How to do a Fuzzy or wildcard match Join

Question

Hi Everyone,

I am new to Alteryx and I could not find a solution to this.  What I am trying to do is join 2 different data sets on a vendor name field in order to add the vendor number to the main table.  However, in the source table, the vendor name is shortened version and does not match the reference table name.  Is there a way to do a fuzz or wildcard match on the field to bring in the vendor number?

Source vendor name - Cerner

Look up Vendor Name - Cerner Corporation

Thanks again for your help!

menslein · Answer

Thanks.  Looks good,   I will review it.

mceleavey · Answer

Hi @menslein ,

I've put together a fuzzy matching workflow which will show you how the workflow is built. I've slightly tweaked the default settings within the tool itself:

This should give you a starting point on which to build. The current result is as follows:

I would agree with @mbarone ,  if you want to master this functionality I would strongly recommend the following links to get you up and running with Fuzzy Matching:

https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Videos/Fuzzy-Matching-for-Beginners/td-p/330575

https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Videos/Introduction-to-Fuzzy-Matching/td-p/43884

https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Videos/Fuzzy-Matching-Intermediate-Users/td-p/43852

Hope this helps,

M.

mceleavey_fuzzy.yxmd

mbarone · Answer

Sounds like Fuzzy Matching would be your best option.  Unfortunately, it's not a very straight forward process.  It will take some learning.  My best suggestion would be to head over to the Academy (top menu:  Learn, Academy, Videos) and search for "Fuzzy Matching".  There are several tutorials on it.  Whenever I Fuzzy Match, I always have to give myself a quick refresher on it.