> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.kernel.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.kernel.ai/platform/actioning/associate.md).

# Associate accounts

Link child accounts to their parent within your CRM

The associate action links child accounts to their parent using your CRM's native hierarchy.

[Open Associate accounts in Kernel](https://app.kernel.ai/cleaning/associate?view=cards)

## Association types

| Type                        | What happens                                                                                                                              |
| --------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Link to existing parent** | Kernel fills the Parent Account field with a parent that already exists in your CRM.                                                      |
| **Reparent**                | Kernel replaces an incorrect parent link with the proposed parent.                                                                        |
| **Create missing parent**   | Kernel creates the parent account, then links the child accounts to it. Children that share the same missing parent are grouped together. |

An association keeps the child and parent as separate accounts. You can change the parent link later in your CRM.

## Choose which suggestions appear

Open **Rules > Associations** to skip suggestions involving holding companies, new parents without websites, or new parents that share the child's domain. The same tab controls whether safeguarded accounts can be included.

[Read the association rules](/platform/data-setup/cleaning-rules.md#associations)

For country-specific records or companies absorbed by a parent, **Rules > Duplicates** lets you choose association instead of merging. When a new parent is needed, its creation also uses the new-account settings on your Salesforce connection's **Advanced** tab.

## Review and associate

1. Open a group and check the proposed parent and each child account.
2. Read the reasoning and check the risk tier and current CRM parent.
3. Choose **Associate** and review the confirmation, or **Reject** to keep the current relationship.
4. Check **Actioned** for the result.

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