@Joe_O wrote: I think I will be able to reduce the list of possible pairs down. For example, if my list goes up to 10, I could say x=1 may only be paired with y= 3,5 or 7". x=2 may only be paired with y= 1,5,8 or 9".
This sounds more and more like a combinatorial problem (maybe combinatorial optimization if a minimization or maximization of some objective function comes into play) requiring powerful algorithms such as those available in SAS/OR (which I don't have). See the item "solving optimal assignment problems" in the list of capabilities. With 100, let alone hundreds of x and y values the complexity of the problem will most likely exceed what is feasible with a simple DATA step or procedures in Base SAS or even SAS/STAT. If you have access to SAS/OR, I'd recommend that you start a new thread in the Mathematical Optimization, Discrete-Event Simulation, and OR subforum after a search in the existing posts there (see, for example, Constraint setup for skills/abiities/assignment in bin packing problem optmodel). The SAS employee answering most of the questions in that subforum is an outstanding expert (as far as I can tell). Good luck!
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