The world is becoming increasingly digital, opening opportunities that previously didn’t exist. Today, it is possible to start a business almost anywhere in the world and instantly be capable of selling products across the globe.
Even the smallest company can compete with large multinational businesses, because the internet helps to level the playing field.
However, the digital age does bring with it additional risks. For example, with so much data stored online, it’s becoming increasingly easy for cybercriminals to steal data and ultimately identities.
Cybercriminals can also use false addresses to order goods and services. Combined with stolen credit cards, they can purchase items and receive them without paying anything.
That’s just one reason businesses need a good address verification firm, such as egon.com.
What Is Address Verification?
If someone creates an account online or in person, they will need to give the business their name and address, along with several other personal details.
Every business needs to be able to verify that the address is correct. This helps to ensure the account is genuine and protects the business.
Address verification software allows you to check or even complete an address. It simply looks at the inputted address and converts it into latitude and longitude. This allows it to analyze the location and confirm that the address is genuine.
Naturally, it also works the other way. Input the latitude and longitude and it will fill in the address on any form.
It can be used one address at a time, or it can be used to bulk verify addresses. It can even be used to help users input an address. Correctly configured, it will find the address from the postcode and input all the necessary details into the right fields.
Elements Of Address Verification
There are usually three elements to address verification. This can be handled differently but most software uses the following:
- Standardization
This simply takes the data provided and puts it into a preset format. The software will allow you to change the format depending on your preference for the location.
Standardization typically places the house number before the street name, then any extra information, followed by a postcode and town. It ensures all addresses look the same.
This element also handles abbreviations, such as shortening Saint to St, as well as recognizing that St could be the street name.
- Cleansing
Cleansing is an important part of the address verification process. Despite people’s best efforts it’s common to find spelling mistakes within an address. The cleansing element checks the address and automatically corrects any spelling issues.
- Supplementation
This element of address verification looks for any data missing and automatically updates it, if possible. For example, if someone has completed the address but not the postcode, the supplementation element will add the postcode.
It’s a useful way of ensuring you have a full address while checking that it’s valid.
Once all elements have been checked and adjusted you should have a complete address laid out in the way you want it. Best of all, it’s verified as valid.
When To Use Address Verification
Address verification is an excellent choice for any business as the software can help businesses confirm addresses are real and effectively protect themselves from cybercriminals. It also helps speed up the customer registration process as address details can be completed automatically.
Of course, there are many other uses for this software.
For example, postal systems will use address verification. It confirms where a letter or parcel is going and that the address is valid. This simple verification speeds up the processing and delivery times.
Alternatively, address verification software is used when undertaking an annual census or even when creating GPS maps. It can help the mapping system identify each building and add the right business names to any map.
Summing Up
Anyone can use address validation software. It’s cost-effective and easy to use. The software is also very efficient and accurate. If it says the address is genuine then it is.
All you need to get started is to select the right software and start a free trial. All the best software providers will support this, allowing you to see how useful and effective it is.
