The Role of AI in Automating SAS to PySpark Conversion and Accelerating Data Migration

Today, enterprises are increasingly looking to modernize their enterprise data capabilities. One of the most significant shifts we’re witnessing is the migration from SAS (Statistical Analysis System) to PySpark, a powerful tool designed to best use big data. This transition symbolizes a broader trend toward increasing scalability, cost efficiencies, and advanced AI analytics, paving the way for more inclusive, real-time, and innovative data strategies.

This transition has gained momentum, with IT departments actively pursuing modernizing their data infrastructure. Many are taking advantage of the benefits of automating SAS code conversion to PySpark. As seen, automating the conversion from SAS to PySpark creates a more innovative and cost-effective modernization journey.

This blog explores SAS’s challenges, the benefits of converting to PySpark, and how our platform, Amaze® for Data and AI, powered by GenAI, automates the conversion.

The Challenges of Statistical Analysis Systems (SAS)

SAS is increasingly finding itself at odds with the demands of modern businesses. Once a cornerstone in industries such as finance, healthcare, and insurance, SAS is now facing significant challenges that cause many enterprises to reconsider its role in their data processing strategies. SAS’s limitations in today’s enterprise environment are multifaceted and heavily impactful. 

Here’s why enterprises are looking for change:

Cost: SAS licensing can be expensive, making it less accessible for smaller organizations or startups. 

• Scalability: As data volumes grow, SAS can struggle to scale effectively, leading to performance bottlenecks. 
• Integration: Integrating SAS with modern data ecosystems can be troublesome, especially with cloud-based solutions. 
• Skill Gap: The modern workforce is increasingly familiar with open-source tools like Python and PySpark, creating a skill gap for SAS users.

Why Convert to PySpark? 

The transition from SAS to PySpark has emerged as a strategic imperative for enterprises seeking to modernize their data processing capabilities. This shift is driven by the compelling advantages that PySpark offers over traditional SAS implementations.

PySpark, with its distributed computing framework and easy integration with the Python ecosystem, presents a powerful solution to the scalability and performance challenges faced by enterprises dealing with big data.

Converting from SAS to PySpark is not merely a technical upgrade but a transformative move that unlocks new possibilities in data processing and enterprise analytics.

• Cost-Effectiveness: PySpark is open source, reducing licensing costs and making it accessible to a broader range of organizations. 
• Scalability: PySpark is designed for big data processing, allowing organizations to handle large datasets efficiently. 
• Flexibility: With PySpark, organizations can leverage the power of the Apache Spark ecosystem, integrating seamlessly with various data sources and tools. 
• Community Support: PySpark’s open-source nature means a vibrant community and a wealth of resources for troubleshooting and development.  

Introducing Amaze® for Data and AI: The Automated Code Conversion Tool 

To address the challenges of SAS to PySpark conversion, we developed Amaze® as an automated code conversion tool, that leverages advanced LLM (Large Language Model) and Generative AI (GenAI). Our solution employs a pattern-based and template-based structure, allowing for efficient and accurate conversions. 

How Amaze® Works as an Automated Code Conversion Tool

1. Fine-Tuning with Prompt Templates: We fine-tune our OpenAI model using prompt templates tailored to different levels of SAS scripts—simple, medium, and complex.
2. Parallel Processing: Our tool utilizes parallel processing to enhance performance, ensuring that conversions are completed quickly and efficiently. 
3. Data Chunking: By chunking data, we can manage large datasets more effectively, reducing processing time and improving accuracy. 
4. Conversion Dashboard: Our intuitive dashboard provides real-time insights into the conversion process. It displays the percentage of scripts converted and helps stakeholders understand progress at a glance. 

Why Amaze® Stands Out: Unique Differentiators 

While there are multiple SAS to PySpark conversion tools available, Amaze® offers unprecedented advantages that set it apart: 

• Advanced GenAI-Powered Conversion 
  • Intelligent Context Understanding: Unlike traditional automated conversion tools that rely on simple pattern matching, Amaze® uses advanced Large Language Models (LLMs) to understand the contextual nuances of SAS scripts.
• Unmatched Conversion Accuracy 
  • Multi-Level Parsing: We break down scripts into simple, medium, and complex levels, applying tailored conversion strategies for each complexity tier while achieving 70-80% initial conversion accuracy, compared to the industry standard of 50-60%. 
• Comprehensive Conversion Ecosystem 
  • End-to-End Solution: Unlike point solutions, Amaze® provides a complete migration journey from code conversion to validation and optimization. 
  • Integrated Conversion Dashboard: This feature tracks conversion progress, code quality, and potential issues in real time—a feature missing in most competing tools. 
• Performance and Scalability Optimization 
  • Parallel Processing Architecture: Our tool can handle large-scale migrations efficiently, converting multiple scripts simultaneously. 
  • Data Chunking Mechanism: Intelligent data segmentation ensures optimal performance for large and complex SAS environments. 
• Flexible Migration Support 
  • Multi-Source Conversion: Beyond SAS to PySpark, we support conversions from SQL, Teradata, Sybase, and other sources—a truly versatile solution. 
  • Custom Adaptation: Our AI can be fine-tuned to specific organizational data patterns and requirements. 
• Cost and Time Efficiency 
  • Reduced Migration Time: Typically reduces migration time by 60-70% compared to manual conversion. 
  • Cost Savings: Potential cost reduction of 30-40% in migration and post-migration optimization. 

Competitive Advantage Breakdown 

Proof Points for Success with Amaze®

• Successful Migrations: 200+ complex script conversions across diverse industries 
• Client Satisfaction: 90% of clients report significant improvements in data processing efficiency 
• Continuous Improvement: Regular AI model updates based on real-world conversion experiences 

Customer Success: Scaling Data Transformation Solutions Across Industries 

Our Amaze® solution has demonstrated remarkable success in helping organizations modernize their data infrastructure, delivering significant cost savings and efficiency improvements across multiple high-profile clients: 

Breakthrough Conversions 

• American Health Insurance Company: 
  • Converted 150+ complex SAS scripts 
  • Achieved 70-80% overall conversion accuracy 
  • Reduced data processing time by 40% 

• Australian Health Insurance Company: 
  • Migrated 34 critical data processing scripts 
  • Comprehensive testing and optimization 
  • Improved data processing performance by 55% 

• Belgian State-Owned Bank: 
  • Successfully transformed core analytics workflows 
  • Streamlined data migration process 
  • Enhanced data processing scalability
  • Achieved significant operational efficiency gains 

Conclusion: Beyond Migration – A Strategic Transformation 

Amaze® is more than an automated conversion tool—it’s a comprehensive solution for data modernization. By combining advanced AI technologies with deep domain expertise, we’re helping organizations: 

• Unlock data potential 

• Reduce technological debt 

• Enable future-ready analytics infrastructure 

• Drive competitive advantage 

Ready to Automate Your SAS to PySpark Journey

Connect with our experts to explore how Amaze® for Data and AI can revolutionize your data migration journey, whether you’re transitioning from SAS to PySpark or any other source to target. Let us help you harness the power of GenAI technologies for a seamless and efficient data transformation experience.