Numeric from Alpha

We have Alpha numeric fields in which our users sometimes insert pure numbers 
then ask for some reports based on their numbers input ... excluding records 
with valid alpha, whose numeric manipulations would cause a decimal data 
error.  There is no coding substructure that would tell me when some alpha 
field is supposed to be purely numeric.

My current scenario is BPCS item master in which a string of numbers with 
certain leading digits are being used for a particular purpose & the users 
what to see where there are gaps in the numbers assigned so far.

I have a plan for how to tackle this & what I am looking for is if my idea is 
good enough, or if there is a better or simpler algorithm in RPG/400 and/or 
embedded SQL that won't do excessive machine cycles to identify data in an 
alpha field that really is all numeric in certain portions of the field & 
disregard the rest.

My plan is data structure overlay field with an array
test each element of the alpha field
Yes/No can I find it in a look up match vs. digits zero to nine array
any miss & that record is ignored

Al Macintyre  ©¿©
http://www.cen-elec.com MIS Manager Programmer & Computer Janitor
+---
| This is the Midrange System Mailing List!
| To submit a new message, send your mail to MIDRANGE-L@midrange.com.
| To subscribe to this list send email to MIDRANGE-L-SUB@midrange.com.
| To unsubscribe from this list send email to MIDRANGE-L-UNSUB@midrange.com.
| Questions should be directed to the list owner/operator: david@midrange.com
+---