Applying cluster analysis rules

[troopon]

Hi

I have been doing some work on cluster analysis on our customers to try and learn a bit more about the different types of  for marketing purposes.

I have used a basic proc fastclust for this and have 7 clusters that I am happy with using a sample of our data whilst also applying a few rules which

were needed to avoid a lot of people going into one meaningless cluster. I actually used only a year time frame of activity and must have ordered

within both 6m seasonal time frames. This was due to the nature of our business which required these rules.

What I want to do now is apply the clusters to the whole database. That is people who have and haven't ordered in the last year and those

who haven't. It also needs to apply to those who may not have ordered in both the last 6m period.

I have gathered all the necessary variables for the full population. (just done the last year of activity since their last order).

How do I apply the clusters now to allocate them properly? Is there an algorithm that I can get from the cluster analysis that will allocate

everybody to their nearest cluster. I have looked at loads of cluster analysis material online but they all focus on the cluster analysis itself

not the step I am on now.

Thanks

Stephen

[gergely_batho]

proc fastclust data=training_data  outstat=CLUSTERS;

     var ...;

run;

proc fastclust data=data_to_be_assigned_to_clusters  instat=CLUSTERS out=result;

     var ...;

run;

SAS/STAT(R) 13.2 User's Guide

[troopon]

oh wow much simpler than I thought.

Thanks I will give that a go.