Abstract
Background/Aims SAS Programmers support their Virtual Data Warehouse (VDW) in many venues. These include collaboration and deliverables for multiple projects both internal and external. Such requests include ad-hoc, feasibility and grants proposal data requests from both internal and external investigators and researchers. Different VDW workgroups and VDW site programmers use different naming conventions and standards; this adds to the confusion and produces an unclean environment. SAS Programmers have to make changes to programs over time as the data requirements continually change and must be maintained and accurate per update. The aim of this paper is to suggest a unified method to ensure a cohesive culture amongst the VDW participants by standardized naming conventions. This paper also focuses on setting guidelines for VDW workgroup members and multi-site study programmers regarding creating documents, complying with standard templates, and ensuring guidelines.
Methods We suggest standardization of: 1. SAS Program names 2. SAS Datasets names 3. SAS Library names 4. SAS Variable names 5. SAS Logs and Outputs names 6. Multisite SAS programs header template 7. Directory structures (folder names on Windows) for projects 8. Common template for CRN portal documents (Minutes of Meetings, Work plans, Guidelines, etc) consisting of label, header and footer information 9. Processes for multisite programmers and for SAS programmer working on multisite studies.
Results will provide a standardized naming convention process for VDW multi-site programmers to follow before sending out programs. Provided are guidelines for standard naming conventions for VDW SAS programmers at each site, to configure their environment to work on multiple data requests efficiently. Also provided are document templates that assist in making the document more informative and containing revision control.
Discussion The common standardized process in conjunction with consistent naming conventions for the HMORN VDW members will benefit current and new programmers collaborating on multi-site studies and multiple data requests. The aim is to establish standardized naming conventions at all HMORN participating sites. This provides a better understanding and allows for a unified culture.
