Scripting vs Workflow for column recoding

[#1]

I am trying to re-code about 10 data tables that have about 180 levels to 7 levels. Each table starts with different rows but all of them will end into the same 7 levels so then I can combine and analyze.

i started recording the recoding via workflow in one data table, but then when I tried to run into the second data table I realized that the workflow will not work because the rows from the first column will not have the same levels as the second column.

Is there a simpler way where I can first break my first column to get a 'common denominator' column and the recode that column and use the same workflow for the other columns? I'm attaching the first work flow with the first column and then a second table with different levels.

I want to recode the 'Product' column from the Native table into a Product Form Column with the same 7 levels as the OS table using the workflow I created for the OS formula..... 

Am I better off trying to scrip the steps in JSL versus trying to modify the workflow.? Caveat - I am NOT very experienced in scripting!

Cheers!

[#2]

Can you define what the rules are that allow for the classification into which of the 7 categories? 

That is, given:

    Old Spice, 3.75 Ounce

How do you determine that it is and AF Spray

vs.

     Old Spice, Aqua Reef, 3 oz

is an AF Stick?

Some sort of rules need to be determined before what you want to do and the rules need to be able to be applied to the Native population of products.

[#3]

I can set up rules, the caveat is that different brands will require different rules and there is no consistency. For example

3.5 oz is always Spray for Old Spice, but not necessarily for other brands like Degree or Native.

I wonder if there is a better option like a - IF - THEN I can set up via JSL?

[#4]

JSL is a very complete language, handling all of the conditional processing etc. 

I suggest you go to JMP help and find the Scripting Guide, and read through it.  It will give you an understanding of the possibilities.