to celebrate these individuals who go above and beyond, making the BMC Community a space where ideas grow, problems get solved, and knowledge thrives.
💬 The Power of Collaboration
The BMC Community is more than just a forum — it’s a hub of shared learning and innovation. Whether it’s offering guidance on technical challenges, sharing best practices, or providing insights into the latest BMC product updates, our contributors ensure that knowledge keeps flowing seamlessly.
These active members are the heartbeat of our forums, driving discussions across BMC Helix, Control-M, BMC AMI, Remedy, and more. Their engagement doesn’t just solve problems — it inspires others to participate, learn, and grow.
🏆 Spotlight on Active Contributors
We’re proud to recognize the top 5 contributors this month who have consistently demonstrated dedication, expertise, and enthusiasm. Their contributions not only help community members but also provide valuable insights that drive product improvements and foster innovation.
| Dnyaneshwar Nanaware |
| Anne Brock |
| AbdulMoid Mohammed |
| Mohammad Rehman |
| Philipp Ernicke |
🌱 Why It Matters
Communities thrive on shared knowledge. Every time a contributor answers a question, shares a tip, or publishes a detailed article, they’re building a knowledge base that supports thousands of users worldwide. Our active contributors embody the spirit of collaboration, curiosity, and continuous learning, helping the BMC ecosystem remain a trusted and engaging space for everyone.
🤝 Join the Conversation
Here’s how you can get involved:
- Share your expertise by answering questions in product forums.
- Post insights or tips on how you use BMC tools in your day-to-day work.
- Engage with discussions — every reply counts!
Participating not only helps others but also strengthens your own understanding of BMC technologies.
❤️ Thank You
To all our active contributors — thank you for your time, knowledge, and enthusiasm. Your efforts make the BMC Community a trusted, collaborative, and innovative space. Let’s continue learning, sharing, and growing together.
Abdul Moid Mohammed: A Helix leader empowering the community through expertise
In every product community, a few experts stand out individuals whose deep knowledge, experience, and dedication not only solve problems but also elevate the entire ecosystem. In the BMC Helix Community, Abdul Moid Mohammed is one such standout professional.
We are thrilled to shine a spotlight on one of the most dedicated and knowledgeable contributors in the BMC Helix Community: Abdul Moid Mohammed!
About Abdul Moid
An ITIL® Ambassador and ITIL® 4 Master, Abdul Moid brings not only technical mastery but also a strong understanding of managerial and functional ITSM practices. He is also PMP® certified and an EXIN Digital Service Manager, demonstrating his expertise in integration, digital transformation, and end-to-end project execution.
Since joining the BMC Community on March 23, 2009, Abdul Moid has been an invaluable resource, offering insights, guidance, and best practices for complex IT Service Management challenges.
Core Areas of Expertise
Abdul Moid's profound knowledge spans the full spectrum of the BMC Helix portfolio, with a particular focus on the foundation and evolution of the platform. His areas of expertise include:
- BMC Remedy AR System: The bedrock of his deep technical knowledge.
- BMC Helix ITSM: Covering core processes like Incident, Problem, Service Desk, Service Request, Change, and Configuration Management.
- BMC Helix Digital Workplace: Enhancing the user experience for service delivery.
- Monitoring and Event Management: Providing critical insight into platform health.
- BMC Helix Dashboards: Leveraging data for effective decision-making
When I asked Abdul Moid for his thoughts on his Helix expertise, community and his life, here is what he shared,
1) What's your favorite part about engaging with the Helix Community?
To involve in brainstorming solutions for the queries raised which really helps to grow along Helix Communities
Get connected with the peers/network and get latest updates and product enhancements
2) Which Helix capability do you think has made the biggest difference in your projects?
- BMC Helix is the modern, cloud-native ITSM platform that evolved from the legacy on-premises BMC Remedy platform
- Intelligent self-service helps employees quickly solve problems before submitting an incident or request
- BMC Helix Digital Workplace helped to get the Easy Administration with drag-and -drop workflow customization and configuration enhancements which help drive faster resolution and better user experience.
3) Have you ever made a valuable connection through the community?
Yes, I did, and it helped me network with peers, access to expertise, Knowledge-sharing and problem-solving along the Exclusive Content and events.
4) What motivates you to contribute to discussions or share knowledge here?
Contribution through Knowledge sharing and discussion
5) How would you describe the Helix community in one word?
Integrated as its combination of all the aspects of Comprehensive suite, Unified workflow, DevOps and multi-cloud.
6) How do you approach problem-solving at work?
If you’re asking about a workplace issue like optimizing a process, I’d analyse the specific workflow, identify bottlenecks, and suggest tools or strategies based on best practices or real-world examples from the web or X. If it’s a coding problem, I’d break down the logic, propose a solution, and test it mentally or via code execution if requested.
7) What keeps you excited about your role every day?
I feel my role exciting due to constant problem-solving, meaningful client impact, continuous learning, and adaptability to new technology
8) What’s your strategy for lifelong learning?
It includes developing strong time management skills, regularly reflecting on your learning, creating a supportive environment, and leveraging technology to access resources and personalize your learning journey which includes diverse learning methods like reading, online courses, and collaborative projects.
9) What’s your favorite way to celebrate professional wins?
My favorite way to celebrate success is by sharing it with team and network.
10) How do you unplug from work and recharge?
Set Clear Boundaries, Engage in Restorative Activities, Practice Mindfulness, make it Harder to Work .
11) What’s something you’re grateful for today?
People and Connections,
Opportunities and Growth
12) What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Embrace Growth & Learning, Develop Key Skills & Relationships, Embrace the Journey.
We are proud to celebrate Abdul Moid Mohammed as one of our top contributors in the BMC Helix Community.
A massive thank you, Abdul Moid, for your commitment to helping all of us get better at what we do! You’re what makes this community thrive.
Your dedication, expertise, and generosity in sharing knowledge continue to make this community stronger.
Thank you, Abdul Moid, for being an inspiration to so many and for showing how experience and empathy can come together to create real impact.
Got a question for Abdul Moid? Ask away in the comments! He’s known for his helpful insights and is always willing to guide others in the right direction.
BMC AMI DevX Code Insights 25: Fundamentals Using VS Code
This course helps you understand how to use the tool to analyze mainframe programs intelligently. Visualize your program using Runtime Visualizer, understand program dependencies using program structure, data, and logic flow charts, gain insights into program logic using Code Explain powered by BMC AMI Assistant services, and extract code to suit your development needs.
For more information, view the abstract here.
For any queries, contact [email protected]
We thank the efforts of our subject matter experts, who helped us create this course, and the Education team for their support.