Understanding the is_representative Field

In Shovels’ Enterprise Data License (EDL) deliveries, the is_representative field helps you understand contractor group relationships.

What It Means

The is_representative field is a boolean that indicates whether a contractor record is the main representative of a contractor group_id.

Value	Meaning
`TRUE`	This record contains the canonical/preferred information for the entire group
`FALSE`	This is a related contractor in the group, not the primary record

How Group IDs Work

The group_id is a unique identifier that links together multiple contractors operating under the same parent organization. Example: A national HVAC company might pull permits under regional subsidiaries. Our grouping algorithm:

Identifies these relationships
Links them with a shared group_id
Designates one record as the representative

Why This Matters

Prevent Double-Counting

When analyzing large contractor datasets, is_representative helps prevent counting the same organization multiple times under different names or licenses.

Avoid Duplicate Outreach

Use the representative record to avoid contacting the same organization through different subsidiary entries.

Accurate Market Analysis

Get a true count of unique contractor organizations, not just contractor records.

Using is_representative

-- Get unique contractor organizations (one per group)
SELECT * FROM contractors
WHERE is_representative = TRUE

-- Get all contractors including subsidiaries
SELECT * FROM contractors

Contractor Deduplication in EDL Getting Resident Contact Information in EDL

⌘I

​What It Means

​How Group IDs Work

​Why This Matters

​Prevent Double-Counting

​Avoid Duplicate Outreach

​Accurate Market Analysis

​Using is_representative

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