August 06, 2018
Built on the foundation of making your business processes more efficient through software synergy, Salesforce simplifies data migration processes with an incredible range of options in patterns, methods, and more specifically- tools. There are tons of data migration tools available on App Exchange, some more suitable than others for your precise requirements. In this blog however, we will discuss only the chosen few that have proven their effectiveness over a wide range of use cases.
However, before going into the specifics of the features of these tools, and why we consider them to be the best, let’s first understand ‘what are the best practices of migrating data from CRM to Salesforce?’ After all, regardless of what tool you use, you want to ensure that you get the desired results in the most efficient manner.
You may have a humongous amount of data in your legacy systems and other data points, and in the first look, they may all look important too. Although you have to be vigilant in the actual data migration process. Know that your Salesforce account has a limit, and installing all the data onto it is not going to enhance your productivity. So before starting the actual migration process, make sure you have ample knowledge of the data’s significance and utility. There could be a great amount of data that your sales team may require on Salesforce. However, there would also be plenty of data for which they only require a visibility access, meaning they may not have anything to do with Salesforce processing or workflow. For such data, instead of using the migration tool, you can use its features like Canvas and Visualforce, which use existing Salesforce APIs to display the required data without the need of actually storing it on the platform.
Another tool that can help you access the external data, and even modify it without having to migrate it onto the platform is Salesforce Connect. The framework allows the Salesforce users to view and even modify the external data to add them on record feeds.
The amount of delay simple mapping errors caused in most data migration operations is interestingly high. No matter what method or tool you use for the actual task, it is extremely important for you to ensure the compatibility between the source and the destination platform schema. Once you have organised the fields correctly, another golden rule is to test the compatibility with sample records before beginning the switching process. This practice is even supported by the Salesforce trial versions that allow you to test all the automation and configuration choices before making the actual shift. You can compare the different modules by entering the sample data to see if they are fit for the data your organisation will be storing.
Once you have accomplished both these tasks with due care, you can easily move to the next stage of using the integration tools, that will take care of the rest of the migration journey for you.
What would be a better option than using the official tool of Salesforce for accomplishing a conventional task? Import wizard of Salesforce offers the easiest way of importing many of the Salesforce standard objects like accounts, contacts, solutions, and leads. It also offers provision for importing data from custom objects. To work with Import Wizard, you will simply have to organise the data at the source point. Then, map and edit the fields to start the importing process. At present, Salesforce Import Wizard only supports the prominent browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, IE, and Safari. At one time, you can only import 50,000 records, and there’s no way around for that by using multiple browser windows.
It is one of the most trusted and most used data migration tools for Salesforce. It comes with a very basic and intuitive interface and provides different options for data extension, and records updates. To work with Apex Data Loader, you will require an External, as well as a Salesforce ID. One of the best features that makes Apex Data Loader the first choice for most Salesforce development services providers, is that it automatically detects if the record is for the update of an existing entry or a new entry altogether, and then proceedswith the right action. That way the tool frees you from a lot of manual tasks. Another advanced feature that the tool offers is ‘Mass Delete’, which many users claim is more effective than the bulk delete feature of Salesforce.
What is the next best thing than the most effective tool? A free most-effective tool. JitterBit Data Loader is, again, the most used ETL tool for Salesforce data migration that fortunately also comes in a free version. Most admins prefer using it for the Ad-hoc tasks owing to its easy interface and multiple functionalities. Like Data Loader, it also offers features for insert and update of records along with the mass delete. The only catch with the free version of this app is the functionality limit, that constraints you from managing and sharing specific ETL projects.
Based on Eclipse IDE, Paled open Studio is an open-source Salesforce integration tool that provides a unified environment for accomplishing the task efficiently. It offers all the functionalities as are provided by the above-discussed ETL tools, but its best exclusive feature is the data transformation toolkit, that allows you to perform challenging actions like master data management ,and data cleansing with a breeze. The only catch with the tool is that in order to offer all the additional functionalities the app has burgeoned its size and complexity, making it important for the enterprises to deploy professional resources for smooth functioning.
Another reliable and rightfully popular Salesforce integration tool for data migration to Salesforce is Dataloader.io. It is completely cloud-based, that means you don’t have to install anything on your on-premise system. It works seamlessly with external repositories like FTP, SFTP, Box, and DropBox for more effective data import, export, and delete functionalities. With other features like intelligent data mapping and scheduled automation of tasks with proper notification correspondence, it is more fitting for recurrent and large-scale data migration.
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