How to do a Near Match Function

[doyle60]

Is there a near match function? a function that best links two
fields. For example, I have a list of Factory Names in one table in
one database and the same in another table in another database but
where the names may not match exactly. That is, "BenDoogie" in one
table may appear as "BenDoogie, Inc." in the other. Or "Gil Marin" in
one may appear as "G. Marin" in the other. I want some code that will
best link them by finding the longest exact string or something. Has
anyone ever built such code?

After it runs, of course, it will not editing and checking.

Thanks,

Matt

 

[Jeff Boyce]

I'm sure you can search on-line and find many different examples of 'near
match' ... but each will be that person's best approximation (?near
match?!). In other words, how I decide what's "close" and how you decide
what's "close" may not be close at all!

If you suspect there will be as wide a difference as you've provided in
example, your best bet may still be USB technology (i.e., "using someone's
brain").

Consider looking into "SOUNDEX" algorithms. They can help you find similar
sounding values (but I doubt they'd match G. Martin with Gil Martin...).

Regards

Jeff Boyce
Microsoft Access MVP