Excel libname dbsastype error Invalid option

[DebG]

I am trying to set the data types when reading a spreadsheet using the libname XLSX enging.

I am sucssful in reading the spreadsheet, however when I try to use the DBSASTYPE SAS throws and error.  I am using SAS EG 8.3.  The facility_id appears in excel to be a column of numbers.  I am able to read it and convert it.

My question is specific to using the dbSASTYPE functionality.  If I remove the dbSAStype, I can successfully read the file.

libname xl XLSX "/sasdata/airb_output01/dgear/cc_basel/my_file.xlsx" ;

data cc_basel1;
set xl.GUI(DBSASTYPE=(FACILITY_ID='char(20)'));
run;

Results in:

34 data cc_basel1;
35 set xl.GUI(DBSASTYPE=(FACILITY_ID='char(20)'));
_________
22
ERROR 22-7: Invalid option name DBSASTYPE.

Is there something that must be installed? 

[Reeza]

No, this option isn't enabled for the XLSX engine. As far as I know there's no way to specify the type 100% fool proof from an Excel file except by converting to CSV and reading that in.

[Quentin]

Unfortunately, as Reeza mentioned, the XLSX engine does not have support for the DBSASTYPE option.  

Please  upvote this ballot item, where I suggested this improvement:

https://communities.sas.com/t5/SASware-Ballot-Ideas/Add-DBSASTYPE-or-similar-option-to-XLSX-engine-t...

I did notice on LinkedIN a couple weeks ago that Henry Feldman is 'open to work' after departing ATT.  Perhaps SAS will be able to hire him back... I wouldn't think it would be hard to add support for DBSASTYPE.