Sun Match Engine Configuration File Modifications

The Sun Match Engine configuration files are designed to perform very specific functions in the standardization and match processes. These files should only be modified by personnel with an understanding of the Sun Match Engine and an understanding of the data integrity requirements of your organization. Modifications to both the master index configuration files and the Sun Match Engine configuration files should be made while the master index application is in the preproduction stages. Modifying the files after master index application has moved into production might cause variances in matching weights and data processing.

The most common modifications to the Sun Match Engine configuration files are generally in the match configuration file, where you can fine-tune the weighting process. This file defines probabilities used by the algorithm to determine a matching probability weight for each match field. You can use the match comparison functions provided by the Sun Match Engine to fine-tune the matching logic in this file. Another common modification is inserting additional names or terms into category files, such as the first name category file (personFirstName*.dat).

Depending on your data requirements, you might need to modify additional standardization files. Some of the patterns files (most notably the address patterns files) are very complex and should only be modified by personnel who thoroughly understand the defined patterns and tokens. If you modify standardization files, make sure you modify them for each national domain specified in the Match Field file.