Salesforce: Importing Data

Salesforce has so much terminology it can be a bit overwhelming in the beginning. I am starting a series of short posts to help me learn the definitions.

Data Import Wizard

• Import up to 50,000 records

Data Loader

• Import 50,000 to 5 million records
• Objects not supported by the Data Import Wizard
• scheduled loading like nightly imports

If you need to load over 5 million records check the AppExchange for a suitable partner product.

1. Create an export file
2. Sanitize the data
   • remove duplicates
   • delete unnecessary information
   • correct spelling and other errors
   • enforce naming conventions
3. Confirm that your data will be mapped into the correct Salesforce fields
   • Field Mapping for Other Data Sources and Organization Import
4. Make any required Salesforce configuration changes
   • create new custom fields
   • add new values to picklists
   • temporarily deactivate workflow rules

https://trailhead.salesforce.com/en/content/learn/modules/lex_implementation_data_management/lex_implementation_data_import?trail_id=force_com_dev_beginner