Navigating SAS EG process flow map that is too large to scroll through

[RobertWF2]

The SAS EG process flow map for my project is driving me crazy.

Our project has about 10 programs we run in sequence, but there are so many data tables generated by each program that I'm constantly scrolling from program to program (which is very slow) rather than simply clicking on the program.

Is there a way to fix this?

[FloydNevseta · Accepted solution]

The short answer is no. There is not a simple option to prevent the process flow from displaying all of the generated data sets. However, there are some strategies to make large, complicated flows more manageable.

1. Alter how the process flow arranges the steps in the flow. By default, the process flow arrangement is set to "Auto arrange" which causes process steps and data sets to be vertically aligned in the order created. The example in the screenshot shows 2 steps that generate 5 data sets each. I chose 5 to keep the examples small and manageable, but one can already see how the default arrangement can quickly get out-of-hand.

If you uncheck that option, then you can move your steps and data to the top of the process flow in a horizontal arrangement like in the next screenshot. This shows 3 steps the generate 10 data sets each, but each step in the process flow is easily accessible without scrolling.

2. Link steps in the process to take advantage of the ability to run the entire flow (or parts of it) to completion with a single click. In my 3-step example, I link Step 1 to Step 2, and Step 2 to Step 3. With all of the steps linked, I can right-click on Step 1 and run the entire process by selecting "Run from selected item".

This next screenshot shows Step 2 actively running (green) after Step 1 completed, and Step 3 (yellow) is queued up next to run.

To link a step, right-click on it and select "Link to". Another dialog will open to choose a step or data set to link to as shown below as I link Step 1 to Step 2.

Hopefully these tips help.