The next step is a File Update process. The File Update updates a file, called the master file, with the data contained in another file, called the transaction file. The update is based on the results of comparing the match key attribute. If the match key values are equal between the master and transaction files, a row is considered to be “matched.” If the match key values are not equal, the row is considered to be “unmatched.” Based on the results of the comparison, the process identifies common attributes and overwrites the master file values with the values in the transaction file.
In a multi-matching project, the File Update process is used to update the match keys on the first Relationship Linker’s output. The output is then sorted on the updated key to group all records together with their resolved match set.
In our example, we use the output file from the Resolve process as the transaction file. If the transaction match key (From_link) is the same as the master match key (Lev1_Matched), the process updates the master file with the Lev1_Matched values from the transaction file.
To set up and run the File Update process
In the project view, right-click the output of the Resolve process.
Click Add process branch. The Create Process window opens.
Select File Update from the Process selection list, select the Configure Now check box and click OK.
Right-click the newly created File Update process and select Add new inputs. The Add Input Process window opens.
Select the output file from the first Relationship Linker process and click OK. This is the master file that will be updated with the transaction file if the match key values are equal.
Open the File Update process.
In the Inputs window, verify that the Transaction file is set to the output of the Resolve process, and the Master file is set to the output of the first Relationship Linker process.
Click the Matching Keys tab. The Matching Keys window opens.
For the Transaction Match Key 1, select the From_link attribute.
For the Master Match Key1, select the LEV1_MATCHED attribute.
Click the Outputs tab. The Outputs window opens.
Select the following output options:
Matched Master Rows
Matched Master Duplicates
Unmatched Master Rows
Unmatched Master Duplicates
Update Matched Master Duplicate rows
Combine Matched Master Duplicate Rows with Matched Master Rows
Combine Unmatched Master Rows with Matched Master Rows
Combine Unmatched Master Duplicate Rows with Matched Master Rows
Click Finish.
Run the File Update process. Verify that the output includes the updated keys (Lev1_Matched) from the transaction file.