Expert Reasoning Pattern: Differentiating Similar Entities
Pattern
When two records have very similar names but different key identifiers (model numbers, version numbers, specification codes), they should be treated as distinct entities.
Application to Insurance
- Policy with same holder but different coverage dates → different policies
- Same risk type but different deductible → different coverage terms
- Same broker with different registration numbers → different legal entities
Exceptions
- Formatting differences only (hyphens, spaces, abbreviations) → same entity
- System-specific prefixes → same entity with different representation
- Historical name changes due to rebranding → same entity
Decision Framework
- Strip formatting differences
- Compare key identifiers (not just name)
- If identifiers match → same entity
- If identifiers differ → distinct entities
- If ambiguous → escalate to domain expert