Importing data into Salesforce is a must if you are looking to generate new leads from your old system. With manual transference, not an option, figuring a way to transfer the data from outside Salesforce into an actual Salesforce import leads in Salesforce will ensure that all your records be it in hundreds or thousands. However before importing data into Salesforce, there are a lot of things to consider before settling on one way to go about it.
Import Tools
With different data and objectives, Salesforce import users have the luxury of having a number of tools at their disposal for the import. However, there are three main tools normally used. Object specific import wizards which work by separating leads, custom objectives, accounts, and contacts by a pop-up method. Another tool is the Data Import Wizard which also separates objectives into leads, custom objectives, accounts and helps with importing contacts into salesforce and solutions in-browser with a record limit of 50,000. The third one is the Apex Data Loader which has a record of an outstanding 5,000,000 limit with its objective being on all standard and custom objectives. However, it works best by matching Salesforce ID or external ID in the command line interface.
Preparing For Import
To be able to use the three tools, installation of a CSV file of the data to be imported has to be done. To prepare the file for final import understanding of the data at hand is important. This way knowing how it corresponds to the Salesforce objective and other fields can be determined. This is an extremely important step as when one does not consider where the data they have will be imported to, data may be moved to the wrong place or worse still go completely missing.
Still once a decision of where the data will be moved to be done and its given objective aligned to what it corresponds to, taking inventory on the columns fields should be done. With this comparing the fields available, one will able to import data into Salesforce in the same way without glitches. In the event that the type of data that is to be imported is missing, customization of the field is necessary. In this regard mapping, the Salesforce import leads to the ones corresponding on the contact accounting and opportunity to ensure proper transfer should be done.
Importing Data Into Salesforce Test
With the necessary fields created to ensure flawless importation of data, importing data into Salesforce in small amounts should start. This is to ensure that the importation is done correctly with the small sample set aside. In this case, start by sending data into each field and ensure the data is being sent to your CSV to enable one know it is doing the mapping correctly. Still records with same values of same fields when considering how to merge leads in Salesforce should not be used for testing, as any errors in the testing might be missed.
Naming The Import Data Files
After completion of the tests and before importation of large amounts of date, naming the import data files is important. This is necessary as with a lot of import, errors may occur in some files and thus the naming help in saving time when looking up the work. Still when new files come in be it leads, contacts or accounts, separation can be done by scanning the files to place it in the necessary column easily.
Actual Importing Data Into Salesforce
The last thing to consider is actually the actual importation. In this case depending on the tool being used start by choosing the objective to import the data into. To prevent duplication, chose the matching convention. Select the course file to map the field. Finally, check on error and spot-check on live data to see if it has been done correctly.
In the event that the importation is to be continuously synchronized instead of a one-time import, be sure to set the existing systems in the automation platform. Be aware what data is being brought into Salesforce and discover importing data into Salesforce.