Thanks for the explanation . The raw data file i get contain indicator_value either Y,N or 1,2 (Character or Numeric) . I need to convert all to common data type so that i can do calculations by grouping records on these categories , create new variables by using this variable in case statement and create a custom character format ( '1' = 'Y' '2' ='N') to use in proc report . My Case statements and proc report , which are written for character variable data , fails when the program encounters numeric variable value . I can not use both numeric and characater data in case statement ( IN ('Y','N','1','2',1,2) ) , and can not have single format created for both charcater and numeric data to use in proc report. For Now , I used vtype that fits my requirement , but any other suggestions are appreciated. DATA SASUSER.CLIENT_DATA; SET sasuser.Raw_data; ID_NUM = put(input(trim(ID_Code),best12.), z11. ); if index ne _N_ then delete; if vtype(indicator_value) ='N' THEN value =put(indicator_value,1.); else value=indicator_value; RUN; Thanks, MG
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