Limiting Duplicate Entries

[Eric Chajmovic]

Hello,

I manage a database that tracks thousands of members of
our organization. A common problem we have is end-users
entering duplicate names (accounts) without checking if
the people exist in the system.

We don't track SSN or something unique - so it's hard to
manage duplicates. Some users enter in names that are
similar to the real name (by accident), therefore making
problems for us later on.

Any good ideas on how to control this type of problem?

Thanks,

Eric Chajmovic

 

[Hugh O'Neill]

Hello,

I manage a database that tracks thousands of members of
our organization. A common problem we have is end-users
entering duplicate names (accounts) without checking if
the people exist in the system.

We don't track SSN or something unique - so it's hard to
manage duplicates. Some users enter in names that are
similar to the real name (by accident), therefore making
problems for us later on.

Any good ideas on how to control this type of problem?

Thanks,

Eric Chajmovic

You are definitely going to need to enter some unique identifier that
each person owns. Two different John/Jane Smiths are two different
people, so you must have them identify themselves in some unique
manner. A social security number is often a good way of doing this.

hth

Hugh