Using DemandTools to Remove Middle Initials From the First Name Field

QUESTION:

 Can I use DemandTools to find records with middle initials in the first name field and then remove them?

ANSWER:

Yes.  This is a tricky one, but it can be done in MassImpact using the AllTextBeforeChar formula.

Instructions begin at the top of Screen 2 in MassImpact:

• Using Conditions, identify the contacts that have a space in the firstname field:
  • In the where clause specify where firstname contains (a space).
  • You will literally type a space in the "value" field and it will look for a space (it will appear blank, but finds those with a space).
  • Ideally, we only want to identify the records that have a middle initial vs. just any first name with a space in it (i.e. Mary Ann), but there is no way to do that 100% so, REVIEW THE RESULTS CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCESSING, unchecking any records that should not be updated.
  • Adding a condition where firstname contains . (period) will limit the results some (e.g. Mary B. vs. Mary Ann), but this will only be effective for the records where the middle initial is followed by a period. 
    • A first pass could be run with this extra condition, then remove it and run again, this time JUST looking for the space.

NOTE:  The condition where firstname contains . should be a separate condition. We want the conditions and'd together so it reads, firstname contains space AND first name contains period (vs. separating with a comma and it translating to space or period).

In the "Field Values on Record to Change" section:

• Select First Name as the field to update
• Choose the Formula Tab
  • Use the "AllTextBeforeChar" formula to return all characters AFTER the space:
    • AllTextBeforeChar( {firstname} , " ")
    • This will also split out any 2+ word first names and just return the 1st part of the name so you will have to review carefully.
      • Mary B. - > Mary
      • Mary Ann -> Mary
      • E J -> E
      • Mary Wilson -> Mary