Advanced Trace - Algorithmic

The algorithmic search traces the PDS using a predetermined set of rules for each element and returns those records that most closely match. It is best used once alphanumeric searching has failed. One of the following combinations of information must be provided:

• Surname, forename, date of birth, gender;
• Surname, postcode, date of birth, gender;
• Forename, postcode, date of birth, gender.

The Find button is not available until the criteria for one of these search types have been entered.

Soundex Algorithmic Trace

Ticking the Soundex check box runs another type of algorithmic trace. This allows more in depth searches of the PDS ie a search can be run on phonetic spelling of names as pronounced in English or any incomplete details entered (ie 1980 for DOB).

Surnames with Punctuation

If the surname entered contains a punctuation character, an Advanced Trace is run according to the below criteria:

• If one of the first two characters in the surname is a punctuation character an algorithmic trace is run.
• If neither of the first two characters is a punctuation character, any punctuation characters is replaced by an asterisk and an alphanumeric trace run.