How to create a Master selection custom rule

Learn how Delpha determines the Master Record during deduplication using sorting rules, fallback strategies, and supported field types.

How Master Record Selection Works in Delpha

When merging duplicate records, Delpha determines the Master Record using a defined sorting rule. The selected master record is the one from which field values are retained during the merge, unless overridden.

This article explains how to configure the Master Record selection rule, including available sorting options, supported field types, and fallback mechanisms.

Sorting Options

You can define how records in a duplicate pair are sorted using the following syntax in your Delpha Duplicate Settings:

➕ ASC or DESC

• ASC (default): Sorts in ascending order.

• DESC: Sorts in descending order.

➕ NULLS FIRST or NULLS LAST

• NULLS FIRST: Prioritizes records with null values.

• NULLS LAST (default): Prioritizes records with filled values.

Sorting and Data Types

• Picklists: Sorted using the picklist order defined in Salesforce Setup.

• Phone Fields: Sorted alphanumerically, ignoring formatting characters (dashes, parentheses).

• Currency Fields: Sorted using the corporate currency value.

⚠️ Not supported fields: Multi-select picklists, Rich text areas, Long text areas, and Encrypted fields (if enabled).

Reference: Salesforce SOQL ORDER BY

Examples

Example 1: Based on a numeric custom field

NBOfB2COpportunities__c DESC

Select the record with the highest number of B2C opportunities.

Example 2: Based on checkbox field

IsActive DESC

Select the record that is active (True = 1, False = 0).

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Fallback Mechanism

Always define fallback rules to handle tie-breaker scenarios.

Use a comma-separated list to define sorting order:

NBOfB2COpportunities__c DESC, IsActive DESC, CreatedDate ASC

Explanation:

1. Select the record with the most B2C opportunities.

2. If tied, choose the one marked active.

3. If still tied, select the one with the oldest creation date.

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Summary Table

Sort Type	Use Case
ASC	Lowest value first
DESC	Highest value first
NULLS FIRST	Prioritize records missing a value
NULLS LAST	Default — prioritize filled values
,	Use to create fallback rule chains