This article provides instructions on where and how to configure Target Objects within clearMDM. The Installation Guide document should be referred to for more detailed implementation support along with other referenced documentation.
A Target Object is the direct target for all MDM operations. Data is normalised, matched and merged or synchronised into existing or new Master Records held in a Target Object. A Target Object can be a Standard or Custom Object. A DataSource references the Target Object which needs to have Normalisation Settings defined. This is necessary as the Normalisation MDM operation populates the Blocking Key Value used by the Matching MDM Operation.
Target Object Settings
The Target Object Settings within the MDM Settings Tab provides the following sections:
Normalisation Settings; Data Quality Settings; Synchronisation Settings; Matching Settings; Merge Settings; Conversion Settings; Reparenting Settings; Rules
We will look at each one in turn.
Normalisation Settings
The Normalisation MDM operation standardises field values and populates the Blocking Key values which support the initial blocking (or matching) passes applied by the Matching MDM operation. The Blocking Key creates the Group that Matching Rules will be applied to. This section is where how and when this process happens is determined. Each field provides further information when you hover over the exclamation mark as does the Normalisation Quick Start Guide document.
Blocking Key Settings
The Normalisation MDM operation populates the specified Blocking Key Group Name and Blocking Key Field Name fields. This section specifies these fields as the populated text field on the Target Object.
Blocking Key Structure
This is where the primary Blocking Key population is specified, by using up to 3 input fields. For each field an input length can also be specified. Blocking Key Input 1 is mandatory, 2 and 3 are optional. Each field provides further information when you hover over the exclamation mark as does the Normalisation Quick Start Guide document.
Secondary Blocking Key Settings
In this section a further 2 other Blocking Keys can be specified. This allows for scenarios whereby a record should match and merge, but may not have the primary Blocking Key input values populated, but does have other information that is a match.
Data Quality Settings
The Data Quality Settings allows the ability to activate for Data Quality or to exclude from MDM Data Quality Operations. Further Information about Data Quality can be found in the Data Quality Quick Start Guide.
Synchronisation Settings
In cases where Source Record to Master Record relationships do not require full re-evaluation whenever the Source Record is updated, the Synchronisation MDM operation can be used to synchronise change to the Master Record in one-step. This is where the Synchronisation MDM operation is activated. Further information about Synchronisation can be found in the Installation Guide.
Matching Settings
This is where the Matching MDM operation is activated and settings applied. Further Information about Matching Settings can be found in the Feature Quick Start Guide Matching Settings.
Merge Settings
This is where the Merge MDM operation is activated and settings applied. Further Information about Merge Settings can be found in the Feature Quick Start Guide Merge Settings.
Conversion Settings
Conversion is Master Record creation on a one-to-one basis for unmatched records or external data where matching is not required.This is where Conversion Settings is set to active. Further information about Conversion can be found in the Installation Guide.
Reparenting Settings
This is where the Reparenting Settings are activated and settings applied. Further Information about Reparenting can be found in the Merge Settings Quick Start Guide.
Rules
Source Records are initially grouped by blocking key values; the next steps applied by the Matching MDM operation is to process the configured field-level rules across the records contained within each record group. This is configured within the Rules Tab. Further Information can be found in the Matching Rules Quick Start Guide.
For help with Target Object configuration please do not hesitate to contact us at hello@clearMDM.com
Article last reviewed: 2025-03-18
