Throughout my many years of leading tech companies, I’ve immersed myself in the varying shifts in technology’s job market.  However, the 2024 tech hiring market presents significant challenges for both companies and candidates, stemming from the rapid evolution of the industry, a shortage of skilled talent, workforce preferences for remote work options, increased competition, and a growing emphasis on cultural fit and soft skills.  To navigate these challenges successfully, finding strategic approaches for employers is crucial. 

Throughout my many years of leading tech companies, I’ve immersed myself in the varying shifts in technology’s job market. However, the 2024 tech hiring market presents significant challenges for both companies and candidates, stemming from the rapid evolution of the industry, a shortage of skilled talent, workforce preferences for remote work options, increased competition, and a growing emphasis on cultural fit and soft skills. To navigate these challenges successfully, finding strategic approaches for employers is crucial.<h2>2024 Hiring Market Challenges Snowball Effect</h2>When looking at the upcoming obstacles and recent experiences, I’ve noticed a sort of snowball pattern developing:Rapid Industry Changes:&nbsp;The tech industry's rapid evolution means that companies must continuously adapt hiring strategies to keep pace with new roles and skills emerging as a result of innovation.Skilled Talent Shortage: Rapid industry changes create a skilled talent shortage. Employers demand evolving skill sets like AI development, machine learning, and advanced data analytics. To stay "skilled," workers must engage in continuous education. The widening gap between required and available skills intensifies the challenge.Growing work-from-home preferences have further exacerbated the skilled talent shortage for companies lacking hybrid and work-from-home options. According to&nbsp;<a href="https://wfhresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/WFHResearch_updates_May2023.pdf">WFH Research</a>, “As of 2023, 11.5% of full-time employees work from home, while 28.8% work a hybrid model.”&nbsp; A report from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/remote-work-statistics/">FlexJobs&nbsp;</a>states that 97% of workers desired hybrid or fully remote options. The preference for flexible working environments is astoundingly high. Many companies lack the technological infrastructure to accommodate this, and many candidates struggle to find such work in their local markets.&nbsp;Increased Competition: Consequently, the tech industry, already known for its high turnover rates and competitive job market, will find it increasingly difficult to find and retain top talent.Cultural Fit and Soft Skills: Beyond technical prowess, aligning technically skilled candidates who also possess robust soft skills with a company's culture is crucial yet challenging, amplifying the hiring process's intricacies.With such an insurmountable hiring market snowball barreling towards you, making a quick and strategic plan is crucial for survival. I've tested many strategies to overcome these unique obstacles, but there are a few my team will be focusing on for 2024. Feel free to pull from my playbook.<h2>Strategies for Hiring Success in 2024</h2>Strengthen Local Employer Brand: Be sure to engage with the local community. One of the ways you can do this is to collaborate with educational institutions. We've offered scholarships at Brigham Young University and other local universities to help get us on the minds of future graduates.Another option would be to showcase your company culture to establish a strong local employer brand. We've had success advertising at BYU sporting events, making our name known to local talent.&nbsp;Beef Up Your Tech: To offer the highly sought-after remote work options, this will require a tech infrastructure and associated budget to support that process. Additionally, improved communication processes will need to be put into place. Fortunately, we invested heavily in our IT infrastructure, security, &amp; collaboration tools before the pandemic hit.&nbsp; With solid password management, device management, &amp; compliance policies in place, we sent our teams home in early 2020 with virtually no time lost in transition. Everyone grabbed their laptops and went home. Since then, flex days have been an easy transition and an excellent perk.Offer Competitive Benefits: Providing appealing benefits such as flexible hours, wellness programs, hybrid work options, and continued education opportunities empowers your candidates to feel that you care about them in more ways than just a nice salary. Your company is investing in your employee’s success. Not only will this make your company stand out to candidates, but should you hire them, they will also invest themselves in the success of your company as a result.&nbsp;Create a Growth Work Culture: Develop a company culture that values collaboration, innovation, and employee growth. Intentionally create a desirable workplace for skilled talent.&nbsp;One gratifying thing for me is that Smarty prides itself on being a fun place to work. I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again: creating a fun and productive environment has always been important for employee satisfaction and retention. Understanding coworkers as individuals with unique stories and dreams unlocks creativity and innovation, leading to better collaboration.Some successful and creative ways to do this are scheduling costume parties or themed dress-up days, regular offsite team-building activities like arcades and golfing, and hosting monthly team lunches. We also plan company retreats and enjoy visiting theme parks to bring out the “kid” in all of us. Being serious about having fun drives our work culture.Focus on Employee Retention: I cannot stress this enough: you should implement strategies to reduce turnover, implement employee feedback, and continuously improve the work environment. Smarty's dedication to ongoing employee training and skill development keeps our retention rates high.Smarty boasts an impressive 93% employee retention rate. The incredible rate is due to how we invest in the local talent we hire. <a href="/company/team">Our employees</a> work on interpersonal and interdepartmental communication as we provide opportunities for team-building exercises and off-site events.<h2>Conclusion</h2>What we are doing works for us, but every organization is unique. Although the upcoming year may seem daunting, by incorporating any of these strategies, you will improve your results.&nbsp;The right strategic approach can make it easy to be successful <a href="/company/careers">while looking for top talent</a>. By strengthening your brand locally, investing in remote-workable technology, creating a strong and fun work culture, and focusing on retaining the talent once you’ve hired them, you’re sure to get the job done.&nbsp;

Navigate 2024 tech hiring challenges with strategic planning, embracing remote work and cultural fit, and ensuring your company stays competitive.

How Tech Companies Can Succeed in the 2024 Hiring Market

PROVO, Utah, April 10, 2024 –&nbsp;Smarty, the address data intelligence leader, announces today the launch of US GeoReference Data, a set of updates to Smarty's US Address Enrichment solutions.  US GeoReference Data is a cloud-native solution that will allow organizations to append the geographic data found in U. S.  Census Block and Tract information into accurately geocoded addresses. &nbsp;Smarty’s US GeoReference Data offers a simple and rapid solution for accessing essential geographic details such as Census Blocks, Tracts, location names, statuses, and additional Census ID information—mirroring the capabilities of the FFIEC Geocode tool. 

PROVO, Utah, April 10, 2024 –&nbsp;<a href="/">Smarty</a>, the address data intelligence leader, announces today the launch of US GeoReference Data, a set of updates to Smarty's US Address Enrichment solutions. US GeoReference Data is a cloud-native solution that will allow organizations to append the geographic data found in U.S. Census Block and Tract information into accurately geocoded addresses.&nbsp;Smarty’s US GeoReference Data offers a simple and rapid solution for accessing essential geographic details such as Census Blocks, Tracts, location names, statuses, and additional Census ID information—mirroring the capabilities of the <a href="/articles/ffiec-geocoding">FFIEC Geocode</a> tool. Organizations utilize this data to aggregate demographic information for crucial business decisions, ensure compliance with government regulations, assess loan eligibility, refine tax calculations, explore new sales territories, and distinguish between incorporated and unincorporated areas.Using Smarty's US GeoReference Data, users will gain access to informative data points like:<ul><li>Census 2020 Block ID (15-character numeric ID or a nested subset depending upon geocoding accuracy)</li><li>Census Place names and Census Place IDs for incorporated and unincorporated communities</li><li>Census Civil Division (CCD) names and CCD IDs</li><li>Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA) Names and IDs</li></ul><blockquote>“Our US GeoReference Data will be a great asset for our clients. This is especially true for those businesses in the financial and healthcare industries," said <a href="/company/team/berk-charlton">Berkley Charlton</a>, Chief Product Officer at Smarty. "This dataset utilizes the accuracy of Smarty's US Rooftop Geocoding, which can pinpoint census Blocks and Tracts with precision, making compliance with governmental regulations easy."</blockquote>Each US GeoReference Data plan uses Smarty's US Rooftop Geocoding. This means 100% of the addresses entered by users will be verified and standardized for superior data quality. Moreover, Smarty's US GeoReference Data utilizes SmartyKey™, a persistent unique identifier. SmartKey makes relating data and blending address intelligence a breeze and eliminates duplicate and alias addresses to maximize accuracy.&nbsp;<blockquote>"An ongoing challenge for many of our clients is connecting Census data to addresses in a timely manner," said <a href="/company/team/jonathan-oliver">Jonathan Oliver, Founder and CEO of Smarty</a>. "With US GeoReference Data, not only will organizations be able to connect crucial Census demographic data to a verified address, but they'll also be able to process billions of addresses at incredible speeds."&nbsp;</blockquote>For more information, visit&nbsp;the GeoReference product page <a href="/products/us-georeference-data">here</a>.

Smarty launches US GeoReference Data, enhancing US Address Enrichment with precise Census Block and Tract integration for smarter business decisions.

Smarty Launches US GeoReference Data, Providing the Easiest, Most Accurate API Needed To Access Census Tract and Block

Lawyers get a bad rap. Lawyers have been around for a long time, and when you're this old, you're bound to collect your fair share of good and bad.  It's true, ask your grandpa. We've got records of people described as "lawyers" going back to ancient Greece, Rome, and the Byzantines.  These first individuals were folks who were asked to speak for the accused because those under scrutiny were—understandably so—shaken up by the situation.  It went from someone who was your friend and did you a favor by speaking on your behalf to someone who knew all of the laws, and you'd hire them to speak eloquently for you. 

Lawyers get a bad rap.Lawyers have been around for a long time, and when you're this old, you're bound to collect your fair share of good and bad. It's true, ask your grandpa.We've got records of people described as "lawyers" going back to ancient Greece, Rome, and the Byzantines. These first individuals were folks who were asked to speak for the accused because those under scrutiny were—understandably so—shaken up by the situation. It went from someone who was your friend and did you a favor by speaking on your behalf to someone who knew all of the laws, and you'd hire them to speak eloquently for you.Things progressed through the Middle Ages, and lawyers developed an oath, a legal profession, and space travel.Ok, that last part isn't probably accurate. But what do we know? We're into addresses and have a great legal team that ensures our customers get the best contract protections when purchasing our software.Ultimately, a lawyer's goal is to ensure that people are represented accurately and safely in legal matters. And that's worth celebrating, don't you think?<img src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/be_kind_to_lawyers_day_448_336_f3872f1273.webp" alt="Gianmarco is the coolest lawyer" height="336" width="448">We love our resident lawyer,&nbsp;<a href="/company/team/gianmarco-rosborough">Gianmarco Rosborough</a>. With over two decades of experience practicing law, Gianmarco's team ensures Smarty remains compliant with all business, employment, and contractual obligations.&nbsp;The legal team provides&nbsp;<a href="/legal">legal advice</a> for&nbsp;<a href="/legal/terms-of-service">licensing agreements</a>, purchases, risk management, and adherence to data&nbsp;<a href="/legal/privacy-policy">privacy</a> laws, which protects our company and our clients. They also oversee third-party auditing of our&nbsp;<a href="/legal/approach-to-security">security controls</a>, business continuity, and disaster recovery.Who is the legal team at Smarty, you ask?Working with our attorney Gianmarco, we have&nbsp;<a href="/company/team/carrie-blair">Carrie Blair</a>, Supervisor of Legal Operations,&nbsp;<a href="/company/team/jefferson-barrett">Jefferson Barrett</a>, Compliance Specialist, and Melissa Wright, our Legal Admin.Together, they’re a powerhouse team that gets things done and keeps everyone legally safe. It's that kind of work that makes International Be Kind to Lawyers Day so special.Like most of the lawyers in your life, Gianmarco's experience extends beyond legal duties. He's previously worked as a project manager, a mortgage loan officer, and a teacher. His mission is to help others achieve excellence, and he's instrumental in serving the needs of our employees and customers.Gianmarco, and all lawyers, are people too. They deserve kindness, respect, grace, and dignity.So today, on International Be Kind to Lawyers Day, let's try to make their lives better, easier, and happier. Avoid criminal activity, including (but not limited to) money laundering, insider trading, bribery, or fraud. And check out Smarty's address solutions!

Meet Smarty's dedicated legal team, champions of compliance and client protection. On Be Kind to Lawyers Day, let's honor their pivotal role.

International Be Kind to Lawyers Day

In a recent webinar, Berk Charlton, Chief Product Officer at Smarty, provided an in-depth look at our industry-leading address intelligence suite designed to provide highly accurate geocoding and address validation. Here are the main points Berk covered during the session:Comprehensive Product Suite: Smarty offers a wide range of products, including&nbsp;address validation,&nbsp;rooftop geocoding,&nbsp;global address auto-complete, and&nbsp;address data enrichment.  These tools are designed to handle various aspects of address management and enhancement in industries from&nbsp;Insurance to&nbsp;Healthcare to&nbsp;Telecom and more. 

In a recent webinar, Berk Charlton, Chief Product Officer at Smarty, provided an in-depth look at our industry-leading address intelligence suite designed to provide highly accurate geocoding and address validation.Here are the main points Berk covered during the session:<blockquote>Comprehensive Product Suite: Smarty offers a wide range of products, including&nbsp;<a href="/products/us-address-verification">address validation</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/products/us-rooftop-geocoding">rooftop geocoding</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/products/international-address-autocomplete">global address auto-complete</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="/products/us-property-data">address data enrichment</a>. These tools are designed to handle various aspects of address management and enhancement in industries from&nbsp;<a href="/solutions/p-and-c-insurance">Insurance</a> to&nbsp;<a href="/solutions/healthcare">Healthcare</a> to&nbsp;<a href="/solutions/telecom">Telecom</a> and more.Global Coverage and Fast Lookups: Smarty is known for our global coverage, capable of standardizing and validating addresses from&nbsp;<a href="/products/apis/international-street-api">around the world</a>. Additionally, we're known for our&nbsp;<a href="/articles/geocoding-api-comparison">exceptionally fast lookup speeds</a>, facilitating quick data processing for millions of addresses at a time.Hyper-Accurate Geocoding: A significant focus of the webinar was on Smarty's&nbsp;<a href="/docs/geocoding-accuracy">hyper-accurate geocoding</a>, which ensures the highest possible level of accuracy, aiming for building rooftop level precision. Smarty technology provides true rooftop geocoding for the majority of addresses, not merely parcel centroid. This means we have some extra things running under the hood to identify the roof of the building, no matter where it’s found on the property. Because accuracy matters!&nbsp;Cloud-Based Solution: Smarty's services are cloud-based, offering convenience and efficiency. This eliminates the need for on-premise systems and the associated maintenance, while still providing speed and scalability. You may want to check out this article if you're still on the fence about <a href="/blog/cloud-geocoding-vs-on-premise">moving to or using a cloud geocoding service</a>.Unique Address Identification: Berk discussed the importance of unique and persistent location identifiers for each address, which remain stable over time despite changes in street names, ZIP Codes, or other address components. Smarty uses a unique key (<a href="/articles/address-key-persistent-unique-identifiers-puid">SmartyKey™</a>) for this purpose.Data Linking Capabilities: Smarty allows for the linking of other data sources to a unique address identifier, enabling fast and efficient data analysis without the need for real-time spatial processing. This feature is beneficial for integrating additional datasets and performing complex analyses with ease.Customer Support and Documentation: Smarty is committed to providing excellent documentation and customer support, ensuring users can implement and utilize the service effectively. We think we've got&nbsp;<a href="/blog/best-in-biz-awards-2023-support-department">the best support team</a> in the world.</blockquote>If you'd like to try out our Geocoding tools for yourself, you can&nbsp;<a href="/contact">request free lookups</a> or try the&nbsp;<a href="/products/us-rooftop-geocoding">online demo</a> at any time.If you'd like to view the full recording of the webinar, you can do so here:<figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://youtu.be/kfyJx2uLEN0"><div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kfyJx2uLEN0" style="position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></figure>

Discover Smarty's advanced address intelligence with Berk Charlton, featuring global geocoding and cloud-based solutions for seamless operations now.


Navigating the Future: Geocoding & Address Data Trends in the Cloud

In the growing world of ecommerce, providing a seamless checkout experience is key for customer satisfaction and conversion rates. Fabletics, a leading activewear brand, embarked on a conversion-improving journey with Smarty to enhance their checkout process.  We recently hosted a webinar filled with insights from&nbsp;Mel Cummings, Vice President of Product Management and UX at Fabletics. Unlocking Ecommerce SuccessConsider this common scenario: your customer is navigating through an online checkout process, only to be thwarted by an error, often related to address entry. 

In the growing world of ecommerce, providing a seamless checkout experience is key for customer satisfaction and conversion rates.<a href="https://www.fabletics.com/">Fabletics</a>, a leading activewear brand, embarked on a conversion-improving journey with Smarty to enhance their checkout process. We recently hosted a webinar filled with insights from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/melaniencummings">Mel Cummings</a>, Vice President of Product Management and UX at Fabletics.Unlocking Ecommerce SuccessConsider this common scenario: your customer is navigating through an online checkout process, only to be thwarted by an error, often related to address entry. This frustration isn't trivial; it can lead people away from a purchase and potentially leave a bad taste in their mouths about your company.The consequence? A significant portion of consumers abandon their carts, leading to lost opportunities and, more importantly, a potential loss of customer loyalty.This challenge is particularly pronounced in mobile commerce, where the majority of interactions occur. With limited screen real estate and the inherent complexities of typing on mobile devices, the probability of errors—often referred to as 'fat-fingering'—skyrockets.For Fabletics, this posed a tremendous risk to the 80% of their customers who use mobile devices to shop. By simplifying the address entry process, they not only mitigate the risk of errors but also significantly expedite the checkout process, thereby directly contributing to enhanced conversion rates.Fabletics' Journey with SmartyThe hypothesis was straightforward yet ambitious: by simplifying the online checkout and offering an expedited, hassle-free flow, Fabletics could notably improve conversion rates and, equally important, enhance their members' satisfaction.To do this, they identified three core objectives.&nbsp;<ol><li>Increase conversion rates / minimize cart abandonment</li><li>Increase successful deliveries / decrease returned packages</li><li>Increase customer satisfaction</li></ol>Incorrect address entries not caught by existing verification systems led to undelivered packages and, subsequently, a cascade of customer service interactions to rectify these issues. This was more than an operational hiccup; it was a&nbsp;direct threat to the brand experience, particularly detrimental to the first impressions of new customers.A single mishap in delivery can tarnish the meticulously built trust and rapport with a member.To address these challenges, they recognized the need for a robust address auto-complete solution, one that could seamlessly integrate into the checkout flow, enhancing accuracy and efficiency. After a thorough market analysis and a detailed Request for Proposal (RFP) process, Smarty emerged as the ideal partner. Smarty's user-friendly approach, coupled with comprehensive support and a track record of reliability, aligned perfectly with Fabletics' needs.The ResultsThe integration of Smarty's robust address autocomplete solution into Fabletics' checkout process led to impressive results that far exceeded expectations. Across the board, from global markets to specific regions, the uplift in conversion rates was not just notable; it was groundbreaking.Starting with the global footprint, the German market experienced a significant 3.6% lift in conversion rates. France followed suit with a 1.6% increase. These initial results were promising, showcasing the positive impact of the address autocomplete solution on enhancing the checkout experience for members.<img src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/fabletics_ecommerce_conversion_rate_international_c0f2963944.webp" alt="fabletics-ecommerce-conversion-rate-international.webp">However, the truly remarkable success stories emerged from Canada and Spain. In Canada, they saw an astounding 15% lift in conversion rates. Spain mirrored this success with a 9.6% increase in conversions.Turning to the United States, the results continued to impress. The lead conversion rate for male customers saw a 2.4% increase, while the shapewear customer segment increased by 2.8%. These figures were particularly encouraging, given that these segments represented relatively new expansions within Fabletics' brand portfolio.Beyond the immediate uplift in conversions, the long-term benefits of integrating Smarty's address autocomplete solution have been equally impressive."We've managed to sustain the increased conversion rates and, importantly, reduce transaction times, continuously enhancing the shopping experience for customers," Mel said.Key Takeaways for Ecommerce BusinessesFor businesses considering similar enhancements, the key advice is to conduct a thorough internal analysis, including the examination of costs associated with misdelivered packages and customer service overheads. This data-driven approach can help quantify the potential ROI of implementing address intelligence solutions. You can watch the full recording and breakdown of Fabletics’ journey here:<figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://youtu.be/cqDrDVB5VQQ"><div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cqDrDVB5VQQ" style="position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></figure>

Explore Fabletics' journey to higher conversions with Smarty's address autocomplete. Gain insights on enhancing checkouts from Mel Cummings at Fabletics now.

Unlocking Ecommerce Success: Fabletics' Journey with Address Autocomplete

March 18 marks a bit of an awkward holiday: Awkward Moments Day.  It's a day that celebrates those times that make you cringe, moments that make you face-palm, and stories that wake you up at 4 in the morning thinking, "Ugh! Why did I do that?" Although these moments can be uncomfortable, it's helpful to remember that everyone has them, and if they say they don't … We know they’re lying. &nbsp;It's also helpful to remember that these embarrassing stories can help us learn and do better the next time around. 

March 18 marks a bit of an awkward holiday: Awkward Moments Day. It's a day that celebrates those times that make you cringe, moments that make you face-palm, and stories that wake you up at 4 in the morning thinking, "Ugh! Why did I do that?" Although these moments can be uncomfortable, it's helpful to remember that everyone has them, and if they say they don't … We know they’re lying.&nbsp;It's also helpful to remember that these embarrassing stories can help us learn and do better the next time around. While nothing we can do will ever prevent us from these awkward moments, here at Smarty, we can pass along a helpful tip that can save you embarrassment at work and in business.Picture this - A carefully planned marketing campaign is ready to launch, targeting hundreds, if not thousands, of potential customers. The brochures are eye-catching, the message is compelling, and everyone is excited. But there's a snag. You’re dealing with inaccurate, or outdated address data and a significant portion of the mail returns undelivered.&nbsp;This results in wasted time on behalf of you and your team This snag also leads to wasted money and resources. Having someone walk up to your desk every day handing off a stack of returned mail can be embarrassing.Similarly, picture a delivery service confidently heading out to deliver a parcel, only to find that the address is incomplete, incorrect, simply doesn't exist, or requires the delivery service to have to hunt for the correct address, if it's even there. We’ve all been on the receiving end of that scenario.&nbsp;We keep checking our porch because they said the package would be there yesterday, but it still isn't here! How annoying! how frustrating! The resulting phone calls, anxiety, and awkward apologies are best avoided.These scenarios aren't just hypothetical. In a world where packages are sent worldwide constantly, the quality of your address data can significantly impact your business's efficiency, reputation, and bottom line. Bad address data doesn't just lead to operational inefficiencies and financial losses; it can also result in awkward and embarrassing moments for your employees and brand.This Awkward Moments Day, let Smarty help you by ensuring crazy fast and&nbsp;<a href="/articles/address-data">crazy accurate address data</a>. When we say crazy fast, we mean&nbsp;<a href="/docs/ludicrous-speed">CRAZY FAST</a>. Investing in reliable address validation and&nbsp;<a href="/articles/data-management">data management</a> solutions can help avoid these uncomfortable situations. Not only do our solutions ensure your communications and deliveries reach their intended destinations, but they also safeguard your business from the potential awkwardness of bad data.&nbsp;Smarty's&nbsp;<a href="/products/us-address-autocomplete">autocomplete</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/products/us-address-verification">address verification</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/products/us-rooftop-geocoding">geocode service</a>, and more can handle insane amounts of addresses and give you the ease of mind that comes with knowing you’re reaching your customers. Not only that, but Smarty will aid in ensuring easy and streamlined operations.So, as we celebrate the awkwardest of holidays, let's commit to reducing unnecessary awkwardness in our professional lives. Ensuring your address data is accurate, verified, and reliable is a step towards smoother operations, satisfied customers, and, most importantly, fewer red-faced moments for everyone involved.&nbsp;After all, while some awkward moments make for good stories, others are best avoided altogether, especially in the world of business.

Avoid awkward business errors with Smarty's accurate address tools. Ensure smooth operations and customer satisfaction with reliable solutions. Check it out!

Avoid Awkward Moments with Smarty's Accurate Data

Meet Dirk, Smarty's very own Swiss Army knife, with a smile.  Officially, our Operations Engineer Team Lead, he's our go-to guru for IT, building management, APIs, and more.  He’s also known around the office for running the&nbsp;movie script reading group (A group of Smarty workers who spend their lunch reading through well-known and classic movie scripts. ).  Picture him as the superhero of systems, ensuring everything runs like a well-oiled machine, providing that smooth, worry-free experience for us here and our customers at Smarty. 

Meet Dirk, Smarty's very own Swiss Army knife, with a smile. Officially, our Operations Engineer Team Lead, he's our go-to guru for IT, building management, APIs, and more. He’s also known around the office for running the&nbsp;<a href="/blog/inside-smarty-unique-culture#:~:text=something%20truly%20unique.-,Lunchtime%20Movie%20Script%20Reading,-Imagine%20you%27re%20in">movie script reading group</a> (A group of Smarty workers who spend their lunch reading through well-known and classic movie scripts.). Picture him as the superhero of systems, ensuring everything runs like a well-oiled machine, providing that smooth, worry-free experience for us here and our customers at Smarty.But wait, there's more to Dirk than just his IT wizardry. Are you stuck in a pickle? Dirk's your man. Need something fixed, built, or creatively solved? He's your real-life MacGyver, minus the mullet. Always armed with a can-do attitude that could put Disneyland to shame, Dirk turns every situation into "the happiest place on Earth." So, if you're ever in a bind, just remember: Dirk's here to bring a bit of that Disneyland magic, one fix at a time.Let's dive in and get to know&nbsp;<a href="/company/team/dirk-whatcott">Dirk Whatcott</a>.<img src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/rocking_chair_made_by_dirk_384x512_c9e9946dbe.webp" alt="A chair that Dirk hand made" height="512" width="384"> Explain to a 10-year-old. What do you do at Smarty?I control access to things and keep our software up-to-date.<h2>What is the most surprising thing you learned about addresses after joining Smarty?</h2>Addresses can be more complex than imagined.<h2>What challenges do you face in your job role at Smarty?</h2>Making sure every request is addressed.<img src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/1968_Ford_Torino_448x336_3d2f591410.webp" alt="Dirks 1968 Ford Torino" height="336" width="448"><h2>Do you have any completely irrelevant skills or talents?</h2>I can make a hanger do amazing things.<h2>What has been your most joyous discovery?</h2>Things turn out best for the people who make the best out of the way things turn out.<h2>What do you think makes our company culture unique, and how do you contribute to maintaining that culture?</h2>Focus on people and make them feel appreciated.<h2>What strategies do you use to build strong working relationships?</h2>Striving to capture things that need to be done by me and then reviewing and doing said things. I like to do what I say I am going to do.<img src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/dirk_and_spouse_smarty_disneyland_384x512_38b60307ce.webp" alt="Dirk and his spouse at Disney" height="512" width="384">In simple terms, Dirk is the heart of Smarty, wearing many hats and always ready to lend a hand. Whether it's fixing a technical glitch or just making the day brighter, he's the go-to guy. His knack for solving problems and his constant cheerfulness make him a key player on our team, ensuring everything runs smoothly and everyone stays happy.<a href="/company/careers">Visit our careers</a> page to explore exciting opportunities to join the Smarty team.

Meet Dirk, Smarty's Operations Engineer Team Lead, known for problem-solving and a positive spirit. Discover his impact on Smarty's culture and operations.

Inside Smarty - Dirk Whatcott

In a recent webinar, we brought in our Product Marketing Manager,&nbsp;Ryan Muir, to delve into the transformative potential of Smarty's property data solutions for the&nbsp;insurance sector. Before his work with Smarty, Ryan was a licensed insurance agent for a Property and Casualty (P&amp;C) insurance provider.  During his tenure, he worked closely with underwriters, brokers, agencies, and even program managers, giving him a comprehensive understanding of how insurance teams and companies utilize property data. 

In a recent webinar, we brought in our Product Marketing Manager,&nbsp;<a href="/company/team/ryan-muir">Ryan Muir</a>, to delve into the transformative potential of Smarty's property data solutions for the&nbsp;<a href="/solutions/p-and-c-insurance">insurance sector</a>.Before his work with Smarty, Ryan was a licensed insurance agent for a Property and Casualty (P&amp;C) insurance provider. During his tenure, he worked closely with underwriters, brokers, agencies, and even program managers, giving him a comprehensive understanding of how insurance teams and companies utilize property data.Access to accurate and comprehensive property data is crucial in the insurance landscape.&nbsp;<a href="/products/us-property-data">Smarty's property data solutions</a> offer a transformative approach for insurers, providing over 350 attributes, including ownership details, structural information, locational insights, and more.&nbsp;<img src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/350_property_data_points_448_252_795e015cc8.webp" alt="350-property-data-points-448-252.webp" width="448" height="252">&nbsp;This wealth of data is pivotal across various insurance processes, from underwriting and compliance to claims management and premium assessment."Property data takes a holistic look at the data that can be found on a property, whether that's the structural information, locational information, the amenities and things like that." - Ryan Muir.Accurate property data addresses common challenges insurers face, such as incomplete applications and the inaccuracies often found in self-reported information. By integrating Smarty's property data, insurance companies can significantly enhance the precision of their operations, leading to improved risk assessment and more accurate policy pricing.&nbsp;<img src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/prefill_applications_448_252_9ff686a105.webp" alt="prefill-applications-448-252.webp" height="252" width="448">&nbsp;The benefits extend further into fraud detection, where detailed property attributes allow insurers to verify the accuracy of claims and applications, thereby mitigating risk and potential losses. Similarly, the data aids in identifying underinsured properties, ensuring that policy coverage accurately reflects the property's value and characteristics."Addresses are crucial for the insurance industry. And it really touches every part of it, from program development and underwriting compliance to claims and eligibility and determining premiums." - Ryan Muir.For catastrophe modeling and portfolio evaluation, Smarty's property data proves invaluable. Insurers can leverage this data to gain insights into potential risks and vulnerabilities within their portfolio, enabling proactive risk management and disaster preparedness. Additionally, customer profiling becomes more targeted and effective with the rich insights derived from comprehensive property data, allowing for more personalized and competitive insurance offerings.&nbsp;<img src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/catastrophe_modeling_448_252_7c4415a941.webp" alt="catastrophe-modeling-448-252.webp" width="448" height="252">&nbsp;To fully grasp the potential of Smarty's property data in revolutionizing insurance operations and enhancing customer service, you can get 15 free property lookups. Simply complete&nbsp;<a href="/contact?interest=us-property-data">this form</a>, and we can get you set up.Are you interested in learning more about the property data available? Watch the full webinar recording below.<figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://youtu.be/kjgu-MMWsT8"><div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kjgu-MMWsT8" style="position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></figure>

Learn how Smarty's property data revolutionizes insurance, enhancing underwriting and risk. Watch Ryan Muir showcase the awesome insights now!

How to Get Better Property Data for Insurance	

In a recent webinar, we showed how address data tools help managers improve business performance in the following areas:Network PlanningAsset ManagementCustomer Acquisition and RetentionData BlendingMail and Parcel DeliveryFraud Reduction1.  Network PlanningAccurate address data plays a critical role in overcoming network planning challenges.  We presented solutions at each of the following steps in the network planning process:&nbsp;Clean existing address data with&nbsp;US Address VerificationKeep incoming data clean with&nbsp;US Address AutocompleteMap all addresses using our&nbsp;US Master Address List and hyper-accurate&nbsp;US Rooftop GeocodingAdd context to maps with&nbsp;enriched US Property DataAnalyze, get spatial insights, and make confident business decisions&nbsp;2. 

In a recent webinar, we showed how address data tools help managers improve business performance in the following areas:<ol><li>Network Planning</li><li>Asset Management</li><li>Customer Acquisition and Retention</li><li>Data Blending</li><li>Mail and Parcel Delivery</li><li>Fraud Reduction</li></ol><h2>1. Network Planning</h2>Accurate address data plays a critical role in overcoming network planning challenges. We presented solutions at each of the following steps in the network planning process:&nbsp;<ol><li>Clean existing address data with&nbsp;<a href="/products/us-address-verification">US Address Verification</a></li><li>Keep incoming data clean with&nbsp;<a href="/products/us-address-autocomplete">US Address Autocomplete</a></li><li>Map all addresses using our&nbsp;<a href="/products/us-master-address-list">US Master Address List</a> and hyper-accurate&nbsp;<a href="/products/us-rooftop-geocoding">US Rooftop Geocoding</a></li><li>Add context to maps with&nbsp;<a href="/products/us-property-data">enriched US Property Data</a></li><li>Analyze, get spatial insights, and make confident business decisions&nbsp;</li></ol><h2>2. Asset Management</h2>For telecom and internet companies, asset management hinges on precise location data to deploy and maintain network infrastructure efficiently. A case study about alias addresses was presented to illustrate the challenges of accounting for network assets. We talked about&nbsp;<a href="/smartykey-faq">SmartyKey™</a>, a persistent unique identifier, as an efficient way of resolving address alias issues.<h2>3. Customer Acquisition and Retention</h2>In his book, ‘An Introduction to Urban Geographic Information Systems’, William Huxhold found that 80% of all data has a spatial component, which can be good news for marketers looking to pinpoint advertising, such as mailings and billboards. We also explored how&nbsp;<a href="/products/us-property-data">enriched address data</a>, a combination of property and census information, helps build a 360-degree view of the customer.Additionally, we made the correlation between customer experience and retention and offered techniques for leveraging address data to improve experiences at pre and post-purchase.<h2>4. Data Blending</h2>Telecom and internet companies often have massive amounts of data entering multiple silos from multiple sources. Address data oftentimes conflicts from one incoming source to the next.Despite these challenges, address verification makes it simple to standardize addresses in all silos. And SmartyKey™ makes it even easier to identify aliases. With a standardized address identified for each alias, data managers can easily&nbsp;<a href="/articles/data-consolidation-and-merging-datasets">blend data</a> into one squeaky-clean source of address truth.<h2>5. Mail and Parcel Delivery</h2>Addresses entered online often contain mistakes, a problem compounded by increasing mobile use. However, address verification and autocomplete help ensure accurate deliveries, cutting shipping costs, duplicate handling, customer service issues, and churn.Depending on the size of a database, the operational savings in mail and parcel delivery can be hundreds of thousands of dollars per year. One Smarty customer reported, “We saw our undeliverable shipping rate fall from 5% to less than 1%, which represents a ton of savings for us.”<h2>&nbsp;6. Fraud Reduction</h2>Unfortunately, fraud is common among telecom and internet companies, amounting to a 2 percent loss of revenues for some. However, address verification and autocomplete can help detect fraudulent attempts early on, including schemes such as subscription, credit score, and offer fraud.You can view the entire webinar recording below if you'd like to learn more about how internet and telecom companies benefit from quality address data. Also, feel free to&nbsp;<a href="/pricing">try Smarty yourself</a>.<figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://youtu.be/mlmFAOVnurk"><div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mlmFAOVnurk" style="position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></figure>

Explore address data's impact on business efficiency in our webinar. Learn about address verification and geocoding benefits for telecoms. Check it out now!

6 Ways Telecom & Internet Companies Leverage Address Data

In a world where the lines between digital and physical spaces blur, the health of our computers has a massive impact on our productivity and overall ability to perform well at work. &nbsp;Clean Out Your Computer Day, observed on the second Monday of February, is the perfect opportunity to ensure that we declutter and optimize our virtual spaces.  Just as we regularly clean our homes and offices, this day underscores the importance of maintaining a streamlined, efficient computer setup. The Digital Declutter: Where to StartStarting with the basics, sift through your files and programs. 

In a world where the lines between digital and physical spaces blur, the health of our computers has a massive impact on our productivity and overall ability to perform well at work.&nbsp;Clean Out Your Computer Day, observed on the second Monday of February, is the perfect opportunity to ensure that we declutter and optimize our virtual spaces. Just as we regularly clean our homes and offices, this day underscores the importance of maintaining a streamlined, efficient computer setup.<h2>The Digital Declutter: Where to Start</h2>Starting with the basics, sift through your files and programs. Old documents, unused apps, and forgotten downloads can clog your system, slowing down your computer.&nbsp;Organize your files into clearly named folders, and uninstall programs that no longer serve a purpose. Don't overlook your desktop; a cluttered desktop can be a source of distraction and stress.It's also necessary to address your digital hygiene by updating your software and running security scans. Outdated software hampers performance and leaves you vulnerable to security threats. Regular updates and a reliable antivirus program are your best defenses against system vulnerabilities.<h2>Deep Cleaning: Beyond the Surface</h2>Deep cleaning your computer goes beyond file management and software updates. It involves reviewing your email subscriptions and clearing your cache to enhance browser performance. Consider also cleaning your computer's physical components, such as the keyboard and screen, which can accumulate dust and grime.Keeping your computer clean helps it run better and last longer. Dust can block the cooling fans inside, making your computer overheat and slow down. It's similar to cleaning air filters in your home to keep the air moving freely.Cleaning your keyboard and screen also eliminates germs, making your workspace healthier. So, a clean computer means a faster, more reliable machine and a healthier environment. Plus, this way, you don't gross out your co-workers when they come to your desk and see chip dust and a three-month-old peanut floating around your workspace.<h2>The Role of Clean Data</h2>In our data-driven world, the cleanliness of digital information is paramount. Accurate and clean data is non-negotiable for professionals relying on address data, geocoding, or property attributes. This is where tools and services like those provided by Smarty come into play.&nbsp;Just as you declutter your computer, using <a href="/articles/address-cleansing">accurate data cleaning tools</a> ensures the information you rely on is precise, up-to-date, and relevant. Using our US address verification tool, international address tool, bulk address tool, or any of our address APIs automatically cleans address data, ensuring clean, accurate, and verified address data.&nbsp;&nbsp;Clean data is the backbone of effective decision-making and operational efficiency in any data-centric task.<h2>A Fresh Start</h2>Clean Out Your Computer Day is more than a nudge to tidy up your digital files; it's an opportunity for a fresh start. It's about enhancing your digital experience, safeguarding your information, and, by extension, boosting your productivity and peace of mind.&nbsp;By embracing the principles of this day and incorporating tools to ensure the cleanliness and accuracy of your data, you set the stage for a more organized, efficient, and secure digital life.Clean Out Your Computer Day is a reminder that a well-maintained computer leads to smoother digital experiences, and having precise, tidy data is key to navigating our online world effectively. Here's to a smoother, faster, and more secure digital journey ahead!

Enhance your digital workspace: Streamline and protect your environment this Clean Out Your Computer Day. Find out the benefits of a clean computer now!

A Fresh Start: Clean Out Your Computer Day

We recently hosted a webinar where Brent Francom and Jeffrey Duncan, two of our Product Managers, talked about the lessons we learned and the improvements we've made in 2023. Here are the highlights. When you process so many addresses, you see things. We processed 327 billion+ addresses in 2023, equating to nearly 900 million per day or over 10,000 per second. When you process that many addresses, you find many funny and interesting ones.  We keep a "Wall of Shame" with funny and malformed addresses that somehow validate. 

We recently hosted a webinar where Brent Francom and Jeffrey Duncan, two of our Product Managers, talked about the lessons we learned and the improvements we've made in 2023.Here are the highlights.<h3>When you process so many addresses, you see things.</h3>We processed 327 billion+ addresses in 2023, equating to nearly 900 million per day or over 10,000 per second.When you process that many addresses, you find many funny and interesting ones. We keep a "Wall of Shame" with funny and malformed addresses that somehow validate.For Example: 11 Go Away St.Too Lazy 2 RoadThis is what happens when you process billions of addresses every week!<h3>Additional Non-Postal addresses.</h3>We continue to grow our non-postal/non-USPS addresses, and in 2023, that number rose to 20 million.Non-postal addresses are valid addresses that are not serviced by the USPS but still exist. Many validation tools don’t provide this information.These allow you to reach more customers, like in rural areas without USPS delivery. Another use would be addresses to places that don't have a mailbox, like cell towers or construction sites.<h3>Project US@ formatting</h3>2023 saw increased industry-specific formatting in multiple industries. One that we’re proud to support is Project US@ formatting.Project US@ (or Project USA) is an initiative in the healthcare industry to standardize address formatting across different healthcare systems and providers. Its mission is to improve the accuracy and quality of patient address data to allow for smoother information sharing and more accurate patient identification.Here are examples of things covered in Project US@ formatting:All letters are capitalized (For example: ONE MAIN STREET)Words like "Highway" and "County" are spelled out and capitalized rather than abbreviated.You can now get all your addresses from Smarty in Project US@ formatting.<h3>Tackling the biggest address-related challenges</h3>A key addressing challenges that Smarty focused on improving in 2023 were managing address aliases, preventing false positives, and handling complex international addresses.To help link address aliases from street renamings or renumberings, Smarty launched SmartyKey™, which provides a persistent ID connecting all variants to the canonical address. You can&nbsp;<a href="/articles/address-key-persistent-unique-identifiers-puid">learn more about persistent unique identifiers here</a>.2023 also saw Smarty underscore advancements in strengthening the strict zero false positives policy through continuous monitoring and refining our matching algorithms. We feel it’s our obligation to eliminate as many false positives as possible since they can cause such an incredible problem for our customers.Additionally, supporting 240+ countries with diverse address formats poses inherent complexity. We've made meaningful improvements related to international addresses, achieving more consistency in country-specific formats, retaining address details when no match is found, and boosting the capabilities of features like international autocomplete.&nbsp;We've made measurable progress in 2023 around overcoming these obstacles that have plagued the industry for years.<h3>New and improved tools</h3>Several new products were launched in 2023.First, we launched many slick new products like the US Address Enrichment API, which returns extra data tied to each address. It's like looking up an address and getting back property records and other intel attached to that location.We launched a Google Sheets plugin that validates spreadsheet lists of addresses with one click. You can download this plugin on Google Sheets under their extensions and add-ons.Beyond new products, we leveled up our Master Address List, which now includes 20 million non-postal addresses not covered by USPS. We added census block codes, too, so you can easily analyze complete neighborhoods.On top of all that, international address handling got a major glow-up! The system got much faster and more accurate, detecting patterns from the billions of global addresses processed. We've improved consistency, retained unmatched address details better, and even enabled searching addresses by postal code.&nbsp;To see more of the fun things talked about in the webinar, you can watch the full recording here:<figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://youtu.be/OU98-8q2VcE"><div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OU98-8q2VcE" style="position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></figure>

Check out Smarty's 2023 milestones: processing 327 billion addresses, expanding non-postal data, and the introduction of new address tools. Check it out now!

Smarty's 2023 Address Data Deep Dive: Trends, Challenges, and Breakthroughs

In the fast-paced and competitive world of telecommunications, where high customer expectations and intense rivalry prevail, the strategic use of address data intelligence, including geocoding and address verification, is increasingly essential.  For professionals in the telecom sector, understanding and utilizing these tools can significantly streamline operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and drive business growth. This article delves into how&nbsp;Smarty's address data solutions address common pain points in the telecom industry. 

In the fast-paced and competitive world of telecommunications, where high customer expectations and intense rivalry prevail, the strategic use of address data intelligence, including geocoding and address verification, is increasingly essential. For professionals in the telecom sector, understanding and utilizing these tools can significantly streamline operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and drive business growth.This article delves into how&nbsp;<a href="/">Smarty's</a> address data solutions address common pain points in the telecom industry.<h2>Addressing Telecom Pain Points</h2><h3>Operational Costs</h3>Implementing Smarty's address data solutions can lead to immediate, measurable cost savings. Telecom companies can significantly reduce operational costs by reducing misdeliveries and optimizing network deployment.Check out how&nbsp;<a href="/company/case-studies/lightstream-address-database-cleansing">Lightstream cleansed its Address Database with Smarty here</a>.<h2>Geocoding in Telecom: Mapping and Expansion</h2>A large telecom industry segment uses geocoding products to map service territories and identify potential expansion areas.&nbsp;<a href="/docs/geocoding-accuracy">Accurate geocoding allows for precise network infrastructure planning</a>, ensuring optimal coverage and identifying underserved areas for potential growth.<h3>Speed Limits and Cost Efficiencies</h3>Many telecom enterprises grapple with offering the fastest&nbsp;<a href="/docs/ludicrous-speed">speeds</a> at competitive pricing. Geocoding and address verification play a crucial role here. By mapping service areas and customer locations accurately, telecom companies can optimize network coverage and resource allocation, leading to cost-effective operations supporting competitive pricing structures.See for yourself how Smarty's resources help solve these and other pain points and&nbsp;<a href="/articles/what-are-geocodes">how geocoding can be effectively utilized for network optimization</a>.<h3>Legal Complexities in Terms and Conditions</h3>Telecom contracts' standard legal terms and conditions are complex enough that they often extend the buying timeframe.&nbsp;<a href="/products/us-address-verification">Address verification can streamline this process</a> by ensuring the accuracy of customer address data, thereby reducing the need for extensive legal scrutiny.<h2>Smarty Features for Telecoms</h2><h3>Ease of Integration</h3>Integrating Smarty into existing telecom systems is straightforward. Smarty offers APIs that easily blend into existing IT infrastructure, providing seamless access to geocoding and address verification services.&nbsp;<a href="/docs">Detailed documentation is available on the Smarty website</a>, guiding you through every step of the integration process.Smarty offers SDKs in 10 programming languages to make implementation easier for developers.<h3>Handling Limited Lookups</h3>Running out of lookups can be a risk worth concern for telecom operators who opt for limited lookup packages.Smarty addresses this by offering scalable solutions that can be adjusted according to usage patterns and requirements. Additional lookups can be easily added, ensuring uninterrupted service within any product, including&nbsp;<a href="/pricing">US Address Verification</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/pricing/international-address-verification">International Address Verification</a>,&nbsp;<a href="/pricing/us-rooftop-geocoding">Geocoding</a>, or&nbsp;<a href="/pricing/us-reverse-geocoding">Reverse Geocoding</a> products.<h3>Uptime Guarantees</h3>Smarty's commitment to high uptime is reassuring in a sector where downtime can have significant implications. Their&nbsp;<a href="/legal/service-level-agreement">service-level agreements</a> and system architecture are designed to ensure consistent and reliable access to address data services.<h2>Future of Telecom with Address Data Intelligence</h2>As the telecom industry evolves with emerging technologies like 5G and IoT, and the human population continues to grow and expand into what were once rural areas, the importance of accurate address data intelligence becomes even more pronounced.Companies that effectively utilize geocoding and address verification will find themselves at a competitive advantage, capable of meeting and exceeding customer expectations in an increasingly connected world.<h2>Conclusion</h2>The integration of address data intelligence solutions like those offered by Smarty can address key pain points in the telecom industry, from optimizing network deployment to enhancing customer satisfaction. As the industry continues to evolve, the value of these solutions only increases, positioning telecom companies that embrace them at the forefront of innovation and customer service excellence.

Learn how geocoding and address verification optimize telecom operations, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction. Find out now!

Optimizing Telecom with Geocoding & Address Verification

At Smarty, John Hickey is one of the go-to guys for communicating the intricacies found within the world of address data.  With an impressive background that spans from marketing director to SEO and digital marketing manager, John has a real knack for breaking down the particularities of our products into something everyone can grasp. &nbsp;As busy as John gets here at Smarty, he still finds time for self-improvement, applying principles that help at work and in his personal life.  Around the office, he's known for his hard work, out-of-this-world bagels, and a quick sense of humor that makes even the most mundane tasks a bit more fun. 

At Smarty, John Hickey is one of the go-to guys for communicating the intricacies found within the world of address data. With an impressive background that spans from marketing director to SEO and digital marketing manager, John has a real knack for breaking down the particularities of our products into something everyone can grasp.&nbsp;As busy as John gets here at Smarty, he still finds time for self-improvement, applying principles that help at work and in his personal life. Around the office, he's known for his hard work, out-of-this-world bagels, and a quick sense of humor that makes even the most mundane tasks a bit more fun.&nbsp;John’s a key part of our team, always ready to lend a hand or share a laugh, making our workplace productive and genuinely enjoyable. Let's dive in and get to know John a little better.<img src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/john_on_beach_512x384_fb4438e11d.webp" alt="John and wife on a beach">What are some of your favorite work-related projects or accomplishments, and why were they meaningful to you?"I built a marketing department from scratch for a startup that reached a $40 million annual run rate before it was sold 13 years later. One of the more meaningful marketing projects was creating and managing an in-house media-buying agency with an attribution system that tracked the effectiveness of advertising spend on TV, radio, and print ads. The tracking optimized $5 million in media spend and outperformed competitors on a cost-per-lead and cost-per-sale basis.I published more than 40 articles in industry publications, which helped earn brand awareness and thought leadership for my company.I led the smallest team in a competition of 30 teams that ranged in size from 3 to 12 people from 30 subsidiaries of a common parent company to win 2nd place in an SEO hackathon contest. As a self-taught SEO, it was meaningful because it validated my efforts to learn and apply SEO."What or who inspires you, and why?Any person who consistently tries to improve themself inspires me because that's just a beautiful thing to witness.<img src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/john_with_fish_512x384_a4c5be0d46.webp" alt="John with a fish he caught">What are some of the most valuable lessons you've learned at Smarty, and how have they impacted your approach to work?"All employees are required to attend Arbinger Institute training, which helps improve relationships and collaboration with others at work or home.Arbinger principles have had a positive impact on my life. They’ve helped me consider my thinking and behavior from a different point of view. Understanding the principles has helped me identify self-betrayal thinking and behaviors that hurt me and others.&nbsp;Arbinger learning has also helped me be more outward toward others, more frequently recognize others as people instead of objects, and understand that my work isn't necessarily more important than that of others. Regarding that last point, I've started doing dishes at home without being asked, and I'm amazed at the positive impact of that little thing on my relationship with my wife. (I better understand that her love language is acts of service.)Applying Arbinger principles is a life-long learning and improvement ride, but I'm glad I'm on the tracks."What has been your most joyous discovery?"Building a family."<img src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/john_on_bridge_512x384_6f06bd8c38.webp" alt="john-on-bridge-512x384.webp" width="384" height="512">What life advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?"Don't invest in real estate in 2007. Buy lots of Amazon stock. Don't take yourself so seriously.&nbsp;Enjoy every day. Chillax more. Spend more time with the kids. Take more risks while young."There you have it, a sneak peek into the fascinating world of address data at Smarty, brought to you by John Hickey, one of our masterminds in Product Marketing. From clearly communicating how Smarty helps others to share that message with the world, John's journey with us has been an impressive adventure.<a href="https://www.smarty.com/company/careers">Visit our careers page</a> to explore exciting opportunities that could be your perfect match.

Discover John Hickey at Smarty: a key figure in demystifying address data, known for his marketing prowess and enriching team culture. Read about it now!

Inside Smarty - John Hickey

December 18, 2023 - SAN MATEO, Calif.  and PROVO, Utah – Guidewire (NYSE: GWRE) and Smarty™ announced that the new&nbsp;Built by Guidewire Smarty integrations are now available to&nbsp;ClaimCenter and&nbsp;PolicyCenter Cloud users in the&nbsp;Guidewire Marketplace, enabling insurers to enhance property risk analysis. Smarty’s suite of cloud-based address data intelligence solutions helps insurers analyze risks with accurate property attributes, geocodes, and addresses.  Its US Rooftop Geocoding solution rapidly delivers the exact location of a structure on a property, enabling insurers to more accurately gauge a property’s risk level. 

December 18, 2023 - SAN MATEO, Calif. and PROVO, Utah – Guidewire (NYSE: GWRE) and Smarty™ announced that the new&nbsp;Built by Guidewire Smarty integrations are now available to&nbsp;<a href="https://marketplace.guidewire.com/s/product/smarty-us-rooftop-geocoding-claimcenter/01t3n00000SyBC2AAN?language=en_US">ClaimCenter</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://marketplace.guidewire.com/s/product/smarty-us-rooftop-geocoding-policycenter/01t3n00000SyBC7AAN?language=en_US">PolicyCenter</a> Cloud users in the&nbsp;<a href="https://marketplace.guidewire.com/">Guidewire Marketplace</a>, enabling insurers to enhance property risk analysis.Smarty’s suite of cloud-based address data intelligence solutions helps insurers analyze risks with <a href="/products/us-property-data">accurate property attributes</a>, <a href="/products/us-rooftop-geocoding">geocodes</a>, and <a href="/products/us-address-verification">addresses</a>. Its US Rooftop Geocoding solution rapidly delivers the exact location of a structure on a property, enabling insurers to more accurately gauge a property’s risk level. With this technology, insurers can access accurate geocode data for over 210 million addresses.&nbsp;With Guidewire and Smarty’s&nbsp;Built by Guidewire&nbsp;US Rooftop Geocoding apps, insurers can:<ul><li>Quickly verify an address from a validated list directly within Guidewire, transforming the address into the exact geographic coordinates of the structure;&nbsp;</li><li>Receive up to 45 additional data points to help accurately assess risk; and</li><li>Improve accuracy and completeness of property data to better serve policyholders.</li></ul>Built by Guidewire apps are standardized integration solutions, pre-built and managed by Guidewire, that speed the delivery and maintenance of common integrations. Leveraging the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.guidewire.com/blog/technology/cloud-integration-framework-the-right-tools-for-the-job/">Integration Framework</a> for Guidewire Cloud, developers can implement integrations between InsuranceSuite and third-party apps using multiple APIs, messaging systems, or protocols. The app can be delivered, updated, and maintained by Guidewire via a services agreement if desired.&nbsp;&nbsp;<blockquote>“Our technology is cloud-native and easier than ever for Guidewire Cloud customers to implement, making it the perfect solution for insurers looking to enhance their risk analysis,” said <a href="/company/team/berk-charlton">Berk Charlton, Chief Product Officer, Smarty</a>. “With Smarty, insurers spend less on our service while still enjoying incredible speeds, easy setup, and legendary support. We look forward to the coming release of our future integrations with Guidewire, so our shared customers can easily access more of our technology.”</blockquote><blockquote>“We are thrilled to release our joint&nbsp;Built by Guidewire apps with Smarty to our shared customers,” said Will Murphy, Vice President, Global Technology Alliances, Guidewire. “Smarty’s technology provides highly precise property location data so that insurers can make better-informed, more profitable business decisions. When connected with Guidewire, accessing this data is quick and easy, enabling our shared customers to leverage it efficiently.”&nbsp;</blockquote>To access the new&nbsp;Built by Guidewire Smarty integrations, please visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://marketplace.guidewire.com/">Guidewire Marketplace</a>.

Smarty and Guidewire deliver precise property risk analysis and improved data accuracy for insurers with advanced geocoding technology. Check it out now!

Enhance Property Risk Analysis with Guidewire and Smarty’s New Guidewire Marketplace Apps

We're delighted to announce that Smarty has been honored with the&nbsp;Silver Award in the Support Department of the Year category at the 13th annual Best in Biz Awards.  We want to emphasize what this recognition means for you, our customers and partners. At Smarty, our primary focus is providing the best supported, documented, and easiest-to-implement address APIs and data.  Winning Silver in the Support Department of the Year category speaks volumes about&nbsp;our commitment to delivering an outstanding customer experience. 

We're delighted to announce that Smarty has been honored with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bestinbizawards.com/2023-winners-team/#:~:text=Support%20Department%20of%20the%20Year">Silver Award in the Support Department of the Year category at the 13th annual Best in Biz Awards</a>. We want to emphasize what this recognition means for you, our customers and partners.At Smarty, our primary focus is providing the best supported, documented, and easiest-to-implement address APIs and data. Winning Silver in the Support Department of the Year category speaks volumes about&nbsp;<a href="/contact/support/team">our commitment to delivering an outstanding customer experience</a>.<h2>What This Award Means For You</h2>This award isn’t about us; it's about clearly indicating the level of service you receive when choosing Smarty. Here's what it means for you:<h3>Responsive and Knowledgeable Support</h3>Our Silver award underscores our exceptional responsiveness and the expertise of our support team. When you reach out to us, you can trust that knowledgeable teammates will address your inquiries and issues promptly and efficiently.<h3>Quality Service Delivery</h3>We take immense pride in consistently providing high-quality customer support. We focus on effectively resolving problems, meeting your needs, and ensuring your utmost satisfaction.<h3>Embracing Innovation</h3>We're dedicated to innovation in our customer service approaches and technologies. This award recognizes our commitment to enhancing your customer experience through innovative strategies.<h3>Customer Satisfaction at the Core</h3>Your satisfaction is at the heart of everything we do. We measure it through metrics, feedback, and scores such as surveys, reviews, and Net Promoter Scores (NPS). Your positive experiences drive our success.<h3>Effective Problem Resolution</h3>We excel in resolving customer complaints and issues to your satisfaction. Your peace of mind is our priority, and we work tirelessly to ensure that your concerns are addressed effectively.<h3>Clear Communication</h3>Our communication with you is transparent and informative. We update you on your requests and concerns, ensuring you’re always in the loop.<h3>Accessible Support</h3>We’re always accessible through various support channels, including phone, email, live chat, and even smoke signals. We're here when you need us.<h3>Investment in Team Development</h3>Our commitment to training and developing our customer service staff enhances their skills and knowledge, allowing them to serve you better.&nbsp;<a href="/blog/building-company-culture">We call it "Wizardry," it's one of our core values</a>.<h3>Customer-Centric Culture</h3>At Smarty, we embrace a customer-centric culture that places your satisfaction at the forefront. Your needs and preferences guide our actions and decisions.<h3>Business Impact</h3>Our customer service efforts positively impact your business by contributing to revenue growth, customer retention, and an enhanced brand reputation. Your success is our success.<h2>What Our Customers Say</h2>Getting an award is neat, but reading what customers say about us is even better. Here are just a few reviews about our support:<blockquote>"[Smarty's] customer support is second to none and always helps me when I get stuck." -&nbsp; <a href="https://www.g2.com/products/smarty-smarty/reviews/smarty-review-8233501">Glenn G.</a></blockquote><blockquote>"Support has been responsive, usually within a couple of hours, even though we're a small customer." -&nbsp; <a href="https://www.g2.com/products/smarty-smarty/reviews/smarty-review-7434970">Chris B.</a> <a href="https://www.g2.com/products/smarty-smarty/reviews/smarty-review-7434970">Sr. Software Engineer</a></blockquote><blockquote>"[Smarty's] APIs are pretty responsive and met our scale needs. On top of it,&nbsp;their support is awesome. We had a billing issue once, and their online chat folks are super responsible and helped clear our issue in no time."&nbsp; <a href="https://www.g2.com/products/smarty-smarty/reviews/smarty-review-7376568">Avinash G.&nbsp;</a> <a href="https://www.g2.com/products/smarty-smarty/reviews/smarty-review-7376568">Lead Solutions Architect</a></blockquote><blockquote>[Smarty] is my go-to geo-locating service. Their APIs are sensible and comprehensive, their data is the best available, and if you find a problem, their support will actually fix it for you."&nbsp; <a href="https://www.g2.com/products/smarty-smarty/reviews/smarty-review-7376487">Sam T.&nbsp;</a> <a href="https://www.g2.com/products/smarty-smarty/reviews/smarty-review-7376487">Sr. Software Engineer</a></blockquote><blockquote>"Smarty makes address validation easy for a number of our products.&nbsp;And their customer service is excellent. They recently noticed that we were paying for a service we were not even using, so we canceled that service and saved some money." <a href="https://www.g2.com/products/smarty-smarty/reviews/smarty-review-6998166">Anonymous</a> <a href="https://www.g2.com/products/smarty-smarty/reviews/smarty-review-6998166">Verified User in Accounting</a></blockquote>If a sampling of quotes hasn't satiated your review appetite, check out more of Smarty's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.g2.com/products/smarty-smarty/reviews?utf8=%E2%9C%93&amp;filters%5Bkeyphrases%5D=customer%20service">support department reviews on G2</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=590391945&amp;sxsrf=AM9HkKkuAyQ0XOK4XXbceS006oufroZbGw:1702493425213&amp;q=Smarty+Provo&amp;si=ALGXSlbUeLzMEaGmARrFZg7X37iCIa0TurMsORNf04sib5du36HI6G2GFyddj6OD7NCa9cakko2DLjUeXs1QiBQnjQejzOZtRmWURUaobjjhYDyIDzDLbYLr42iCgvM1lQoGrqVVPBbEJwDU9Gp-jPUsObWhkQyVfw%3D%3D&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjCjN6eio2DAxW6LUQIHWxxDKcQ6RN6BAg8EAE&amp;biw=1770&amp;bih=1101&amp;dpr=2#lrd=0x874d9003cf321c4d:0x2e4e39f6a8c9a7b4,1,,,,&amp;topic=mid:/g/1q6jdznps">Google</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gartner.com/reviews/market/data-and-analytics-others/vendor/smarty/product/us-address-verification/reviews">Gartner Peer Insights</a>.<h2>The Future Of Smarty's Support Team</h2>No trophy or award is an endpoint but just one of the milestones we use to keep us on the right track of continuously serving our customers better. We’re more determined than ever to uphold this award's high standards.Our commitment remains. We’ll continue to work to ensure that our support exceeds expectations.We appreciate your trust in Smarty. Your partnership inspires us to excel, and we're excited about the opportunities ahead. Stay tuned for further innovations and enhancements to make your work easier and more efficient.We celebrate our Silver with humility and gratitude. Now, try&nbsp;<a href="/contact/support">Smarty's award-winning customer service team via phone, email, chat, fax, or even smoke signal</a>.

Smarty wins Silver for outstanding customer support, reflecting our commitment to enhancing your experience with innovative address solutions. Check it out now!

Smarty Earns Silver at Best in Biz Awards 2023 for Support Department of the Year

With over 240 countries supported, each with unique address formats, language variations, and data complexities, verifying international addresses is no simple task. We recently hosted a webinar about the slippery mess of standards and exceptions that make up international address data. We brought in experts Caroline Roweton, product manager, and Acacia Warner, a backend software engineer, to guide attendees through the maze of mastering international address verification. Crumbling Under Bad Address Data&nbsp;International addresses may appear straightforward on the surface, but chaotic complexities lurk underneath. 

With over 240 countries supported, each with unique <a href="/articles/postal-address-examples-formats">address formats</a>, language variations, and data complexities, <a href="/articles/what-is-international-address-validation">verifying international addresses</a> is no simple task.We recently hosted a webinar about the slippery mess of standards and exceptions that make up international address data.We brought in experts <a href="/company/team/caroline-roweton">Caroline Roweton</a>, product manager, and <a href="/company/team/acacia-warner">Acacia Warner</a>, a backend software engineer, to guide attendees through the maze of mastering international address verification.<h2>Crumbling Under Bad Address Data&nbsp;</h2>International addresses may appear straightforward on the surface, but chaotic complexities lurk underneath. Every nation has its own addressing system - from apartment numbers based on floor and unit in South Korea to six-digit postal codes in Mexico.Throw in variations in language, missing information, and user errors, and you have a recipe for disaster. Bad address data disproportionately affects businesses as they grow, inflating costs, hampering efficiency, and causing revenue loss.That's why getting address verification right, especially internationally, is mission-critical.<h3>Smarty to the Rescue&nbsp;</h3>Luckily, Smarty offers a full suite of global address solutions powered by machine learning. Our unique approach accurately standardizes, validates, transliterates, and geocodes international address data.&nbsp;As shown through live demos, Smarty’s tools effortlessly handle addresses in languages from Japanese to Spanish. We saw first-hand how customizable parameters and user-friendly SDKs enable seamless integration. You can&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/qLCppg3AMhA">view the full recording</a> below to see these demos or check out&nbsp;<a href="/products/single-address">our live demo here</a>.Our vision is to connect people and businesses across borders through accurate addressing.<h2>The Future of Addresses&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>What was covered in the session about the international address verification journey was just the beginning. With globalization showing no signs of slowing down, complexity will only increase. But with Smarty's robust and ever-evolving products, companies worldwide can look forward to higher-quality customer experiences.<a href="/products/apis/international-street-api#demo">Try out the international API here.</a>View the entire recording.<figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://youtu.be/qLCppg3AMhA"><div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qLCppg3AMhA" style="position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></figure>

Discover global address verification with Smarty's webinar. Our experts highlight addressing challenges and machine learning solutions. Check it out now!

Mastering International Address Verification and Autocomplete with Smarty

In an era dominated by technology, grasping the language of computers – coding – is increasingly essential.  The Hour of Code, a global initiative, aligns with this need by making coding more approachable and broadening participation in computer science.  This effort parallels Smarty's dedication to technological innovation, striving to simplify and demystify technology for widespread understanding and engagement. The MovementThe Hour of Code started as a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to simplify code and show that anybody can learn the basics. 

In an era dominated by technology, grasping the language of computers – coding – is increasingly essential. The Hour of Code, a global initiative, aligns with this need by making coding more approachable and broadening participation in computer science. This effort parallels Smarty's dedication to technological innovation, striving to simplify and demystify technology for widespread understanding and engagement.<h2>The Movement</h2>The Hour of Code started as a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to simplify code and show that anybody can learn the basics. While geared towards K-12 students, anyone can participate. Its birth traces to Code.org, a non-profit dedicated to expanding access to computer science in schools. Since its inception, the Hour of Code has grown exponentially, attracting students from around the globe and gaining support from global leaders, educators, and organizations.<h2>Coding: A Universal Language</h2>In the digital era, coding has evolved beyond just technical skills to become a crucial tool for innovation, creative problem-solving, and fun. It's this very philosophy that drives the approach at Smarty. Our developers harness coding not just for its technical applications but as a means to creatively address and solve practical challenges in the world of address data intelligence. This aligns seamlessly with the Hour of Code's mission, which introduces students to computer science, opening up a realm where coding skills lead to diverse and impactful career paths.<h2>Hour of Code 2023: A Weeklong Hour</h2>The 2023 Hour of Code, scheduled for December 4-10, is a landmark event. It invites students, teachers, and parents to participate in&nbsp;<a href="https://hourofcode.com/us/events/all">coding activities</a> by organizing local and global events. This year's theme is "Creativity with AI," and it's bound to be as exciting and innovative as the previous years.<h2>Getting Involved: More Than Just an Hour</h2>While the Hour of Code is celebrated globally during a designated week, its resources are available year-round. Participants can access a variety of tutorials and&nbsp;<a href="https://hourofcode.com/us/learn">activities</a> on the Hour of Code website, catering to all ages and skill levels. Schools, educators, and parents can use these resources to introduce students to the basics of coding.<h2>The Impact of an Hour</h2>The Hour of Code is more than just learning code; it's a chance to break down stereotypes in computer science and show that anyone can innovate in technology. This idea resonates with developers at Smarty, where many discovered their passion for technology in similar ways. As we approach the Hour of Code 2023, it's a reminder that coding can be a rewarding skill for anyone. Like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/company/careers">Smarty's developers</a>, participants can experience the practical and fulfilling aspects of coding, seeing firsthand its impact in everyday problem-solving and professional growth.

Explore the Hour of Code, a global coding initiative echoing Smarty's innovation goals. Join the impactful 2023 event for hands-on tech learning. Check it out now!

Empowering the Next Generation: The Hour of Code Initiative

At Avengers headquarters, Tony Stark is busily creating gadgets for Spider-Man as a thank-you for his dedication to superheroism.  Stark places the final touches and debates how to deliver the package.  He could suit up and deliver it himself, convince Doctor Strange to teleport it, or use the boring, everyday mail system. &nbsp;Stark runs all these scenarios through his head— Doctor Strange's focus has been a little divided lately, so he'll probably mess up the location and drop it on some poor lady’s head. 

At Avengers headquarters, Tony Stark is busily creating gadgets for Spider-Man as a thank-you for his dedication to superheroism. Stark places the final touches and debates how to deliver the package. He could suit up and deliver it himself, convince Doctor Strange to teleport it, or use the boring, everyday mail system.&nbsp;Stark runs all these scenarios through his head— Doctor Strange's focus has been a little divided lately, so he'll probably mess up the location and drop it on some poor lady’s head. As for himself, he has far too much on his plate to be bothered with personally delivering a package.&nbsp;The mail system will have to suffice this time.&nbsp;<blockquote>“JARVIS, create a shipping label for Spider-Man.”</blockquote><pre><code class="language-plaintext">“Sir, which Spider-Man would you like an address for?" </code></pre><blockquote>“I want Spider-Man’s address in this universe.”&nbsp;</blockquote><pre><code class="language-plaintext">“Sir, even if I narrow my search, there are still many addresses matching 'Spider-Man' —Tom Holland is Spider-Man in London, Nicolas Cage is Spider-Man in Las Vegas, Jack Quaid is Spider-Man in Los Angeles, Jharrle Jerome in New York City, Jake Joh…”, </code></pre>JARVIS rattles on.<blockquote>"Are all these people - Hailee Steinfield, Tom Holland, Shinji Todo, Nicholas Hammond, Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, Nicolas Cage, etc. all Spider-Man?" thought Stark. "Perhaps each of them needs new gadgets if they're all Spider-Man."</blockquote><blockquote>“Wait, so you mean to tell me that in this reality we have what….5-10 Spider-Mans?”&nbsp;</blockquote><pre><code class="language-plaintext">“More like 30, sir.” </code></pre>Curse that Doctor Strange for meddling with the multiverse!<blockquote>“Okay, fine. Get me a list, and I’ll make gadgets for each of these&nbsp;Spider-Mans and send them out.”&nbsp;</blockquote><pre><code class="language-plaintext">“Yes, sir. Which addresses would you like me to use? It appears each of these people own multiple homes.” </code></pre>Rubbing his face, Stark works to breathe evenly. How hard can it be to find a stupid address? Phone in hand, he Googles&nbsp;<blockquote>“Tom Holland’s home address”&nbsp;</blockquote>and selects the first search result.<blockquote>“JARVIS, make a shipping label for Tom Holland at Kingston Thames London England UK.”&nbsp;</blockquote><pre><code class="language-plaintext">“Sir, that isn’t a valid or standardized address. I'm afraid the Royal Mail won't deliver it.” </code></pre><blockquote>“Then what is deliverable JARVIS?”&nbsp;</blockquote>Stark is heavily debating disabling JARVIS for the foreseeable future.<pre><code class="language-plaintext">“'Deliverable', sir, means there is a delivery point or a single place at which mail is delivered. Delivery points are possible when addresses are formatted properly with a premise number, thoroughfare, postal code, and country. Here is what Tom Holland's address should look like:"</code></pre><pre><code class="language-plaintext">	Mr. Tom Holland
	42-43 Kings Road Arches
	Brighton
	BN1 2LN GBR</code></pre><pre><code class="language-plaintext">"See, each line represents a different data point. The premise number (42-43) identifies the package’s final destination, and the thoroughfare (King Road Arches) is the road or waterway through which a package must travel. The locality (Brighton) names the boundaries of the geographical area where the package will be delivered, and the postal code (BN1 2LN) pinpoints the street where the premise number lies. It’s important to be specific. Plus, Holland doesn’t live in or on the River Thames but in Brighton.” </code></pre>Intrigued, Stark asks,&nbsp;<blockquote>“Well, what about this Shinji Todo guy who lives in Japan? I don’t want an international incident because of a rogue package.”</blockquote><pre><code class="language-plaintext">“Well sir, international addresses can be tricky since each country and province can have different standardization requirements. Take Todo’s address in Japan. It begins with the postal code and follows with the administrative area, localities, premise number, and building name. The 3rd and 4th lines contain the country and addressee:"</code></pre><pre><code class="language-plaintext">	530-0005
	大阪府 大阪市 北区 中之島 ４－２－５５ 北区
	JPN
	Shinji Todo</code></pre><pre><code class="language-plaintext">"Surely, sir, you can understand the different standards as the multiverse contains hundreds of unique standards.” </code></pre>Stark did understand. How fascinating that valid and standard addresses are still a problem in today’s technologically advanced world.&nbsp;To the uninformed, valid and invalid addresses are the same. But they are majorly different for those who work with addresses every day. Not unlike the time Hulk tried his monster hand at quantum physics, though he specializes in nuclear physics.&nbsp;<blockquote>“Well, JARVIS, it looks like we’ve got work to do; find me the&nbsp;<a href="/articles/address-standardization">standard</a> and&nbsp;<a href="/articles/what-is-address-validation">valid addresses</a> for each Spider-Man and print them.”&nbsp;</blockquote>Stark’s mind wanders as JARVIS prints the labels— with so many&nbsp;Spider-Men existing just in his universe, how many more Spider-Men exist throughout the multiverse?&nbsp;Where is your real home, Spider-Man?<img src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/wheres_my_home_800_800_5b10a2a0de.webp" alt="Spider-Man: Where is My Home?" width="793" height="793">

Tony Stark tackles delivering gadgets to multiple Spider-Men, navigating address complexities with JARVIS, from London to Japan. Check it out now!

Spider-Man: Where is My Home?

Smarty recently hosted an enlightening webinar on Project US@, a vital initiative in health information technology.  The webinar, led by Wes Arnold, Team Lead of Product Marketing, provided insights into Project US@ and its significant role in patient data management. What is Project US@?Project US@ is led by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology in collaboration with HSC and AHIMA.  The final version 1. 0 was released on January 7, 2022. The goal? The initiative's main objective is to establish a standard approach for representing patient addresses across all health IT systems. 

Smarty recently hosted an enlightening webinar on Project US@, a vital initiative in health information technology. The webinar, led by Wes Arnold, Team Lead of Product Marketing, provided insights into Project US@ and its significant role in patient data management.<h3>What is Project US@?</h3>Project US@ is led by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology in collaboration with HSC and AHIMA. The final version 1.0 was released on January 7, 2022.The goal? The initiative's main objective is to establish a standard approach for representing patient addresses across all health IT systems.<h3>Why is Patient Matching Important?</h3>Patient matching significantly affects both patients and providers. Incorrect matching can lead to serious consequences, including legal issues and health risks. As populations grow and address data collection becomes more automated, the importance of accurate patient matching escalates.<h3>What are the Standards for Compliance?</h3>Project US@ builds on USPS's Publication 28 but makes specific changes to facilitate patient matching. For example, all letters are capitalized, and street names like "Highway" are fully spelled out for clarity.<img src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/usa_format_examples_512x240_12ccf60129.webp" alt="usa-format-examples-512x240.webp" height="240" width="512"><h3>Technology and Training</h3>Project US@ is not just about technological solutions; it also involves training personnel to handle address data correctly. The project encompasses both technical specifications and personnel training, aiming to improve patient matching from multiple angles.&nbsp;You can get more information about the&nbsp;<a href="https://oncprojectracking.healthit.gov/wiki/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=180486153&amp;preview=/180486153/237306191/Project%20US%40%20FINAL%20Technical%20Specification%20Version%201.0.pdf">technology</a> and the&nbsp;<a href="https://oncprojectracking.healthit.gov/wiki/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=180486153&amp;preview=/180486153/239829684/Project%20US%40%20AHIMA%20Companion%20Guide%20Version%201.0.pdf">training</a> needed to meet this standard you can download PDFs at these links.<h3>Benefits of Accurate Patient Matching</h3>Accurate patient matching is essential to prevent risks such as misfiled medical results and the mixing up of patient records, which can lead to legal issues and health hazards.<blockquote>Reduced Duplicate Records: Correct patient matching helps eliminate the creation of duplicate health records. This streamlines the healthcare process and ensures more efficient management of patient data.Prevention of Medical Errors: Accurate matching prevents critical errors like misfiled mammography results or the overlaying of patient records. Such errors can lead to severe health risks and legal implications for healthcare providers.Improved Patient Care: With precise patient matching, healthcare providers can offer better, more targeted care. It ensures that the patient's medical history is correctly associated with them, leading to informed and effective treatment decisions.Reduced Unnecessary Testing and Care: Accurate matching can help avoid unnecessary lab tests or care that might result from misidentified patient data. This not only reduces healthcare costs but also spares patients from redundant or irrelevant procedures.Increased Privacy and Security of Patient Data: By accurately matching patient data, the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive information is minimized. This is particularly important as addresses when combined with other personal information, become personal identifiable information (PII).Cost Savings for Healthcare Providers: Correct patient matching can lead to significant cost savings by reducing the need for duplicate tests and treatments, minimizing the risk of lawsuits, and streamlining overall administrative processes.Enhanced Data Quality for Research and Reporting: Accurate patient matching contributes to better data quality, which is essential for research, analysis, reporting, and health analytics. This can lead to improved health outcomes on a broader scale.</blockquote><h3>Smarty's Role in Project US@</h3>Smarty uses a persistent unique identifier system for addresses called SmartyKey, ensuring that the same address is consistently identified, even if certain elements like the street name or ZIP code change. For example, the street "Cougar Boulevard" is also known as "Bulldog Boulevard" and "1230 North". An address using any of those street names should land in the same place. However, they would show as changes of address in medical records. Utilizing SmartyKey would keep any address at that location marked as unchanged.Smarty also provides multiple SDKs to facilitate the implementation of their APIs, along with a strong support team and security compliance (SOC 2). This makes it easier for various healthcare IT systems to adopt Project US@ standards.For further information or to discuss specific needs, you can contact a representative at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/contact">https://www.smarty.com/contact</a>.And to if you are wanting to watch the recording we've got you covered here:<figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-dj0QqZgDM"><div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p-dj0QqZgDM" style="position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></figure>

Smarty's webinar on Project US@ covered unified address formats to improve patient data management and prevent misfiled records. Check it out now!

Webinar Recap - Ensuring You Have Project US@ Data

We believe wholeheartedly that all work and no play is a dull way to spend our days.  While many companies laser focus on productivity and output, we recognize that regularly infusing enjoyment and community into the workplace is essential for an engaged, thriving team. &nbsp;Smarty's culture strikes a balance between innovation and fun, demonstrating that being serious about work doesn’t preclude being serious about play. This blog provides an insider's perspective into how our organization cultivates an energizing, recreational spirit across the company and why fun is a vital ingredient in our secret recipe for success. 

We believe wholeheartedly that all work and no play is a dull way to spend our days. While many companies laser focus on productivity and output, we recognize that regularly infusing enjoyment and community into the workplace is essential for an engaged, thriving team.&nbsp;Smarty's culture strikes a balance between innovation and fun, demonstrating that being serious about work doesn’t preclude being serious about play.This blog provides an insider's perspective into how our organization cultivates an energizing, recreational spirit across the company and why fun is a vital ingredient in our secret recipe for success.&nbsp;Whether it's creative dress-up days, monthly luncheons, or recreational activities, we put as much thought into delighting our colleagues as we do into delighting our customers.Read on for a glimpse into our work life and our profound conviction that happiness is the ultimate productivity booster.<h2>Costume Parties and Themed Dress-Up Days Encourage Creativity and Inclusion</h2><img src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/benson_in_his_pajamas_448x336_5cf9c1317e.webp" alt="benson-in-his-pajamas-448x336.webp" width="448" height="336">Our culture emphasizes creative expression, humor, and a strong sense of togetherness. Costume parties, themed dress-up days, and friendly pranks are common occurrences that lighten the mood and elicit smiles across our office.For instance, our resident Photoshop wizard,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/company/team/brady-amundson">Brady</a>, often&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/company/team/randy-buttons">alters colleagues' photos</a> in whimsical ways, revealing the edited images during meetings to everyone's amusement.<img src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/brady_doug_photoshop_448x336_680686bde0.webp" alt="brady-doug-photoshop-448x336.webp" width="448" height="336">Jeffrey's surprise&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/QKCpqZZvLWI">ball pits</a> transform drab spaces into playgrounds and provide another way we mix leisure with work.These activities celebrate our inclusive, quirky culture.<img src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/halloween_costumes_448x336_5e74bf2883.webp" alt="halloween-costumes-448x336.webp" height="336" width="448"><h2>Monthly Team Lunches Strengthen Bonds Outside the Office</h2>Food has a wonderful way of bringing people together.Our monthly company lunches at local eateries nourish camaraderie along with appetites. The cuisines vary - Mexican, Mediterranean, classic American - but the goal remains the same: strengthening bonds away from our regular workspace. The relaxed conversations and laughter that ensue are a welcome break from the daily grind.There are side effects to this, of course. The "Smarty 15" refers to the average weight gain of the unaccustomed new employees. But those pounds are just the outward expression of our souls being filled with comradery.<h2>Memorable Recreational Activities Foster Community All Year Round</h2>We also prioritize fun throughout the year through various engaging activities.<img src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/smartys_at_disneyland_448x336_b8eeab4c3b.webp" alt="smartys-at-disneyland-448x336.webp" width="448" height="336">Historic highlights include thrilling theme park adventures to magical places like Disneyland or adrenaline-packed trips to the local roller coaster park. We've been to the local arcade as well, having gaming sessions that spark friendly competition. A Costco shopping spree with gift cards allowed our team to indulge their inner shopper.Add to that movie premieres to kick back and escape, and you'll see why our childlike wonder is rekindled.&nbsp;Even our meetings turn into things to enjoy. Our lively Kick-Off Extravaganza at the start of the year and creative Year-End Review and dessert-making contest bookend the year, with the former setting the tone with grandeur and celebration and the latter revealing our colleagues' baking talents.The periodic Retreats offer a chance to relax and bond in a more low-key setting. We're also committed to giving back through our annual Sub for Santa community initiative.<img src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/davin_helping_wes_shave_448_336_d2bcf1da9f.webp" alt="davin-helping-wes-shave-448-336.webp"><h2>The Smarty Culture: Serious About Having Fun</h2>At Smarty, we’re serious about having fun. Our diverse and unique events build camaraderie, enhance morale, and provide refreshing breaks from routine.&nbsp;By seamlessly integrating enjoyment into work life, we boost satisfaction while retaining a dynamic, enthusiastic spirit. Our culture shows that valuing leisure and togetherness is key to a thriving, unified team.If this glimpse into our fun culture appeals to you, check out our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/company">company page</a> to learn more about Smarty. For those as passionate about joyful workplaces as we’re, take a look at our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/company/careers">current openings</a>!

Explore how Smarty cultivates a thriving workplace culture. Learn how parties, lunches, and fun activities s shape our work environment. Read about it now!

The Importance of Fun: How Smarty Cultivates a Thriving Workplace Culture

In our previous post, we prescribed solutions to the problems associated with having bad address data in the software side of healthcare.  If you would like to go over those again, or if you stumbled upon Post 3 before the previous blogs, you can read Post 1 or Post 2 now. &nbsp;In this third and final installment, we hope to provide even more solutions to healthcare hiccups on the SaaS side. Software and Real-Time Data Go Hand in HandPreviously, we discussed how many healthcare companies are struggling to keep up with their data storage and why it’s essential to clean up the mess. 

In our previous post, we prescribed solutions to the problems associated with having bad address data in the software side of healthcare. If you would like to go over those again, or if you stumbled upon Post 3 before the previous blogs, you can read <a href="/blog/address-affairs-causing-healthcare-hiccups">Post 1</a> or <a href="/blog/healthcare-hiccups-and-address-solutions">Post 2</a> now.&nbsp;In this third and final installment, we hope to provide even more solutions to healthcare hiccups on the SaaS side.<h3>Software and Real-Time Data Go Hand in Hand</h3>Previously, we discussed how many healthcare companies are struggling to keep up with their data storage and why it’s essential to clean up the mess.We also highlighted some of the ways that Smarty is helping healthcare companies nationwide to resuscitate their coding address data, and how software companies offering their services to healthcare companies could improve their products (and increase its overall valuation) by integrating Smarty’s tools.&nbsp;More often than should be the case, the information provided by the customer or the front desk is not standardized according to USPS or US@ formatting standards. This might not appear to be something that would cause a code red, but you’d be surprised.In the case of US@, having a standardized address becomes a form of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) that can be used to separate two patients' records. Not having an address standardized or formatted makes this information useless in being able to do that.With a Project US@ equipped validation tool, medical offices can have their entire address database updated and standardized with the click of a button.If the office using your software mails reminders or other information out to their patients, they'll want a USPS standardized and validated address. There’s no better way to ensure standardization than having every one of your address fields auto-populate with valid and standardized addresses.Integrating real-time data via an API aligns with the medical industry's growing focus on technological sophistication and improving user convenience.Think of the telehealth aspect of healthcare. Many people may think that increasingly popular post-COVID telehealth options would make address verification less valuable, but the trend in online care actually calls for an even greater need for validation.&nbsp;If the telehealth physician needs to send the patient to an in-person exam or locate a nearby pharmacy, an accurate address is extremely important. Utilizing geocoding address technology will ensure that all parties arrive at the desired destination the first time.A homebound patient may require certain things to be mailed to them. Accurate address information is essential for ensuring that medical devices or supplies are delivered to the right address, facilitating timely remote care.Additionally, remote healthcare means that billing and notices will need to have verified, standardized, and validated addresses to reach the intended patient.<h3>The Cost of Bad Address Technology</h3>Not integrating address validation into your software ends up revealing additional costs accrued by the provider.If patient data is not standardized, not only would critical care become delayed, but expensive medical equipment can become lost in transit, returned to sender, sent to the wrong residence, and so much more. These address malpractices add up, and you can bet that the provider is the frustrated party footing the bill.Additionally, considering which provider to utilize for real-time and accurate address data can make a large difference.One Smarty customer stated that they'd saved upwards of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.g2.com/products/smarty-smarty/reviews/smarty-review-7010271">$18,000 annually</a> by utilizing the right address tools. These savings are only in the difference between providers, not to mention the shipping and mailing savings.<h3>Smarty and Addresses in Healthcare</h3>Smarty’s tools allow for immediate standardizing and validating measures to take place at the point of entry, saving everyone involved a headache.&nbsp;A real-world example of this can be found through BetterHelp, the nation's largest online therapy company. They’re using Smarty's&nbsp;<a href="/articles/autocomplete#smarty-autocomplete-api">Autocomplete APIs</a> on their intake forms, and they aren’t the only ones.Here are some more happy,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.g2.com/products/smarty-smarty/reviews?utf8=%E2%9C%93&amp;filters%5Bnps_score%5D=5">healthy customers</a> who integrated Smarty’s tools and saw great results!We hope you have been able to gain insight into how to code for a healthier future; we’re prescribing address validation for you. Innovative care and product design depend upon it.If this blog series merely scratched the surface for you, feel free to download this&nbsp;<a href="https://get.smarty.com/5-address-verification-use-case">ebook&nbsp;</a>for a more surgical approach.

Discover how Smarty's tools revolutionize healthcare SaaS by standardizing and validating address data for improved patient care. Check it out now!

Address Affairs Causing Healthcare Hiccups: Part 3

Software in the Healthcare IndustryIn our previous post, we diagnosed the problems associated with having bad address data in the world of healthcare.  If you would like to go over those again, or if you stumbled upon Post 2 before Post 1, you can read about those problems here. &nbsp;In this second installment, you'll learn about the solutions to those problems from a software development standpoint. As you may already know, the healthcare system often relies on robust software systems to keep patient’s electronic health records and billing in the same place. 

<h3>Software in the Healthcare Industry</h3>In our <a href="https://www.smarty.com/blog/address-affairs-causing-healthcare-hiccups">previous post</a>, we diagnosed the problems associated with having bad address data in the world of healthcare. If you would like to go over those again, or if you stumbled upon Post 2 before Post 1, you can read about those problems here.&nbsp;In this second installment, you'll learn about the solutions to those problems from a software development standpoint.As you may already know, the healthcare system often relies on robust software systems to keep patient’s electronic health records and billing in the same place. However, many of the APIs available flatline when it comes to providing what this sector needs.Without geocoding, rooftop accuracy, or autocomplete at entry, a healthcare provider will have a cluttered and chaotic database. The healthcare software that the provider is using will likely lose future business to software that solves these problems, not to mention take some contusions to their reputation.&nbsp;Thankfully, Smarty can alleviate the pain of poor address data.&nbsp;<h3>How Address Validation Tools Improve Healthcare Software</h3>Here are just a few of the ways that people are using Smarty's address tools in the medical-focused software space:<ol><li>Many Americans will type in their addresses in a search bar to get price comparisons of hospitals or general practitioners in their area. The search bar is set up with address validation and autocomplete to make it accurate and easy.</li><li>One MEDI-CAL insurance provider uses Smarty to verify patients’ records and prevent fraud, as well as map providers to patients.</li><li>Many providers, including emergency responders, benefit from using&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/products/us-rooftop-geocoding">Smarty’s Geocoding API</a> to map directly to patients who may need their assistance.</li><li>Data sets are more easily merged by your company as Smarty standardizes the data. This allows tests or results to be easily tracked and compared without risking duplication or loss of information during information transmission.</li><li>Registration processes are streamlined for both the patient and the employee at the front desk through patient portal optimization.</li><li>Some offices even use addresses as an identifier for patients who happen to have the same name and live in the same area.</li></ol><h3>Address Validation Tools Save Money and Reputation</h3>Companies are using address validation software to save a bunch of money, too, specifically from fraud.Although many business owners know to be wary of invoices that seek payment to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/docs/cmra">CMRA Boxes</a> or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/articles/po-box-vs-street-address">PO Boxes</a>, knowing the risk without taking proactive measures is ultimately useless. Address validation programs can help to flag those types of potentially nefarious CMRAs and PO Boxes. According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, this helps providers avoid an average of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.netsuite.com/portal/resource/articles/accounting/accounts-payable-fraud.shtml">$8,300 a month in losses</a>.&nbsp;An added bonus to integrating address validation into your software is that you can help practitioners and healthcare providers alike improve their reputations. Misdelivered packages, late in-home caretakers, and lost or delayed billing are all reputation-destroying mistakes that can be avoided by utilizing address validation applications. Not to mention, lives can be saved by being able to geolocate to a distressed patient.&nbsp;The possibilities are endless, so instead of making this list even longer, let’s read some of the reviews from companies who currently use address validation tools to improve workflow, product quality, and customer interactions in software’s realm of healthcare.<a href="https://www.g2.com/products/smarty-smarty/reviews/smarty-review-8250744">Darrell D., a small business owner</a>, stated, “As an ISV, we sell data verification services for healthcare providers so need to verify that a given address exists and what type of address this is. Smarty systems allow us to do both and easily incorporate that into our software services built on Salesforce.”<a href="https://www.g2.com/products/smarty-smarty/reviews/smarty-review-7008429">Mark D., Director of IT Customer Service for an enterprise-level company</a> stated that his company runs a chain of over 200+ healthcare centers. They use Smarty to help patients and family members locate one another and their locations, calling us “simple, accurate, and responsive.”Other relevant testimonials can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://www.g2.com/products/smarty-smarty/reviews?utf8=%E2%9C%93&amp;filters%5Bindustry%5D%5B%5D=306&amp;order=g2_default">here</a>.While this is only installment two of our three-part blog series, we have also written a more in-depth ebook for your digestion. You can download a copy of that ebook to learn more about Address Verification in healthcare&nbsp;<a href="https://get.smarty.com/5-address-verification-use-case">here</a>. Or, you can read on to installment three. Or both. “Both is good.” We want to help you help your future clients, boost your product’s value, and catapult you into a more powerful position as the ultimate SaaS in the healthcare platform.

Smarty's address validation tools enhance healthcare software, offering solutions to common data issues and improving patient care. Check it out now!

Address Affairs Causing Healthcare Hiccups: Part 2

Why Accurate Addresses Matter to Healthcare ProfessionalsThe healthcare system typically relies on human entry for its data entry.  Whether the information is added by the customer, a receptionist, a nurse, or even a doctor, there are a lot of areas for the information to be misentered.  Not only that, but hospital staff members frequently edit or enter additional information following the patient's first visit.  The constant editing and entering of data by a human results in more than just a tiny typo now and again. 

<h3>Why Accurate Addresses Matter to Healthcare Professionals</h3>The healthcare system typically relies on human entry for its data entry. Whether the information is added by the customer, a receptionist, a nurse, or even a doctor, there are a lot of areas for the information to be misentered. Not only that, but hospital staff members frequently edit or enter additional information following the patient's first visit. The constant editing and entering of data by a human results in more than just a tiny typo now and again.&nbsp;If you work in the healthcare system, it’s likely not a secret that your database is a mess. It’s, truthfully speaking, that mess, not your fault. Cluttered and inaccurate data sets have a lot less to do with careless human entry and a lot more to do with a lack of address-validating software.Did you know that there are just over 500 commonly used street suffixes or abbreviations in the United States alone? That's information straight from&nbsp;<a href="https://pe.usps.com/text/pub28/28apc_002.htm">USPS</a>’s website, and it’s only one area of a patient's profile that can be munched up.&nbsp;A patient's street address may be mistyped, causing their bills to return to your office, or worse, become a HIPPA violation as they reach the wrong person.&nbsp;<h3>Costly Risks of Operating Sans Address Validation</h3>There are plenty of costly risks to be made if your address database consists of 100% human-entered information and the above only accounts for accidental input by humans.&nbsp;Additionally, the database debacle exists because address data is constantly changing and evolving. Street names change, suffixes and abbreviations are not uniform, businesses are relabeled, buildings are knocked down to make way for apartment complexes, rural areas are developed, businesses expand and move to a new office, and the list goes on and on. How are you and your team supposed to be able to keep up?The answer is simple: Offices and businesses can clean up the mess (and avoid the mess from occurring on any future data entry) by employing address standardization and validation.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>The Software Solution to Address Problems in Healthcare</h3>This is where Smarty's address data tools come in. In healthcare, Smarty has been able to help with address standardizing and validating practices, decreasing costs related to shipping and routing, decreasing HIPPA violations related to sending PII to incorrect addresses, and increasing patient confidence in those companies and businesses.&nbsp;The American Red Cross is a commonly referred to success story when it comes to the benefits of using Smarty’s address standardization. Here's a snippet from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/company/case-studies/red-cross-address-data-consolidation">a case study</a> focused on them."The Smarty tool has been fundamental in helping us clean the data and build our models,” said Jake Janecek, Red Cross Project Manager. “Being able to reliably understand where the fires are actually occurring and where we’re delivering our services is huge for us."They were dealing with house fire data coming from several different departments. These addresses were typically not standardized, and some were not even considered valid.&nbsp;Using Smarty US Address Verification, the Red Cross team was able to clean up, consolidate, and standardize all of the mailing addresses received from the fire departments. They uploaded addresses in bulk for verification and used the latitude/longitude information to geocode and create accurate maps.With an accurate database of address information in hand, the Red Cross partnered with DataKind, a non-profit data science group based out of the Washington, D.C. area to create a home fire risk map and predictive models.&nbsp;The American Red Cross has been using Smarty tools for about 5 years.Additionally, Kibage, an in-home care platform, saw incredible growth after implementing Smarty’s US Street Address API.They noted that the ability to validate addresses with an Address Line 2 was something that many other competing address APIs didn’t offer. However, their main client base was typically older and retired folks who lived in condos or apartments, places where Address Line 2 is a critical component for navigating precisely to the client in need.Jeff Collison, the CEO and Co-Founder of Kibage, stated, “The Smarty modern technology made the choice very easy. Integration was super simple. It’s everything we needed and wanted.”There are so many more glowing recommendations and case studies to be found on exactly why we do what we do. You can read those&nbsp;address validation success stories&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/company/case-studies">here</a>.<h3>Where to go for Address Help in Healthcare Software</h3>If you work in a software company that provides quality tools to physician offices, address standardizing and validating tools will only increase your product's value. Think of how much more likely a hospital system or general practice group would agree to use and purchase your products if they helped professionals avoid all the chaos that comes with addresses.&nbsp;In this three-part series, we hope to get you on the validated track to standardized data sets that would impress even the pickiest inspector.&nbsp;We have also released a sparkling new ebook to help you and other healthcare professionals understand how address validation can improve workflow, increase revenue, and grow your reputation as a reliable and equitable provider.You can download the ebook&nbsp;<a href="https://get.smarty.com/5-address-verification-use-case">here</a>.Clean out your current database with US Address Verification, and ensure that any future data input is clean at its entry points with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/products/us-address-autocomplete">US Autocomplete</a>.&nbsp;Want the true key to elevating patient care and advancing professional fulfillment? Let’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/signup">get you started</a> on some address validation, STAT.

See how Smarty's address validation reduces errors in healthcare, enhances patient care, and improves efficiency, with success stories from American Red Cross.

Address Affairs Causing Healthcare Hiccups: Part 1

Geocoding is converting a physical address into geographic coordinates with latitude and longitude.  Accurate geocodes are critical for many applications—routing deliveries, analyzing insurance risk, mapping utilities, and more. In a recent webinar, Smarty's customer service specialist, Ben Rivera, outlined best practices for maximizing geocode accuracy using our APIs and tools.  Here are some of the key takeaways:The Problem of Inaccurate Geocodes&nbsp;&nbsp;Many common geocoding services provide ZIP Code or centroid-level accuracy at best. 

Geocoding is converting a physical address into geographic coordinates with latitude and longitude. Accurate geocodes are critical for many applications—routing deliveries, analyzing insurance risk, mapping utilities, and more.In a recent webinar, Smarty's customer service specialist, Ben Rivera, outlined best practices for maximizing geocode accuracy using our APIs and tools. Here are some of the key takeaways:<h4>The Problem of Inaccurate Geocodes&nbsp;&nbsp;</h4>Many common geocoding services provide ZIP Code or centroid-level accuracy at best. This can mean geocode coordinates that are far from the actual rooftop location. It’s even worse if a provider labels a geocode as "rooftop level" when it is not actually rooftop accurate.Smarty has invested heavily in rooftop-precision geocoding data for the US. Our benchmarks show 85% rooftop accuracy and 11% parcel accuracy—far beyond competitors. And geocoding results are always labeled accurately, whether that's rooftop, parcel, or just ZIP Code accurate.<h4>Enabling Rooftop Geocoding&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</h4>The US Rooftop Geocoding license parameter must be passed to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/products/apis/us-street-api">US Address Validation API</a> to enable rooftop-level geocoding. Without the license parameter, you'll get ZIP Code-accurate geocodes only. Many users forget this step and then wonder why the geocoding level isn't rooftop.Rooftop geocoding is available through both the Address Validation API and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/products/list">the bulk address tool</a>. The license provides full address correction in addition to latitude/longitude coordinates.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/pricing/us-rooftop-geocoding">Usage costs</a> are identical—it's just a matter of enabling the license.<h4>Use Cases for Precise Geocodes</h4>Why does rooftop precision matter? Several examples:<a href="https://www.smarty.com/company/case-studies/sales-rabbit-sales-mapping-software">Delivery routing</a> - ensuring drivers arrive at the correct building entrance<ul><li><a href="https://www.smarty.com/company/case-studies/geocoding-risk-modeling">Insurance risk analysis</a> - identifying property exposure to environmental threats&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Utility mapping - accurately locating buildings to reduce installation costs</li><li>On-site services - pinpointing exact building locations like apartments or offices</li></ul>Without rooftop-level accuracy, nearby coordinates could lead drivers, technicians, or data analysts astray. The difference of just a few feet matters.<h4>International Geocoding Support&nbsp;&nbsp;</h4>While focused on the US, Smarty also provides geocoding for international addresses. Accuracy varies by country based on available data. Rooftop precision is available in Canada, Australia, the UK, and other developed nations. As a fallback, they provide centroid or ZIP Code accuracy globally.If you'd like to learn more about US Rooftop Geocoding and access it through the API, visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/products/us-rooftop-geocoding">US Rooftop Geocoding page</a>. And if you'd like to view the full webinar recording, you can do so here:<figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFt4Tfi-7d8"><div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mFt4Tfi-7d8" style="position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></figure>

Maximize geocode accuracy with Smarty's rooftop-precision tools. Expert insights from Ben Rivera on delivery, risk analysis, and utility mapping. Check it out!

 Tips for Setting Up a Geocoding API Recap

October 30, 2023 - PROVO, UTAH -&nbsp;Smarty, a leader in address data intelligence, has been named one of Utah's Top Workplaces for the second consecutive year.  Salt Lake Tribune announced a total of 166 Utah businesses that have been recognized.  Smarty ranked 17th of the 81 companies with fewer than 125 employees.  Nominations are based entirely on employee feedback surveys administered by a third-party service.  The anonymous 24-question employee questionnaire measures 15 cultural driving elements like advocacy, alignment, collaboration, and inclusion. 

October 30, 2023 - PROVO, UTAH -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/">Smarty</a>, a leader in address data intelligence, has been named one of Utah's Top Workplaces for the second consecutive year. <a href="https://topworkplaces.sltrib.com/#:~:text=17%20Small%20Business-,Smarty,-Enterprise%20Software%0A(FOUNDED">Salt Lake Tribune announced a total of 166 Utah businesses</a> that have been recognized. Smarty ranked 17th of the 81 companies with fewer than 125 employees. Nominations are based entirely on employee feedback surveys administered by a third-party service. The anonymous 24-question employee questionnaire measures 15 cultural driving elements like advocacy, alignment, collaboration, and inclusion.While Smarty has become known for its fun perks like team lunches, events, and trips, employees say the company's "outward mindset" culture is the key to its award-winning workplace. Outwardness is one of Smarty's core values, based on the principle of seeing people as people first rather than objects or obstacles.<blockquote>"We're honored to be once again recognized as a leading Utah Top Workplace," said Doug Edwards, President of Smarty. "Creating a fun and productive environment has always been important for employee satisfaction and retention. However, our outward mindset fosters stronger interpersonal connections, empathy, and growth. Trying to truly understand coworkers as individuals with unique stories and dreams unlocks creativity and innovation, leading to better collaboration."</blockquote>While the core value of "Fun" undoubtedly contributes to the dynamic work environment, it's the values of "Outwardness" and "Wizardry" that genuinely resonate with long-standing employees. These principles emphasize recognizing individuals for their unique contributions and supporting their journey to mastery in their roles.<blockquote>Brady Amundson, a 6-year Smarty veteran and staff meeting host, expanded on the significance of outwardness: "Adopting an outward mindset is like turning the subtitles on when watching a foreign movie. Suddenly, you understand your coworkers better—their daytime drama, dreams of leaving the farm and becoming a Jedi, and why they stole your lunch from the fridge! When you adjust your mindset, it feels like getting superpowers to swoop in to lend a hand in the most effective way possible. Now imagine that everyone starts doing this—boom! You've got an office that feels more like a buddy-cop movie than a courtroom drama."</blockquote>In addition to Top Workplace awards, Smarty credits its outward approach for year-over-year employee retention of over 90% and sky-high job satisfaction scores. Even with stiff competition for top tech talent, the company's supportive and engaging culture continues to attract passionate professionals.<blockquote>Smarty's outward focus also extends beyond employees to its customers as well. "We aim to understand each client's unique challenges and data needs deeply. This empathy allows us to deliver solutions that drive real business impact," said Edwards. "At the end of the day, an outward mindset improves all relationships and interactions, whether inside or outside the organization."</blockquote>To learn about employment opportunities you can see their current openings by visiting their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/company/careers#open-positions">careers page</a> to learn about employment opportunities.

Smarty’s core values and employee engagement lead it to Utah’s Top Workplaces for second consecutive year. Check it out now!

Smarty Named Among Utah's Top 2023 Workplaces

In the wake of disasters like catastrophic weather events, wildfires, and other incidents, the significance of property and casualty (P&amp;C) insurance claims agents and adjusters becomes essential.  Their role is pivotal, yet often challenging, as they navigate the aftermath to assess damages, estimate repair or replacement costs, and process insurance claims. Claims agents and adjusters often face difficulties deploying to areas affected by disasters and obtaining accurate information amid chaotic circumstances. 

In the wake of disasters like catastrophic weather events, wildfires, and other incidents, the significance of property and casualty (P&amp;C) insurance claims agents and adjusters becomes essential. Their role is pivotal, yet often challenging, as they navigate the aftermath to assess damages, estimate repair or replacement costs, and process insurance claims.Claims agents and adjusters often face difficulties deploying to areas affected by disasters and obtaining accurate information amid chaotic circumstances. Despite these challenges, adjusters work tirelessly to guarantee that policyholders are fairly compensated for their losses while safeguarding insurance companies from potentially fraudulent claims.Fast response times are critical to ensuring accurate assessment of losses and quicker settlements for insureds. It comes as no surprise that insurance companies are continuously looking for ways to reduce response times. Smarty's US Rooftop Geocoding is among the best solutions that insurance companies can use to minimize the time between a claim being filed and adjusters arriving on scene.<h2>What is a Rooftop Geocoding?</h2>Rooftop geocoding is the process of matching an address to the precise coordinates of the primary structure on the parcel. Unlike the parcel-centric geocoding method that only uses street addresses or ZIP Codes, rooftop geocoding provides more accurate and reliable location data.Regrettably, the term "rooftop geocoding" is frequently employed in marketing to refer to geocodes near a building's roof. However, these geocodes might be located hundreds of feet away from the structure, potentially hitting anywhere on the property, the street in front of the premises, several houses down, or even a few blocks away. This ambiguity can be detrimental for insurance companies requiring precise location data, as decisions based on inaccurate geocodes can lead to flawed outcomes.When geocodes misalign, businesses may inadvertently base their strategies and decisions on flawed or imprecise information. To be classified as a rooftop geocode Smarty ensures the geocode accurately pinpoints the rooftop itself. Achieving this level of accuracy is crucial for insurance claims departments for effective decision-making.Smarty provides clients with detailed information about each geocodes accuracy. By doing so, we empower insurance companies with the knowledge they need to assess the reliability of the data they're working with. This transparency ensures that our clients are never left in in the dark.&nbsp;<h2>How P&amp;C Insurance Can Maximize Geocoding</h2><h3>Streamline Claims and Adjusting</h3>Rooftop geocoding has become indispensable for optimizing claims processing. By tapping into precise geocoding data, claims agents and adjusters can rapidly evaluate risks, validate policy coverage, and estimate claim values. Approaching claims with exact location data intelligence significantly reduces manual errors and amplifies operational efficiency.Rooftop geocoding not only benefits claims processing, but also revolutionizes adjuster deployment strategies. Equipped with exact coordinates, insurers can assign adjusters based on geographical proximity to the claim site, ensuring prompt and accurate responses. The strategic deployment of adjusters through rooftop geocoding provides timely and responsive claims handling, leading to heightened customer satisfaction.<h3>Pair Geocoding with Address Enrichment for Best Results</h3>It's never fun to bombard your client with many underwriting questions, but it must be done to get a complete picture of the risk you're insuring. Sometimes, clients know the answers, sometimes they don't, and oftentimes they unknowingly give inaccurate answers. Ambiguity on insurance applications can lead to complications when it comes time to manage claims and assess damage.&nbsp;Smarty's US Property Data paired with US Rooftop Geocoding gets you the exact location of your risk, and tells you its features. For example, you can know the construction type, the structure elevation, the square footage, the subdivision, and much more.&nbsp;This enriched property data allows insurers to refine risk evaluations, leading to precise pricing, tailored coverage recommendations, and proactive risk mitigation efforts. Embracing geocoding and data enrichment isn't just a strategic business decision; it presents an opportunity for insurers to foster innovation and gain a competitive edge within the insurance sector.Moreover, these benefits extend beyond financial gains. Insights derived from geocoding and data enrichment empower insurers to strengthen their risk management strategies. By identifying specific property characteristics and related risks, insurers can proactively devise loss prevention initiatives and offer valuable advice on risk mitigation to clients, reinforcing the insurer-client relationship and preventing potential losses.<h2>Key Takeaways</h2>Rooftop geocoding is a crucial tool for P&amp;C insurance adjusters looking to improve response times, customer satisfaction, and the accuracy of location data. Take&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/products/us-rooftop-geocoding#demo">Smarty's US Rooftop Geocoding for a spin</a>, and tell us what you think.

Optimize P&C insurance claims with Smarty's US Rooftop Geocoding. Improve location accuracy, adjuster deployment, and more. Check it out now!

How P&C Insurance Adjusters Win with Rooftop Geocoding

Today, we spotlight&nbsp;Trey Rutter, our Dev/Ops IT Associate.  Trey is the wizard behind the scenes, helping to ensure that our hardware and address data solutions work seamlessly to deliver accurate and reliable information.  Let's get to know Trey better. What is the most surprising thing you learned about addresses after joining Smarty?"I found it surprising how a&nbsp;ZIP Code can tell us so much.  It's more than just 5 digits at the end of your address. "When you were in elementary school, what did you want to be when you grew up?"As a kid, I had dreams of being an archeologist. 

Today, we spotlight&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/company/team/trey-rutter">Trey Rutter, our Dev/Ops IT Associate</a>. Trey is the wizard behind the scenes, helping to ensure that our hardware and address data solutions work seamlessly to deliver accurate and reliable information. Let's get to know Trey better.<h2>What is the most surprising thing you learned about addresses after joining Smarty?</h2>"I found it surprising how a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/docs/zip-codes-101">ZIP Code</a> can tell us so much. It's more than just 5 digits at the end of your address."<h2>When you were in elementary school, what did you want to be when you grew up?</h2>"As a kid, I had dreams of being an archeologist."<h2>To what resources do you turn to stay current in your job skills?</h2>"The best resource for my role is hands-on learning. If you don't work with and solve current issues, it's hard to stay current with how fast the tech industry moves."<h2>What do you enjoy about your job role at Smarty?</h2>"I enjoy having the ability to help others and focus on several unique tasks throughout the day."<h2>What challenges do you face in your job role at Smarty?</h2>"Knowledge is a big one for me. The DevOps world can be&nbsp;very unintuitive until you understand what is happening under the hood."<h2>Do you have any completely irrelevant skills or talents?&nbsp;</h2>"Yes, I have a lot! A couple of skills that come to mind are that I can hold someone above my head and do a backflip, which I learned on the BYU cheer team."<img src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/trey_holding_somone_up_in_the_air_448_336_945a12becf.webp" alt="Trey as a cheerleader at BYU" height="336" width="448"><h2>What are some of your favorite work-related projects or accomplishments, and why were they meaningful to you?</h2>"My favorite project and accomplishment was the implementation of mobile device management software across all the relevant devices at Smarty. The whole company now uses this software, and it helps us easily maintain, update, and secure devices. It also plays a key role in meeting and exceeding SOC2 compliance standards."<h2>What or who inspires you, and why?</h2>"I am inspired by individuals who can make any situation positive and know how to wordsmith bad situations into good ones."<h2>What are some of the most valuable lessons you've learned at Smarty, and how have they impacted your approach to work?</h2>"Failure is okay and leads to progress. I was very scared to fail early at Smarty but have learned the quicker I fail, the faster I can get to the right answer."<img src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/trey_and_his_wife_at_graduation_384_512_5ed4586f95.webp" alt="Trey with his wife at graduation" height="512" width="384"><h2>Trey, what do you think makes Smarty's culture unique? How do you contribute to maintaining it?</h2>"Smarty has many different personalities, but you can put anybody in any group, and everyone will get along and have a blast. I try contributing to this by being friendly and finding joy in everyone's interest."<h2>What life advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?</h2>"If I could talk to myself as a 20-year-old, I would tell my younger self to find IT faster! It took me a while to find IT, and I wish I would’ve found it a few years earlier."<h2>Where do you experience your most energizing moments?</h2>"My most energizing moments come while playing golf! It's the perfect anti-social social activity. You can learn a lot about someone while golfing."<img src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/trey_with_friends_golfing_384_512_b3797cd386.webp" alt="Trey with family and friends golfing" height="512" width="384"><h2>What has been your most joyous discovery?</h2>"Recently, I've discovered the joys of meal prep. It's easy to spend a few hours on a weekend and have great meals the whole week."<h2>What tips would you give someone considering a career in your field?</h2>"If you're considering a career in IT, I'd advise you to find what you love to do and do it. It’s more rewarding to do something you love than to be paid for something you hate."We hope you enjoyed getting to know Trey and learning from his wisdom. Trey's spotlight was so inspiring we decided to write him a poem.&nbsp; &nbsp;In the world of IT, where knowledge takes flight,Trey's a wizard, his skills shining bright,From ZIP Codes' secrets to a mac's embrace,He's a master of tech in every case. &nbsp;With hands-on learning, he conquers the day,Helping others with passion, come what may,From backflips to systems, his talents so vast,Trey's the wizard who makes IT a blast. &nbsp;So, if you seek guidance in the tech's mystic haze,Turn to Trey, let his wizardry amaze,In the realm of addresses and codes to decode,He's the IT magician on the winding tech road.<figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://youtu.be/Jx4uQ0ymaqg"><div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jx4uQ0ymaqg" style="position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></figure>If, like us, Trey's story inspires you and you want to start your adventure, we're always looking for passionate professionals to join our team. Explore our opportunities&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/company/careers">by checking out our careers page</a>–no poetry required. If you make the team, I bet Trey would happily teach you how to do a backflip, too!

Learn about Trey Rutter, Smarty's Dev/Ops IT Associate. Learn about his hands-on approach to tech, unique talents, and contributions to our unique culture now!

Inside Smarty - Trey Rutter

In the fast-paced world of software development, it's easy to get lost in boring meetings, pointless tasks, and approaching deadlines.  But here at Smarty, we avoid the monotony with a blend of innovation, community, and a heaping side of fun.  In this blog, we'll explore the things we do to make Smarty more than a workplace and something truly unique. &nbsp;Lunchtime Movie Script ReadingImagine you're in the middle of a busy workday, and you hear dialogues from "The Sandlot" or "Super Mario Bros" echoing into the kitchen. 

In the fast-paced world of software development, it's easy to get lost in boring meetings, pointless tasks, and approaching deadlines. But here at Smarty, we avoid the monotony with a blend of innovation, community, and a heaping side of fun. In this blog, we'll explore the things we do to make Smarty more than a workplace and something truly unique.&nbsp;<h2>Lunchtime Movie Script Reading</h2>Imagine you're in the middle of a busy workday, and you hear dialogues from "The Sandlot" or "Super Mario Bros" echoing into the kitchen. No, it's not a movie screening; it's our lunchtime movie script reading group. A few employees gather during lunch breaks to read through iconic movie scripts. This dedicated group of movie lovers has a whopping 53 scripts under their belts! This not only serves as a creative outlet but helps bring different employees together in a unique and engaging way.<h2>Smarty Singers: Harmonizing Data and Melodies</h2><img src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/smarty_singers_singing_at_retreat_448_336_b481e7d532.webp" alt="Smarty Singers performing at a Smarty retreat">Q: What's the difference between a piano, a fish, and a bucket of glue? A: You can tune a piano, but you can't tune a fish! Speaking of tunes and pianos, check out our Smarty Singers. Software engineers and technical support reps by day, and singers by…. well singers also by day. This choir group is open to anyone with a passion for music or a bucket… a bucket meant for carrying a tune. The choir performs at company events, and their melodic voices can often be heard ringing throughout the third floor. It's a rockin' example of how diverse talents can come together to create something beautiful.&nbsp;Are you still wondering about that bucket of glue? I knew you'd get "stuck" there!<h2>Birthday Lunch: A Culinary Break</h2><img src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/foodtruck_for_lunch_448_336_371284b6de.webp" alt="Food truck for lunch">Once a month, Smarty stirs the pot with a birthday lunch. (crowd cheering in the background), Lettuce clarify that these lunches can be catered in-house or enjoyed at a local restaurant, birthday lunch is the cherry on top of the awesome sundae that is working at Smarty. Peas understand that this gives us an awesome and casual opportunity for cross-departmental interaction, fostering a culture of open communication and relationship building, and, more importantly, good food with some real fine diners.<h2>Company-Wide Retreats</h2>Work-life balance isn't just a term at Smarty; it's a practice. About once a year, Smarty hosts company-wide retreats for all employees and their plus one. It's an opportunity to unwind, reflect on the year's achievements, showcase some amazing and often odd talents, and allows Smarty to announce fun events for the coming year. This retreat is a testament to our commitment to employee well-being, culture, growth, and fun.<h2>A Day of Laser Tag, Rollercoasters, &amp; More</h2><figure class="image image-style-side"><img src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/smary_employees_at_topgolf_448_336_53470fe122.webp" alt="Smarty employees at Topgolf"></figure>Smarty does a variety of activities throughout the year. Anything from a Lagoon day, taking everyone to a local arcade, Top Golf, Smarty Spirit Week, offsite lunches, mid-day walks, Halloween costume contests, and many others. These activities give everyone a chance to unwind and have fun. People from all parts of the company, from specialists to the C-suite, hang out in a more informal setting. The arcade games, bowling, rollercoasters, golfing, and laser tag provides a way for everyone to let loose, enjoy themselves, and talk about things outside of work.These outings also give people from different departments a chance to interact in a casual environment. This kind of team-building is important because it helps everyone get to know each other better, which can make working together in the office more enjoyable and effective. Plus, who doesn't love the bragging rights that come with winning an intense game of laser tag?<h2>Sports and Games: More than Just Leisure</h2>At Smarty, we have groups that regularly engage in golf, pickleball, and board games. These activities are more than just pastimes; they’re extensions of our collaborative spirit. While many of these activities happen outside of office hours, they create a unique opportunity for Smarty's to get to know each other outside of the normal business setting. I mean, how else could you find out that Bill in accounting was a pickleball savant? We'd know…. That is if we had a Bill that worked here. (Calling all Bills to apply to Smarty here!))<h2>Conclusion</h2>Culture at Smarty isn’t an afterthought; it's a business strategy intricately woven into our daily operations. From movie script readings to birthday lunch, each activity is a building block in creating a cohesive, innovative, and community-driven workspace. It's this unique culture that enables us to see our co-workers not as an obstacle, but as people and fosters a healthy work environment.So if you’re ready to kick some serious butt at laser tag, or pickleball(Looking at you, Bill!),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/company/careers">then come work for Smarty</a>. If not for the money, do it for birthday lunch!

Discover the unique culture at Smarty, where innovation meets community. Smarty is way more than just a bland old workplace. Come check it out now!

The Unique Culture at Smarty: Where Innovation Meets Community

On October 21, we celebrate Marty McFly Day, dedicated to honoring the time-traveling teen's contribution to the world of time travel in the "Back to the Future" universe.  In the spirit of this iconic day, we embark on a journey to learn from Marty's adventures and apply those lessons to address data quality in the business world. &nbsp;Just as Marty's actions set off ripples through time, we'll explore how address data accuracy—or the lack thereof—can create a ripple effect with profound consequences. 

On October 21, we celebrate Marty McFly Day, dedicated to honoring the time-traveling teen's contribution to the world of time travel in the "Back to the Future" universe. In the spirit of this iconic day, we embark on a journey to learn from Marty's adventures and apply those lessons to address data quality in the business world.&nbsp;Just as Marty's actions set off ripples through time, we'll explore how address data accuracy—or the lack thereof—can create a ripple effect with profound consequences. Admittedly, Doc Brown&nbsp;did say something like, "<a href="https://www.smarty.com/smartystreets">Streets? Where we're going, we don't need streets</a>," but he&nbsp;never said we didn't need reliable, clean, and comprehensive address data.So, get ready to discover how better quality address data can ensure your business stays on the best timeline and avoid the "heavy" consequences of bad data and not "heavy" "as a result of a problem with the earth's gravitational pull."&nbsp;<h2>The Ripple Effect On Business Operations</h2><figure class="image image-style-side"><img src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/ripple_effect_graphic_448_336_849d29a3e0.webp" alt="Ripple effect on a mountain lake"></figure>Imagine this: Marty McFly's meddling with the past led to a chain reaction of events that altered his life and the entire McFly family. In the business world, a similar ripple effect can occur due to a lack of address data accuracy, resulting in delayed deliveries, returned shipments, frustrated customers, negative reviews, fewer customers, and a constant cycle of dissatisfaction.Don't underestimate the financial impact either; the cost of such inaccuracies can be staggering when multiplied by a constant cycle of incoming erroneous data. To avoid negative ripples, businesses should prioritize address data accuracy.<h2>Marty McFly's Lessons for Data Accuracy</h2>Marty McFly's experiences in the past yielded both positive and negative outcomes, much like the effects of address accuracy in the corporate world. When he intervened in 1955,&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/So2yJzFOJeo?si=r6p1vPspNsj4JMSQ&amp;t=84">George McFly knocked out Biff</a> and set off a chain of events that led to a happier, more prosperous 1985 for the family. In contrast, when 2015 Biff went back in time with Marty's sports almanac, he created a&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/rPVNVy9pq28?si=bzXg1wgXH6UFu6XL&amp;t=139">nightmarish alternate 1985</a>.Similarly, good address data can lead to positive outcomes, including efficiency, better communication, customer satisfaction, and the best possible 1985. Bad data, on the other hand, can drain resources, frustrate customers, damage your reputation, and lead to a future as stark as Biff's version of 1985.<h2>Address Data Quality</h2>To ensure your business stays on the path to success, consider Smarty's address tools. They're designed to clean up your address data, eliminating inaccuracies and preventing bad data entry right from the start.&nbsp;By validating and correcting addresses in real-time, Smarty's solutions help you avoid costly errors and create a positive ripple effect throughout your organization. The benefits are tangible and far-reaching, from reducing delivery mishaps to improving customer satisfaction.<h2>Creating Positive Ripples in Your Business</h2>Just as Marty McFly's actions profoundly affected his life, the accuracy of your data can determine the course of your organization's future. Address data solutions from Smarty are your time-traveling DeLorean, allowing you to avoid the adverse ripple effects of bad data. By prioritizing data accuracy, you can ensure that your business's timeline is one of success and growth.&nbsp;What does this all mean? As Doc Brown would say, "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUDAZyBU5G8">It means your future hasn't been written yet. No one's has. Your future is whatever you make it, so make it a good one.</a>"Ready to take your data accuracy to the next level?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/pricing/choose-your-plan">Try out one of Smarty's free trials today</a> and set your business on the path to a brighter future. Don't let data inaccuracies disrupt your timeline; let Smarty keep your operations running smoothly. Happy Marty McFly Day!

Celebrate Marty McFly Day by exploring the ripple effects of address data accuracy in business. Find out how to avoid the cost of bad data now!

Learning from Marty McFly: Fixing Bad Data Ripple Effects

Halloween is just around the corner, and since we eat and drink addresses every day at Smarty, we get into the spooky spirit by exploring the eerie and mysterious street names across the United States?In the movie "Beetlejuice," saying the titular character's name 3 times would summon the chaotic and mischievous demon himself. &nbsp;At Smarty, we have a theory.  Like Beetlejuice, every haunting creature has a magic number, and whenever someone sends mail to a house on Vampire Road in Gallitzin, Pennsylvania, delivers pizza to Goblin Drive in Harrison, Arkansas, or navigates to Zombie Way in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, it brings each state closer to their own monster apocalypse. 

Halloween is just around the corner, and since we eat and drink addresses every day at Smarty, we get into the spooky spirit by exploring the eerie and mysterious street names across the United States?In the movie "Beetlejuice," saying the titular character's name 3 times would summon the chaotic and mischievous demon himself.&nbsp;At Smarty, we have a theory. Like Beetlejuice, every haunting creature has a magic number, and whenever someone sends mail to a house on Vampire Road in Gallitzin, Pennsylvania, delivers pizza to Goblin Drive in Harrison, Arkansas, or navigates to Zombie Way in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, it brings each state closer to their own monster apocalypse.While nobody knows the magic number of mentions to summon these creatures, there's still hope. We've searched our comprehensive address database to tally up every eerie entity, and we'll predict which states will come under siege first.In our search for the paranormal, we've scoured our US address data of over 210 million addresses for ghosts, goblins, warlocks, vampires, and over&nbsp;30&nbsp;supernatural beasts &amp; beings. In total, we've found&nbsp;738 spooky streets and&nbsp;16,312 haunted addresses. These are the creepy crawlers coming for us all.&nbsp;<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Spooky Creature or Being</td><td>Total Addresses</td></tr><tr><td>Phantom</td><td>6,848</td></tr><tr><td>Witch</td><td>4,077</td></tr><tr><td>Ghost</td><td>2,552</td></tr><tr><td>Troll</td><td>1,208</td></tr><tr><td>Wizard</td><td>641</td></tr><tr><td>Banshee</td><td>279</td></tr><tr><td>Goblin</td><td>175</td></tr><tr><td>Demon</td><td>168</td></tr><tr><td>Gremlin</td><td>78</td></tr><tr><td>Ghoul</td><td>74</td></tr><tr><td>Apparition</td><td>65</td></tr><tr><td>Werewolf</td><td>55</td></tr><tr><td>Warlock</td><td>33</td></tr><tr><td>Vampire</td><td>29</td></tr><tr><td>Wraith</td><td>26</td></tr><tr><td>Zombie</td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td>Frankenstein</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>Total Spooky Addresses</td><td>16,312</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>&nbsp;The following table breaks down each state by most probable monster apocalypse, and identifies how many addresses with that monster appear in that state along with the total of all monster-related addresses in each state, and, of course, our favorite spooky addresses we found in each state:<figure class="table"><table><thead><tr><th>State</th><th>Top Monster &amp; # of Addresses</th><th>Total Monster Addresses</th><th>Our Favorite Streets</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Mississippi</td><td>Phantom (4952)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 5036</td><td> Phantom Street, Biloxi, MS &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>North Carolina</td><td>Troll (743)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1144</td><td> Troll Court, Fayetteville, NC&nbsp; Pony Ghost Trail, Murphy, NC &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Virginia</td><td>Witch (632)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 879</td><td> Witch Duck Circle, Heathsville, VA Goblintown Creek Road, Stuart, VA &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Texas</td><td>Phantom (419)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1199</td><td> Phantom Rider Trail, Spring Branch, TX Ghost Rider Cove, Leander, TX &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Arizona</td><td>Ghost (340)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;616</td><td> Ghostrider Road, Young, AZ Phantom Burro Road, Seligman, AZ &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Florida</td><td>Witch (290)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;483</td><td> Witchhaven Street, Jacksonville, FL Von Frankenstein Court, Howey In The Hills, FL &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>California</td><td>Phantom (250)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;766</td><td> Phantom Building, Victorville, CA Sea Witch Lane, Huntington Beach, CA &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Colorado</td><td>Witch (241)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;515</td><td> Witcher Drive, Colorado Prings, CO &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Connecticut</td><td>Witch (230)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;230</td><td> Old Witch Court, Norwalk, CT &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Nevada</td><td>Ghost (223)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;399 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</td><td> Ghost Gum Street, Las Vegas, NV Phantom Jet Avenue, Las Vegas, NV &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Illinois</td><td>Witch (204)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;227 &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</td><td> Seawitch Drive, Cherry Valley, IL &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>South Carolina</td><td>Witch (184)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;357</td><td> Witch Hazel Way, Longs, SC Zombie Way, Moncks Corner, SC &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>New Hampshire</td><td>Witch (169)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;170</td><td> Witch Island Way, Hampton, NH &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Idaho</td><td>Phantom (162)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;226</td><td> Phantom Avenue, Mountain Home, ID &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Wisconsin</td><td>Phantom (159)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;344</td><td> Phantom Lake Court, Mukwonago, WI Gremlin Avenue, Tomah, WI &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>New Mexico</td><td>Ghost (149)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;171</td><td> Grey Ghost Road, Hobbs, NM &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Montana</td><td>Ghost (148)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;200</td><td> Ghost Town Drive, Anaconda, MT Wraith Hill Lane, Anaconda, MT &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Oregon</td><td>Witch (136)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;315</td><td> Witcher Gateway Road, Cottage Grove, OR Troll View Road, Grants Pass, OR &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>West Virginia</td><td>Witch (131)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;202</td><td> Witchy Fork Road, Coalton, WV Blue Demon Drive, Elkhorn, WV &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Maine</td><td>Witch (125)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;158</td><td> Witchtrot Road, York, ME Demons Way, Topsham, ME &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Georgia</td><td>Witch (122)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;242</td><td> Witcher Road, Carlton, GA &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Maryland</td><td>Witch (122)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;214</td><td> Witch Hazel Lane, Bowie, MD Gremlin Lane, Hancock, MD Warlock Court, Glen Burnie, MD &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Massachusetts</td><td>Witch (115)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;115</td><td> Witch Way, Salem, MA &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>New Jersey</td><td>Witch (96)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;127</td><td> Witches Hollow Road, Millstone Township, NJ &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Pennsylvania</td><td>Witch (93)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;224</td><td> Witchcraft Road, Hamburg, PA Windy Ghoul Drive, Beaver, PA &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>New York</td><td>Witch (80)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;143</td><td> Woods Witch Lane, Chappaqua, NY Demon Pond Road, Bath, NY Werewolf Path, Water Mill, NY &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Ohio</td><td>Wizard (80)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;148</td><td> Wizard of Oz Way, Hillsboro, OH Ghost Hollow Road, Lucasville, OH Warlock Court, Columbus, OH &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Tennessee</td><td>Witch (79)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;143</td><td> Witcher Hollow Road, Red Boiling Springs, TN Troll Bridge Road, Winchester, TN &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Alabama</td><td>Ghost (71)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;126</td><td> Timberghost Road, Coy, AL Wizard Road, Grove Hill, AL Big Troll Road, Adger, AL &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Alaska</td><td>Troll (70)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;98</td><td> Back Troll Alley, Kenai, AK&nbsp; Hobgoblin Lane, Fairbanks, AK &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Missouri</td><td>Banshee (65)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;147</td><td> Banshee Boulevard, Bridgeton, MO Banshee Saint Louis, MO &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Indiana</td><td>Troll (61)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;211</td><td> Troll Street, Sullivan, IN Werewolf Lane, Underwood, IN &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Arkansas</td><td>Witch (57)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;132</td><td> Witcherville Cutoff, Huntington, AR Goblin Drive, Harrison, AR &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Michigan</td><td>Banshee (54)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 61</td><td> Banshee Street, Gwinn, MI &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>South Dakota</td><td>Ghost (54)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 54</td><td> Ghost Face Drive, White River, SD &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Kansas</td><td>Phantom (50)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;113</td><td> Phantom Avenue, McConnell AFB, KS Silver Wraith Drive, Olathe, KS &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Vermont</td><td>Witch (43)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 59</td><td> Witchcat Road, Enosburg Falls, VT &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Kentucky</td><td>Wizard (34)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 51</td><td> Wizard Avenue, Louisville, KY Witchcraft Road, Madisonville, KY &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Louisiana</td><td>Demon (33)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 41</td><td> Demoncherveaux Boulevard, Ville Platte, LA ("Demon child" in French) Ghoul Street, Georgetown, LA &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Washington</td><td>Witch (24)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 71</td><td> Seawitch Lane, Seabeck, WA Goblin Lane, Everett, WA &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Minnesota</td><td>Troll (23)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 52</td><td> Trolls Trail, Grand Portage, MN &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Utah</td><td>Phantom (17)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 63</td><td> Phantom Drive, Blanding, UT Goblin Valley Road, Green River, UT &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Wyoming</td><td>Phantom (10)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 10</td><td> Phantom Road, Laramie, WY &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Oklahoma</td><td>Ghost (8)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 17</td><td> Ghost Hollow Mooring Road, Eucha, OK &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>North Dakota</td><td>Wizard (6)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;6</td><td> Wizard Street, Osnabrock, ND &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Iowa</td><td>Goblin (5)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;6</td><td> Goblin's Gully Drive, Cedar Rapids, IA &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Nebraska</td><td>Ghost (1)</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;1</td><td> Ghost Town Avenue, Spalding, NE &nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Delaware</td><td>N/A</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;0</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Hawaii</td><td>N/A</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;0</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Rhode Island</td><td>N/A</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;0</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>With 4,952 "Phantom" addresses, it's pretty clear Mississipians should have started preparing yesterday. They'll need as many&nbsp;<a href="https://ghostbusters.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Equipment">P.K.E. Meters, Proton Packs, &amp; Ghost Traps</a> as money can buy.&nbsp;The next closest state is North Carolina with 743 "Troll" addresses, so we should have several years between the invasion of Mississippi and the troll attack on North Carolina. Based on the numbers, Iowa residents probably have a few lifetimes before Goblins swarm their cities.If fighting monsters isn't your thing, consider moving to Rhode Island, Hawaii, or Delaware. As the only states in our analysis without haunted addresses, we can expect them to stay monster-free forever.&nbsp;Finally, if you use and rely on address data, remember this: as you work with addresses, you play a part in unfolding this paranormal narrative. Brace yourselves, and may your Halloween be filled with tricks and treats!

Dive into Smarty's spine-chilling analysis of the most monstrous streets in the U.S. Discover which states are most likely to have a monster apocalypse now. 

Monster Apocalypse: Your State's Fate by Street Names

October 4, 2023 - PROVO, UT—Smarty, the address data intelligence leader, announces today the launch of its US Property Data product with more than 350 property data points.  Smarty's US Property Data and Address Enrichment API includes financial, structural, and locational data to enhance business risk analysis and inform strategic investments. "Accurate property data play a crucial role in various industries, enabling organizations to make informed decisions and enhance their operations," said Berk Charlton, Chief Product Officer at Smarty. 

October 4, 2023 - PROVO, UT—Smarty, the address data intelligence leader, announces today the launch of its US Property Data product with more than 350 property data points. Smarty's US Property Data and Address Enrichment API includes financial, structural, and locational data to enhance business risk analysis and inform strategic investments."Accurate property data play a crucial role in various industries, enabling organizations to make informed decisions and enhance their operations," said Berk Charlton, Chief Product Officer at Smarty. "Our US Property Data is a cloud-native solution that provides businesses access to an extensive dataset of property information."&nbsp;Companies can use US Property Data to make precise risk assessments, customize their services based on location-specific details, and refine their overall business strategies for improved efficiency and effectiveness. Key features of Smarty's Property Data Release include:<ul><li>Over 150 structural data attributes</li><li>More than 130 current and historical financial data attributes</li><li>Over 60 locational and geographic data attributes</li></ul>Smarty has designed US Property Data to deliver industry-leading speed and compatibility with cloud-based systems, catering to many industries, including insurance carriers, mortgage lenders, and retailers. To further enhance precision, US Property Data strategically integrates with Smarty's Rooftop Geocoding solution."The release of US Property Data makes Smarty a one-stop-shop for business address data intelligence," said Jonathan Oliver, Founder and CEO of Smarty. "We've embedded Smarty's US Property Data with SmartyKey, a persistent unique identifier that empowers businesses to have the most accurate and consistent data possible."Addressing the challenge of maintaining data consistency and integrity within the address data intelligence sector, Smarty's US Property Data utilizes a persistent unique identifier called SmartyKey™. This innovative feature effectively mitigates data discrepancies by assigning a distinct SmartyKey™ to each address in the United States. SmartyKey™ empowers consumers with the information needed to recognize address aliases, former street names, and other updates, thereby ensuring the unparalleled accuracy of Smarty's US Property Data.For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/products/us-property-data">Smarty's US Property Data Page</a>.

Elevate your business decisions with Smarty's Enhanced US Property Data featuring 350+ attributes. Unlock the power of precise property insights now!

Smarty Launches Enhanced US Property Data with 350+ Attributes, Empowering Better Business Decisions

Interpersonal skills and how they tie to leadership, teamwork, and business growth is no cakewalk.  Yet every business knows that retention of employees is largely contingent upon quality interpersonal skills.  That's why so many organizations implement principles and techniques taught by the greats. I'm sure you've heard of Dale Carnegie's "How to Win Friends &amp; Influence People", Steven R.  Covey's "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People", or maybe even "Dare to Lead" by Dr.  Brene Brown. 

Interpersonal skills and how they tie to leadership, teamwork, and business growth is no cakewalk. Yet every business knows that retention of employees is largely contingent upon quality interpersonal skills. That's why so many organizations implement principles and techniques taught by the greats.I'm sure you've heard of Dale Carnegie's "<a href="https://a.co/d/jkNBNHJ">How to Win Friends &amp; Influence People</a>", Steven R. Covey's "<a href="https://a.co/d/5HL3yBc">The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People</a>", or maybe even "<a href="https://a.co/d/1HrYMLP">Dare to Lead</a>" by Dr. Brene Brown.Each of these is extremely valuable and helpful in teaching you as an individual how to shape yourself into a better professional and, in many cases, a better person. They can help you form stronger relationships with those around you and assist in lifting your business to new heights.One tool that’s taught by&nbsp;<a href="https://arbinger.com/">The Arbinger Institute</a> for helping people come together is the Meet to Learn. This is a tool that we here at Smarty strive to embrace and engrain into our flow of work fully.<h2>What Is a Meet to Learn?</h2><img src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/dirk_and_mike_448_336_15d1fb6b54.webp" alt="Smarty employees looking at a computer during a one-on-one">A Meet to Learn is a meeting between two people where the goal is to understand one another's needs, challenges, and objectives, and to get to know them as a person. Seeing your coworkers as people with their own lives rather than obstacles or vehicles can change how you view your organization.According to the Arbinger Institute, these meetings can position you to be more helpful to those around you. That's ultimately the goal, to find how you can help another person to accomplish their goals.<h2>How Are They Done?</h2>They start by scheduling a meeting between two people. At Smarty, we aim to keep our meetings around 30 minutes long. Once you're together, strive to find a way to learn about this person. Perhaps you turn it into an interview where you can ask lots of questions, or maybe a more natural conversation would work for you. Some of the questions you might try asking could include:What is their role at work? What is their role at home? What are their objectives at work? What about in life? Are they facing any challenges right now that are causing them grief, hair loss, or sleepless nights? How does your work impact their life and their work?For me, I try to focus on four specific questions:<ul><li>What do they care about outside of work, and what stresses might they feel due to living life as a human being? Some examples of outside stressors:<ul><li>Parenting challenges</li><li>Housing or transportation challenges</li><li>Community relationships or challenges &nbsp;</li></ul></li><li>What are their responsibilities at work, and what stresses are they feeling with projects they're currently working on? For example:<ul><li>What was their most recent win?</li><li>What was their most frustrating experience last week?</li><li>Is there anything that they stress about even when they're not at work?</li><li>Is there anything that makes them think, "I don't want to go to work today."? &nbsp;</li></ul></li><li>Who are the people they’re responsible to?<ul><li>Who do they feel they owe work or deliverables to?</li><li>Do any of these relationships create stress that I can help with? &nbsp;</li></ul></li><li>How can I help?<ul><li>In hearing any of the above challenges—both in and out of work—have I felt that there's something I can do to help? What action items can I add to my personal task list to help this person accomplish their goals?</li></ul></li></ul><h2>Why Are They Crucial to Smarty’s Culture?</h2><img src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/ben_and_wes_448_336_00f7b41f51.webp" alt="Smarty employees eating while having a one-on-one">We strive to understand that our coworkers are humans. People that have their own lives. That we're not living with 'main character energy'. Using Meet to Learns as a tool to help us connect has helped us to do that.Here's what some of our team has to say about their Meet to Learns:<blockquote>"Meet to Learns give me unique opportunities to establish real connections with my colleagues on a more personal basis. By getting to know each other and openly exchanging our objectives and difficulties, we create a sense of collaboration that ultimately strengthens the entire company."&nbsp;- Benson Ehlert, Sales</blockquote><blockquote>"They're great for making friends, understanding how the organization works, and uncovering opportunities to improve collaboration and business results."&nbsp;- John Hickey, Marketing</blockquote><blockquote>"When you take the chance to meet with someone who is not in your circle of friends, there is a synergy that can occur as you get to know each other on a personal and professional level."&nbsp;- Brady Amundson, Marketing</blockquote><blockquote>"I like meeting with cool people and learning about them. But it's also been useful to our organization in determining the other person's needs and objectives and seeing if I can help in accomplishing those."&nbsp;- Kent Gividen, Engineering</blockquote><blockquote>"I find that what is important to my team's success is of value to the person that I am meeting with. It makes it feel like we are one big team."&nbsp;- Kris Lindsay, Customer Success</blockquote><blockquote>"Meet to Learns are a great way to understand how your work affects your coworkers and how you can align your goals to help each other succeed."&nbsp;- Trey Rutter, DevOps</blockquote>Meet to Learns are crucial enough that having them is often mixed into our monthly, or quarterly goals. So often, we return from these meetings with new insights and an understanding of how we fit into the company machine. One trick I like to do is take copious notes during my Meet to Learns, and then follow up on the "how can I help" section a few months down the road to ensure that I've made an impact. Reaching out to the people who I've met with lets them know that I took the meeting seriously, and that I still care for them as a person.If you're looking to work for a company with an incredible culture and want to have your own meet to learn with all of Smarty, <a href="https://www.smarty.com/company/careers">check our careers page here</a>!

Discover the power of Meet to Learns in building stronger relationships at Smarty. Discover how this tool helps build our amazing culture now!

The Meet to Learn

Properly implemented address autocomplete can help businesses to improve conversion rates by speeding up address entry, improve address data quality by reducing typos, and reduce user frustration related to errant address data. &nbsp;But, if you choose the wrong autocomplete API or make implementation errors, those benefits can evaporate.  In our new ebook, "Magical Benefits of Address Autocomplete," where we've compiled valuable insights and implementation tips, including the best practices we'll cover here. 

Properly implemented address autocomplete can help businesses to improve conversion rates by speeding up address entry, improve address data quality by reducing typos, and reduce user frustration related to errant address data.&nbsp;But, if you choose the wrong autocomplete API or make implementation errors, those benefits can evaporate. In our new ebook, "Magical Benefits of Address Autocomplete," where we've compiled valuable insights and implementation tips, including the best practices we'll cover here.&nbsp;<a href="https://get.smarty.com/magical-ebook">Read our ebook now</a>:&nbsp;<a href="https://get.smarty.com/magical-ebook"><img src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/magical_benefits_ebook_793_100_1_f8a5188ab9.svg" alt="magical benefits ebook banner"></a><h2>Choose the Right Autocomplete Technology</h2>Not all&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/articles/autocomplete">address autocomplete</a> technology and methods are created equal, and picking the one that best aligns with your goals is essential. Here are three common development approaches to autocomplete, their key features and drawbacks:<h3>Mapping Providers (e.g., Google Maps):</h3><ul><li>Approach: Flexible user input, focused on navigating to an approximate location. Autocomplete designed for mapping tries to provide address suggestions regardless of entry quality, even for phrases like "a monkey eating a banana." <img class="image_resized" style="width:75%;" src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/h4_Ab_I_4_UE_Vdo_N_l1cdfw_Ujr_Orb5_Rp_Ka_C_Btpw_Ej6_R_c_ZFK_3c82r_Cu6y_TTA_Eq_R_B_Gtdn_QK_Qu_EZ_2q_Soe_Mx_O7nxjd_Qhnx_a_JR_Iln_QE_9_Ks_jmkl_Yk_UAO_Lfr_Ee_EU_6_S_Mgo_Hsq9g1_Ai_I_Oh5z_L_Mm2q_Cp17_Ltdd_M_cf413ab8ba.png" alt="Autocomplete screenshot"></li><li>Key Drawback:&nbsp;It doesn't factor in house and building numbers or secondary addresses like unit or suite numbers, leading to address errors.</li><li>Result: Errors in building/house number or apartment/unit number are missed, leading to faulty analysis, lost packages, and customer service problems. Not suitable for precise address suggestions.</li></ul><h3>Partial Address Matching Engines:</h3><ul><li>Approach:&nbsp;Suggest results based on street name, city, and state combination while ignoring building, house, and apartment numbers. Also known as "street validation."</li><li>Key Drawbacks: Users need to complete the building/house numbers and enter the street name before address suggestions populate and take more keystrokes to find the correct address.</li><li>Result: Autocomplete that may require almost full address entry before the correct address is suggestions and only confirms street existence but not building house or unit numbers. The address may look real but not be valid.</li></ul><img class="image_resized" style="width:75%;" src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/0qhc_V_Ui_OS_WGGE_Jsktp_Cz_Erp_Kayw_Ao30_V3_Z53_Jcj_OTYU_8_Scr_Ef_Sk_FHU_EI_Ro_HV_4_Ed_Ixr_SOB_Ec_Uy_KY_13_Yhr_AUEP_Ki_Wg_E1_UR_Fk_F6m_Wj_Fp0u_L_Nx_8_K_Ihf_Aff_T_Ego_O_Jlu_B_Jcq7u_Zs_Q_Ft_Pp_E_Dkb_C_Ne6md_SE_4ed1f16867.png" alt="Address matching engines"><h3>Smarty's Address Autocomplete:</h3><ul><li>Approach:&nbsp;Never returns fake suggestions. Only suggest valid building number, street, unit, city, and state combinations. Typos in building numbers/apartments cause suggestions to disappear when there are no valid matches.&nbsp;</li><li>Key Drawback: The user may need to fix crucial typos in building numbers. This approach also informs users of typos to fix before submitting.</li><li>Result: Provides faster and more flexible suggestions based only on real addresses as the user types. The approach ensures accurate and reliable address predictions. It makes invalid address entry impossible unless the user bypasses autocomplete by entering their address manually, which is easy to flag for manual review.</li></ul><h2>Customize Your Forms</h2>Tailoring your forms to match user preferences is crucial for a smoother experience. Consider these customization options:<h3>Form Fields</h3><ul><li>Consider Customizing form fields to match the user's country or region based on geolocation, a selection from a country drop-down, or both.&nbsp;</li><li>Address autocomplete also allows you to flexibly reduce address entry on your forms to a single text field, then use the autocomplete API to parse the address components to populate appropriately in the form directly.</li></ul><h3>Keystrokes</h3>Customize the frequency of API requests based on keystrokes to reduce costs; you can also implement a pause before sending keystrokes to avoid unnecessary suggestions.<h3>Geolocation</h3><ul><li>Decide if you should prioritize address suggestions based on the user's geographical location when your users are geographically close to the user's location.</li><li>If your organization only does business in certain areas, consider limiting results to relevant&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/docs/zip-codes-101">ZIP Codes</a>, cities, or states for targeted services.</li><li>Consider turning off the location feature if you'll use it in a nationwide or international call center or other applications where the address entry happens on a device more than 100 miles away from the entered address.</li></ul><h3>Test and Optimize</h3>Continuously test and optimize your address autocomplete feature to ensure it meets your users' needs. Verify that customizations are working correctly, providing an accurate and user-friendly experience.<h3>Emphasize Accuracy</h3>To offer the most reliable address suggestions, when implementing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/blog/ecommerce-checkouts-with-autocomplete">zero keystroke autocomplete</a>, focus on rooftop or parcel-level results from geocoding providers. Avoid less precise options to maintain data integrity.<h2>Suggesting Addresses vs. Auto-Filling</h2>When implementing zero keystroke autocomplete, address auto-filling is the process of identifying the address closest to the user's location and automatically filling the address in the form before presenting address options to the user.&nbsp;While auto-filling may seem faster, it can lead to inaccuracies if the predicted location is incorrect. Instead, you should offer users a dropdown with limited address suggestions to ensure a more controlled and error-free experience.Remember, the goal of address autocomplete is to simplify the process without introducing unnecessary risks.Our recommendation? Always auto-suggest, never auto-fill. Limit your address suggestions to 10 or fewer, and display the closest delivery points first, thus improving address entry without compromising quality.<h2>Read Our Ebook</h2>Are you ready to take your address autocomplete implementation to the next level and provide a top-notch user experience? Don't miss the opportunity to explore our ebook, "<a href="https://get.smarty.com/magical-ebook">Magical Benefits of Address Autocomplete</a>." It's packed with valuable insights and best practices you won't want to miss!So, what are you waiting for?&nbsp;<a href="https://get.smarty.com/magical-ebook">Click here to download the ebook</a> and become a master of address autocomplete today. Happy coding!<a href="https://get.smarty.com/magical-ebook"><img src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/magical_benefits_ebook_793_100_1_f8a5188ab9.svg" alt="magical benefits ebook banner"></a>

Enhance your users experience with address autocomplete. Avoid common pitfalls with Smarty. Check out our address autocomplete ebook now!

Address Autocomplete Best Practices

It's often said you need two skills to find love: sales and marketing. &nbsp;You need&nbsp;marketing skills to present yourself well and gain the attention of the person you want.  Then, you need&nbsp;sales skills to lie like you're the devil himself. &nbsp;But what if you aren't conventionally attractive and (like the sales team at Smarty) aren't willing to lie? To compensate, you'll need to dial up your marketing; we're talkin' data automation, streamlined &amp; integrated data systems, time-saving and cost management, eliminating human error, and workflows like crazy. 

It's often said you need two skills to find love: sales and marketing.&nbsp;You need&nbsp;marketing skills to present yourself well and gain the attention of the person you want. Then, you need&nbsp;sales skills to lie like you're the devil himself.&nbsp;But what if you aren't conventionally attractive and (like the sales team at Smarty) aren't willing to lie? To compensate, you'll need to dial up your marketing; we're talkin' data automation, streamlined &amp; integrated data systems, time-saving and cost management, eliminating human error, and workflows like crazy.&nbsp;That's right, if you really want to land your sultry soul mate, you'll need an excellent marketing operations manager. It does have a certain allure. Imagine whispering "key performance indicators," "customer relationship management system," and "marketing qualified leads" into your date's ear. At Smarty, we have the guru of Marketing Operations. Allow me to introduce yogi guru Andrew Townsend.Andrew is like a life coach for (data) love, a system management matchmaker, or a type A intimacy therapist for frontend and backend integrations.&nbsp;His words and guidance will bring light and truth to even the most broken process. You now have the rare opportunity to read his teachings for life's most difficult questions.<h2>What is the most surprising thing you learned about addresses after joining Smarty?&nbsp;</h2><img class="image_resized" style="width:50%;" src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/2_RYHOF_9_c_Lo_Rm9n_L_Hsv_L_Zjxa_B_Qib_Yxeg_O41v_B_Imh42i_My8_I4_p4y_EETKTE_Kf_H_Pm_FP_6_F_Htxu_Sz_NM_3_Q_Efh48_Kk_Ajs_O2572_Huwy_B_Uy4_LS_3_Oe9jx_C_Dv_YZUY_9_Al8ckd_U_Tu_Mg_Foe_Sf6_Iiov_Mea_Pz9_VWL_4_4b1a223f4f.png" alt="Andrew drinking a shake">"I had no idea that addresses were so hard, in general. They change more frequently than you'd think, and there's loads of 'hidden' information in each address."<h2>Where do you experience your most energizing moments?</h2>"When the sun is out. I'm pretty sure I'm solar-powered; winters are fairly difficult for me. I also like when there's lots of work to be done with a clear direction to go in. I love getting stuff done and then being told, 'You did well with that one.' Oh baby, that's the good stuff."<h2>How have you developed your job-related skills?</h2>"Primarily by doing the job and learning on the go. I read quite a bit as well and try to learn everything I can from my mentors. I also follow great marketers on LinkedIn like Ann Handley, Jay Schwedelson, Justin Oberman, and Dan Ariely. Spending lots of time with everyone who is impacted by my work is also important to developing my skills."<h2>When you were in elementary school, what did you want to be when you grew up?</h2>"A dad. Then a programmer. I became one of those, not the other. Much to the disappointment of my father. *wink*"<img class="image_resized" style="width:75%;" src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/Kr_Q_Ip_G_Pq_Kant_Y5_ELV_Jz_Qt1_Itn_Zo_HJ_9y0oc_Dt_FXQ_Wgr1_LZASG_Oq_Gfbtc_YG_Jtnm_Wv0_QWTP_CP_cggaf_H_M_Und_VLFK_1o_MH_1w_L_Jn_Nvy_Te_B_JT_Ejnof_Kq_In_E0_J_Rxkg_Xd9_Sc_Tcm_V9rbwb_Qru_U_Vdio_Imw_Y_b9a9a0f16c.jpeg" alt="Andrew and his family on their bikes"><h2>What do you enjoy about your job role at Smarty?</h2>"I love making something from nothing, like a blog, article, or email. And when a solid automation comes together, the endorphins go like crazy. I like providing interesting information that can be used to increase both sales and the love my managers have for me."<h2>Do you have any completely irrelevant skills or talents?</h2>"I can open my mouth real big and generally maintain my bicycle for my cycling commute. And I can change the spark plugs in my car."<h2>To what resources do you turn to stay current in your job skills?</h2>"Certifications (PCM, Hubspot), best practice newsletters (Ann Handley, Jay Schwedelson), courses and trainings (Udemy, Coursera, Google), conferences (INBOUND), and talking to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/company/team/trent-howell">Trent</a> (a mentor whos quality rivals&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Donaghy">Jack Donaghy</a>)."<h2>What tips would you give to someone starting in your career?</h2><img class="image_resized" style="width:50%;" src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/Tv_CX_8x_Uzyzi_Mmly_XLY_8_F_Ey_Nd0m_RZ_9t_NWL_Qe_D9fp1_X_Zdxa_FS_8_Ah5_A9_Sg_6_x_QD_Wc2_Czb8s7_Aa8i2_C_Qo_J_Nbm5mw_Kljk6hx_B_Nzq_DQ_1jgpc_NHOHCYRVY_3la_YE_Jj_UTA_Ah_Pue791_Vjq_T_Gr69fnk9n9t1h_s_c978edc1ed.png" alt="Andrew wearing a hat">"Don't get sucked into building your resume based on what is hot on LinkedIn. Specialize if you want to or don't. Just be willing to learn, adapt, and find ways to do more of what you enjoy, whatever it may be."And there you have it, a glimpse into the world of data love and matchmaking at Smarty, courtesy of our very own guru of Marketing Operations, Andrew Townsend. From addresses that can be surprisingly tricky to mastering the art of creating streamlined data systems, Andrew's journey has been quite a ride.Smarty is all about making data work its magic, and if you're intrigued by the idea of joining our team and diving headfirst into the world of address data solutions, we'd love to have you!<a href="https://www.smarty.com/company/careers">Visit our careers page</a> to explore exciting opportunities that could be your perfect match.&nbsp;I think we've all been enlightened, systems salutations, my friend.

Meet our Marketing Operations guru, Andrew Townsend, and delve into his journey from tricky addresses to streamlined data systems. Read more now!

Inside Smarty - Andrew Townsend

Did you miss our recent webinar on how to use our new Google Sheets and Excel plugins for address validation? Don't worry; we've got you covered.  This blog post provides an in-depth summary, highlighting essential functionalities, setup processes, and answers to some pertinent questions raised during the webinar. &nbsp;The BasicsWe want to make it easier for businesses to validate addresses and retrieve necessary data efficiently.  While we do have a bulk validation tool that can be accessed as a demo or a full tool, we find that most people are already working with address data in a spreadsheet form, usually in Excel. 

Did you miss our recent webinar on how to use our new Google Sheets and Excel plugins for address validation? Don't worry; we've got you covered. This blog post provides an in-depth summary, highlighting essential functionalities, setup processes, and answers to some pertinent questions raised during the webinar.&nbsp;<h3>The Basics</h3>We want to make it easier for businesses to validate addresses and retrieve necessary data efficiently. While we do have a bulk validation tool that can be accessed as a demo or a full tool, we find that most people are already working with address data in a spreadsheet form, usually in Excel. So instead of making you copy and paste your data into a validation tool, you can now use a plugin to access Smarty's address validation directly inside Google Sheets or Excel.In this webinar we demonstrated on Google Sheets; however, an Excel version is also going to be available. The Google Sheets plugin we showcased is not yet available as of the date of publication, but should be available any day now, with the Excel version coming shortly after.The plugin is designed to be as user-friendly as possible. The operation boils down to highlighting the addresses in your sheet and clicking a "Validate" button.<img src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/7y8_Lj_Fz5_B_Badd_E1_Mj8_J1_We7fe_FZ_5_Dy_Fd8wt50_t_S5_WBDG_0_L2m_Rox_CNP_7mh_Pd_Ncma_I4_MJ_0_Y_Fc_Mn_Ys_F4e_U7_HXS_Nir_OX_Reun5_MIPF_6b_YAVI_Tdm80x_Y_Wjws_Ggn_Sq4_A4_Hmcg_DZE_39_WQ_7_Rt8_D4_Pz_O1n_BNO_Tc_2491076aa2.png" alt="7y8LjFz5BBaddE1Mj8J1We7feFZ5DyFd8wt50-tS5WBDG0L2mRoxCNP7mhPdNcmaI4MJ0YFcMnYsF4eU7HXSNirOX_Reun5MIPF6bYAVITdm80xYWjwsGgnSq4A4HmcgDZE39WQ7Rt8D4PzO1nBNOTc"><h3>Functionality</h3>While you can use the plugin to check just one address, doing bulk validation is where Smarty's power can be seen. Simply highlight a list of addresses, click validate, and retrieve all the validated data.If you're used to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/products/list">using the bulk validation tool</a> you'll be surprised to know that you don’t need to have column headers, nor break your data out into separate components. The plugin currently supports freeform input, where the entire address is in a single cell. Split-cell functionality is still under development. So if you have your address data by components, you'll need to join the cells before you process them.Once you've processed your records, which happens with classic Smarty speed, you'll be able to view all of the address data for each address validated. You'll see status messages, postal matches, and additional meta-data straight into your spreadsheet.<h3>Getting Started</h3>For Google Sheets, go to Extensions -&gt; Add-ons -&gt; Get Add-ons. You'll find the <a href="https://workspace.google.com/u/0/marketplace/app/smarty_address_verification/440495665921">Smarty plugin listed in the Google Workspace Marketplace for free.</a> For Excel, it'll be via the Excel store.Once you've installed the plugin into either Google Sheets or Excel, simply insert your Auth ID and Auth Token, which you can retrieve from your Smarty API keys page.<img src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/9_DXY_5_Xvdt_QVS_3_Lwkn7_XA_Nc_CXZ_Ajs_MG_5_Wr_LOP_5_OC_3e_puud_R_Pu_Dq9_Dg_O_Nnq_Fa_PJE_pm_EN_Te_WQIRR_Lh1_Lxg_Ub_Q_Zy3_BG_Xz_PYP_Kc9s_Do_nv_Da8dm_Lk4m_Ir_OT_4_Qat1y_dd1t_WX_Yv_Rv_Wmo9_IQ_Bus_ES_Lmk_DE_0c190b5e92.png" alt="Secret key interface from Smarty"><h3>Q&amp;A</h3>Q: How does it handle multiple candidate addresses?A: Picks the first, best candidate, similar to our other bulk validation tools.Q: Can it validate suite numbers?A: Yes, suite numbers are validated, maintaining API functionalities.Q: Do I still get deliverability and other data?A: The plugin provides a status message for each address, and additional deliverability data is also available.Q: When will the plugins be publicly available?A: <a href="https://workspace.google.com/u/0/marketplace/app/smarty_address_verification/440495665921">Smarty's Address Verification Google Sheets plugin is now live</a>Smarty's Google Sheets and Excel plugins promise to be powerful tools for professionals regularly dealing with address data. They offer a streamlined, efficient way to manage large datasets and validate addresses without coding.If you're a CIO, data analyst, operations manager, or anyone who could benefit from these functionalities, <a href="https://workspace.google.com/u/0/marketplace/app/smarty_address_verification/440495665921">download the plugin now</a>.Stay tuned for more updates from Smarty, and don't forget to check out&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/products">our suite of address APIs</a> for more robust solutions.Eager to streamline your address validation process?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/newsletter">Register to our newsletter</a> to get notified when these plugins become publicly available.You can view the entire webinar recording here:<figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://youtu.be/RqLtjvllU-g"><div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RqLtjvllU-g" style="position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></figure>

Did you miss our address validation webinar? Simplify validation in Google Sheets or Excel with Smarty! Stay updated on plugin releases. Check it out now!

Smarty's Excel & Google Sheets Plugins for Geocoding & Address Validation

In the mystical and beloved land of Middle-earth envisioned by J. R. R.  Tolkien, we find a powerful lesson encapsulated in the gentle beings of the Shire, the hobbits.  As the world celebrates Hobbit Day today, we at Smarty take a moment to reflect upon the substantial parallels between Tolkien's humble hobbits and the fundamental principles steering the realm of address data intelligence. In the grand scheme of things, it’s often easy to overlook the small, the quiet, the unassuming.  This is one of the several clever reasons JRR Tolkien chose these garden-loving creatures as his heroes. 

In the mystical and beloved land of Middle-earth envisioned by J.R.R. Tolkien, we find a powerful lesson encapsulated in the gentle beings of the Shire, the hobbits. As the world celebrates Hobbit Day today, we at Smarty take a moment to reflect upon the substantial parallels between Tolkien's humble hobbits and the fundamental principles steering the realm of address data intelligence.<img class="image_resized" style="width:50%;" src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/EW_Vdv_H75w_Dvvujrr_Spd_L_Ae_Jy0he6p6_Oj1m2dccj_XT_8_S_Vi_h8_I04esdk6_PHL_Mw_I1_M1_NY_Mhrt_dk5m_S_Oh1hh_JSFW_7yy_Sf_E9_Psv3_E39_Wi_R5ov_Q_Ol_Rwnzeiw_Jne_V_Jw_Ta_K_Bkg_Fq_IF_Vbjc_Ee_N8k_V_Rz_Q8_9b019f17e5.png" alt="The fellowship of the ring">In the grand scheme of things, it’s often easy to overlook the small, the quiet, the unassuming. This is one of the several clever reasons JRR Tolkien chose these garden-loving creatures as his heroes. In contrast to conventional heroism, hobbits represent the inversion of traditional heroic characters. They're the size of children, live in holes in the ground, and the rest of the world often overlooks them. In fact, multiple times throughout the Lord of the Rings books, when new characters meet hobbits, they don't even know what hobbits are.Just as hobbits, with their modest stature and quiet demeanor, played a pivotal role in saving Middle-earth, quality address data tools should embody a similar ethos - small, easily integrated, often unnoticed, but capable of yielding monumental results.In the dynamic business landscape, the quest for seamless operations is akin to the journey to Mount Doom. Here, the role of address data tools can be likened to that of the hobbits – operating silently in the background, effortlessly integrating into existing systems, and unlocking pathways to remarkable outcomes with their precision and reliability. Like the hobbits, these tools may not clamor for attention, yet their impact resonates powerfully, steering organizations toward success and innovation.Here are four ways you can check your address data tools past "the hobbit test."<h3>1 - Modest in Size</h3>Many times, hobbits' small size proved extremely useful. Bilbo Baggins was hired as a burglar by the dwarves of the Lonely Mountain. Frodo and Sam were able to sneak past Minas Morgul in large part because of their small, low-impact statures.Similarly, your address data tools should be light-footed on your operations while still packing enough punch to change your data world for the better. The best address tools are often unseen because they're too busy working. Suppose you have to change your entire process or lead on a heavy-handed troll of a tool to get valid and standardized address data. In that case, you're not passing the hobbit test.<h3>2 - Inner Strength</h3>Hobbits are depicted as hardy and resilient, able to endure hardships that might overwhelm larger beings. They were the only creatures capable of possessing the ring for long periods without being immediately corrupted completely. Merry and Pippin went to war riding with the Rohirrim and standing with the men of Minas Tirith, while Frodo and Sam fought a giant spider and other monsters. They're incredibly loyal with extreme courage and determination.Your address data tools should be extremely powerful. You should be able to scrub your entire address database in no time, accurately defining deliverability and validity&nbsp;every time. If you're geocoding, you should be able to put a pin&nbsp;on the rooftop. If you find yourself in a proverbial tunnel with a metaphoric giant spider, you should be able to trust your address data tools to support you 100%.<img class="image_resized" style="width:50%;" src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/PN_63w_Sw_Y5n_Y9_Aep0_Qh_U_Vh43_Qh_X_Cmm4_I_D1_Fy_Ir_j8_AE_0_TI_0h_O_bu_Bm_Q1_Tv_N_Ly_Y2_R_Ahshi_XBC_2rlc94_K_gsjq2i_Vur_Z_Wi9_Uc0rym8kw_Dpco6f_Vty_Qj4_Xpp_D_Xm177_S_Hw_F_Jl_AGUSW_9o_Es_F_Gc86x_E2_Gdg_40cdd60c28.png" alt="Shelob and Sam"><h3>3 - Simplicity</h3>Hobbits are simple creatures. They're described as loving finely crafted objects, delicious food, simple beer, gardening, and the more simple parts of the world around them. When in the throws of despair, the things that Frodo mentions are not fancy things but rather the feel of grass and the sound of flowing water. If you want to keep a hobbit happy, simply keep them fed and give them a garden to work in.Ease of use is a massive factor for folks looking for address data tools. Do you need an expert who specializes in setting up and managing your address data tool? Do you cry a little bit inside when you realize you have to make adjustments to your address data tools? If so, your tool is failing the hobbit test.<h3>4 - Adaptability</h3>Frodo inherited his uncle Bilbo's estate and spent most of his time managing it. Sam was his gardener. And Merry and Pippin were essentially just town hooligans. Yet they were able to adapt to their adventure, changing from six meals a day to hardly any, from lives of leisure and relaxation to heavy travel and war, from being average height among their peers to being the smallest. Their adaptability proved extremely useful in their adventure across Middle-earth.Your current address data needs may change as your organization changes and grows over time. Will your tools adapt to you? Are they malleable enough to fit to your needs, no matter what they are? If not, then your tool doesn't pass the hobbit test.<h3>How Does Smarty Measure Up?</h3>Do Smarty's address data tools pass the hobbit test? Let's see.Smarty operates via lightning-fast APIs. The code needed to call these APIs is extremely&nbsp;modest in size. Our users report that utilizing our address validation and geocoding tools puts 0 strain on their current operations.The&nbsp;strength of Smarty's tools can be found in its speed, reliability, and quality of reporting. As&nbsp;<a href="https://www.g2.com/products/smartystreets-smarty/reviews/smarty-review-5038312">Terry C.</a>, an owner of a small business, puts it, "Fast, reliable and prevents a lot of fake customers and wasted driving."Our users find that implementing Smarty's APIs is one of the most&nbsp;simple things to do. As&nbsp;<a href="https://www.g2.com/products/smartystreets-smarty/reviews/smarty-review-7434970">Chris B.</a>, a senior developer, noted, "The API is simple to set up and use. Documentation is thorough and easy to use and understand."As far as&nbsp;adaptability goes, Smarty fits all organizations, no matter how big or small. As&nbsp;<a href="https://www.g2.com/products/smartystreets-smarty/reviews/smarty-review-4757330">Joseph M.</a>, a web developer, outlined, "[Smarty] allows us to scale up and down very easily as our needs change."So yeah, we pass the hobbit test.<img class="image_resized" style="width:50%;" src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/F7_JT_tc7_B_Dbu_r4_V6tvxq_A_Fp_IUT_4f_Xg_Y_Gi7_H_Nsd9_Dor_X_Ct_Drnth_Wbz_J_0q_Jm5f2_G_Xf_D_Oqq_T_Yw_QE_BQI_8v_Owvr_Af2nd_H_Od_Bzp_E_Hx_N_2_K9_Dt_W_Ch6_EWCB_ofy_J_Ov_B5_Wsdu_QG_8_D_Whh_KZ_Gq_Tq_Dj_QO_7_UNJ_Ow_363f724e5b.png" alt="Hobbit with Smarty logo on cloak">This Hobbit Day, join us in celebrating the 'hobbit-like' essence of address data tools - the unsung heroes in the data analytics journey, fostering a world where even the smallest integrations can make the biggest difference. Let's embark on a journey that promises not just insights but a revolution, one small step at a time, towards a future that’s not only data-driven but smartly navigated.

Celebrate Hobbit Day with Smarty as we explore the parallel between hobbits and address data intelligence. Embrace the 'hobbit-like' spirit of address data with us.

Hobbit Day

Have you ever walked past those upside-down Smarty banners at BYU and wondered, "What's going on here? Did someone make a mistake? Is somebody getting fired?"We know it really&nbsp;shook some people up. Smarty™ isn't a company that stays inside the most standard lines when it comes to advertising.  From&nbsp;hiring the wrong Tom Cruise for our video ads, to posting ads in magazines with the tagline "don't scan this QR code," we've never really fit the standard mold. And the upside-down banners at Brigham Young University are yet another one of those moments. 

Have you ever walked past those upside-down Smarty banners at BYU and wondered, "What's going on here? Did someone make a mistake? Is somebody getting fired?"We know it really&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/byumanutd/status/1571653300034088961?s=20">shook some people up</a>.Smarty™ isn't a company that stays inside the most standard lines when it comes to advertising. From&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/qfFF2aE5jPo?list=PLQXmWnrtRK9zvnjnwQsHCG0Eu9oWv8Idb">hiring the wrong Tom Cruise for our video ads</a>, to posting ads in magazines with the tagline "don't scan this QR code," we've never really fit the standard mold.And the upside-down banners at Brigham Young University are yet another one of those moments. If you're wondering why they're upside-down, this blog is for you.<img class="image_resized" style="width:50%;" src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/g_w3_MY_8v9_G_Zr_Myg_Tn_Y1t8_IAY_3_Tw0_3ik_Zvpt_Qfn_NY_3ju_LR_Ix_Tf_n_Hya3sbbcm_NR_1_Y7_Is_Iq_Z8_5dv_A1_Vot_CE_Uyz_RP_Pn_ANWIAPP_Bh_Z_Yq_Um_K7_MLI_4e_Hortyaq_Ju4xshkv_E8_Xk_Mit_LR_w_Ls_DDG_TSZ_Zq_NQ_cfe068a520.jpeg" alt="Smarty employees with upside-down logo"><h2>The Core Value of Fun</h2>We have three core values. Only three. One of them is "fun". That means ⅓ of our core is fun.We've found that a large part of that fun is learning to not take things too seriously, including when our logo isn’t hung right-side-up.We do other fun things too, like go on trips to Disneyland, cruises together, eating together&nbsp;a lot, and other activities. So why shouldn't that melt into our work?We feel that upside-down banners offer a playful twist that embodies our company culture.<h2>The Buzz Factor</h2>As mentioned above, having a banner in such a public place that seems to be in error has generated a surprising amount of buzz. Our eyes tend to be drawn to things we perceive as broken, wrong, or out of the ordinary. The internet has enflamed that tendency in all of us, and it really helps draw the eye of onlookers who take a moment to look up from the football game.There have been conversations on Twitter, LinkedIn, and even in real-world settings revolving around Smarty's banner "mixup." One person even suggested that whoever put the sign up would likely lose their job. Apparently, this resonates with people one way or another.The value we've found in this buzz has been tremendous, and we'll get into more about that in a moment.<h2>The QR Code: A Flashback</h2>When we first started flying the Smarty banner at BYU it had a QR code&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ">that linked here</a>.That got&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/mholt6/status/1563630130777300992?s=20">a lot of buzz too</a>.Finding the right content to link to when doing real-world brand ads can be difficult. As Utah-based billboard company Blip says, outdoor advertising is for building name recognition. People will google your company name and are unlikely to scan a QR code or remember a website. Of course, that didn't stop us from having the QR code. But people most likely googled the company name. And for those who scanned it… we're sorry. Kind of.<h2>The BYU Connection: More Than Just Banners</h2>There are a few facts that connects Smarty to BYU.<ul><li>Our CEO, Jonathan Oliver is an alumnus.</li><li>In 2021, he offered&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/blog/smartystreets-inks-deal-with-byu-female-student-athletes">an NIL deal to all female athletes</a> at the university.</li><li>He has continued to offer&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/byusoccer_w/status/1585436419706998784?s=20">other programs and donations</a> to the school.</li><li>We have had software development internships offered to many students from the university.</li><li>Smarty is located in Provo, meaning that BYU and those interested in/associated with the school are our neighbors and friends.</li><li>Smarty consists of 100% in-office employees, meaning that advertising for local talent at BYU for students and alumni is valuable.</li></ul>Several current team members learned about Smarty thanks to those inverted banners, including folks in our IT department, HR department, and software development.<h2>The Future of the Upside-Down Banners</h2>So, will the upside-down banners go away? Probably, but not anytime soon.Smarty is moving our HQ to a new office in Orem in 2024 near Utah Valley University. The building is currently under construction, and on the banners around the building, you'll find signs with the inverted logo. Interested in working at Smarty?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/company/careers#open-positions">Check out our open positions</a>.Hopefully, that answered your questions, cleared up some confusion, and helped you understand why the Smarty banners are upside-down at Brigham Young University.

Check out Smarty's upside-down banners around the BYU campus. Explore our quirky advertising with a playful twist. Read on for the full scoop here!

The Story Behind Smarty's Upside-Down Banners at BYU

Address keys can be used to improve data blending, update and enrich addresses, reduce data processing time, and protect personally identifiable information.  In this webinar, we brought in our product marketing manager John Hickey to teach about what they are, how they work, why they're crucial for data management, the different types available, what to look for in one, and what to avoid. Ultimately, John pointed out five primary uses for address keys:1.  Update Address Changes2.  Simplify Data Blending3. 

Address keys can be used to improve data blending, update and enrich addresses, reduce data processing time, and protect personally identifiable information. In this webinar, we brought in our product marketing manager John Hickey to teach about what they are, how they work, why they're crucial for data management, the different types available, what to look for in one, and what to avoid.Ultimately, John pointed out five primary uses for address keys: 1. Update Address Changes2. Simplify Data Blending3. Reduce Processing Time4. Protect Personally Identifiable information (PII)5. Enhance Property DataIn this recap, we'll go over these, but if you'd like to watch the full webinar recording you can do so below.<h2>1 Update Address Changes</h2>Addresses change way more often than you'd think. Hundreds of thousands of addresses change every year in the U.S. alone. Street numbers change to help first responders, to reflect changes in attitudes, or because the street names are very difficult to use or say.Zip Codes change also, especially the ZIP+4 depending on the delivery route. If you use an address key like SmartyKey™ then no matter how an address changes, your database will not be affected and will still be trustworthy.<h2>2 Simplify Data Blending</h2>Merging address databases is not unheard of. In fact, it's one of the primary reasons people require address standardization when considering address validation tools. In the example John shared, you can see how two addresses that are similar can be normalized, standardized, and verified thanks to an address key.<h2>3 Reduce Processing Time</h2>Having to store addresses, or even large address keys can cause a problem when it comes to data storage and data processing. One software engineer reported that using a compact address key like SmartyKey saved them up to 20 hours each blending period.For an example John showed how a Google Place ID could take up to 86 bytes of storage, while a compact integer address key would only take up 10 bytes. Talk about data savings!<h2>4 Protect PII</h2>There are several reasons why address keys make your address data safer for you and your contacts. For every piece of PII you have, you increase your chances of liability. You can&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/blog/address-data-legalities">learn more about this here</a>. There are several benefits to using an address key when it comes to PII.<ul><li>Randomly generated keys can't be reverse-engineered</li><li>When sharing data you can replace the address with the key</li><li>You can combine another piece of PII to an address key without increasing risk</li></ul><h2>5 Enhance Property Data</h2>Address validators may offer property data enrichment, and having an address key makes appending information to your database a snap. It's of value to note that enriched property data is typically public information and does not count as additional PII. Having additional data points improves business intelligence and helps with analysis and decision-making. One example would be when working in insurance or real estate.<h2>SmartyKey Access</h2>You can get access to Smarty's premium address key in several of our products.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.smarty.com/articles/address-key-persistent-unique-identifiers-puid">SmartyKey</a><a href="https://www.smarty.com/products/us-master-address-list">US Master Address List</a> <a href="https://www.smarty.com/products/us-rooftop-geocoding">US Rooftop Geocoding</a>If you'd like to view the full recording, you can do so here.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAMfgXGxQ9I"><img src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/post_play_address_keys_1280_720_bc3383dbe0.jpg" alt="Learn from our expert! Join the webinar with John Hickey to understand address keys' role in data enhancement, protection, and efficient management."></a>&nbsp;

Learn from our expert! In this webinar recap with John Hickey you'll learn about address keys' role in data enhancement, protection, and efficient management.

Address Keys: 5 Data Management Uses and How to Choose One

In today's fast-paced tech world, it's essential to gain insights from those who have been in the trenches, building, testing, and creating software that impacts our daily lives.  One such individual is Michael Whatcott, a key figure at Smarty.  Let's dive into his journey, approach, and the knowledge he's garnered over the years. But that’s just Michael's professional bio.  To know who Michael is, we’ve asked for some clarification. Explain to a 10-year-old.  What do you do at Smarty?"I work on the tools and systems that make payments, manage subscriptions, and create reports here at Smarty. 

In today's fast-paced tech world, it's essential to gain insights from those who have been in the trenches, building, testing, and creating software that impacts our daily lives. One such individual is Michael Whatcott, a key figure at Smarty. Let's dive into his journey, approach, and the knowledge he's garnered over the years.But that’s just Michael's professional bio. To know who Michael is, we’ve asked for some clarification.<h2>Explain to a 10-year-old. What do you do at Smarty?</h2>"I work on the tools and systems that make payments, manage subscriptions, and create reports here at Smarty.&nbsp;Imagine trying to fill in a diary years after things happened; that's what I've been doing with our databases."<h2>What is the most surprising thing you learned about addresses after joining Smarty?</h2>"You may or may not know this, but addresses can be a mess! But here's a fun fact:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/docs/zip-codes-101">ZIP Codes</a> are more like meandering lines than closed shapes. They help mail carriers deliver packages and can even cross city or state boundaries!"<img src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/micheal_and_dirk_eating_448_336_74c52a34c7.webp" alt="Michael and Dirk Eating"><h2>When you were in elementary school, what did you want to be when you grew up?</h2>"I've always thought that it would be awesome to be a computer programmer, just like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/company/team/dirk-whatcott">my dad, Dirk</a>! And now we both work here at Smarty!"<h2>What do you enjoy about your job role at Smarty?</h2>"The process of turning my own ideas into working systems that derive real value is exhilarating."<h2>What challenges do you face in your job role at Smarty?</h2>"Something I've always found challenging is balancing visible features that stakeholders want with essential clean-up tasks that nobody realizes are necessary. This can really be quite a difficult task and is something that needs constant attention."<h2>How have you developed your job-related skills?</h2>"I've been lucky to work with great teachers like Smarty's founder,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/company/team/jonathan-oliver">Jonathan Oliver</a>, who taught me about production-grade software engineering and distributed systems. I also apprenticed with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinmicah/">Micah Martin</a> from Clean Coders Studio who taught me functional programming as well as Agile principles, patterns, and practices. I've also developed my skills by reading, trial and error, and coding for fun on platforms like projecteuler.net and adventofcode.com."<h2>Do you have any completely irrelevant skills or talents?</h2>“I don’t know if I’d call them irrelevant, but in a past life I was a band teacher and I still play various instruments. I also enjoy composing music."<h2>What or who inspires you, and why?</h2>"I enjoy learning about Fred Rogers. He was kind to everyone and influenced millions with his messages and music."<img src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/smarty_singers_at_lagoon_448_336_f86c892d7c.webp" alt="Smarty Singers performing at Lagoon"><h2>What are some of the most valuable lessons you've learned at Smarty?</h2>"The core values of Smarty really are the DNA of the organization. At Smarty, I’ve learned about:&nbsp;<ol><li>The&nbsp;Outward Mindset, as taught by the Arbinger Institute, which helps me measure and improve my impact on the organization,</li><li>The “Getting Things Done" (GTD) methodology, which allows me to operate with a clear head and a positive sense of relaxed control even when there is an overwhelming number of things to do, which is a perfect description of&nbsp;Wizardry. (Also, how to design and write testable software, which is important because if it’s testable, it’s fixable!)</li><li>The idea that if we’re not having&nbsp;Fun together, we’re doing something wrong."</li></ol><h2>What do you think makes our company culture unique, and how do you contribute to maintaining that culture?</h2>"Smarty is unique in supporting the culture here with a shared vocabulary and an understanding of Arbinger principles. It's a vibrant environment that has only gotten better and more fun as we've grown, which is just amazing!"<h2>What has been your most joyous discovery?</h2>"It's a quote from the great Jazz pianist Dave Frank (and one of my former teachers), 'Within you, an infinite stream of music can flow, as endless as an ocean and as individual as a fingerprint.'"<h2>10+ years of experience - What tips would you give experienced employees looking for career advancement?</h2>"Career advancement isn't just about climbing the corporate ladder. Focus on becoming excellent at what fulfills you."Tech can be complex, but people like Michael Whatcott make it feel more human. From fun ZIP Code facts to real-life advice, Michael's journey shows it's not just about the tech but the stories and passion behind it. Whether you're new to tech or a pro, Michael's story is a reminder to enjoy what you do and stay true to yourself.We love having Michael with us here at Smarty. Want to work with awesome people like Michael? Do you live in Utah? Then check out&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/company/careers">our careers page</a>.

Dive into the journey, approach, and insights of Michael Whatcott, a key figure at Smarty, as he shares his experiences and lessons from the tech world.

Inside Smarty - Michael Whatcott

Crowd-source data is a term that has gained significant traction in recent years.  In a recent webinar, we brought in our own Adam Charlton to talk about what can and can’t be trusted when using Open Source or Crowd-Sourced address data. Defining Crowd-source DataAt the outset, it's imperative to understand what we mean by crowd-source data.  It essentially refers to data that is both gathered and curated by individuals.  The distinguishing feature here is that the data's curation process isn't dictated by a centralized authority or stringent verification system but by the same community that's gathering and supplying the data. 

Crowd-source data is a term that has gained significant traction in recent years. In a recent webinar, we brought in our own Adam Charlton to talk about what can and can’t be trusted when using Open Source or Crowd-Sourced address data.<h2>Defining Crowd-source Data</h2>At the outset, it's imperative to understand what we mean by crowd-source data. It essentially refers to data that is both gathered and curated by individuals. The distinguishing feature here is that the data's curation process isn't dictated by a centralized authority or stringent verification system but by the same community that's gathering and supplying the data. If you're familiar with Wikipedia, that's a practical example of this model in action. For a more industry-centric illustration, consider OpenStreetMaps, an exemplar of crowd-source data in the addressing world.&nbsp;<h2>The Good</h2><h3>Local Regionalization</h3>One of the standout advantages of crowd-source data is its ability to reflect local nuances. Whether it's New York, New Orleans, Hawaii, or Los Angeles, addresses are influenced by the local culture, traditions, and customs. OpenStreetMaps is a testament to this, capturing the authentic flavor of addresses in places like Utah, where traditional suffixes like 'street' or 'road' aren't commonly used.&nbsp;<h3>Global Scope</h3>Beyond the US, crowd-source data projects a global narrative, capturing information from every corner of the globe - be it London, Canada, or Australia.&nbsp;<h3>Community Engagement</h3>Perhaps the biggest boon of crowd-source data is the community that backs it. These passionate individuals not only provide the data but also assist others in making the most of it.&nbsp;<h3>Cost-Effectiveness</h3>A significant upside is the affordability factor. Most crowd-source data is available at minimal to no cost.&nbsp;<h3>Swift Updates</h3>Another upside is the rapid update cycle. For instance, a new building's address might find its way onto OpenStreetMaps before it's officially registered by the government.<h3>Lesser Vandalism Concerns</h3>Compared to larger platforms like Wikipedia, platforms like OpenStreetMaps experience lower levels of sabotage or vandalism. While not entirely immune, the threat is considerably reduced.<h2>The Not-So-Good</h2><h3>Quality Consistency</h3>The flip side of local regionalization is the lack of standardization. Without centralized standards, data can vary widely, even within the same vicinity.<h3>Genuine Errors</h3>While vandalism might not be a significant concern, genuine mistakes do creep in. For instance, mistakes in designating one-way roads can have real-world implications.<h3>Incomplete Data</h3>The voluntary nature of data input means there can be considerable gaps. Some areas might be densely populated with information, while others are glaringly empty.<h2>The Balancing Act</h2>&nbsp;Crowd-source data presents an intricate balancing act. While the benefits are clear, they are intrinsically tied to the drawbacks. Excellent localization comes at the price of inconsistent standardization. Swift updates might mean lesser verification. And while you might get high-quality data, the coverage could be inconsistent.&nbsp;Want to learn more about what Adam covered in this webinar? You can view the recording right here:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beeRXo9uXTc&amp;ab_channel=Smarty"><img src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/post_play_pros_and_cons_1280_720_921f15374f.jpg" alt="Pros and Cons of Open Source and Crowd-Sourced Data"></a>

Explore the world of crowd-sourced data, it's reflecting nuances, global scope, and community engagement, but also facing challenges. Find out more now!

Can You Trust Crowd-Sourced-address-data

In the realm of corporate meetings that should've been an email, Smarty's staff meetings are different from what most would expect.  Employees at Smarty frequently name our weekly company-wide meeting as a highlight of their week. Like many companies, our staff meetings consist of company announcements, and updates you'd expect from any SaaS company.  What makes our meetings unique is the lively, interactive, fun atmosphere where laughter is the most common sound and hurting cheeks are the most common symptom. 

In the realm of corporate meetings that should've been an email, Smarty's staff meetings are different from what most would expect. Employees at Smarty frequently name our weekly company-wide meeting as a highlight of their week.Like many companies, our staff meetings consist of company announcements, and updates you'd expect from any SaaS company. What makes our meetings unique is the lively, interactive, fun atmosphere where laughter is the most common sound and hurting cheeks are the most common symptom.In this post, we'll explore the current anatomy of our ever-evolving staff meetings at Smarty.And it should be no surprise that the secret is: the people.<h2>1 Improv Comedian As Host - Unleashing Creativity and Collaboration</h2><a href="https://www.smarty.com/company/team/brady-amundson">Brady Amundson</a>, our Video/Audio Content Specialist, hosts our weekly staff meetings. Brady performs and teaches improv comedy locally at the local&nbsp;<a href="https://www.improvbroadway.com/">Improv Broadway</a>. He's basically Smarty's version of&nbsp;<a href="https://parksandrecreation.fandom.com/wiki/Duke_Silver">Duke Silver</a>.&nbsp;With the help of other local comedians at Smarty, like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/company/team/david-padeken">Customer Success Representative David Padeken</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/company/team/jonathan-oliver">CEO/CTO Jonathan Oliver</a>, laughter abounds via spontaneous skits, weird cheers, and inside jokes. Brady encourages creativity and collaboration among employees throughout the meeting. These improv moments not only inject energy into staff meetings, but also foster a culture of innovation and out-of-the-box thinking.&nbsp;By embracing spontaneity, Smarty staff meetings become dynamic spaces where ideas flow freely, and individuals feel empowered to contribute as much or as little of their perspectives as they want.According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/company/team/trey-rutter">Trey Rutter</a>, Dev / Ops IT Associate, meetings are:&nbsp;"Totally fun and crazy with a small side of agenda items."<figure class="image image-style-side"><img src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/smarty_crew_lined_up_448_336_3bfa480037.webp" alt="smarty-crew-lined-up-448-336.webp"></figure><h2>2 Full Team Engagement</h2>While company announcements and updates are crucial for keeping employees informed, Smarty staff meetings take them to a whole new level. Instead of simply relaying information, these meetings transform announcements into engaging and memorable experiences.We share and celebrate exciting milestones like employment anniversaries or birthdays for every single employee and their spouse or significant other.&nbsp;We celebrate product launches and the teams that worked on them. We also celebrate product updates in a way that keeps everyone informed of changes while patting development teams on the back.We discuss strategic developments such as training, personnel changes, and vision/goal check-ins.By doing this, the company ensures that each announcement is delivered with enthusiasm and clarity, capturing the attention and interest of the team.<a href="https://www.smarty.com/company/team/gianmarco-rosborough">Gianmarco Rosborough</a>, from our legal team, said it best, "[Staff meeting] carbonates our drink!"<h2>3 Building Unity</h2><img class="image_resized" style="width:50%;" src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/smarty_staff_meetings_from_side_035f35851f.webp" alt="Smarty staff meeting">Inside jokes have a magical way of bringing people closer together. Smarty staff meetings thrive on these shared humorous moments, inside references, and amusing stories. These jokes act as a bonding agent, fostering a sense of unity among the team members.These kinds of jokes can be dangerous and exclusionary. However, done right, they create an inclusive environment where everyone feels like part of an inside circle, resulting in stronger relationships and a more cohesive work culture.Conversations are frequent of a new hire asking for the story behind a joke, providing an opportunity for folks to get to know one another as they share the joke with a new friend.Our President and COO, Doug Edwards, says:&nbsp;"Smarty staff meetings are unlike any I've ever experienced... in a good way! It's more like organized chaos, seriously informational and improvisational enough to fit perfectly with our core values of not taking ourselves too seriously but being serious about the value we create.How often do you see employees look forward to staff meetings and then see all the employees smiling and laughing throughout? We see it every week."<figure class="image image-style-side"><img src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/smartys_playing_with_legos_448_336_278c030b2a.webp" alt="Smartys playing with legos"></figure><h2>4 Dan from HR: The Fall Man</h2>One of those inside jokes is the great performance of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/company/team/dan-lambourne">Dan from HR</a>.Dan is an integral and hilarious part of our meetings. He adds a touch of levity, making even the most serious topics more approachable. Dan's presence not only serves as comic relief but also humanizes the HR department, reinforcing the idea that work can be both productive and enjoyable.Here's an example of Dan and Brady from the HR Minute segment of staff meeting:Brady: And now let's all give a nice braying like a baby goat as we welcome up Dan from HR.Audience: *<a href="https://youtu.be/vll33KEoCcc">Braying</a>*Dan walks up in feigned shock and horror.Dan: Wow. That was…. Horrifying. I guess I'll tell you, guys, about the upcoming company catering we're getting on Friday. And before you bray at me again, don't forget to turn in your company review surveys by Friday as well. Please, please let me go back to my seat without the goat noises.Brady: Thanks, Dan, let's all make the sound of angry dogs as Dan makes his way back to his seat.Audience: GrowlingMakes you want to attend a staff meeting, doesn't it?<h2>5 Focusing on People</h2><img class="image_resized" style="width:50%;" src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/staff_meeting_from_the_back_e44d2b4951.webp" alt="Smarty staff meetings">Amidst all the announcements, inside jokes, improv moments, and stats, Smarty staff meetings remain firmly rooted in their focus on our people. The meetings create a safe and inclusive space where every team member has a voice. They prioritize personal and professional growth, recognize individual achievements, and encourage open dialogue.Smarty staff meetings are more than just gatherings to disseminate information. They are vibrant and engaging experiences that celebrate the unique culture of the company. Each element contributes to creating an environment where people thrive.We'll wrap up with a quote that really sums up the essence of our staff meetings: "If staff meeting had any more drip it would be a waterfall." -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/company/team/landon-fackrell">Landon Fackrell</a>So, the next time you're sitting in your staff meeting trying not to fall asleep, take some time to check out&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smarty.com/company/careers">Smarty's careers page</a> and see if you'd like to join our amazing culture and company.

Discover the unconventional charm of Smarty's staff meetings: A blend of laughter, interaction, and camaraderie that creates highlights of the week.

Inside Smarty - Staff Meeting

August 22, 2023 - PROVO, Utah - Smarty, the location data intelligence leader, has secured its place as a finalist in the prestigious 2023 SaaS Awards program, competing in the category of Best SaaS Product for Shipping, Inventory or Vehicle Logistics. Now celebrating its 8th year, the SaaS Awards continues to recognize and honor outstanding SaaS innovations from all corners of the world.  Entries from hundreds of companies spanning North America, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, and Australasia were received. 

August 22, 2023 - PROVO, Utah - <a href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.smarty.com&amp;esheet=53543525&amp;newsitemid=20230822060689&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=Smarty&amp;index=1&amp;md5=5e336486b3a86c1949b152817769707c">Smarty</a>, the location data intelligence leader, has secured its place as a finalist in the prestigious 2023 SaaS Awards program, competing in the category of Best SaaS Product for Shipping, Inventory or Vehicle Logistics.Now celebrating its 8th year, the SaaS Awards continues to recognize and honor outstanding SaaS innovations from all corners of the world. Entries from hundreds of companies spanning North America, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, and Australasia were received.Smarty's suite of address APIs offers lightning-fast, dependable, easy-to-implement, and highly accurate address data intelligence solutions, including address validation, address autocomplete, and geocoding for US and international addresses. Some of the world's largest shipping, inventory, and vehicle logistics companies, including DHL, Walmart, and FedEx, rely on Smarty for their critical operations."Smarty is one of the most accurate of the more affordable address data solutions,” said Brady Anderson, CEO of SalesRabbit, a vehicle routing logistics software provider for outside sales teams. "Being able to accurately position prospect data on the right homes is a key part of our company. Smarty is a big component of us accomplishing that for our customers.”Berkley Charlton, Chief Product Officer at Smarty, expressed, “Being recognized as a finalist in The SaaS Awards 2023 is a testament to our team's dedication and the trust our clients place in our solutions. We're honored to be nominated in the Best SaaS Product for Shipping, Inventory or Vehicle Logistics category and remain committed to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in address intelligence.”The winners of The SaaS Awards will be notified on 13 September 2023.As The SaaS Awards 2023 received hundreds of entries from across the globe, the program promises to return in 2024, continuing its tradition of recognizing international SaaS excellence across various industries.James Williams, Head of Operations at The SaaS Awards, said: “Each year, we see an explosion of competition and brilliant ideas in every submission. The finalists this year promise an exciting contest in the last stage of the program. Selecting the ultimate SaaS winner solutions among these exceptional entries will definitely be a challenging task."To explore the complete list of finalists, please visit <a href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cloud-awards.com%2F2023-saas-awards-finalists%2F&amp;esheet=53543525&amp;newsitemid=20230822060689&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=their+finalist+list&amp;index=2&amp;md5=5791b0fef889c5dd44d65cfc6284e6bd">their finalist list</a>.

Smarty: Finalist in SaaS Awards 2023! Join the celebration of innovation. Discover how Smarty's solutions excel. Come find out about why Smarty is a finalist!

Smarty Named a Finalist at The SaaS Awards for Excellence in Shipping, Inventory, and Vehicle Logistics Category

Hey, web developers! Ready to enhance your address forms and provide a seamless user experience? In our new ebook, "Magical Benefits of Address Autocomplete," we explore  valuable insights and implementation tips to transform your checkout and make address entry the easiest thing they'll do all day.   Click here to download the ebook and learn more, or read on to get a preview of what the ebook offers.   In this blog post, we discussed how reverse geocoding and address autocomplete can work together to facilitate zero keystroke autocomplete. 

Hey, web developers! Ready to enhance your address forms and provide a seamless user experience? In our new ebook, "Magical Benefits of Address Autocomplete," we explore valuable insights and implementation tips to transform your checkout and make address entry the easiest thing they'll do all day. <a href="https://get.smarty.com/magical-ebook">Click here to download the ebook and learn more</a>, or read on to get a preview of what the ebook offers.

In this blog post, we discussed how [reverse geocoding](/articles/reverse-geocoding) and [address autocomplete](/articles/autocomplete) can work together to facilitate zero keystroke autocomplete. Now, we'll provide implementation tips for developers who are ready to zhuzh up their forms.

<a href="https://get.smarty.com/magical-ebook" rel="noopener" target="_blank">
<img src="/img/articles/magical-benefits-ebook-1000.webp" width="793" height="100" alt="How Address Autocomplete Grows Your Business" loading="lazy"></a>

## Form Flexibility
When it comes to address forms, we understand that one size doesn't fit all. Destination country, PO Boxes, apartment numbers, and more can make streamlining your checkout flow a nearly insurmountable task.

When integrating zero-keystroke autocomplete, you'll want to use [address APIs](/articles/address-apis) that provide fully [parsed addresses](/articles/address-parsing). When a user's location is used by a [reverse geocoding API](/products/apis/us-reverse-geocoding) or an [autocomplete API](/products/apis/us-autocomplete-pro-api) to suggest valid addresses, you can choose how that information populates in the forms.

Common approaches included:

1. Populating the entire address in a single field, including the house number all the way through the state and ZIP Code:

<img class="article--first-image article--media" src="/img/blog/address-field-448-336.webp" alt="Address Field" width="448" height="336">

2. Parsing the address into the most expected address fields that are already visible on the page, like Address Line 1, Unit Number, City, State, and ZIP Code:

<img class="article--first-image article--media" src="/img/blog/address-being-parsed-448-285.gif" alt="Address being parsed" width="448" height="285">

3. Keeping all but a single address field hidden until a user makes their selection, then parsing the address into the appropriate components and making only the populated fields visible while keeping irrelevant fields hidden:

<img class="article--first-image article--media" src="/img/blog/autocomplete-of-an-address-448-336.gif" alt="Autocomplete of an address" width="448" height="336">

These approaches help limit the size and complexity of your form. With an uncluttered form, it still accommodates every address combination, molding to the unique components present in any address without confusing users with overly generic or redundant fields that contribute to entry errors.

## Have a User Location Backup Plan
In mobile development, Google and Apple allow their users to choose between sharing "Approximate" or "Precise" location data. It's a valuable resource that empowers users to decide how accurate they want their location to be.

"Precise" location relies on GPS to pinpoint the user's exact location down to a few meters.

"Approximate" location uses Wi-Fi and cellular data to locate the device within about 1.2 square miles.

Clearly, "Approximate" location isn't sufficient for reverse geocoding, and suggesting the 10 closest addresses to a point somewhere within 1.2 square miles of the user will only lead to confusion. To avoid such issues, it's best to have a backup plan in place and code your integration in a way that skips reverse geocoded address predictions if the location isn't "Precise" and seamlessly moves on to regular autocomplete, and then manual address entry as needed. A reliable fallback!

## Ensuring Precision
You might be wondering, "How do we determine if the location isn't "Precise"?" Well, there's a helpful metric for that. Look at the horizontal accuracy value provided by the location provider. It gives you insight into the accuracy of the user's location. For example, Android's documentation mentions a 68% confidence level for horizontal accuracy. So, if your user's device reports a horizontal accuracy of 10 meters, it means the true location lies within a circle with a 10-meter radius and 68% confidence.

Here's the crucial part. If the horizontal accuracy is low, it's better to stick to regular autocomplete. But if it's high, you can confidently use reverse geocoding and provide your users with even better location-based experiences!

## Download the Ebook
Are you excited to master the art of form flexibility and improve your web forms' performance? Don't miss the chance to delve into the insights and tips shared in our ebook, "Magical Benefits of Address Autocomplete." It's packed with valuable information and links to documentation to help you enhance your forms and provide a smoother user experience.

Remember, your users deserve the best experience on your website. So, learn to implement zero keystroke address autocomplete by downloading our ebook and taking your forms to the next level.

Unlock the power of address autocomplete! [Download the ebook, "<a href="https://get.smarty.com/magical-ebook">Magical Benefits of Address Autocomplete</a>," now. Happy form building!

<a href="https://get.smarty.com/magical-ebook" rel="noopener" target="_blank">
<img src="/img/articles/magical-benefits-ebook-1000.webp" width="793" height="100" alt="How Address Autocomplete Grows Your Business" loading="lazy"></a>

We understand that when it comes to address forms, one size doesn't fit all. Come check out our tips for implementing our Address Complete API here!

Address Autocomplete API Implementation Tips

Smarty has been creating top-notch address data tools since it's inception in 2011.  A key part of providing the best location data and address data tools in the world is keeping those products at the cutting edge of the industry.  We do this by adding new features, products, and solutions that our customers can use to improve their lives as often as we can. In a recent webinar, our Chief Product Officer Berk Charlton outlined some of the newest features we've added to our US Rooftop Geocoding tool. 

Smarty has been creating top-notch address data tools since it's inception in 2011. A key part of providing the best location data and address data tools in the world is keeping those products at the cutting edge of the industry. We do this by adding new features, products, and solutions that our customers can use to improve their lives as often as we can.In a recent webinar, our Chief Product Officer Berk Charlton outlined some of the newest features we've added to our US Rooftop Geocoding tool.<h3>Smarty's US Rooftop Geocoding</h3>As of July 2023, Smarty's US Rooftop Geocoding tool has a 97% rooftop/parcel accuracy. This means that when you search an address in the United States, we'll drop a pin on the actual rooftop of the building 97% of the time.It's important to note that this includes sub-parcel accuracy, meaning if you have a single building with multiple addresses in it like apartment buildings or malls, we're able to drop a pin on the portion of the rooftop that belongs to that address.Aside from this astounding accuracy, the remaining 3% of addresses can get down to a ZIP9 accuracy.And we don't deliver false positives.This means if we don't have an address, we tell you rather than pretend that we do. This is&nbsp;<a href="https://get.smarty.com/ebook-geocoding">something to consider</a> if you're dealing with large amounts of data in a geocoding tool.<h3>New Feature: Census Block</h3>In September of 2023, we'll be adding the 15-character 2020 Census Block to our US Master Address List.&nbsp;This information can be used to better understand the properties of the addresses in your database. For example, loan and mortgage compliance (CRA/HMDA) companies will need these codes in order to be compliant with federal lending practices. If you're working with Census demographics, this gives you the information you need all in one fell swoop. If you’re interested in learning how Smarty can help you, take a peek at our <a href="/articles/ffiec-geocoding">FFIEC Geocoding</a> article.If you're a current US Master Address List customer, you'll see these data points added in your next update.<h3>New Feature: SmartyKey™</h3>We've added a persistent unique identifier to virtually every postal and non-postal address in the US. New SmartyKeys are added monthly for new addresses.What is a persistent unique identifier you ask?Persistent unique identifiers like SmartyKey are static and consistent identifiers that stick with an address making your database impervious to changes. For example, if the City name changes, the Street name changes, or if the ZIP Code changes.If you're working with data blending—merging, appending, or deplucating—then having SmartyKey in your data makes everything much easier.SmartyKey has already been added to our US datasets.<h3>New Product: Address Enrichment</h3>Coming in the next several months, Smarty Address Enrichment will use the SmartyKey to link data from a variety of data sources including:<ul><li>Property data attributes</li><li>Census block number</li><li>Political boundary attributes</li><li>Weather and climate data</li><li>P&amp;C insurance risk attributes</li><li>More to come</li></ul>This enriched data can turn your address database into a treasure trove of data.If you're considering using geocoding tools, you may benefit from our ebook "<a href="https://get.smarty.com/ebook-geocoding">8 Questions to Ask When Selecting a Geocoding API</a>" that Berk mentioned during the session.If you'd like to watch the full webinar recording, you can find that here.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHOEdQEMDog"><img src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/post_play_geocoding_feature_update_1280_720_5b73f66e01.jpg" alt="Geocoding Feature Update: Accuracy, Census Block and Tract, Persistent Unique Identifier, and More Thumbnail"></a>

A key to providing the best location data and address data tools in the world is keeping products cutting-edge in the industry. See how Smarty does it now!

Geocoding Update: Accuracy, Census Block and Tract, PUID & More

🎩✨ Imagine this: a customer visiting your site doesn't have to enter their address during checkout because your form auto-populates with valid options, without typing a single character.   It's like magic, right? In fact, it's just good tech! In this blog post, inspired by our new ebook, "Magical Benefits of Address Autocomplete," we're going to show you how to become an autocomplete magician and enchant your forms with the smoothest address entry experience imaginable.  Click here to download the ebook and learn more!      Abracadabra, Your Address is Ready! Take a moment to imagine your customer's experience when they realize their address is already there, ready for selection. 

🎩✨ Imagine this: a customer visiting your site doesn't have to enter their address during checkout because your form auto-populates with valid options, without typing a single character.

It's like magic, right? In fact, it's just good tech! In this blog post, inspired by our new ebook, "Magical Benefits of Address Autocomplete," we're going to show you how to become an autocomplete magician and enchant your forms with the smoothest address entry experience imaginable. <a href="https://get.smarty.com/magical-ebook" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Click here to download the ebook and learn more</a>!

<a href="https://get.smarty.com/revolutionizing-autocomplete" rel="noopener" target="_blank">
<img src="/img/articles/magical-benefits-ebook-1000.webp" width="793" height="100" alt="How Address Autocomplete Grows Your Business" loading="lazy"></a>

## Abracadabra, Your Address is Ready!
Take a moment to imagine your customer's experience when they realize their address is already there, ready for selection. That's the power of address autocomplete, enhanced by high-quality, rooftop-accurate reverse geocoding. Your customers will be delighted, maybe even a bit enchanted, with their pre-filled address entry.

## The Magic Behind the Scenes
But what's the sorcery behind zero keystroke autocomplete? It's called reverse geocoding. This involves converting a location (a set of latitude and longitude coordinates) into the nearest street addresses, sorted by distance.

If your user has location enabled, your website or app captures the user's precise location and uses reverse geocoding to identify the nearest addresses and Voila!

The users' addresses appear before they've entered a single character, with 1 click, the correct address populates and eliminates the risk of incorrect or incomplete address data while creating a frictionless, speedy user experience.

When you combine reverse geocoding with [address autocomplete](/articles/autocomplete), you give your customers a couple of choices: they can select an address provided by reverse geocoding, or if their precise location is disabled, they can start typing their address and see new suggestions automatically provided by [Smarty's US Address Autocomplete API](/products/apis/us-autocomplete-pro-api#demo). It's a versatile and user-friendly experience that caters to everyone.

The combination of [Smarty's US Reverse Geocoding API](/products/apis/us-reverse-geocoding#demo) and autocomplete ensures that even without sharing their exact location, users can still enjoy the best possible checkout experience.

## The Prestige of Perfect Matches
Smarty's APIs reduce wasted lookups, false positives, and no-match addresses along with typos and incomplete data that lead to the flurry of associated costs, bad data, and customer service concerns. This strategy offers the best possible matches, aids in preventing entry errors, and makes address completion as quick as a magician's sleight of hand.

## Why It's a Showstopper?
Zero keystroke autocomplete isn't just a fun party trick. It has real benefits:

Reduced typos and errors
Reduced costs from bad addresses
Instant address entry
Higher form conversions
Happier customers

So, want to supercharge your checkout and dazzle your customers with the magic of zero keystroke autocomplete? Get ready to wow your audience and your boss with seamless, instant address entry. And remember, the magic starts with a click. Download our ebook, "<a href="https://get.smarty.com/magical-ebook" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Magical Benefits of Address Autocomplete"</a>, and learn how to cast this tech spell on your forms today!

<a href="https://get.smarty.com/revolutionizing-autocomplete" rel="noopener" target="_blank">
<img src="/img/articles/magical-benefits-ebook-1000.webp" width="793" height="100" alt="How Address Autocomplete Grows Your Business" loading="lazy"></a>

Harness the magic of zero keystroke autocomplete. Simplify address entry, minimize errors, and maximize conversions. Download our ebook now!

Boost Ecommerce Checkouts with Zero Keystroke Autocomplete

Spend enough time as a software developer, and you learn about the existence and pain of technical debt. Understanding, managing, and communicating technical debt is crucial.  It allows us to build more maintainable software, improve our productivity, and even boost team morale. We recently hosted a webinar with one of our software development team leads, Kiersten Nelthorpe, and senior software developer Cody Robertson, where they gave valuable insights and strategies to help you deal with technical debt in your work. 

Spend enough time as a software developer, and you learn about the existence and pain of technical debt.Understanding, managing, and communicating technical debt is crucial. It allows us to build more maintainable software, improve our productivity, and even boost team morale.We recently hosted a webinar with one of our software development team leads, Kiersten Nelthorpe, and senior software developer Cody Robertson, where they gave valuable insights and strategies to help you deal with technical debt in your work.<h3>Definition of Technical Debt</h3>Technical debt is a concept used in software development and engineering to describe the consequences of choosing a quick and easy solution in the short term, which results in increased maintenance costs and reduced efficiency in the long term.In other words, technical debt is similar to financial debt, where you borrow money now to solve a problem but pay it back later with interest. In software development, it refers to the trade-off between choosing a less optimal or temporary solution to meet immediate needs or deadlines, knowing that it’ll require additional work and improvements in the future.Technical debt can accrue for various reasons:1. Time pressure: Developers may have to deliver a feature quickly, leading them to make shortcuts or compromises in code quality.2. Lack of expertise: When developers lack experience or knowledge in a particular area, they may produce less efficient or maintainable code.3. Outdated technology: Using outdated or legacy technology can lead to technical debt, as modernizing the codebase can be more complex and time-consuming.4. Poor design decisions: If the initial software architecture isn’t well thought out, it can lead to technical debt as the project grows.<h3>What Are the Risks of Technical Debt</h3>There are negative aspects of technical debt. Much like financial debt, if you allow it to build and build without ever paying it down, you'll find yourself swamped with troubles.For example, with lots of technical debt, you may find that a simple change that would normally take a single day may take five. It can also prevent you from developing anything new because of the knot you're tied up into.Other consequences of technical debt can include:Increased maintenance costs: Poorly designed or hastily written code requires more effort to maintain and fix bugs, raising development costs over time.Increased risk of errors: Technical debt can make code less robust, increasing the likelihood of introducing bugs or security vulnerabilities.Difficulty in scaling: As the project grows, technical debt can hinder scalability and lead to performance issues.However, much like financial debt, not all technical debt is necessarily bad. Let's say you're trying to get code out quickly to get early feedback, or you're trying to release a new key feature where timeliness is important. In this case, you could pay down the technical debt in the future.<h3>Minimizing Future Debt</h3>At Smarty, we make very deliberate efforts to decrease the potential for future technical debt. We do this by focusing on a few things.We aren’t afraid to ditch and rewrite the code before merging to the main or releasing it. It may sound like a waste, but the first time around was the cost of discovery and understanding to build it the right way. You don’t have to have everything designed upfront. This can also give us faster feedback cycles.After the functionality is working and there are test cases, we take the time to refactor and make the code cleaner and easier to read before releasing.Use design patterns that facilitate flexibility and make it easy to change things, like the database being used.To learn more about reducing technical debt or how the Smarty development team does it, feel free to view the full webinar recording.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBSjfz8ibg0"><img src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/how_to_measure_technical_debt_post_play_1280_720_9b15870f8f.jpg" alt="how-to-measure-technical-debt-post-play-1280-720.jpg"></a>

Technical debt is choosing a quick and easy solution in the short term, which results in higher costs and reduced efficiency in the long term. Find out more now!

How to Measure, Manage, and Minimize Technical Debt

World Wide Web Day on August 1 celebrates the birth of the World Wide Web and its significant impact on modern society. While the Internet and the World Wide Web are not the same (the Web refers to a web of linked pages via hypertext links while the Internet refers to the exchange of information by people on their own computers), the World Wide Web played a crucial role in making the internet accessible and user-friendly to the general public. Let's explore how the advent of the Internet and the World Wide Web have improved address validation and geocoding. 

World Wide Web Day on August 1 celebrates the birth of the World Wide Web and its significant impact on modern society.While the Internet and the World Wide Web are not the same (the Web refers to a web of linked pages via hypertext links while the Internet refers to the exchange of information by people on their own computers), the World Wide Web played a crucial role in making the internet accessible and user-friendly to the general public.Let's explore how the advent of the Internet and the World Wide Web have improved address validation and geocoding.<h2>History</h2>My kids might not understand how different the world is now that we have the Web. But it's really not that old.<h3>Birth of the Internet (Arpanet)</h3>The internet's roots can be traced back to the late 1960s with the creation of Arpanet, a network developed by the United States Department of Defense's Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA).Arpanet was designed to be a decentralized network where multiple computers could share and exchange data by breaking information into small packets and routing them independently to their destination. This packet-switching method allowed for robust and resilient communication even in the event of partial network failures.Arpanet was the first network to use the TCP/IP protocol suite, which is the foundation of today's internet.<h3>World Wide Web (WWW)</h3>British computer scientist Tim Berners-Lee proposed the World Wide Web in 1989 and later released it to the public on August 6, 1991. It provided a user-friendly interface to access information over the internet and enabled the creation of websites interconnected by hyperlinks.This laid the foundation for democratizing information and revolutionized how we access and share knowledge.&nbsp;<h3>Internet and eCommerce Boom</h3>With the advent of the World Wide Web, the internet became more accessible to the general public, leading to an eCommerce boom. Businesses started establishing their online presence through websites, allowing them to reach a global audience.<img src="https://d3jlqkabnnke2x.cloudfront.net/announcing_the_internet_newspaper_448_336_3a64c85839.png" alt="Newspaper clipping announcing the internet"><h2>Influence on Address Data</h2>So how has the World Wide Web influenced how we use and understand address data?<h3>Address Validation APIs</h3>Accurate address data validation became essential as eCommerce and online services grew.&nbsp;<a href="/products/us-address-verification">Address validation APIs</a> emerged to ensure that user-provided addresses are correct and complete. These APIs use various data sources and algorithms to verify and standardize addresses, reducing shipping errors and improving customer experience.<h3>Geocoding APIs</h3>Geocoding converts addresses into geographical coordinates (latitude and longitude).&nbsp;<a href="/products/us-rooftop-geocoding">Geocoding APIs</a> enable developers to integrate location-based services into their applications. This has many applications, such as location-based marketing, real-time tracking, and map-based services.<h3>Logistical Efficiency</h3>Address validation and geocoding APIs have significantly improved logistical efficiency for businesses that rely on shipping and delivery services. By validating addresses and converting them into precise geographic coordinates, companies can optimize delivery routes, reduce delivery times, and minimize errors in the delivery process.<h3>Location-Based Services</h3>Integrating geocoding APIs into mobile applications has revolutionized location-based services. From ride-share apps like Uber and Lyft to food delivery services, geocoding APIs enable accurate real-time tracking and efficient navigation.<h2>Where It's Headed</h2>Address validation and geocoding APIs provide a seamless user experience by delivering auto-suggestions for addresses, ensuring accurate deliveries, and offering location-specific content and services. Offering this enhanced user experience is becoming essential to companies working in the eCommerce space.Companies that aren't utilizing&nbsp;<a href="https://get.smarty.com/5-address-verification-use-case">cutting-edge address technologies</a> will find themselves floundering, similar to those who refused the internet in the first place.The advent of the internet, particularly the World Wide Web, paved the way for significant advancements in technology and services. As eCommerce and online services flourish, the demand for accurate address validation and geocoding APIs grows.&nbsp;<a href="/products/us-address-verification">These APIs</a> have since been vital in improving logistical efficiency, enhancing user experiences, and enabling a wide range of location-based services in our increasingly connected world.

World Wide Web Day on August 1 celebrates the birth of the World Wide Web and its significant impact on modern society. Read all about it here!

Celebrate World Wide Web Day

Handling address data is such a routine occurrence for health insurance providers that it’s not the first thing that would come to mind as being a liability.  However, the reality is that discrepancies and inaccuracies in address data can have far-reaching consequences, posing serious privacy and compliance risks.  Healthcare fraud, reputational damage, and financial penalties are just a few examples of the potential hazards. In this article, we’ll delve into three common types of privacy and compliance risks resulting from incorrect or incomplete address data. 

Handling address data is such a routine occurrence for health insurance providers that it’s not the first thing that would come to mind as being a liability. However, the reality is that discrepancies and inaccuracies in address data can have far-reaching consequences, posing serious privacy and compliance risks. Healthcare fraud, reputational damage, and financial penalties are just a few examples of the potential hazards.In this article, we’ll delve into three common types of privacy and compliance risks resulting from incorrect or incomplete address data. Furthermore, we’ll outline effective address management practices that health insurance providers can adopt to mitigate these risks and ensure compliance while safeguarding patient privacy.You no doubt receive mail at your home address from time to time that’s addressed to someone else. If it looks important, you might write "Return to Sender" on the envelope and send it back, but if it seems like junk mail, you probably just toss it into the recycling bin — no big deal.But imagine the piece of mail in question is from a health insurance plan notifying a patient of a change in coverage. The patient doesn’t receive the communication and proceeds with an expensive treatment that’s no longer covered. They get the bill and, upset, initiate a lengthy appeals process and accuse the plan of violating federal regulations requiring timely notice of changes in coverage — all because of an incorrect address.Maybe the patient or an office worker mistyped their address, or perhaps they didn’t update their address when they moved. The address could have been missing a unit number or had a misspelled street name. Whatever the case, the address was inaccurate and the impact real. Address information is a critical part of health data in a world that runs on data, and today it’s expected that data will be consistent, standardized, and secure.<h2>1. Unauthorized disclosures of personal health information</h2>Under HIPAA (the 1996 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), personal health information (PHI) includes any individually identifiable health information that is <a href="https://privacyruleandresearch.nih.gov/pr_07.asp#:~:text=Identifiable%20Information,certain%20educational%20and%20employment%20records.">transmitted or maintained in any form or medium</a> (electronic, oral, or paper) by a covered entity, such as a health insurance plan. Sharing PHI without the authorization of the patient is a violation punishable by a fine or even jail time.Medical bills and explanations of benefits (EOBs) are considered PHI, and sending them to the wrong address is a direct violation of HIPAA. If misaddressed mail containing healthcare information is unintentionally disclosed, the responsibility lies with the sender — not the recipient.When it comes to these sensitive communications, it’s vital that the right information goes to the right person — in fact, it can be better not to send it at all than to send it to the wrong address. When a violation happens, a health insurance provider is required to identify where in the process the mistake occurred, contact the patient to explain, and correct and resend the information — a task that involves multiple employees and takes considerable time.Patients also have the right to report the violation, which can result in an investigation by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Part of that investigation looks at what processes or safeguards are in place to prevent sending PHI to inaccurate addresses — and there will be penalties if you don’t have these in place.Having address verification tools in place could prevent violations and protect health insurance providers from steep fines if, somehow, they do occur.<h2>2. Compliance issues</h2>It's no secret that every corner of healthcare is highly regulated. Beyond HIPAA violations for disclosing PHI, there are countless other regulations that affect health insurance plans, and inaccurate or incomplete address data can put a health insurance provider in conflict with many of them.Some rules require health insurance providers to send required notices to members or providers within mandated timelines. For example, a Summary of Benefits and Coverage must be provided within a certain number of days to new applicants, enrollees, or COBRA beneficiaries.Health insurance providers are also responsible for notifying policyholders of coverage changes, as described in the hypothetical situation above and giving proper notice before terminating coverage. Bad address data can cause cascading problems — if someone isn’t paying their premiums because they aren’t receiving the bill due to an inaccurate address, the health plan could cancel their policy but still run afoul of the requirement to inform them in a timely manner.As with HIPAA violations, there are penalties for not complying with these regulations. If a health insurance provider doesn’t have a system in place for verifying and maintaining address data, it loses the ability to argue that it made a good-faith effort to comply with all relevant requirements.In addition to legal consequences, failure to comply and communicate properly with patients has reputational implications. When incorrect or incomplete information causes patients to pay more financially, they also pay more emotionally — and their frustration affects their relationship with the health insurance provider.<h2>3. Increased risk of fraud and partner violations</h2>Health insurance providers share data with a variety of business partners, including providers, labs, and pharmacies. Incorrect or incomplete address data is like a virus that can spread from one entity to another, putting partners at risk for HIPAA violations or mistakes like shipping prescriptions to the wrong address and interrupting patient treatment.From a patient's perspective, these mistakes reflect on the health insurance provider, no matter what other entity might be responsible. Partners need to work together to ensure the accuracy of health data, including address data, as it flows throughout the healthcare system.Documents mailed to bad addresses can also increase the risk of healthcare fraud when the wrong people open letters and misuse the information they find. The financial impact of fraud often comes back on the insurer, so it’s in the interest of health insurance providers to correct addresses not only in their own systems but also those of partners like labs or providers.Fraud costs the insurance industry billions of dollars each year, but insurers can fight back by keeping their records up to date — including address data.<h2>Increase compliance and privacy with address verification tools</h2>HIPAA standards cover more than wrongful disclosures of PHI. They also punish failures to perform organization-wide risk analyses and implement risk-management processes. Health insurance companies should conduct regular self-audits of how they protect PHI, and these audits should include the secure handling of address data.Address verification tools like <a href="/solutions/p-and-c-insurance">Smarty can help health insurance providers</a> automatically identify and correct incomplete or inaccurate address data and avoid unintentional privacy and compliance violations. It's also possible to dramatically reduce the number of bad addresses that enter the system in the first place by using autocomplete tools. With the right precautions in place, you can protect your health insurance company — and your policyholders — from a multitude of privacy, compliance, and fraud risks.Read the other articles in this series, The Silent Risks of Inaccurate Address Data for Health Insurance Providers:<ul><li><a href="/blog/health-plans-bad-address-data-risks">Part 1: Operational Issues</a></li><li><a href="/blog/financial-impact-of-inaccurate-address-data">Part 2: Financial Impact</a></li></ul>

When it comes to sensitive communications, it’s vital that the right information goes to the right person. Check out how solid address data benefits health care!

Compliance Risks of Inaccurate Address Data for Health Insurance Providers

When it comes to physical health, sometimes the smallest things can have a big impact.  A microscopic virus or a small injury can develop into a life-threatening infection before you even know it’s there — and conversely, a tiny pill or ointment can save a life. The little things matter when it comes to health data, too.  In particular, address data is a small part of a patient profile that can have far-reaching effects if it is incorrect or incomplete.  Address data is a key information point at the center of billing and communication with patients, and even a slight mistake in an address—a missing unit number or a misspelled street name—can make mail undeliverable. 

When it comes to physical health, sometimes the smallest things can have a big impact. A microscopic virus or a small injury can develop into a life-threatening infection before you even know it’s there — and conversely, a tiny pill or ointment can save a life.The little things matter when it comes to health data, too. In particular, address data is a small part of a patient profile that can have far-reaching effects if it is incorrect or incomplete. Address data is a key information point at the center of billing and communication with patients, and even a slight mistake in an address—a missing unit number or a misspelled street name—can make mail undeliverable.Incorrect or incomplete addresses pose significant financial risks for health insurance providers, including the ability to collect premiums and the operational costs involved in fixing problems. Health insurers are faced with the choice to lose money or pass on costs to patients, resulting in a hit to the plan's reputation and competitiveness.It doesn't have to be this way. Modern technology is making it possible for health insurance providers to manage financial risk by improving the accuracy of their address data. This article looks closer at three main financial risks caused by incorrect or incomplete address data, highlighting how improving address data can improve your bottom line.<h2>1. Billing Issues</h2>When bills are delivered to an incorrect address, patients can get behind on premium payments. While a hospital or other provider might eventually send a patient to collections, most health insurers will simply cancel the policy after 90 days. This results in an immediate loss of revenue for the health insurance provider, as well as a loss of future revenue that would have come from that customer.Several situations can cause bills to go misdelivered. Customers or sales representatives sometimes mistype home addresses during the sign-up process, and the error follows the patient record through the system. Another problem arises when a patient moves and doesn't update their address with the health insurance provider. Addresses themselves can also change, especially in rural areas—for example, cities may rename streets or change their boundaries when they incorporate. In each of these cases, a tool that can prevent and correct inaccurate addresses can help health insurance providers retain customers by reestablishing contact with them within the 90-day Window.<h2>2. Delays in Processing Claims</h2>Inaccurate or incomplete address data can also result in delays in processing claims. Up to a third of denied claims result from inaccurate patient identification, including faulty address information, costing the U.S. healthcare system over $6 billion annually. Address data is often used to sync patient information between providers and health insurance providers, and if there is a mismatch, it can cause misidentification and hold up the claims process. <a href="https://www.smarty.com/blog/health-plans-bad-address-data-risks">See Part 1</a> for a detailed discussion of address matching.Revisiting claims that have been rejected and appealed is costly in terms of employee time and makes accounting more difficult. At a time when health insurers are facing extra scrutiny over the number of claims denied, they need to decrease mistaken denials, both for public relations and budgetary reasons.<h2>3. Increased Operational Budgets</h2>Cleaning and correcting address data creates extra manual work for IT teams, and that work takes time—a lot of time. Organizations that lack automated address verification tools can require four to five times more employees to maintain their data. It's much more cost-efficient to invest in automation, and it makes it much easier to scale a business.Incorrect or incomplete address data can also have ripple effects on other parts of the business. For example, missing payments and delayed claims aren't reflected in financial reports and budget forecasts, making it difficult to track and project true costs. Health insurance providers need real-time visibility into their revenue in order to understand their financial positioning and plan for the future.Inaccurate address data can even lead to lawsuits if private health information is sent to the wrong person, another costly hit to health insurance providers.As health insurance providers look for technological solutions to inaccurate and incomplete address data, they have choices between on-premises and cloud solutions. Choosing to maintain address data on-premises might seem like a cost-saving option, but the costs of hiring more IT staff to manage and update these systems are significant. Relying on a cloud solution maintained by a third party is less expensive and secure, and it allows IT teams to focus on other priorities.<h2>Enhancing Healthcare Revenue with Address Data Integrity and Address Verification Tools</h2>Address data may seem like a small part of running a health insurance company, but if compromised, it can cause a domino effect that impacts revenue in significant ways.Fortunately, technological tools make it possible to identify and correct incomplete or inaccurate address data. Solutions like Smarty offer address verification tools that normalize, match, and validate your address data so you know patient communications and bills are getting to the right people. Smarty also provides an autocomplete tool that helps prevent bad addresses from getting into the system as they are being entered.To use a healthcare metaphor, these two tools together offer both prevention and treatment. With the right tech in place, you can reduce the risks caused by inaccurate or incomplete address data and help ensure the financial health of your business.Read the other articles in this series, The Silent Risks of Inaccurate Address Data for HealthPlans:<ul><li><a href="/blog/health-plans-bad-address-data-risks">Part 1: Operational Issues</a></li><li><a href="/blog/compliance-risks-of-inaccurate-address-data">Part 3: Security and Privacy Issues</a></li></ul>

Incorrect or incomplete addresses pose significant financial risks for health plans. Find out for yourself how Smarty gives you whole and accurate data here!

The Financial Impact of Inaccurate Address Data for Health Insurance Providers

Ever since the first Blue Cross health insurance plan was provided to Texas schoolteachers in 1929 for a monthly fee of $6, health insurance providers have formed the backbone of the American healthcare system. Today, as that system faces ongoing scrutiny, health insurance providers are still at the heart of the action, striving to connect patients to the highest possible quality of care while navigating significant changes including rising costs, digital transformation, medical advances, customer expectations, and ever-present regulations. 

Ever since the <a href="https://www.healthmarkets.com/resources/health-insurance/american-healthcare-history/">first Blue Cross health insurance plan</a> was provided to Texas schoolteachers in 1929 for a monthly fee of $6, health insurance providers have formed the backbone of the American healthcare system.Today, as that system faces ongoing scrutiny, health insurance providers are still at the heart of the action, striving to connect patients to the highest possible quality of care while navigating significant changes including rising costs, digital transformation, medical advances, customer expectations, and ever-present regulations. It's more important than ever for health insurance providers to simplify processes and increase efficiency — and the key to efficiency in modern healthcare lies in streamlining and managing the data at the core of operations.In particular, home address data for patients and providers is a critical information point that can have ripple effects on efficiency throughout an organization. Addresses are important because they are often used to combine data from multiple sources. Address discrepancies create significant operational risks for health insurance providers — from inaccuracies in processing individual claims to organization-wide implications for data governance.It doesn’t take much for an address to be wrong. It could be a missing unit number, a misspelled or abbreviated street name, or the wrong label (e.g., street vs. road). Even if an address isn’t technically incorrect, it can still cause problems in health data if it isn’t standardized.The good news is that technology is making it easier for Health insurance providers to boost the accuracy of their address data. In this article, we’ll look at three key operational inefficiencies caused by inconsistent or incomplete address data to understand the crucial role of addresses in streamlining health plan operations.<h2>1. Data Governance and Sharing Issues</h2>Health Insurance providers need to send and receive patient data from providers, pharmacies, labs, and other facilities to coordinate patient care. One way they share this data is through a name, birthdate, and address. Patients provide their address to various providers and facilities, but they may write or enter it slightly differently at different times — for example, on a physical form at a doctor's office and in an online insurance application.This type of human error can make it difficult to match patient data. When a health plan blends data from several sources to process and run reports, address discrepancies can cause duplicate patient records or result in data being attached to the wrong patient. In either case, an inaccurate address in one place can have a domino effect across data sources, such as sending a bill or a prescription to the wrong address or the wrong patient.Clean address data, on the other hand, can help link records for a single patient — for example, if the patient's name is entered inconsistently as John or Johnathan, but the address and birthdate are the same. A system that can recognize and standardize addresses across data sources streamlines data blending and helps minimize errors on both the clinic side and the insurance side.Patient address data is so critical that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Pew Charitable Trusts partnered to create standards for consistently formatting them, known as Project US@. According to <a href="https://www.healthit.gov/buzz-blog/health-data/todays-the-day-for-project-us">HHS</a>, “Among the many data elements that are used in patient matching, research has shown patient address to be one of the most sensitive to standardization and therefore impactful on patient matching, especially at scale.” As health IT teams implement these standards across the system, tools that can apply them to datasets are becoming increasingly valuable.<h2>2. Provider Directory Inaccuracies</h2>Address data is also an important element of provider directories, where incorrect provider addresses can hinder patients from finding care in their area. Provider directories are notoriously inaccurate, with <a href="https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2015.1554">one study finding</a> that only 30% of patients using provider directories were able to successfully make an appointment with the provider they initially selected. When patients can’t find in-network care in their area, they can end up traveling long distances or paying out-of-network prices.This is frustrating for patients and providers, but the impact goes even deeper. Inaccurate provider data can also cause treatment delays and higher costs. The problem is severe enough that some states are <a href="https://questanalytics.com/news/the-growing-need-for-accurate-provider-data/#:~:text=As%20you%20know%2C%20you%20heavily,repercussions%20of%20inaccurate%20provider%20data">increasing oversight and penalties</a> for health insurance providers that don’t comply with new standards for provider information accuracy.Even when provider address information is correct, patient address information has to be accurate too. If a health plan doesn’t have a patient’s address exactly right, the directory may not display the right providers in their area, making it harder for them to get care — and potentially proving costly for the health plan provider to fix the mistake.Health insurance providers also use provider address data in sales and marketing. For example, as part of a sales quote to a large employer, a health insurance provider might need to demonstrate that every covered employee would have a certain number of eligible healthcare providers within ten miles of their home. The more accurate the addresses in the provider directory, the more sophisticated these types of efforts can be.<h2>3. Problems Processing Claims</h2><a href="https://blackbookmarketresearch.newswire.com/news/improving-provider-interoperability-congruently-increasing-patient-20426295">One-third of denied claims</a> result from inaccurate patient identification, including inaccurate and incomplete address data, according to market research company Black Book. The amount of time required to revisit appealed claims, identify problems, and track down new address information is a significant drain on a health insurance provider's operational resources and efficiency.Denied claims have a financial impact on both patients and providers, and they also lead to delays in care that adversely affect patient health and future claims. Patients end up paying more than they expected and spending hours sorting out details of claims — and when patients find themselves paying physical and emotional costs in addition to financial costs, they’re more likely to start looking for other health insurance options.<h2>Reduce Your Operational Risk with Address Verification Tools</h2>Without clean address data, health IT teams struggle to manage patient data and provider data, and the extra manual work required to blend data and troubleshoot problems stunts operational efficiency.Fortunately, today's technology makes it easier than ever to identify and correct incomplete or inaccurate address data. Address verification tools like <a href="/solutions/p-and-c-insurance">Smarty can streamline processes</a> by automating address validation. You can also prevent bad addresses from entering your system in the first place with autocomplete tools. With the right tools and processes in place, you can mitigate the operational risk caused by faulty address data and create a foundation of reliable health data for the future of your business.Read the other articles in this series, The Silent Risks of Inaccurate Address Data for HealthPlans:<ul><li><a href="/blog/financial-impact-of-inaccurate-address-data">Part 2: Financial Impact</a></li><li><a href="/blog/compliance-risks-of-inaccurate-address-data">Part 3: Security and Privacy Issues</a></li></ul>

Healthcare thrives on accurate data and can suffer silent risks from inaccurate data, such as bad address data. Find out how Smarty provides clean data here!

The Silent Risks of Inaccurate Address Data for Health Insurance Providers

Inside Smarty - Adam Charlton  We have the luxury at Smarty of working with some incredibly intelligent, kind, friendly, and in many cases, funny individuals.  Today we showcase one of those fantastic individuals, Adam Charlton.   Adam came to us with a fantastic amount of technical knowledge.  Not only has he worked as a developer performing UI, database management, and security projects for companies such as Qualtrics, but he also comes to us with a robust data analytics background.  These experiences have given Adam the technical skills and abilities to code in Go, Java, Javascript, SQL, Python, and C++ and expertise in data visualization, including R and Tableau. 

Inside Smarty - Adam Charlton

We have the luxury at Smarty of working with some incredibly intelligent, kind, friendly, and in many cases, funny individuals. Today we showcase one of those fantastic individuals, Adam Charlton.

Adam came to us with a fantastic amount of technical knowledge. Not only has he worked as a developer performing UI, database management, and security projects for companies such as Qualtrics, but he also comes to us with a robust data analytics background. These experiences have given Adam the technical skills and abilities to code in Go, Java, Javascript, SQL, Python, and C++ and expertise in data visualization, including R and Tableau.

But that’s just [Adam's professional bio](/company/team/adam-charlton). To know who Adam is, we asked for some clarification.

## What do you do at Smarty?
"I make the products that we sell at Smarty. Specifically, I help manage a lot of the address data we deal with. Figuring out what is a good address, all of the different types of addresses, and how to treat each of them differently in our product are some of my core responsibilities."

<img class="article--first-image article--media" src="/img/blog/adam-showing-off-his-planes-448-336.webp" alt="Adam showing off his planes" width="448" height="336">

## What's something surprising you've learned since joining Smarty?
"I was surprised at how many different ways people like to format their address data in their local city/state/area. New York likes to format their apartment numbers in goofy ways; in Wisconsin, you can tack on as many zeros as you want and get away with it, and Utah simply hates street names."

## What do you like most about your role at Smarty?
"Being able to forcibly correct other people's mistakes tends to feel pretty good when they submit [bad] addresses.

Taking a complex problem, researching it until you finally understand what is going on, and creating a solution that works is an incredible feeling."

<img class="article--first-image article--media" src="/img/blog/adam-showing-off-his-computer-rig-448-336.webp" alt="Adam showing off his computer rig" width="448" height="336">

## What's the most challenging part of your job?
"People who name their address something stupid. Some addresses are so insane that it causes me to lose faith in humanity. It's not just some solitary person either, it takes multiple people in several positions to push through what a valid address is, and some of this data shows a failure at every level of government to produce results this bad.

Most of the data is excellent though.

Seriously, addresses are WAY more complex than people believe. Creating solutions that address (ha!) all of the complexity of our products is an enormous challenge."

## Where do you go to keep up to date for your job?
"I go to Smarty Documentation, USPS patch notes (not the most exciting thing in the world), developer blogs, and books. I've worked at several different programming jobs over the years and tried to learn as much as possible at each. I've found that the more you ask genuine questions, the faster you can learn the needed information. So when a senior developer tells me how to solve a problem, it greatly helps to not only ask 'why?' but also, 'how would I learn to do that?'"

<img class="article--first-image article--media" src="/img/blog/adam-wearing-his-vr-set-448-336.webp" alt="Adam wearing his VR set" width="448" height="336">

## What projects and accomplishments here at Smarty are you most proud of?
"I wrote the original version of the Master Address File, our system for uniquely cataloging every address in the United States and information about those addresses. It was a pretty sophisticated system, and I had to come up with a couple of new ways of thinking about addresses to get this system working, and I'll always be pretty proud of that.

I've also won our company's Magic: The Gathering tournaments more than anyone else, which means a great deal to me because I'll always be able to hold those wins over [Trey's](/company/team/trey-rutter) head."

## What lessons have you learned at Smarty that you apply to your career?
"I've learned the power of a well-earned compliment. Here at Smarty, one of the big things we deal with is validation, not just for addresses but for the people who work here. I've been trying to be better about showing my appreciation and respect for the incredible people that I work with, and I think that a well-placed complement to people around you, especially newer employees who deal with a lot of uncertainty in starting a job at a new workplace, can be life-changing."

## What did you want to be when you grew up?
"It depends on when in elementary school. There was a good portion of elementary school where I wanted nothing more than to be Spiderman, but an astronaut or fighter pilot were both pretty safe bets."

## What talents of yours do you enjoy honing outside of work?
"I do card magic, I used to do a podcast about VR gaming and run VR tournaments, I read A LOT, and I like Flight Simulator games.

However, I don't think any skills are irrelevant to your job. No matter your 'seemingly irrelevant' hobby, you can apply it to your job. There was a fantastic study about Nobel prize-winning scientists. They found that the more irrelevant to their field of study their hobby was, the more likely they were to win the prize because they were able to take the knowledge and skills from their hobby and use that knowledge to view the world in a different way from their peers and come up with more novel solutions."

## Who inspires you?
"Gandhi, for obvious reasons

The Pillsbury doughboy, also for obvious reasons"

## Have you got any tips for folks in the software industry?
"Don't passively learn; actively learn. Everyone will eventually improve their career by working with different people, technology, and problems. Still, those who actively seek to learn and absorb the information around them will rocket ahead of their peers in their ability as a developer."

We love having Adam on our team. Want to work with awesome people like Adam? Do you live in Utah? Then check out our [careers page](/company/careers).

Uncover Smarty's unique culture and meet Adam Charlton, our spotlight this month. Discover why he's admired among the amazing talent at Smarty!

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