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[003] GLOSSARY

Fuzzy match

A reconciliation match that allows controlled variation in non-critical fields such as formatting or naming.

29 May 2026

Definition

Fuzzy matching is a controlled comparison method that allows variation in fields such as naming, formatting, or identifier style.

Why it matters

It keeps harmless noise from becoming a false exception while still requiring the reviewer to understand what was matched.

Example

INV-0024 and 24 may refer to the same invoice after normalization.

Common mistake

Loose matching rules can accidentally group unrelated invoices together, so fuzzy matching always needs guardrails.

  • Invoice normalization
  • Exact match
  • Tolerance match
  • Data normalization

Frequently asked questions

When is fuzzy matching useful?
It helps when invoice numbers, vendor names, or formatting differ even though the underlying invoice is the same.
Can fuzzy matching hide mistakes?
Yes, if the rules are too loose. The tolerance has to be controlled and reviewed.