AddressFinder - Review address updates BEFORE data is imported into Raiser's Edge

Diane Duresky

When using AddressFinder to update addresses in our RE database, is there a way to look at the data that will be changed PRIOR to the upload into RE? From the materials I have read via Blackbaud articles, it seems as though this process is automatic, run overnight once the button is pressed, and data is changed prior to being able to review it. Our preference is to see what is going to go into the database beforehand, as it's easier to make any changes on our end then.

Is there a report we can look at to see what addresses will be changed before the database is updated?

If you could point me in the right direction on this, that would be very much appreciated. Thanks!

Joe Moretti 3

@Diane Duresky If you run Address Finder in RE Database as opposed to having it run automatically in RE NXT, you can view the changes and it creates a report of those that will be changed with the new and old address. But even if you use the automatic one in RE NXT, it will code all the records and you can then run a query of those changed to view. If you want more control, I would say use the RE Database View.

Also if you are using the automatic address finder in RE NXT, after it is done, if you click on the MOVED, it will take you to a list that you can export to see the old and new address as well.

Carlene Johnson

@Diane Duresky I assume you are talking about Address Finder in web view. Unfortunately, that process runs automatically and there is no way to review the data beforehand.

Many of us choose to use Address Finder via database view so that we have more control over the process. According to Blackbaud's policies, once you've turned on Address Finder in web view it cannot be switched back to database view.

I encourage you to talk to your customer success manager to discuss this. In very rare instances, folks have been able to revert back to doing this in database view.

If you search BB Community and/or the independent RE Facebook group, you'll find many discussions on this topic.

JoAnn Strommen

@Diane Duresky Predecessor selected to run AddressFinder in webview. I sure wanted to trust it's accuracy. Unfortunately, have an open case on why records are having the ‘send mail’ box unchecked during these updates but record is not on Moved or Lost list. As we know several of the constituents it has happened on it should not be happening.

Reviewing changes in db view can be quite the task but at this point, I'd say it might be worth the work to have accurate records.