Last updated
The Comparison Tool is a feature-rich utility designed to compare data from different sources, such as VQL query results, imported data lists, or clipboard data. This tool provides flexible options for comparing only the rows that differ between datasets, and it supports various combinations of comparison criteria.
The Comparison Tool requires at least two open data lists for comparison.
Data lists can be results from VQL queries, imported data lists, or data from the clipboard.
Different Rows Only: Compares and displays only the rows that differ between the two datasets.
Left-Only Rows: Displays rows present in the left dataset but not in the right dataset.
Right-Only Rows: Displays rows present in the right dataset but not in the left dataset.
Equal Rows: Displays rows that are identical in both datasets.
Columns with matching data are automatically identified and displayed.
Users can hide or unhide columns for comparison based on their preferences.
Double-clicking on a selected column removes the association for that column.
The "join" function enables the selection of columns for matching comparisons, while the "compare" function is utilized for specifying the columns intended for comparison
The equals button functions identically to the compare button, allowing for a direct comparison of values on a one-to-one basis.
Upon clicking the map button, a window will appear featuring a predetermined selection of mappings. Users are given the option to choose the specific mapping list to utilize when comparing the selected columns.
The case-sensitive option can be toggled on or off prior to initiating the comparison.
The match button automatically performs the matching process for both the join operation and the columns earmarked for comparison, eliminating the need for user selection. Unnecessary columns can be excluded from the context menu before the comparison.
The reset button will restore all matched values to their original state for comparison.
You can save the source-target configuration to the clipboard. Additionally, you can load a match configuration that you copy from another location.
The data in the grids is refreshed automatically when the source data changes. This ensures real-time updates during active comparisons.
Columns with differences are visually highlighted in a distinct color in the header.
Identical columns are displayed in the normal color.
Accepted date formats for comparison can be configured in the Options.
A set of default date formats is preconfigured for convenience.
The tool automatically detects the date format for columns from CSV based on the first 10 rows.
Detected date formats are applied to all date fields for consistency.
The Date/Time formats can be configured in the Options/Compare Data.
If a date value cannot be converted to a valid date using the detected format, the value displayed in the grid will be "Invalid date."
The user can initiate a unidirectional update to synchronize changes from an external CSV/Excel file to the Veeva Vault. This process permits data modifications to flow only from the user's file to Veeva, without enabling reverse synchronization.
The updating procedure can be executed directly from the compare window by utilizing one of the designated update buttons. Within the update window, all columns are presented, with those necessitating updates marked with an "update" status. Additionally, users have the option to generate a backup file from this window, serving as a safeguard in the event a return to the initial values is desired. The system and read-only attribute are disabled and marked as "not editable"
After comparing, users can customize the data to display and export to an Excel file, regardless of whether the results are the same or differ. If differences will exist after comparison, they will be highlighted in the exported Excel file.
Following each comparison, a summary of the comparison will be presented, which can be toggled on or off for display. This summary will encompass the total number of records, along with the count of identical results, differing results, as well as exclusive values from the left or right side.
The system offers flexible Boolean field comparison to cater to user preferences. This feature allows users to configure accepted Boolean values within the Options, ensuring compatibility with diverse input styles. The default accepted values are '1', 'Yes', 'True', '0', 'No', and 'False'.
The default Boolean values recognized by the system are as follows:
True/False
Yes/No
1/0
More values can be added in in the Options/Compare Data.
As a user, you can expect the following behavior in Boolean field comparison:
Flexible Interpretation: Values such as '1', 'Yes', and 'True' are treated as "true", while '0', 'No', and 'False' are treated as "false".
Case Insensitivity: The comparison for Boolean values is case-insensitive. Whether entered in uppercase, lowercase, or a combination, the system interprets the values consistently.
Handling Unconvertible Values: If a value cannot be converted to "true" or "false", the system retains the original value and displays it as is. This feature helps users identify and rectify invalid input.
Support for Default Values: The Boolean comparison works seamlessly with any of the supported default values, providing a reliable and user-friendly experience.
A Mapping List is a collection of key - value pairs that can be used in Compare Data using the Compare Tool.
To generate a Mapping List, navigate to Extras/Mapping Lists, where you can create a new category along with a new mapping list.
Once the category and mapping list have been established, you have the option to manually input each mapping value individually, or you can utilize the import button to bring in a preconfigured mapping list.
Checking Exact Match makes the mapping list match key values only if they are exactly the same.
Checking Case Sensitive makes the mapping list match key values only if the case matches. Otherwise matches will be made regardless of case.
Additionally, there is an option for a default value if no match, allowing the user to define a default value for situations where no match is found.
In the mapping list, modifications can be performed using the add and delete buttons. Multiple values can also be removed by utilizing the Ctrl key for multiple selection or the Ctrl+A combination to select all available values in the mapping list.
To delete a Mapping List select the desired mapping list and click on the Delete icon in the toolbar.
