What is a matchcode?

In computer science and logistics, a matchcode (also known as a search or comparison key) is a tool used to quickly and easily locate data records within a database. It serves as a mnemonic abbreviation for complex identification numbers, such as article or customer numbers.

Core functions and features

Essential characteristics of a matchcode include its 'meaningful' (or mnemonic) nature. While internal system numbers are often purely numerical and abstract, a matchcode is composed of distinctive features of the object in question.

• Efficiency: It enables accelerated searching, since the complete data record does not need to be entered.
• Error tolerance: Many systems allow searching via the matchcode even if only parts of the abbreviation are known.
• Simplicity: The code is easier for human users to remember than long strings of digits.

Structure and formation

The code is usually generated from master data according to a fixed rule. Often, the first letters of the name or category are combined with technical specifications.

• Article example: For a 10 mm ball bearing (German: Kugellager), the matchcode could be KULA-10.
• Customer example: For a customer named 'Müller Logistik' from Berlin, the code MUE-BER could be generated.

Application in logistics practice

Matchcodes are used in the following areas of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) or ERP software:

• Master data maintenance: - Fast access to articles, suppliers or customer accounts.
• Warehouse processes: - Manual identification of goods during picking or inventory if a barcode is not scannable.
• Duplicate check: Identifies duplicate data records through similarity matching.