DM06
Rapid Assessment of Data Set Structures
Philip J Vecchione, Cognigen Corp.

When SAS data is received from an external source, a sponsor, CRO or another department, it is important to assess the new data and determine if variables have been added or removed, locate specific variables, and identify missing data in key data sets. C hanges in data set structure can have an impact on existing analysis programs, requiring modifications or creation of new programs, which uses up valuable analysis time. In order to speed up this process and create an efficient way to assess new SAS dat a sets, a family of macros has been designed to quickly obtain this information. These macros work for individual data sets as well as for a library of data sets. They rapidly provide output that identifies potential problems, allowing the user to commun icate them back to their external source quickly; therefore streamlining the process time from data receipt to final analysis.