Patent Publication Number: US-2017364548-A1

Title: System for monitoring data points within a data record to validate association between the data points and an entity associated with the data record

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to data validation and, more specifically, monitoring data points in a data record to insure that the data points remain valid over time and, if determined to be invalid, identifying valid data points to replace the invalid data points. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In many instances, entry of data, referred to herein as data points, into data records requires validation to insure the correctness and accuracy of such data. Such is especially the case in those instances in which data is manually entered into a data record because manual entry is prone to oversights and typographical errors. In other instances the data entrant may be entering, either with or without knowledge, inaccurate data. However, manual validation of the data, in which the data entrant or the source of the data is queried as to the validity of the data is neither practical, efficient in terms of time exhausted nor assures that the data is, in fact, valid. 
     In further instances, in which the data may change over time, the data not only requires validation at the data entry phase, but also requires validation over time to insure the continual validity, in terms of association between the data point and an entity, of the data points within a data record. In this regard, in order to insure that data points within a data record are continually valid, it is important to identify an invalid data point as close to the point in time at which the data point became invalid as possible. Moreover, in the event that a data point is determined to be invalid, the invalid data point must be replaced with a valid data point in a timely and efficient manner, so that the data record reflects accurate, valid data points. 
     Therefore, a need exists to validate or otherwise authenticate data points within a data record. The desired systems, apparatus, methods and the like should not only validate, i.e., insure the existence and accuracy/correctness, of data points at the data entry level (i.e., at the inception of the data record) but also provide for continual data point validation/authentication over time so as to insure that as data points may change over time, the new/updated data points are validated/authenticated. Moreover, in the event that data points are determined to be invalid, a need exists to automatically identify/determine valid data points in a timely fashion and, in some instances, without requiring input from the data entrant and/or the entity associated with the data point. 
     SUMMARY 
     The following presents a simplified summary of one or more embodiments in order to provide a basic understanding of such embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated embodiments, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all embodiments, nor delineate the scope of any or all embodiments. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more embodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
     Embodiments of the present invention address the above needs and/or achieve other advantages by providing apparatus, systems, computer program products, systems, computer program products, for automated monitoring of data points within a data record to insure, over time, continual validation of the data points. The automated monitoring of validation process herein described assures association between the data point and an entity associated with the data point. The monitoring of validation may occur at predetermined intervals (e.g., once every six months, annually or the like), on a continual basis (such as daily) or in response to a triggering event (such as notification of an event that would typically result in change of a data point). 
     In specific embodiments of the invention, automated monitoring of validation may including accessing information stored in a distributed computing network, such as publically-accessible databases and the like, to validate data points. For example, publically-accessible databases may be searched for information stored in the databases that are associated with the entered data points. Data analytics may be implemented to determine matches or partial matches between the information stored in the databases and the data point(s). Confidence levels/scores may be used to assess the likelihood of validation/authentication based on the completeness of matches, the volume of matches and/or the type/category of database and or information stored in the databases. In other embodiments of the invention, automated monitoring of validation may include automated communication(s) to an entity associated with the data point, such that the response to the communication serves to validate (or invalidate) the data point. 
     In addition, in those embodiments in which a data point is determined to be invalid, embodiments of the invention, provide for an automated means of identifying/determining a valid data point. In such embodiments of the invention, publically-accessible databases, distributed throughout one or more communication networks may be accessed and searched for information stored in the databases that are associated with the entered data points. Data analytics may be implemented to determine matches or partial matches between the information stored in the databases and the data point(s). Confidence levels/scores may be used to assess the likelihood of validation/authentication based on the completeness of matches, the volume of matches and/or the type/category of database and or information stored in the databases. Threshold confidence level/scores may be defined, which, once attained, may deem an identified data point as being valid. 
     A system for automated monitoring data points within a data record for the purpose of validating the data points defines first embodiments of the invention. The system includes one or more distributed electronic communication networks that are configured to provide network access to information associated with a data record. The system additionally includes a computing platform in network communication with the distributed electronic communication networks and including a memory and a processor in communication with the memory. The system additionally includes a data point re-validation module that is stored in the memory and executable by the processor. The module is configured to monitor the validation of data points in the data record by performing at least one of (i) communicating, via one or more of the distributed electronic communication networks, a validation request to an entity associated with the data record, and (ii) accessing, via one or more of the distributed electronic communication networks, the information associated with the data record to determine one or more matches or differences between the data point and the information. 
     In accordance with specific embodiments of the system, the data point re-validation module is further configured to monitor the validation of data points on one of a continual basis or a periodic basis or in response to notification of occurrence of a triggering event, such as an event that would typically precede change in a data point. 
     In further specific embodiments of the system, the information associated with the data record accessible via the distributed communication network includes at least one of public record information and social media information. In such embodiments of the system, the data point re-validation module is further configured to monitor validation by accessing at least one of one or more public record databases and one or more social media sites to determine one or more matches or differences between the public record information and the social media information. 
     In other specific embodiments of the system, the data point re-validation module is further configured to, in response to communicating the validation request to an entity associated with the data record, receive a validation response from the entity that validates or invalidates the association between the entity and the data point. 
     In still further specific embodiments of the system, the data point re-validation module is further configured to, in response to determining the one or more differences between the information and data associated with the data record, analyze the difference to determine that the data point is invalid. 
     Moreover, in additional embodiments the system further includes a data point determination module that is stored in the memory and executable by the processor. The module is configured to, in response to the data point re-validation module determining that the data point is invalid, access data point-related information from at least one of one or more social media sites and one or more public record databases to identify a valid data point associated with the entity. In such embodiments of the system, the module may be further configured to identify the valid data point by analytically analyzing the data point-related information to determine (i) a level of confidence that the valid data point is associated with the entity, and (ii) that the level of confidence exceeds a threshold for data point validity. 
     In other specific embodiments of the system, in which one of the data points is an email (electronic mail) address, the data point re-validation module is further configured to validate that the email address is currently associated with the entity by performing at least one of sending an email to the email address and conducting a SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) check at a server associated with a domain name in the email address. In related embodiments of the system, the data point re-validation module is further configured to perform, on a periodical basis or a continuous basis, a dormancy check on the email address to determine a current inactive use period associated with the email address. 
     In other embodiments of the system, in which one of the data points is a telephone number, the data point re-validation module is further configured to validate that the telephone number is currently associated with the entity by, at least one of, (i) retrieving the information associated with the data record, and analytically analyze the information to determine one or more matches in the information to the physical address, (ii) making an automated voice call to the telephone number, or (iii) communicating a text message to the telephone number, wherein the automated voice call and the text message are configured to require the entity to respond with a designated code to validate the telephone number. 
     In still further specific embodiments of the system, in which the data point is a physical address, the data point re-validation module is further configured to validate that the email address is currently associated with the entity by at least one of (i) retrieving the information associated with the data record, and analytically analyze the information to determine one or more matches in the information to the physical address, (ii) making an automated voice call or communicating a text message to the entity, wherein the automated voice call and the text message are configured to require the entity to respond with a designated code to validate the physical address, and (iii) sending an information packet to the physical address, wherein the information packet requests that the entity respond with a designated code to validate the physical address. 
     An apparatus for automated validation monitoring of data points within a data record defines second embodiments of the invention. The apparatus includes a computing platform in network communication with a distributed electronic communication network and including a memory and a processor in communication with the memory. Additionally the apparatus includes a data point re-validation module that is stored in the memory and executable by the processor and configured to monitor the validation of data points in the data record by performing at least one of (i) communicating, via one or more of distributed electronic communication networks, a validation request to an entity associated with the data record, and (ii) accessing, via one or more distributed electronic communication networks, information associated with the data record to determine one or more matches or differences between the data point and the information. 
     In specific embodiments of the apparatus, the data point re-validation module is further configured to monitor the validation of data points on one of a continual basis, a periodic basis, or in response to notification of occurrence of a triggering event. 
     In other specific embodiments of the apparatus, in which the information associated with the data record includes at least one of public record information and social media information, the data point re-validation module is further configured to monitor by accessing at least one of one or more public record databases and one or more social media sites to determine one or more matches or differences between the public record information and the social media information. 
     In further specific embodiments of the apparatus, data point re-validation module is further configured to, in response to communicating the validation request to an entity associated with the data record, receive a validation response from the entity that validates or invalidates the association between the entity and the data point. 
     A computer program product for automated validation monitoring of data points within a data record defines third embodiments of the invention. The computer program product includes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that has computer-executable instructions. The instructions provide for monitoring the validation of data points in the data record by performing at least one of (i) communicating, via one or more of distributed electronic communication networks, a validation request to an entity associated with the data record, and (ii) accessing, via one or more distributed electronic communication networks, information associated with the data record to determine one or more matches or differences between the data point and the information. 
     Thus, systems, apparatus, methods, and computer program products herein described in detail below provide automated monitoring of the validation of data points within a data record. Specifically, embodiments of the invention provide for continuously and/or periodically monitoring or checking the validation of the association between the data point and a related entity. Moreover, in specific embodiments of the invention, in which monitored data points are determined to be invalid, valid data points may be automatically determined/identified. As such, the present invention provides an effective, efficient and accurate means for automatically monitoring the validation status of data points in a data record. 
     The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed may be achieved independently in various embodiments of the present invention or may be combined with yet other embodiments, further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Having thus described embodiments of the invention in general terms, reference will now be made the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  provides a schematic diagram of an exemplary system for initial validation of data points in a data record, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  provides a schematic diagram of an exemplary system for monitoring the validation (otherwise, referred to herein as re-validating) data points in a data record, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  provides a block diagram of an apparatus for initial validation of data points in a data record, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 4  provides a block diagram of an apparatus for monitoring the validation (otherwise, referred to herein as re-validating) data points in a data record, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
     As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art in view of this disclosure, the present invention may be embodied as an apparatus (e.g., a system, computer program product, and/or other device), a method, or a combination of the foregoing. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.), or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may generally be referred to herein as a “system.” Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product comprising a computer-usable storage medium having computer-usable program code/computer-readable instructions embodied in the medium. 
     Any suitable computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be utilized. The computer usable or computer-readable medium may be, for example but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device. More specific examples (e.g., a non-exhaustive list) of the computer-readable medium would include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires; a tangible medium such as a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a time-dependent access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), or other tangible optical or magnetic storage device. 
     Computer program code/computer-readable instructions for carrying out operations of embodiments of the present invention may be written in an object oriented, scripted or unscripted programming language such as JAVA, PERL, SMALLTALK, C++ or the like. However, the computer program code/computer-readable instructions for carrying out operations of the invention may also be written in conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. 
     Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods or apparatuses (the term “apparatus” including systems and computer program products). It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a particular machine, such that the instructions, which execute by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create mechanisms for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
     These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instructions, which implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
     The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus, provide steps for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. Alternatively, computer program implemented steps or acts may be combined with operator or human implemented steps or acts in order to carry out an embodiment of the invention. 
     According to embodiments of the invention described herein, various systems, apparatus, methods, and computer program products are herein described for automated monitoring the validation of data points within a data record, otherwise referred to herein as re-validating or confirming the validation of data points. In specific embodiments the validation that is being monitored/confirmed is the association between the data point and an entity associated with the data point. For example, in specific embodiments of the invention the data record may be a contact record associated with a customer/client/vendor or the like and the data points may include email address(es), telephone number(s), physical address(es), name(s) and the like. Such data points are prone to change over time, as the entity/contact changes email address(es), physical address(es), telephone number(s) or the like. However, unless the entity/contact informs the contact record holder of the change/update, once the data point changes the date record will include invalid data. Therefore, the validation monitoring of the present invention insures that data points are, in fact, currently associated with the entity/contact (e.g., the email address remains an email address associated with the entity/contact, the physical address is the current address at which the entity/contact is located and the like). In other embodiments of the invention, the validation that is being monitored/confirmed may be the correctness/accuracy of the data point. 
     In specific embodiments of the invention the re-validation monitoring (or certain portions of the monitoring) may occur on a continuous real-time or near real-time basis in order to identify changes/updates to data points as they occur. In other embodiments of the invention re-validation monitoring may occur on a periodic basis, such as prescribed intervals, once every month, six months, year or the like. In certain embodiments, different aspects of the monitoring may occur at different prescribed intervals, i.e., soft checks/monitoring, such as validity checks of data points may occur more frequently (e.g., once a week or the like), while hard checks/monitoring, such as checks that involve accessing servers may occur less frequently (e.g., once every six months or the like). In still further embodiments of the invention, re-validation monitoring may be triggered by occurrence of an event. In this regard, the system may notified that the entity/contact has encountered an event that would typically result in change of one or more data points. For example, in the contact record embodiments, the entity/contact may have changed employment, changed marital status, changed physical location or the like. Notification of such an event may trigger automatic re-validation monitoring/checking of one or more of the data points in the data record. 
     In specific embodiments of the invention, automated monitoring of validation (or re-validation) of the association between the data point and the entity may include accessing information stored in a distributed computing network, such as publically-accessible databases and the like, to validate data points. For example, in those embodiments in which the data record is a contact record, publically-accessible databases, such as social media-related website databases, government-related repositories and the like, may be searched for information stored in the databases that are associated with the entered data points (e.g., email addresses, physical addresses, telephone numbers associated with the contact/entity name, other data points or the like). Once the information is retrieved from the databases, data analytics may be implemented to determine matches or partial matches between the information stored in the databases and the data point(s) as well as database entry dates for the matched information. Confidence levels/scores may be used to assess the likelihood of re-validation/authentication based on the completeness of matches, the volume of matches and/or the type/category of database and/or information stored in the databases, the currency of the matched information and the like. In specific embodiment, a confidence level/score threshold must be met to deem the data point as re-validated. 
     In other embodiments of the invention, automated monitoring of validation (i.e., re-validation) of the association between the data point and the entity may include automated communication(s) to an entity associated with the data point, such that the response to the communication serves to validate (or invalidate) the data point. For example, in those embodiments in which the data record is a contact record and the data point is an email address, an automated test email may be sent to the email address or an automated Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) check may be performed at a server associated with the domain name. In those embodiments in which the data record is a contact record and the data point is a telephone number, an automated voice call or text message to the telephone number may be made to validate that the telephone number is associated with the entity/contact. 
     In addition, in those embodiments in which a data point is determined to be invalid, embodiments of the invention, provide for an automated means of identifying/determining a valid data point. In such embodiments of the invention, publically-accessible databases, distributed throughout one or more communication networks may be accessed and searched for information stored in the databases that are associated with the entered data points. Data analytics may be implemented to determine matches or partial matches between the information stored in the databases and the data point(s). Confidence levels/scores may be used to assess the likelihood of validation/authentication based on the completeness of matches, the volume of matches and/or the type/category of database and or information stored in the databases. Threshold confidence level/scores may be defined, which, once attained, may deem an identified data point as being valid. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a schematic diagram is provided of a system  100  for validating data points in a data record, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The system  100  is implemented amongst one or more distributed communication networks  200 , which may include the Internet and/or wireless or wired telecommunications networks. System  100  includes apparatus  300  which stores data point validation module  310  that is configured to validate, otherwise referred to as authenticate or verify, data points in a data record. In specific embodiments of the invention, the data point validation module  310  is implemented in conjunction with an electronic data record, such that in response to entry of a data point in a data record and/or in response to completion of the data record data points are automatically validated. 
     Validation includes correctness/existence  320  of data point, which checks to insure that accuracy and existence of the data point. In specific embodiments of the system, the correctness/existence  320  check includes generating and initiating communication of a validation request  340  via the distributed communication network  200 . For example, the validation request  340  may be communicated to one of a plurality of data point databases  400  that store listings of data points or portions or date points, such the data point entered in the data record can be compared to the listings to confirm the existence of the data point. In other specific embodiments of the system, the correctness/existence  320  check includes one or more correctness algorithms  350  that are applied to the entered data point to validate the correctness of the data point in terms of syntax and/or format applicable to the type of data defined by the data point. 
     Validation additionally includes validating association  330  between the data point and an entity, which may comprise an individual or a group of individuals. In other words, verifying that the data point is, in fact, a data point that is associated with (i.e., tied to, related to, or the like) the entity. In specific embodiments of the system, the association  330  validation includes generating and initiating communication of a validation request  360  via the distributed communication network  200 . In those embodiments in which the data point is an electronic mail address (email address), the validation request  360  may be communicated to an email server  500 , in the form of a test email to the entity or a Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) check to the email server associated with the domain name. In other embodiments of the invention, in which the data point is a telephone number or physical address, the validation request  360  may be communicated to an entity&#39;s apparatus  510  (e.g., mobile communication device), in the form of a voice call or text/SMS (Short Message Service) message or to the locale  510  associated with the entity, in the form of a mailing. 
     In other embodiments of the system, validating association  330  between the data point and an entity includes accessing  370 , via the distributed communication network  200 , information  372  associated with the data point. For example, the information may be stored or otherwise accessible, at publically-accessible databases  600  and/or social media websites  700 . The system  100  may further include a data analytics engine (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) that analyzes the information accessed and retrieved from the publically-accessible databases  600  and/or social media websites  700  to determine if matches exist between the data point and the information. In specific embodiments of the invention, a confidence level/score may be determined based on the completeness of the match(es), the volume of matches, the types of publically-accessible databases  600  and/or social media websites  700  from which the matched information came from and the like. In specific embodiments of the system, the confidence level/score may be compared to a threshold confidence level/score to determine if the data point can be deemed valid. The data analytics engine may be implemented in conjunction with a heuristics engine (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) that takes into account historical data associated with previous results of the data analytics engine as they apply to the entity and/or the specific data point being validated. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , a schematic diagram is provided of a system  800  for monitoring/checking, over time, the validation of data points in a data record, otherwise referred to herein as re-validating data points, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Similar, to the initial validation system  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , the system  800  is implemented amongst one or more distributed communication networks  200 , which may include the Internet and/or wireless or wired telecommunications networks. System  100  includes apparatus  900  which stores data point re-validation module  910  that is configured to monitor or check the validation of data points, otherwise referred to as re-validate, re-authenticate or re-verify the data points in a data record. In specific embodiments of the invention, the data point re-validation module  910  is implemented in a continuous and/or ongoing basis. In this regard, the re-validation or a portion of the re-validation may occur in real-time or near real-time depending the ability to access validation-related information in real-time or near real-time. In other embodiments of the invention, the data point re-validation module  910  is implemented on a periodic basis, such as a predetermined scheduled basis. In such instances, certain validations/tests/checks included in the overall validation process may each have a specified predetermined schedule, such that, one or more specific validations/checks may occur more frequently (e.g., once a day, once a week, once a month or the like), while other specific validation/checks may occur less frequently (e.g., once every six months, once every year or the like). The frequency at which validations/checks are performed may depend on the level of importance of the data point, the ability to continually access the validation information and the any other relevant factors. 
     Re-validation includes monitoring/checking validation status  920  (i.e., validating current association between the data point and an entity. In other words, verifying that the data point is, at this point in time, a data point that is associated with the entity. In specific embodiments of the system, the monitoring/checking validation status  920  includes generating and initiating communication of a re-validation request  930  via the distributed communication network  200 . In those embodiments in which the data point is an electronic mail address (email address), the re-validation request  930  may be communicated to an email server  500 , in the form of a test email to the entity or a Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) check to the email server associated with the domain name. In other embodiments of the invention, in which the data point is a telephone number or physical address, the re-validation request  930  may be communicated to an entity&#39;s apparatus  510  (e.g., mobile communication device), in the form of a voice call or text/SMS (Short Message Service) message or to the locale  510  associated with the entity, in the form of a mailing. 
     In other embodiments of the system, re-validating association  330  between the data point and an entity includes accessing  940 , via the distributed communication network  200 , information  372  associated with the data point. For example, the information may be stored or otherwise accessible, at publically-accessible databases  600  and/or social media websites  700 . The system  100  may further include a data analytics engine (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) that analyzes the information accessed and retrieved from the publically-accessible databases  600  and/or social media websites  700  to determine if matches exist between the data point and the information. In specific embodiments of the invention, a confidence level/score may be determined based on the completeness of the match(es), the volume of matches, the types of publically-accessible databases  600  and/or social media websites  700  from which the matched information came from and the like. In specific embodiments of the system, the confidence level/score may be compared to a threshold confidence level/score to determine if the data point can be deemed valid. The data analytics engine may be implemented in conjunction with a heuristics engine (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) that takes into account historical data associated with previous results of the data analytics engine as they apply to the entity and/or the specific data point being validated. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3  a block diagram is presented of the apparatus  300 , which is configured for validating data points in a data record, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In addition to providing greater detail,  FIG. 3  highlights various alternate embodiments of the invention. The apparatus  300  may include one or more of any type of computing device, such as one or more servers, personal computers or the like. The present apparatus and methods can accordingly be performed on any form of one or more computing devices. 
     The apparatus  300  includes a computing platform  302  that can receive and execute algorithms, such as routines, and applications. Computing platform  302  includes memory  304 , which may comprise volatile and non-volatile memory, such as read-only and/or random-access memory (RAM and ROM), EPROM, EEPROM, flash cards, or any memory common to computer platforms. Further, memory  304  may include one or more flash memory cells, or may be any secondary or tertiary storage device, such as magnetic media, optical media, tape, or soft or hard disk. Moreover, memory  404  may comprise cloud storage, such as provided by a cloud storage service and/or a cloud connection service. 
     Further, computing platform  302  also includes processor  306 , which may be an application-specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), or other chipset, processor, logic circuit, or other data processing device. Processor  306  or other processor such as ASIC may execute an application programming interface (“API”)  308  that interfaces with any resident programs, such as data point validation module  310  and routines, sub-modules associated therewith or the like stored in the memory  304  of the apparatus  300 , as well as any non-resident programs accessible via the distributed computing network ( 200  of  FIG. 1 ). 
     Processor  306  includes various processing subsystems (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) embodied in hardware, firmware, software, and combinations thereof, that enable the functionality of apparatus  300  and the operability of the apparatus on a network. For example, processing subsystems allow for initiating and maintaining communications and exchanging data with other networked devices, such as the databases and servers shown in  FIG. 1 . For the disclosed aspects, processing subsystems of processor  306  may include any subsystem used in conjunction with data point validation module  310  and related algorithms, sub-algorithms, modules, sub-modules thereof. 
     Computer platform  302  may additionally include communications module (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) embodied in hardware, firmware, software, and combinations thereof, that enables communications among the various components of the apparatus  300 , as well as between the other networked devices. Thus, communication module may include the requisite hardware, firmware, software and/or combinations thereof for establishing and maintaining a network communication connection. 
     The memory  304  of apparatus  300  stores data point validation module  310  which is configured to validate data points entered into a data record, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As previously noted, in those embodiments in which the data record is an electronic data record, the data point validation  310  may be implemented in conjunction with the electronic data record, such that entry of data point and/or completion of the data record triggers automatic validation of a data points and/or all or a portion of the data points in the data record. 
     In a specific embodiment of the invention, the data record may comprise a contact record, which includes various data points associated with an entity (i.e., an individual or a group of individuals). For example, the data points may include, but are not limited to name(s), email address(es), telephone number(s), physical address(es), birthdate(s), social security number(s), marital status and the like. The present invention provides for validating some, if not all, of the data points in the contact record. 
     The data point validation module  310  is configured to validate the correctness/accuracy and/or existence  320  of the data point. In this regard the module  310  is configured to generate and initiate communication of a validation existence request  340  that serves to verify the existence of the data point. For example, in those embodiments in which the data record is a contact record and the data point is an email address, the validation existence request  340  may be a call out to an email address checker  342  that verifies the existence of the email address and/or the existence of the domain name. In other embodiments, in which the data record is a contact record and the data point is a physical address, the validation existence request  340  may be a call out to a publically accessible address database (e.g., postal service database or the like) for performing a physical address check  344  that verifies the existence of the physical address. In specific embodiments if the validation existence request  340  results in an invalid or incorrect data point, the validation existence response  346 , returned from the queried database or server, may include suggested valid data points  348 , such as suggested physical addresses (e.g., suggested zip code, suggested street number and the like), suggested email addresses or the like. 
     Additionally, validation of the correctness/accuracy  320  of data points may include one or more correctness algorithms/routines  350  that configured to validate that the data point has correct syntax, punctuation, format and the like. For example, in those embodiments in which the data record is a contact record and the data point is an email address, the correctness algorithm  350  may check for proper email address format, e.g., inclusion of an “@” sign, proper domain and/or domain name and the like. In specific embodiments if the correctness algorithm  350  results in an invalid or incorrect data point, the response may include suggested correct data points  348 , such as a suggested correct email addresses, including the “@” sign, a corrected domain and/or a corrected domain name or the like. 
     In addition, the data point validation module  310  is configured to validate the association between an entity and the data point (i.e., in other words, validate that the data point is, in fact, associated and/or related to the entity, for example, in those embodiments in which the data record is a contact record and the data point is an email address, verify that the email address is an email address held by or accessible to the entity/contact). In this regard the module  310  is configured to generate and initiate communication of a validation association request  360  that serves to verify the association between the data point and the entity/contact. For example, in those embodiments in which the data record is a contact record and the data point is an email address, the validation association request  360  may be a test email  361  sent to the entity or an SMTP check  362  sent to the domain server. In other embodiments of the invention, in which the data record is a contact record and the data point is a telephone address, the validation association request  360  may be a text/SMS message  363  sent to the telephone number or an automated or non-automated voice call  364  made to the telephone number  364 . In other embodiments, in which the data record is a contact record and the data point is a physical address, the validation association request  360  may be a mailing  365  to the physical address. In other embodiments, the validation association request  360  may take the form of any other  366  electronic or non-electronic communication. 
     In those embodiments in which the data point is an email address, a telephone number, physical address or the like, the test email  361 , text/SMS message  363 , voice call  364  or mailing  365  may include a numeric or alphanumeric validation  368  code or the like, which the recipient can provide in an email, text or voice call validation response  367  to validate that the email address, telephone number and/or physical address is associated with the entity. It should be noted that validation association request  360  nor response does not need to be the same as the data point being validated. In other words, a physical address can be validated by sending an email request to the entity/contact, and the entity/contact may respond via text/SMS message. 
     In still further embodiments of the invention, validation of the association  330  between the data point and the entity may include accessing  370 , via the distributed communication network, information  372  that is associated/related to the entity (i.e., information that matches at least a portion of the data point). As previously discussed in relation to  FIG. 1 , such information  372  may be located/stored at public databases  600  (i.e., databases that are publically accessible and searchable absent password protection) or social media websites  700 , such as business-related social media websites and/or communal social media websites. 
     Once the information  372  has been accessed and/or retrieved from the databases  600  and/or websites  700 , a data analytics engine  374  is implemented to analyze the information  372  to determine if matches exist between the data point and the information  372 . In specific embodiments of the invention, a confidence level/score  374  may be determined based on the completeness of the match(es), the volume of matches, the types of publically-accessible databases  600  and/or social media websites  700  from which the matched information came from and the like. In specific embodiments of the system, the confidence level/score may be compared to a threshold confidence level/score to determine if the data point can be deemed valid. Further, the data analytics engine  374  may be implemented in conjunction with a heuristics engine (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) that takes into account historical data associated with previous results of the data analytics engine as they apply to the entity and/or the specific data point being validated. 
     The memory  304  of apparatus  300  may, in certain embodiments of the invention, store data point determination module  380  that is configured to automatically determine one or more data points. In specific embodiments of the invention, the data point determination module  380  is implemented to determine data points in response to determining an invalid data point(s)  382 . In other embodiments of the invention, the data point determination module  380  is implemented to determine additional valid data points  384  (e.g., additional email addresses, telephone numbers or the like currently used by the entity). Data point determination module  380  may be configured to determine valid data points by accessing  370 , via the distributed communication network, information  372  that is associated/related to the entity (i.e., information that matches at least a portion of the data point). As previously discussed above in relation to the validation process, such information  372  may be located/stored at public databases  600  (i.e., databases that are publically accessible and searchable absent password protection) or social media websites  700 , such as business-related social media websites and/or communal social media websites. 
     Once the information  372  has been accessed and/or retrieved from the databases  600  and/or websites  700 , a data analytics engine  386  is implemented to analyze the information  372  to determine if matches exist between the entity and/or validated data points associated with the entity and the information  372 . The data analytics engine  386  may the same data analytics engine  374  used for validating data points or it may be a stand-alone data analytics engine  386 . In specific embodiments of the invention, a confidence level/score  388  may be determined based on the completeness of the match(es), the volume of matches, the types of publically-accessible databases  600  and/or social media websites  700  from which the matched information came from, the date stamp associated with the matched information and the like. In specific embodiments of the system, the confidence level/score may be compared to a threshold confidence level/score to determine if matched information can be deemed a valid data point. Further, the data analytics engine  374  may be implemented in conjunction with a heuristics engine (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) that takes into account historical data associated with previous results of the data analytics engine as they apply to the entity and/or the specific data point being validated. In those embodiments in which the data point determination module  380  is implemented to determine additional valid data points  384  further data analytics  386  may be implemented to determine a usage priority for the same-type valid data points (e.g., which of the valid email addresses the entity/contact uses the most). 
     Referring to  FIG. 4  a block diagram is presented of the apparatus  900 , which is configured for monitoring or checking the validation status, otherwise referred to as re-validation, of data points in a data record, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In addition to providing greater detail,  FIG. 4  highlights various alternate embodiments of the invention. The apparatus  400  may include one or more of any type of computing device, such as one or more servers, personal computers or the like. In addition, functionality shown in  FIG. 4  may be incorporated in the apparatus shown and described in  FIG. 3 . The present apparatus and methods can accordingly be performed on any form of one or more computing devices. 
     The apparatus  900  includes a computing platform  902  that can receive and execute algorithms, such as routines, and applications. Computing platform  902  includes memory  904 , which may comprise volatile and non-volatile memory, such as read-only and/or random-access memory (RAM and ROM), EPROM, EEPROM, flash cards, or any memory common to computer platforms. Further, memory  904  may include one or more flash memory cells, or may be any secondary or tertiary storage device, such as magnetic media, optical media, tape, or soft or hard disk. Moreover, memory  904  may comprise cloud storage, such as provided by a cloud storage service and/or a cloud connection service. 
     Further, computing platform  902  also includes processor  906 , which may be an application-specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), or other chipset, processor, logic circuit, or other data processing device. Processor  406  or other processor such as ASIC may execute an application programming interface (“API”)  908  that interfaces with any resident programs, such as data point re-validation monitoring module  910  and routines, sub-modules associated therewith or the like stored in the memory  904  of the apparatus  900 . 
     Processor  906  includes various processing subsystems (not shown in  FIG. 4 ) embodied in hardware, firmware, software, and combinations thereof, that enable the functionality of apparatus  900  and the operability of the apparatus on a network. For example, processing subsystems allow for initiating and maintaining communications and exchanging data with other networked devices, such as those databases and servers shown in  FIG. 2 . For the disclosed aspects, processing subsystems of processor  906  may include any subsystem used in conjunction with data point re-validation monitoring module  910  and related algorithms, sub-algorithms, modules, sub-modules thereof. 
     Computer platform  902  may additionally include communications module (not shown in  FIG. 4 ) embodied in hardware, firmware, software, and combinations thereof, that enables communications among the various components of the apparatus  900 , as well as between the other networked devices. Thus, communication module may include the requisite hardware, firmware, software and/or combinations thereof for establishing and maintaining a network communication connection. 
     The memory  904  of apparatus  900  stores data point re-validation monitoring module  910  which is configured to monitor, over time, or otherwise check the validation status of data points in a data record, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As discussed in relation to  FIG. 2 , in specific embodiments of the invention, the data point re-validation module  910  is implemented on a continuous basis  912  (i.e., daily or the like). In this regard, the re-validation or a portion of the re-validation may occur in real-time or near real-time depending the ability to access validation-related information in real-time or near real-time. In other embodiments of the invention, the data point re-validation monitoring module  910  is implemented on a periodic basis  914 , such as a predetermined scheduled basis. In such instances, certain validations/tests/checks included in the overall validation process may each have a specified predetermined schedule, such that, one or more specific validations/checks may occur more frequently (e.g., once a day, once a week, once a month or the like), while other specific validation/checks may occur less frequently (e.g., once every six months, once every year or the like). The frequency at which validations/checks are performed may depend on the level of importance of the data point, the ability to continually access the validation information and the any other relevant factors. 
     In other embodiments of the invention, the data point re-validation monitoring module  910  is configured to be implemented on a triggering event basis  916 , such that, notification of a triggering event automatically triggers/activates the data point re-validation monitoring module  910  for re-validating one or more of the data points in the data record. In specific embodiments, the type of triggering event may determine which data points in the data record are to be re-validated. For example, in those embodiments in which the data record is a contact record, notification of change in employers or employment status may be the triggering event that automatically results in re-validation of specific data points (e.g., email address, telephone number and the like) or, in some instances, re-validation of all of the data points that are configured for validation. 
     The data point re-validation module  310  is configured to monitor/check validation status  920 , which may, in certain embodiments include, validation of the existence of the data point to insure/verify that the data point currently exists (i.e., verification that an email address is still valid). In this regard the module  910  may be configured to generate and initiate communication of a validation existence request  922  that serves to verify the continued existence of the data point. For example, in those embodiments in which the data record is a contact record and the data point is an email address, the validation existence request  340  may be a call out to an email address checker that verifies the existence of the email address and/or the existence of the domain name. In response to communicating the validation existence request  922 , the module  910  receives a response that serves to either re-validate the data point or invalidate the data point. 
     In addition, the data point re-validation monitoring module  910  is configured to validate the association between an entity and the data point (i.e., in other words, validate that the data point is, in fact, currently associated and/or related to the entity, for example, in those embodiments in which the data record is a contact record and the data point is an email address, verify that the email address remains an email address held by or accessible to the entity/contact). In this regard the module  930  is configured to generate and initiate communication of a validation association request  930  that serves to verify the current association between the data point and the entity/contact. For example, in those embodiments in which the data record is a contact record and the data point is an email address, the re-validation association request  930  may be a test email  931  sent to the entity or an SMTP check  932  sent to the domain server. In other embodiments of the invention, in which the data record is a contact record and the data point is a telephone address, the re-validation association request  930  may be a text/SMS message  933  sent to the telephone number or an automated or non-automated voice call  934  made to the telephone number. In other embodiments, in which the data record is a contact record and the data point is a physical address, the re-validation association request  930  may be a mailing  935  to the physical address. In other embodiments, the re-validation association request  930  may take the form of any other  936  electronic or non-electronic communication. 
     In those embodiments in which the data point is an email address, a telephone number, physical address or the like, the test email  931 , text/SMS message  933 , voice call  934  or mailing  935  may include a numeric or alphanumeric re-validation code  938  or the like, which the recipient can provide in an email, text or voice call validation response  937  to validate that the email address, telephone number and/or physical address is associated with the entity. It should be noted that re-validation association request  930  nor response  937  does not need to be the same as the data point being validated. In other words, a physical address can be validated by sending an email request to the entity/contact, and the entity/contact may respond via text/SMS message. 
     In still further embodiments of the invention, monitoring/checking of validation status  920  may include accessing  940 , via the distributed communication network, information  372  that is associated/related to the entity (i.e., information that matches at least a portion of the data point). As previously discussed in relation to  FIG. 1 , such information  372  may be located/stored at public databases  600  (i.e., databases that are publically accessible and searchable absent password protection) or social media websites  700 , such as business-related social media websites and/or communal social media websites. 
     Once the information  372  has been accessed and/or retrieved from the databases  600  and/or websites  700 , a data analytics engine  942  is implemented to analyze the information  372  to determine if matches exist between the data point and the information  372 . In specific embodiments of the invention, a confidence level/score  944  may be determined based on the currency of the information matched to the data point, the completeness of the match(es), the volume of matches, the types of publically-accessible databases  600  and/or social media websites  700  from which the matched information came from and the like. In specific embodiments of the system, the confidence level/score may be compared to a threshold confidence level/score to determine if the data point can be deemed valid. Further, the data analytics engine  942  may be implemented in conjunction with a heuristics engine (not shown in  FIG. 4 ) that takes into account historical data associated with previous results of the data analytics engine as they apply to the entity and/or the specific data point being validated. 
     In specific embodiments of the invention, monitoring/checking validation status  920  may include a dormancy checker  950  that is configured to determine a current inactive use period  952  for a data point. For example, in those embodiments in which the data record is a contact record and the data point is an email address, the dormancy checker  950  may determine a current inactive use period  952  for the email account (i.e., the current period of time during which the entity has not accessed or used the email account). In specific embodiments of the invention a dormancy period threshold may be set, such that a dormancy period exceeding the threshold would result in invalidation of the data point. 
     The memory  304  of apparatus  300  may, in certain embodiments of the invention, store data point determination module  380  that is configured to automatically determine one or more data points. In specific embodiments of the invention, the data point determination module  380  is implemented to determine data points in response to determining an invalid data point(s)  382 . In other embodiments of the invention, the data point determination module  380  is implemented to determine, on a continual or periodic basis, additional valid data points  384  (e.g., additional email addresses, telephone numbers or the like currently used by the entity). Data point determination module  380  may be configured to determine valid data points by accessing  370 , via the distributed communication network, information  372  that is associated/related to the entity (i.e., information that matches at least a portion of the data point). As previously discussed above in relation to the validation process, such information  372  may be located/stored at public databases  600  (i.e., databases that are publically accessible and searchable absent password protection) or social media websites  700 , such as business-related social media websites and/or communal social media websites. 
     Once the information  372  has been accessed and/or retrieved from the databases  600  and/or websites  700 , a data analytics engine  386  is implemented to analyze the information  372  to determine if matches exist between the entity and/or validated data points associated with the entity and the information  372 . The data analytics engine  386  may the same data analytics engine  374  used for validating data points or it may be a stand-alone data analytics engine  386 . In specific embodiments of the invention, a confidence level/score  388  may be determined based on the completeness of the match(es), the volume of matches, the types of publically-accessible databases  600  and/or social media websites  700  from which the matched information came from, the date stamp associated with the matched information and the like. In specific embodiments of the system, the confidence level/score may be compared to a threshold confidence level/score to determine if matched information can be deemed a valid data point. Further, the data analytics engine  374  may be implemented in conjunction with a heuristics engine (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) that takes into account historical data associated with previous results of the data analytics engine as they apply to the entity and/or the specific data point being validated. In those embodiments in which the data point determination module  380  is implemented to determine additional valid data points  384  further data analytics  386  may be implemented to determine a usage priority for the same-type valid data points (e.g., which of the valid email addresses the entity/contact uses the most). 
     Thus, systems, apparatus, methods, and computer program products described above provide for automated validation monitoring, otherwise referred to as re-validation of data points within a data record. Specifically, embodiments of the invention provide for continuously and/or periodically monitoring or checking the validation of the association between the data point and a related entity. Moreover, in specific embodiments of the invention, in which monitored data points are determined to be invalid, valid data points may be automatically determined/identified. As such, the present invention provides an effective, efficient and accurate means for automatically monitoring the validation status of data points in a data record. 
     While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that this invention not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other changes, combinations, omissions, modifications and substitutions, in addition to those set forth in the above paragraphs, are possible. 
     Those skilled in the art may appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the just described embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.