SAS to Alteryx Migration

[Manoj_k]

Hi Everyone,

One of our customer is using SAS and wants to migrate to Alteryx. What should be our approach and is there any tools available in alteryx that helps in the migration process.

[SIDDINATHAM_HARISH]

While Alteryx doesn't have a single, native "SAS Code Converter" tool, you can leverage the following:

• Input Data Tool: This tool natively supports reading SAS data files (.sas7bdat and .sas7dat), allowing you to load data directly without conversion.

• Code/Scripting Tools: The R Tool and Python Tool allow you to embed existing SAS-like logic into your Alteryx workflow if direct conversion to visual tools is complex or time-consuming. You would typically translate the SAS logic into Python or R and run it within the workflow.

• Alteryx Macros & Apps: These are essential for converting reusable SAS Macros and stored procedures into reusable visual components.

  • Batch Macros are especially useful for replicating the iterative processing often done in SAS.

[SIDDINATHAM_HARISH]

Translation & Build

1. Connect and Ingest SAS Data:

   • Use the Input Data Tool in Alteryx to read the SAS Data Sets (.sas7bdat) directly.

   • SAS Code Translation: The initial LIBNAME and PROC IMPORT/SET statements are replaced by dragging the Input Data Tool onto the canvas and pointing it to the SAS file or database connection.

2. Translate Data Steps (ETL Logic):

   • Data Manipulation: Most SAS DATA STEP logic is converted using core Alteryx tools:

     • IF/THEN/ELSE logic $\rightarrow$ Filter Tool or Formula Tool.

     • New column creation $\rightarrow$ Formula Tool.

     • RETAIN or lag/lead logic $\rightarrow$ Multi-Row Formula Tool.

     • Data reshaping (PROC TRANSPOSE) $\rightarrow$ Transpose Tool or Cross Tab Tool.

3. Translate PROC Steps:

   • PROC SQL $\rightarrow$ Join Tool, Summarize Tool, or the In-Database Tools (if querying a database directly).

   • PROC SUMMARY/PROC MEANS $\rightarrow$ Summarize Tool.

   • PROC SORT $\rightarrow$ Sort Tool.

   • Advanced analytics (PROC REG, PROC GLM) $\rightarrow$ Alteryx Predictive Tools or the embedded Python/R Tools.

4. Convert SAS Macros to Alteryx Macros:

   • For highly reusable SAS code, convert the logic into an Alteryx Batch Macro or a Standard Macro. This provides the same reusability and parameterization as a SAS Macro.