As described above, that part of the search program that involves SSA-NAME3 is a two-step process. First, find all of the candidates for the search based on keys built from name or address. Second, match the candidate records with the search record to eliminate, match or rank.

This two-step process is the same whether the program is for online or batch use. There are of course other differences between online and batch search programs.

In an online application, the search transaction will come from a screen and the search results will typically be displayed back to that screen for a human to make a choice. The purpose of the online search is to show the searcher all of the relevant matches and display them in a way that best assists in the decision making process. What is considered "relevant" varies from application to application and will affect the Search Strategy used. Depending on the business purpose of the search, it may be useful to display both the "acceptable" matches(those that scored above the Accept threshold), as well as the "questionable" matches (those that scored between the Reject threshold and the Accept threshold).

In a batch application, the search transaction will typically come from a file or table. The purpose of batch search applications varies from the need to safely automatically match (example, discover duplicate customers, or link patient records), to doing the best possible auto-matching job allowing some degree of under or over-matching. For example, screening a prospect list against existing customers and do-not-mail lists, to the need to display all possible matches (example, looking for identity relationships in a fraud system). Again, the business purpose will affect the Search Strategy used. Search results may be written to an output file or report, or directly to a database table for review. In some cases, the "questionable" matches will need to be output separately for manual review.