> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.bango.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

> Understand the difference between correlation and reconciliation, and how to use each process.

# Overview

Correlation and reconciliation help you keep operational data aligned across DVM and partner systems. In summary:

* **Correlation identifies differences**
* **Reconciliation re-aligns the data**

## Correlation

Correlation compares data from the systems involved in a partnership and identifies where the records agree or differ.

For entitlement correlation, DVM compares partner entitlement data with the corresponding entitlement data held in DVM. Depending on the partnership, the wider operational process can involve data held by a reseller, DVM, and a content provider.

Correlation can identify:

* Records that match
* Records present in one dataset but missing from another
* Differences in values such as product, status, or customer identifiers
* Multiple differences on the same record

Correlation does not change the underlying data. It gives you the information needed to investigate the difference.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Entitlement correlation reports" icon="arrows-left-right" href="/reconciliation/correlation-reports">
    Compare entitlement data and identify matching records and differences.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Charge correlation reports" icon="receipt" href="/reconciliation/charge-correlation-reports">
    Compare charge and refund data with the corresponding DVM records.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Reconciliation

Reconciliation is the process of investigating correlation results and correcting the relevant data so the systems agree.

A typical flow is:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Compare the data">
    Submit correlation data and receive the correlation results.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review differences">
    Identify missing records and values that do not match.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Investigate the cause">
    Determine which system contains the correct value and why the difference occurred.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Correct the data">
    Update the relevant system through the appropriate operational process.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm alignment">
    Run correlation again to confirm that the records now agree.
  </Step>
</Steps>

For the full process, see [Reconciliation](/reconciliation/reconciliation).