My PERL knowledge is basic so I would be obliged to get help from Monks.

Is it just that you need Perl specific help? Or do you not have any clue how to attack this problem, even if you could write it in a language you do master?

I'd join the people who say that a database may be the best way to take (although I'm willing to change my mind if I learn more details about your situation), but I'd suggest that solution regardless of the language you'd use.