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Merging Duplicate Records

You merge duplicate records using the Merge Records option from the menu list or by clicking the Merge button. There is a difference between these two types of merging operations:

• Merge Records option. Performs the standard merge functionality available in Siebel applications for merging records. For more information about the Merge Records menu option, see Fundamentals on the Siebel Bookshelf.
• Merge button. Performs a sequenced merge before performing the standard Merge Records option. This includes populating sparse fields based on the sequence of the records to be merged. It also performs a cleanup in the appropriate Deduplication Results table. Cleanup removes the unnecessary duplicate records that are stored in the results table. This is the preferred method for deduplicating account, contact and prospect records.

When multiple records are merged, the child and grandchild records associated with the nonsurviving record or records are associated back to the surviving record.

The following procedure is for one step in Process of Searching for and Merging Duplicate Records. The procedure assumes you have already searched for duplicate records and are ready to determine which records you want to retain and which records you want to merge with the retained record. If you have not already done so, perform the steps provided in Searching for Duplicate Records before implementing the following procedure.

CAUTION:  Merging records is an irreversible operation. You should review all records carefully before initiating this function and using the following procedure.

To merge duplicate records

1. In the Administration - Data Quality screen, click the Duplicate view for the type of record you have selected.

   For example, if you have selected an account record, click the Duplicate Accounts view.

2. If two records appear to be duplicates, enter a sequence number in the Sequence field for each record.

   The last record selected is retained after the merge. Missing fields in the retained record are populated in ascending sequence number order from corresponding fields in the remaining record.

   NOTE:  The Siebel Data Quality (SDQ) functionality merges only active fields, which are fields that are visible on the applet. In addition, the functionality extends to merge all the fields designated as Active in the respective business component.

3. Edit the records, if necessary.
4. Click Merge.

   The two records are merged to produce one new record.

For more information about sequenced merges, see About Sequenced Merges.