# Distinguish exact codes and absent values

Leading zeroes and spaces remain exact; unlisted codes never imply no stock.

Source: https://help.smartfact.ai/findbench/guides/exact-and-missing

Audience: Operator

## Distinguish exact codes and absent values

1. **Start a lookup**

   Start a lookup.

   FindBench reads the local reference you choose. It does not fetch stock data or confirm where goods are now. All values in this lesson are synthetic.

2. **Choose the prepared reference CSV**

   Choose the prepared reference CSV.

   This prepared CSV enters the real file chooser. Review the rows and choose the columns before loading. Nothing has been uploaded.

3. **Map the exact code column**

   Map the exact code column.

   Choose Part as the code column. Every value stays exact text, including leading zeroes.

4. **Map the description column**

   Map the description column.

   Choose Text for the descriptions. Different descriptions for one code remain visible.

5. **Map every listed location**

   Map every listed location.

   Choose Bin for locations. Repeated rows are retained, and a blank location stays explicitly not supplied.

6. **Keep the relevant note column**

   Keep the relevant note column.

   Choose Comment for notes. The Ignore column is left out and will not be saved with the reference.

7. **Name the reference**

   Name the reference.

   A clear title appears with the lookup, downloads and saved work. It is your declared context, not a verified authority.

8. **Declare when the reference was prepared**

   Declare when the reference was prepared.

   This date comes from the file owner. Loading it today does not prove it is current.

9. **Load the reviewed reference**

   Load the reviewed reference.

   Load all six mapped rows. The original file and excluded column are discarded; the exact mapped values and row numbers remain.

10. **Read every matching row**

   Read every matching row.

   Look up 000017. Four rows match, including two locations, an identical repeat and a conflicting description. Check every row, not just the first.

11. **Keep 17 separate from 000017**

   Keep 17 separate from 000017.

   Look up the distinct code 17. Leading zeroes are significant, so this answer belongs to a different part.

12. **Keep a trailing space exact**

   Keep a trailing space exact.

   The reference has no code with this extra space. Not found means absent from this file, never no stock.

13. **Recognise an unlisted code**

   Recognise an unlisted code.

   An unknown code returns no rows. FindBench does not infer inventory or invent a location.

[Watch or practise this chapter](https://help.smartfact.ai/findbench/demo?guide=exact-and-missing&chapter=exact-and-missing)