A method, system, and computer program product for efficiently comparing multiple columns of a row of a relational database to an incoming record. A computer creates a cryptographic sum for columns of a row of the relational database. The cryptographic sum is stored as a hidden column in the relational database. Logic may compare the cryptographic sum with an incoming cryptographic sum of entries in an incoming record. Logic may then determine if the incoming cryptographic sums differ from the corresponding cryptographic sums of rows of data of the relational database. When the two cryptographic sums are identical, the data of the incoming record is disregarded as an identical record that already exists. An entry of the incoming record may be added to the target table or updated within an existing record of the relational database when the cryptographic sum and the incoming cryptographic sum of that entry differ.