Example: Finding duplicate entries
This example finds duplicate entries in the Contacts table using First Name & Last Name combinations. In the Companies table you may see how to prevent Company duplicate entries.
Description
This online database template checks for duplicate entries in the Contacts table using the combination of First and Last Name.
Also, there is the example displaying how to prevent duplicate entries. The Companies table comprises the validation rule that does not allow saving a new record, if a new company name coincides with an existing one.
Here is the trick: create a Many-to-Many relation. The table refers to itself. Use Match Conditions to select the fields for duplicates finding. Then add a Summary column to calculate # of records (duplicates). When you have more than one, you have duplicates. Check the settings of the Duplicate Contacts relation for details.
To prevent duplicate entries, you should create a validation rule with the condition [Duplicate Count] is greater than 0. Moreover, you have to add the additional Match Condition Id<>Id to the relation. Due to this match condition the system allows to modify existing records and save changes. The example is adjusted in the Companies table.
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