The Master Index Match String

The data string that is passed to the Master Index Match Engine for match processing is called the match string. For a master index application , the match string is defined in the MatchingConfig section of mefa.xml. The match and standardization engine configuration files, the blocking query, and the matching configuration are closely linked in the search and matching processes. The blocking query defines the select statements for creating the candidate selection pool during the matching process. The matching configuration defines the match string that is passed to the match engine from the records in the candidate selection pool. Finally, the Master Index Match Engine configuration files define how the match string is processed.

The Master Index Match Engine configuration files are dependent upon the match string, and it is very important when you modify the match string to ensure that the match type you specify corresponds to the correct row in the match configuration file (matchConfigFile.cfg). For example, if you are using person matching and add “MaritalStatus” as a match field, you need to specify a match type for the MaritalStatus field that is listed in the first column of the match configuration file. You must also make sure that the matching logic defined in the corresponding row of the match configuration file is defined appropriately for matching on the MaritalStatus field. For more information about match types, see Master Index Match Engine Match Types).