One easy way is to implement Program Autoinstall. Using Program Autoinstall in conjunction with the SIT/SYSIN override PGAICTLG=NONE option will defer creating all the program definitions until first use. Depending on the number of programs your shop has, this could be significant. This will actually speed up an AUTO start as well, but to a lesser extent due to less interaction with the CICS Global Catalog. Be sure to review your vendor products and PLT programs for possible exceptions still requiring hard coded definitions.