Conflict checking

Conflict checking queries the database to look for duplicate or conflicting data that may already be on the system.

When you add a new client, service or contact, the system can conflict check automatically or you can have manual control over the check. You can also perform a static conflict check at other times, as necessary. The system administrator can change the settings in Utilities » System Parameters.

Alternatively you can choose to run the check at the points that suit you and only have an automatic check at the end of the process. Having control over the checks is particularly useful if your firm has chosen to check on records associated with all roles, rather than the default of only checking on records associated with the roles of client and other side.

Customising the conflict check

  1. From Practice Management on the Tools menu, click My Profile.
  2. On User Details, click Conflict Check Fields tab.
  3. Under Conflict Checked, select fields that you want to include in default conflict checking.

    For the system to report a conflict, just one of fields that you select here needs to match an existing record. For example, if you select Surname, Address 1 and Postcode, only one of these needs to match a record for a conflict to be flagged at the Address Details stage of adding a new client.
  1. Click OK to save your selection.

Note If you choose to check birth name and previous name, then these are checked, together with surname, for any conflict with a name entered in the Surname field. For example, if you enter Jennings in the Surname field, ALB will return, as a possible conflict, all entries where the Birth Name, Previous Name, or Surname fields contain Jennings.

Running a static conflict check

As well as the automatic conflict check that runs when you add a client or contact to the system, you can also run a static conflict check by filling in details to be checked on Conflict Check.

After running the static conflict check, you have the option to use the details you entered as the basis for creating a new record. The static conflict check is therefore an ideal tool for those manning reception to use to check for conflicts prior to making an appointment.

You can also run a conflict check for a contact that already exists on ALB, from the Actions menu of Service Contact Details or General Contact Details.

  1. From Practice Management on the Tools menu, click Static Conflict Check.
  2. In the Conflict Check window, select the tab that holds the details you want to check for conflicts. Enter the details on that tab.
  3. Enter the details on any further tabs as necessary.
  4. Select Actions » Conflict Check. Any possible conflicts are displayed in the Possible Duplicates and/or Conflicts Found window.
  5. When you have finished checking the possible conflicts and are satisfied there is no actual conflict, click OK.
  6. If you want to create a new record for the details you checked for conflicts, select the Actions menu and select from: