Address fuzzy match between two data sources help

[chent9285]

Hey Alteryx gurus!

I am new to Alteryx, and I have been tasked with matching an address file to an address file. Both files include first name, last name, address line 1, address line 2, city, state, and zip code fields. Due to the fact that the same addresses can sometimes be written in a different way (ex: st vs street, Ln vs lane), I can't use a straight up join. I need to see which records in file A is also included in file B. 

Any advice on how to get started would be helpful! Thank you! 

[neilgallen · Accepted solution]

@chent9285

Rather than begin with a fuzzy match I would put all of your records through a CASS standardization. This will eliminate many of the variances in spelling that you describe.

Afterwards, attempt a straight join. With what remaining records you have left that are in each set attempt a fuzzy match. This will vastly improve the performance of the workflow.

[ydmuley]

Thanks @neilgallen - This tool was on my radar to study. Now that i have seen the problem it can solve, it becomes much easier to understand.

@chent9285 - Here is the tool mastery link for this tool - Tool-Mastery-CASS

Thanks,

Yug

[chent9285]

Thanks guys!