Linking Technology
Record linking fits into a general class of data processing known as data integration, which can be defined as the problem of combining information from multiple heterogeneous data sources. Data integration can include data preparation steps such as parsing, profiling, cleansing, normalization, and standardization of the raw input data prior to record linkage to improve the quality of the input data and to make the data more consistent and comparable (these data preparation steps are sometimes referred to as ETL or extract, transform, load).
LexisNexis Linking Technology called Scalable Automated Linking Technology (SALT) provides data profiling and data hygiene applications to support the data preparation process. In addition SALT provides a general data ingest application which allows input files to be combined or merged with an existing base file. You can also use SALT to generate a parsing and classification engine for unstructured data which can be used for data preparation. The data preparation steps are usually followed by the actual record linking or clustering process. SALT provides applications for several different types of record linking including internal, external, and remote.
Data profiling, data hygiene and data source consistency checking, while key components of the record linking process, have their own value within the data integration process. All of these are also supported by SALT and can be leveraged even when record linking is not a necessary part of a particular data work unit.
SALT uses advanced concepts such as term specificity to determine the relevance/weight of a particular field in the scope of the linking process, and a mathematical model based on the input data, rather than the need for hand coded user rules, which is key to the overall efficiency of the method.
SALT is also used to prevent fraud by verifying identities, addresses and other factors and using information on relationships to see where collusive activities might exist within property and casualty insurance, health care fraud, mortgage fraud and other financial services transactions.
LexisNexis was also recently recognized by InformationWeek for this technology which holds 30 patents with respect to record linkage and other technology, with over 99% accuracy. Learn more about the Information Week recognition.
