Matching like, but not exact data

  • Thread starter Thread starter Craig
  • Start date Start date
C

Craig

Can someone point me to documented techniques used to
match similar data? For example, I have two tables of
contacts:

Table 1
Name: Joe Smith
Street1: 123 Main St
Street 2: P.O. Box 123

Table 2
Name: Joseph Smith
Street 1: PO Box 123
Street 2: null

You see my challenge. Obviously the record in each table
is the same contact, but I have a couple issues when
trying to match. The data can be different (Joe vs.
Joseph, P.O. vs. PO) and/or the similar data can be in
different fields. Each table has thousands of records,
so it would be a tedious process, and not fool proof to
match on partial data and eyeball. Any ideas?

Thanks for taking the time.
Craig
 
Each table has thousands of records,
so it would be a tedious process, and not fool proof to
match on partial data and eyeball.
Click to expand...

It would be tedious indeed. This is why the numerous address-list
cleanup services charge breathtaking fees for doing so.

There *is* no simple automated solution; it requires human
intelligence to cover all the multifarous possibilities. I wish I
could suggest one, but AFAIK artificial intelligence simply hasn't
advanced to that point!
 
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