Data Migration
Overview
In Salesforce Data Migration refers to the process of transferring data from one system to Salesforce or between different Salesforce environments. Data migrations can occur with legacy systems, other CRM platforms, and other Salesforce orgs.
How to Accomplish a Data Migration?
Implementing a successful data migration encompasses many different tasks. To be successful you must first determine a strategy and plan to move the data. Considerations should be load time, down time and impact to other systems.
After a plan is in place the data should be mapped and cleansed. This will often involve analysis of the target environment to ensure you are adhering to data standards of that Org.
Salesforce offers many standard products such as Data Import Wizard, Dataloader.io and Apex Data loader to help move data, but there are other ETL tools that can also assist. It is best to determine which tool best fits your needs considering frequency, sustainability and cost.
Before performing a full migration it is best to do smaller test samples to ensure mappings are correct and that there are no roadblocks to uncover once executed.
After testing and executing the migration it is best to perform analysis and ensure everything completed as expected. At this point any post migration steps to enable access or turn on other systems that needed to have downtime should be completed.
Documenting the Data Migration design, steps and expected outcomes are also important to a successful migration.
What is the Benefit?
Historical Context
Performing a Data Migration into a Salesforce org from a legacy environment or other CRM gives valuable insight into past customer history, tasks/events and other data points for all end users of the system.
Data Quality
Migrating data into Salesforce ensures that Data Quality remains consistent across your reporting metrics and that all guidelines for integrity and security have been met.
Centralized Data
Having data centralized in Salesforce reduces the need for swivel-chairing of users and adds efficiencies to business processes.
Who is Impacted?
Salesforce Users
Through a successful Data Migration all users of Salesforce will be able to see valuable information about their customers, vendors, employees etc.
Data Analysts
Analysts using reporting in Salesforce or connected tools, like Tableau, also benefit from a Customer360 view of data.
Compliance Teams
Compliance teams can ensure data quality and data security has been adhered to.