What is the goal of a match-merge process in data management?

What is the goal of a match-merge process in data management?

• A. To delete duplicate records
• B. To create a single comprehensive record from matches
• C. To link unrelated records
• D. To categorize data by activity

Answer: (B)

The match-merge process in data management aims to create a single comprehensive record from matches between multiple records. This is essential for maintaining data quality, as organizations often encounter duplicate entries or variations of the same data across different databases or sources. When records are identified as matching—whether they refer to the same entity or individual, but have slight differences in their attributes—the match-merge process consolidates these records into a unified view. This comprehensive record will typically contain the most accurate, up-to-date, and relevant information from all the matched entries, which enhances decision-making processes, reporting, and overall data usability. The other options focus on aspects that are not the core goal of the match-merge process. Deleting duplicate records is a part of managing data quality, but the essence of match-merge is about consolidation rather than simply elimination. Linking unrelated records does not align with the purpose of matching; the aim is to merge records that have a commonality. Categorizing data by activity pertains to organizing information rather than merging it. Therefore, the focus of the match-merge process lies in creating a unified record that effectively reflects the entity represented in the data, making option B the most appropriate choice.

The match-merge process in data management aims to create a single comprehensive record from matches between multiple records. This is essential for maintaining data quality, as organizations often encounter duplicate entries or variations of the same data across different databases or sources.

When records are identified as matching—whether they refer to the same entity or individual, but have slight differences in their attributes—the match-merge process consolidates these records into a unified view. This comprehensive record will typically contain the most accurate, up-to-date, and relevant information from all the matched entries, which enhances decision-making processes, reporting, and overall data usability.

The other options focus on aspects that are not the core goal of the match-merge process. Deleting duplicate records is a part of managing data quality, but the essence of match-merge is about consolidation rather than simply elimination. Linking unrelated records does not align with the purpose of matching; the aim is to merge records that have a commonality. Categorizing data by activity pertains to organizing information rather than merging it. Therefore, the focus of the match-merge process lies in creating a unified record that effectively reflects the entity represented in the data, making option B the most appropriate choice.