5 Key Practices For Effective Salesforce Data Migration

Migrating to a new platform requires firms to move functional data from their legacy system. If you are dealing in small data sets, the process could be completed in hours, however, if the data architecture is different or the size of data to be migrated is humungous, migration can be troublesome and time-taking.

Some of the challenges involved in the process include data loss, mismatch, loading issues, which occur due to a multitude of reasons. To overcome possible pitfalls and have a seamless data transfer, it is crucial to follow a standardized process keeping various considerations in check. 

Below we have listed important Salesforce data migration practices for your information:

1. Understand the Scope of Migration

Before getting started with Salesforce migration, teams should identify source/destination data and have a clear data layout in mind. This will help migration experts to structure and map data accordingly. 

2. Pre-Migration Check

During the pre-migration check, the order of migration should be clearly defined. Additionally, a data template should be created for every object in excel using data export so that the same can be used to bring data back to the system. Configuring the data loader as per time zone and turning off email triggers are other activities that should be carefully followed.

3. Start-Off With a Small Dataset

Consider feeding small datasets to identify and address possible issues and errors in the initial phase of migration. Based on the results, experts can further clean, deduplicate, or validate source data.

4. Prefer Batch Processing

While you migrate to Salesforce, check custom code, network speed, and be wary of API bottlenecks as they can affect the speed of processing. To ensure there is a seamless Salesforce to Salesforce data migration, consider sending data in batches.

5. Document Entire Process

The entire process must be well documented so that it helps in future migrations or when there is a need to upgrade the system. Make sure you document the following activities:

1. All the data restrictions applied to various fields and objects

2. The relationships between primary and foreign keys

3. Project timelines and data of migration phases

4. Log issues highlighting problems that came across

Bottomline

Salesforce Migration is a one-time process and the complexity of it depends on data structure, practices followed, and the expertise of professionals. By following the right practices and procedures, surely you can achieve desired results with migration.

Need our support to carry out Salesforce data migration? Write us at info@damcogroup.com

How to Carry Out A Successful Data Migration in Salesforce?

Moving furniture from one location to another is a challenging task and requires careful planning and caution. Similarly moving data from one ERP/CRM to another is an equally daunting task (if not more). 

Whether you are migrating data from an on-premise application to Salesforce or carrying out a Salesforce to Salesforce Data Migration, ensure that the process is well planned.

Based on our migration experience, we have highlighted crucial points in an easy to understand and step-by-step manner:

1. Engage With Stakeholders

A Salesforce Migration professional should know the data needs of every department. Discussing with stakeholders can allow an expert to plan by an organization's requirements and project timeline.

2. Data Identification

The data that will undergo migration must be carefully identified and analyzed before proceeding further. A Salesforce Data Migration expert makes this selection based on data structure, storage location, duplicacy, and other factors. 

3. Create a Backup

The migration process may not be successful in the initial attempts due to various complexities and challenges. To prevent data loss and have a seamless migration, organizations should create a data backup or buy additional space on the cloud.

4. Data Preparation

After data is identified, the further course of action includes data preparation and migration test run. For data preparation, a Salesforce Data Migration expert finalizes the order for data transfer and sends data accordingly in batches or as required. 

5. Run Migration Tests

Once the data transfer order is finalized, a Salesforce Migration professional runs these tests in a sandbox environment. This helps in identifying possible errors that can be fixed before final migration.

6. Data Migration

After possible issues are addressed, data is successfully migrated to Salesforce. However, one would need to validate the settings and make post-migration changes in the setup. If the migration process is not successful, it is time to repeat it all over.

Bottomline

Migrating data to a cloud-based CRM like Salesforce enables firms to improve data accessibility and user efficiency. To carry out data transfer in the right manner, businesses should follow a standard process and hire a Salesforce Migration expert who has deep experience in the use of tools like Data Loader and Data Export Wizard. With a planned implementation, organizations can minimize the issues and have a successful migration.