Abstract:
A computer implemented method for ensuring the quality of processed corporate entity data, the method comprising: sequentially processing the corporate entity data through a series of serially connected drivers, the serially connected drivers comprise a data collection driver, an entity matching driver, an identification number driver, a corporate linkage driver, and a predictive indicator driver; and conducting a quality assurance of the corporate entity data as it is processed in each of the driver, wherein the quality assurance comprises: (i) sampling the corporate entity data from each the driver periodically, thereby generating sample data; (ii) evaluating the sample data; and (iii) adjusting the processing based upon the evaluation, thereby producing high quality data.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation application and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/368,072, filed on Feb. 18, 2003. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a method of data processing and, more particularly, to a method of processing data associated with businesses. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     To be successful, businesses need to make informed decisions. In risk management, businesses need to understand and manage total risk exposure. They need to identify and aggressively collect on high-risk accounts. In addition, they need to approve or grant credit quickly and consistently. In sales and marketing, businesses need to determine the most profitable customers and prospects to target, as well as incremental opportunity in an existing customer base. In supply management, businesses need to understand the total amount being spent with suppliers to negotiate better. They also need to uncover risks and dependencies on suppliers to reduce exposure to supplier failure. 
     The success of these business decisions depends largely on the quality of the information behind them. Quality is determined by whether the information is accurate, complete, timely, and consistent. With thousands of sources of data available, it is a challenge to determine which is the quality information a business should rely on to make decisions. This is particularly true when businesses change so frequently. In the next thirty minutes, 120 businesses addresses will change, 75 business telephone numbers will change or be disconnected, 30 new businesses will open their doors, 20 chief executive officers (CEOs) will leave their jobs, 15 companies will change their names, and 10 businesses will close. 
     Conventional methods of providing business data are incomplete. Some providers collect incomplete data, fail to completely match entities, have incomplete numbering systems that recycle numbers, fail to provide corporate family information or provide incomplete corporate family information, and merely provide incomplete value-added predictive data. It is an object of the present invention to provide more complete and accurate business data. This includes complete and accurate data collection, entity matching, identification number assignment, corporate linkage, and predictive indicators. This completeness and accuracy produces high quality business information that businesses trust and depend on for making business decisions. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A computer implemented method for ensuring the quality of processed corporate entity data, the method comprising: sequentially processing the corporate entity data through a series of serially connected drivers, the serially connected drivers comprise a data collection driver, an entity matching driver, an identification number driver, a corporate linkage driver, and a predictive indicator driver; and conducting a quality assurance of the corporate entity data as it is processed in each of the driver, wherein the quality assurance comprises: (i) sampling the corporate entity data from each the driver periodically, thereby generating sample data; (ii) evaluating the sample data; and (iii) adjusting the processing based upon the evaluation, thereby producing high quality data. 
     The method for evaluating of the sample data consists of at least one step selected from the group consisting of: auditing, validating, normalizing, correcting, and updating of the corporate entity data. 
     Preferably, the corporate entity data is initially processed through the data collection driver to produce primary corporate entity data, the primary corporate entity data is then processed by the entity matching driver, the primary corporate entity data is processed by the entity matching driver where if not matched to previously stored data, then the unmatched primary corporate entity data is sent to the identification number driver where an identification number is assigned thereto, and if matched to the previously stored data, then the matched primary corporate entity data from the entity matching driver and/or primary corporate entity data having an assigned identification number applied in the identification number driver are processed by the corporate linkage driver, and thereafter the primary corporate entity data from the corporate linkage driver is processed by the predictive indicator driver. 
     The data collection driver mergers the corporate entity data from a variety of sources. The entity matching driver matches the corporate entity data with a stored identification number. The identification number driver assigns an identification number to the corporate entity data that was number matched in by the entity matching driver. The corporate linkage driver builds corporate families based upon the corporate entity data which has been matched or assigned the identification number. The predictive indicator driver uses statistical analysis to rate an entity&#39;s past performance to indicate the likelihood that the entity will perform the same way in the future. 
     A computer system for ensuring the quality of processed corporate entity data, the system comprising: 
     a data collection driver; 
     an entity matching driver; 
     an identification number driver; 
     a corporate linkage driver 
     a predictive indicator driver; and 
     a processor which sequentially filters the corporate entity data through the serially connected data collection driver, entity matching driver, identification number driver, corporate linkage driver, and predictive indicator driver, and 
     wherein the processor conducts a quality assurance of the corporate entity data as it is processed in each of the driver, wherein the quality assurance comprises:
         sampling the corporate entity data from each the driver periodically, thereby generating sample data;   evaluating the sample data; and   adjusting the processing based upon the evaluation, thereby producing high quality data.       

     A machine-readable medium storing executable instructions for data integration, the instructions comprising: 
     sequentially processing the corporate entity data through a series of serially connected drivers, the serially connected drivers comprise a data collection driver, an entity matching driver, an identification number driver, a corporate linkage driver, and a predictive indicator driver; and 
     conducting a quality assurance of the corporate entity data as it is processed in each of the driver, wherein the quality assurance comprises:
         sampling the corporate entity data from each the driver periodically, thereby generating sample data;   evaluating the sample data; and   adjusting the processing based upon the evaluation, thereby producing high quality data.       

     These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the drawings, description, and claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of the method of data integration according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a system for data integration according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram of a system for data integration according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a logic diagram depicting the method of data integration according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram of example sources of data collection according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a block diagram of more example sources of data collection according to the present invention; 
         FIGS. 7 and 8  are block diagrams of entity matching according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a block diagram of entity matching where matched data is delivered to one database and unmatched data is sent for assignment of new corporate identification number according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a block diagram of entity matching where matched data is delivered to one database and unmatched data is either sent for assignment of new corporate identification number or stored in a database repository until additional data can be gathered according to the present invention; 
         FIGS. 11 and 12  are block diagrams of a method of entity matching according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 13-16  are block diagrams of corporate linking according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  is a logic diagram of an example method of performing corporate linkage according to the present invention; and 
         FIGS. 18A and 18B  are block diagrams of an example method of providing a predictive indicator according to the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. These drawings form a part of this specification and show, by way of example, specific preferred embodiments in which the present invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present invention. Other embodiments may be used and structural, logical, and electrical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims. 
       FIG. 1  shows an overview of a method of data processing according to the present invention. The foundation of the method is quality assurance  102 , which is the continuous data auditing, validating, normalizing, correcting, and updating done to ensure quality all along the process. There are five quality drivers that work sequentially to enhance the incoming data  104  to turn it into quality information  106 . These five drivers are: a data collection driver  108 , an entity matching driver  110 , an identification (ID) number driver  112 , a corporate linkage driver  114 , and a predictive indicators driver  116 . These five drivers access a database  118 . Database  118  is an organized collection of data and database management tools, such as a relational database, an object-oriented database, or any other kind of database. Data in database  118  is continually refined and enhanced based on customer feedback in quality assurance and global data collection. 
     Data collection driver  108  brings together data from a variety of sources worldwide. Then, the data is integrated into database  118  through entity matching driver  110 , resulting in a single, more accurate picture of each business entity. Next, identification number driver  112  applies an identification number as a unique means of identifying and tracking a business globally through any changes it goes through. Corporate linkage driver  114  then builds corporate families to enable a view of total corporate risk and opportunity. Finally, predictive indicators driver  116  uses statistical analysis to rate a business&#39; past performance and indicate the likelihood that it will perform the same way in the future. 
       FIGS. 2 and 3  show two example embodiments of systems for data integration according to the present invention, although other systems would also be suitable for practicing the present invention.  FIG. 2  shows a network configuration while  FIG. 3  shows a computer system configuration. In  FIG. 2 , a network  200  facilitates communication among the other system components, including a computer system  202 . The five quality drivers, data collection driver  108 , entity matching driver  110 , identification number driver  112 , corporate linkage driver  114 , and predictive indicators driver  116 , and quality assurance  102  work sequentially to enhance the incoming data  104  to turn it into quality information  106  stored in database  204 . In  FIG. 3 , a computer system  300  has a processor  302  with access to memory  304  via a bus  306 . Memory  304  stores an operating system program  308 , a data integration program  310 , and data  312 . 
       FIG. 4  shows another embodiment of a method of data integration according to the present invention. This method includes five main components of data integration: data collection  400 , entity matching  402 , identification number  404 , corporate linkage  406 , and predictive indicators processing  408  to produce high quality data  410 . Data collection  400  gathers primary data. The primary data is tested for accuracy and processed to produce secondary data. Processing primary data includes performing corporate linkage  406  and providing predictive indicators  408 . Then, the combined primary and secondary data is provided as enhanced business information or high quality data  410 . The primary and secondary data is sampled periodically and evaluated against predetermined conditions. As a result, testing and processing is adjusted to assure quality. 
     Testing primary data includes determining if primary data matches previously stored data  412  in entity matching  402 . If a match is found, then corporate linkage  406  is performed. If no match is found, then testing includes determining if the primary data meets a first threshold condition  414 , such as when at least two sources confirm that a business associated with the primary data exists. If the primary data meets the first threshold condition, then control goes to the identification number component  404  where an identification number is assigned  420  and secondary data is stored  422 . The identification number uniquely identifies a business, is used once, and not recycled. If the primary data does not meet the first threshold condition, then the primary data is stored in a repository  416  until new data becomes available  418 . Once new data is received, testing includes determining if the primary data together with the new data meet the first threshold condition. If so, an identification number is assigned and secondary data is stored. 
     Performing corporate linkage  406  includes determining if the primary data meets a second threshold condition  424 , such as a predetermined sales volume. If so, the primary data is analyzed and processed  426  and secondary data is stored  428  to associate a corporate family with the primary data. The corporate family is updated after a merger or acquisition. If the primary data does not meet the second threshold condition, then control goes to predictive indicators component  408 . 
     Providing predictive indicators  408  includes determining if the primary data meets a third threshold condition  430 , such as a predetermined level of customer inquiry. If so, the primary data is analyzed and processed  432  and secondary data is stored  434  to produce predictive indicators, such as a descriptive rating, a score, or a demand estimator. 
     Thus, the five main components or drivers work together to integrate the data collected into enhanced data useful for making business decisions. Each of the five drivers is examined in more detail below, starting with data collection driver  108 . 
       FIG. 5  shows some sources of data used in data collection driver  108 . Data is collected about customers, prospects, and suppliers with the goal of collecting the most complete data possible. Some sources of data are direct investigations  502 , trade data  504 , public records  506 , and web sources  508 , among others. Direct investigations  502  includes making phone calls to businesses. Trade data  504  includes updating trade records. Public records  506  includes suits, liens, judgments, and bankruptcy filings, as well as business registrations and the like. Web sources  508  includes uniform resource locators (URLs), updates from domains, customers providing online updates, and other web data from the Internet. 
     Web data comprises information from “Whois” files and information from a central repository for registered domains called the VeriSign Registry as well as other data. Whois is a program that will tell you the owner of any second-level domain name who has registered it with VeriSign. VeriSign is a company headquartered in Mountain View, Calif. The base reference file of domain names is matched to the identification number and expanded through data mining. Some uniform resource locators (URLs) are manually assigned to matches. Information from “Whois” files and data mining are matched to data in database  118 . The base reference file is enhanced by data mining for additional web site data, such as status, security data, certificate data and other data. 
     The file coverage is expanded. All matches of identification numbers and URLs are rationalized. One-up, one-down linkage is used to expand URL coverage across family tree members. URLs are sequenced based on status and match type. A certain number, say the top five, of URLs or domains are included in output files. Another output file is created with all the URLs and matched identification numbers (no linkage). 
     URL base file data elements include URL/domain name, match code, status indicator, redirect indicator, and total number URLs per identification number. The match code is matched to the site or an affiliate. The status indicator is live, under construction, etc. The redirect indicator is the actual URL listed if redirected to another site. 
     There are also URL plus file elements, which are in a file separate from the URL base file. It includes all URLs and data from the URL base file, summary data on website sophistication, and security on active/live URLs. It also includes total number of external and internal links, meta tag indicator, security indicators, strength of encryption, such as presence secure sockets layer (SSL), and certificate indicators. 
     URL plus expanded elements are stand-alone files separate from the URL base URL and URL plus files. They include all URL base and URL plus data with live URLs, detail data on website sophistication, and security. They include secured web server type, certificate issuer company, owner flag, which is certificate owner or certificate utilizer, number of certificate users, a number of external URL links, say five, and meta data, such as keywords, description, author, and generator. 
       FIG. 6  shows some additional sources of data used by data collection driver  108  for increased accuracy, such as phone directories or yellow pages  602 , news and media  604 , direct investigations  606 , company financial information  608 , payment data  610 , courts and legal filings offices  612 , and government registries  614 . This completeness of information aids profitable business decisions. In risk management, a user assesses risk from non-United States (U.S.) companies with the resulting information. Risk from small business customers can be more completely identified. The user can make more informed risk decisions when they are based on more complete information. In sales and marketing, the user can identify new prospects from data drawn from multiple sources. The user can gain access to international customers and prospects and cherry pick a prospect list with value-added information such as standard industrial classification (SIC) and contact name. In supply management, the user may assess risk from foreign suppliers with the resulting information and identify the risk from suppliers more completely. The user gains a fresher more complete picture of each customer, prospect, and supplier because of daily updates to database  118 . 
       FIG. 7  shows how multiple unmatched pieces of data  702  may be turned into a complete single business  704 . Entity matching driver  110  checks the incoming data  104  to see if it belongs to any existing business in database  118 . In this example, ABC, Inc., Chuck&#39;s Mini-Mart, and Charles Smith appear to be separate companies, but after entity matching, it is clear that they are all part of one enterprise, ABC Inc. and Chuck&#39;s Mini-Mart. The different addresses and other associated information is also reconciled into complete single business  704 . 
       FIG. 8  shows how incoming data  104  that matches a business in database  118  is appended to that business through entity matching driver  110 . Another case is shown in  FIG. 9 , where incoming data  104  that does not match any business in database  118  is either designated as a new business or, as shown in  FIG. 10 , is held in a repository  1002  to wait for further data verifying that it is a new business. Entity matching driver  110  is designed to match data to the right business every time, thus, increasing efficiency. Entity matching driver  110  provides more complete and accurate profiles of customers, prospects, and suppliers and ensures far fewer duplicate businesses. 
       FIG. 11  shows an example method of matching via match driver  110 . This method includes cleaning and parsing  1102 , performing candidate retrieval  1104 , and decision making  1106 . Cleaning and parsing  1102  includes identifying key components of inquiry data  1108 , normalizing name, address, and city  1110 , performing name consistency  1112 , and performing address standardization  1114 . Candidate retrieval  1104  includes gathering possible match candidates from a reference database  1116 , using keys to improve retrieval quality and speed  1118 , and optimizing keys based on data provided in the inquiry data  1120 . Decision making  1106  includes evaluating matches according to a consistent standard  1122 , applying a match grade  1124 , applying a confidence code  1126 , and applying a confidence percentile  1128 . 
       FIG. 12  shows a more detailed method of matching via driver  110 . This method includes web services  1202 , cleaning, parsing, and standardization  1204 , candidate retrieval  1206 , and measurement, evaluation, and decision  1208 . In web services  1202 , an HTTP server accepts a request and provides a response in XML over HTTP  1210  and an application server processes the XML request and converts it into JAVA objects and then processes the JAVA objects and converts them back into XML  1212 . In cleaning, parsing, and standardization  1204 , name and address elements are parsed and extraneous words are removed  1214 . Then, the address is validated to make sure the street and city names are correct and a zip code plus four and a latitude and longitude are assigned  1216 . A reference table maintains vanity city and vanity street names  1218 . In candidate retrieval  1206 , keys are generated for use in retrieval of candidates from the reference database  1220 . Then, keys are optimized for effective database retrieval in search strategy and candidate retrieval  1222 . Reference tables are established and maintained for searching a reference database  1224 . In measurement, evaluation, and decision  1208 , a measurement of confidence score is derived that indicates the degree of match between the inquiry and candidate. Then, an order for presenting each candidate online is established and the best candidate in the batch is selected. Other methods of performing matching as contemplated by one of ordinary skill in the art are also possible for implementing the present invention. 
     Identification (ID) number driver  112  appends a unique identification number to every business so it can be easily and accurately identified. One example of the unique identification number is such as the D-U-N-S® Number available from Dun &amp; Bradstreet headquartered in Short Hills, N.J., which is a nine-digit number that allows a business to be easily tracked through changes and updates. The identification number is retained for the life of a business. No two businesses ever receive the same identification number and the identification numbers are never recycled. The identification number is not assigned until multiple data sources confirm that the business exists. The identification number acts as an industry standard for business identification. It is endorsed by the United Nations, the International Standards Organization (ISO), the European Commission, and over fifty industry groups. 
     The identification number is a central concept in the data processing method according to the present invention. For quality assurance, the identification number allows verification of information at every stage of the process. For data collection driver  108 , if data is not linked to an existing identification number, it indicates the possibility of a new business. For entity matching driver  110 , the identification number allows new data to be accurately matched to existing businesses. For corporate linkage driver  114 , corporate families are assembled based on each business&#39; identification number. For predictive indicators driver  116 , the identification number is used to build predictive tools. 
     Additionally, the identification number opens new areas of opportunity to a user&#39;s business by helping to verify that a business exists. Users are provided a complete view of prospects, customers, and suppliers. Existing data is clarified, duplication is eliminated, and related businesses are shown to be related. Users can more easily manage large groups of customers or suppliers when the identification number is appended to the user&#39;s information. The identification number enables fast and easy data updates when appended to the user&#39;s information. 
       FIG. 13  shows an example method of identification number driver  112 . The process starts with an identification number request  1302 , including input name, address, city, state, etc. For example, when a record is being created for a new business that does not yet exist in database  118 , an identification number is requested. In look up operation  1304 , the database  118  is searched for the identification number in the request. If it is found  1306 , then the identification number is made available to customers  1308 . Otherwise, the input from the request is captured  1310  and an identification number is assigned, including a Mod 10 validation  1312 . Mod 10 validation assigns a check digit at the end to keep numbers clean. In the linkage to other identification numbers step  1314 , if there is linkage then it is validated  1316  before front end validations are performed  1318 . Then, duplicate validations  1320  and mainframe validations  1322  are performed, and the identification number is made available to customers  1308 . Linkage validation prevents errors, such as a branch linked to another branch. 
       FIGS. 14-16  show how corporate linkage driver  114  builds corporate linkage to reveal how companies are related. Without corporate linkage, the companies, L Refinery Div.  1402 , C Stores Inc.  1404 , and G Storage Div.  1406  in  FIG. 14  appear to be unrelated. 
     As shown in  FIG. 15 , however, applying corporate linkage allows the entire corporate family to be viewable without limit in depth or breadth. Parent company U Products Group Corp.  1502  and has three subsidiaries under it, L Inc.  1504 , C Inc  1506 , and G Inc.  1508 . L Inc.  1504  has two branches, L Storage Div.  1510  and L Refinery Div.  1402  (shown in  FIG. 14 ). C Inc.  1506  has two branches, Industrial Co.  1512  and Building Co.  1514  and a subsidiary, C Stores Inc.  1404  (shown in  FIG. 4 ). G Inc.  1508  has two branches, G Storage Div.  1406  (shown in  FIG. 14 ) and G Refinery Div.  1516 . C Stores Inc. has four branches, North Store Inc.  1518 , South Store Inc.  1520 , West Store Inc.  1522 , and East Store Inc.  1524 . Building extensive corporate linkage allows a business information provider to be an industry leader by providing this complete detail. 
       FIG. 16  shows how corporate linkage driver  114  updates family trees after mergers and acquisitions. In this example, two separate businesses, ABC  1602  and XYZ  1604  exist before a merger and each have their own subsidiaries and branches. After the merger, ABC XYZ  1606  has two subsidiaries, ABC subsidiary  1608  and XYZ subsidiary  1610 , each with their own branches and/or subsidiaries. 
     Corporate linkage driver  114  opens up profitable opportunities in risk management, sales and marketing, and supply management for a user. It allows the user to understand the total risk exposure to a corporate family. The user recognizes the relationship between bankruptcy or financial stress in one company and the rest of its corporate family. The user can find incremental opportunities with new and existing customers within a corporate family and understand who its best customers and prospects are. The user can determine its total spend with a corporate family to better negotiate. 
       FIG. 17  shows an example method of performing corporate linkage driver  114 . Generally, it shows a method of updating family tree linkage  1700  where the goal is to correctly link all subsidiaries and branches of each entity having an identification number with consistent names, tradestyles, and correct employee numbers, while resolving all look-a-likes (LALs). 
     For example, file building and other activities could create records not originally linked, e.g., duplicate records or look-a-likes (LALs) that need to be resolved. For example, if someone created a record on LensCrafters but called it LensCrafters EyeGlasses when it was LensCrafters USA, then you might have a look-a-like or duplicate record. To prevent this, method  1700  resolves look-a-like records. There are three general rules for resolving look-a-like records. First, if a look-a-like is on a directory or can be verbally confirmed at headquarters, then it is linked accordingly. Second, unconfirmed look-a-likes require a phone investigation. Third, all look-a-likes must be resolved prior to tree logoff regardless of the cooperation level. 
     At the start of method  1700 , a company is contacted for a directory  1702 , preferably an electronic version. Possible contacts include former contact, human resources, legal department, controller, investor relations, and the like. If a directory is available, the directory and tree for bulk process potential are evaluated including offshore keying  1704 . Then, the tree is updated accordingly. On the other hand, if the directory was unavailable, the Internet is searched for a company website  1706 . If the website is available, the website information is evaluated for bulk process potential including offshore keying and the tree is updated accordingly  1708 . If the website is unavailable, it is determined if the company is publicly traded  1710 . If so, the latest 10-K is checked. Otherwise, subsidiaries are called to verbally verify the tree structure. Look-a-likes are resolved and tree logoff is performed. 
     Predictive indicator driver  116  summarizes the information collected on a business and uses it to predict future performance. There are three types of predictive indicators: descriptive ratings, predictive scores, and demand estimators. Descriptive ratings are an overall descriptive grade of a company&#39;s past performance. Predictive scores are a prediction of how likely it is for a business to be creditworthy in the future. Demand estimators estimate how much of a product a business is likely to buy in total. 
     Predictive indicators help a user to accelerate all areas of its business. In risk management, descriptive ratings help the user grant or approve credit. A rating indicates creditworthiness of a company based on past financial performance. A score indicates creditworthiness based on past payment history. Predictive scores can be applied across the user&#39;s whole portfolio to quickly identify high-risk accounts and begin aggressive collection immediately. A commercial credit score predicts the likelihood of a business paying slow over the next twelve months. A financial stress score predicts the likelihood of a business failing over the next twelve months. In sales and marketing, demand estimators let a user know who is likely to buy so that it can prioritize opportunities among customers or prospects. Examples of demand estimators include number of personal computers and local or long distance spending. In supply management, predictive scores can be applied to all of a user&#39;s suppliers to quickly understand their risk of failing in the future. 
     In addition, predictive scores may be customized according to a user&#39;s specific need and criteria. For example, criteria may be used, such as (1) what behavior does the user want to predict; (2) what is the size of the business the user wants to assess; and (3) what are the decision rules based on the user&#39;s risk tolerance to translate risk assessment in to a credit decision or risk management action. 
     Predictive indicators are enabled by analytic capability and data capability. For example, a dedicated team of experienced business-to-business (B2B) expert PhDs may build the underlying predictive models and have access to industry-specific knowledge, financial and payment information, and extensive historical information for analysis. 
       FIGS. 18A and 18B  show an example method of creating a predictive indicator. It starts with market analysis  1802  and then there is a business decision on model development  1804 . This decision involves the type of score to be developed and output at the end, such as a failure risk score, a delinquency risk score, or an industry specific score. The failure risk score is the likelihood that a company will cease operations. The delinquency risk score is the likelihood that a company will pay late. The industry specific score predicts something particular, such as the likelihood of using copiers or truckers or whether a company is a good credit risk. Input data  1806  is gathered from an archive of credit database  1808  and a trade tape database  1810  which provide historical data related to credit. There are two time periods of concern, an activity period which is a look historically at all the facts and a resulting period which is a time period just after that to see what happened. For example, given data in the previous year, how did a company perform with respect to a certain time period in the current year. The next step, determine “bad definition” (outcome to be predicted) refers to a risk to be evaluated, such as a financial stress score that predicts the likelihood of a negative failure in the next twelve months. 
     A development sample is selected from a business universe  1814 , a demographic profile is created of the business universe  1816 , and explanatory data analysis is performed  1818  (univariate analysis of all variables. Tasks are performed such as determining the range of a variable, the type of variable, including or not including variables, and other functions related to understanding what to put in the model. Variables may be selected in accordance with the activity period and the resulting period and weights may be assigned to indicate accuracy or representativeness. Trends are factored in. Quality assurance includes periodically checking to see if anything in the business universe effects the initial model and to take a score and run it against a prior period to check that it is still indicative or predictive. Samples may have flaws. 
     Continuing on  FIG. 18B , statistical analysis and model development processes including logistic regression and other estimating techniques  1820  are performed. This step includes applying the appropriate models, formulas, and statistics. Next, statistical coefficients are converted into a scorecard  1822 . Models are tested and validated  1824 , and technical specifications are developed  1826 . Finally, the model is implemented  1828  and tested  1830 . Data is run through the model to generate a score. Periodically, checks are performed to verify that the score is still valid and to determine if the scorecard needs to be updated. 
     It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Various embodiments for performing data collection, performing entity matching, applying an identification number, performing corporate linking, and providing predictive indicators are described. The present invention has applicability to applications outside the business information industry. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.