Using an Express Match Key

Express key matching can be a useful tool for reducing the number of compares performed and thereby improving execution speed in dataflows that use an Interflow Match or Intraflow Match stage. If two records have an exact match on the express key, the candidate is considered a 100% match and no further matching attempts are made. If two records do not match on an express key value, they are compared using the rules-based method. However, a loose express key results in many false positive matches.

  1. Open your dataflow in Enterprise Designer.
  2. Double-click the Match Key Generator stage.
  3. Check the box Generate express match key.
  4. Click Add.
  5. Configure Match Key Generator options.
    For more information, see Match Key Generator Options.
  6. Click OK.
  7. If you want to specify an additional field and/or algorithm to use in generating an express match key, click Add, otherwise click OK.
  8. Double-click the Interflow Match or Intraflow Match stage on the canvas.
  9. Select the option Express match on and choose the field ExpressMatchKey.

    This field contains the express match key produced by Match Key Generator.

  10. Click OK.
  11. Save and run your dataflow.

To determine whether a candidate was matched using an express key, look at the value of the ExpressKeyIdentified field, which is either Y for a match or N for no match. Note that suspect records always have an ExpressKeyIdentified value of N.