Migrate Data into Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0
Data migration is one of the most complicated aspects of a Microsoft DynamicsTM
CRM Version 4.0 implementation; however it is also the most critical. If the
data quality in a CRM system is poor, users will not rely on the system as their
one stop for accurate customer data.
Data migration can occur in two ways: Initial or Ongoing.
Initial Data Migration
During an initial data migration, the focus is on extracting data from your legacy
systems, cleaning the data and importing it into your new Microsoft Dynamics CRM
Version 4.0 system. This process can be time consuming as often times the
system values or fields have changed in the new system. Once the data
has been cleaned and imported into Microsoft Dynamics CRM the task is complete.
Ongoing Data Migration
Many companies have needs for ongoing data migration. This can be caused by
purchasing a list of leads, using a third party company to manage email campaigns
or having specific departments continue to use legacy systems. Regardless
of the reason we can assist with ongoing data migration needs. Our approach
will be different if it is a onetime import vs. an import that will occur on a weekly
or monthly basis.
In addition to the frequency of migrating data, another thing to consider is the
migration utility. There are three options for migrating data:
CRM Web Client Import
The native Microsoft Dynamics CRM Web Client Import receives data from a CSV or
text file, allows field and picklist value mapping. The Microsoft Dynamics
CRM Version 4.0 import only works for Leads, Accounts, Contacts and Campaign Responses.
It does not include the option for importing relationship mappings, notes, activities
or email attachments.
Data Migration Framework (DMF)
Microsoft created the Data Migration Framework, also refered to as the DMF, to enable
more complex data migration. The framework requires a developer to configure
and conduct the data migration.
Third Party Migration Utility
Third party migration utilities provide the best results as they enable imports
from multiple sources including but not limited to Excel files, SQL Databases, ACT,
SalesForce.com and Goldmine. Additionally they allow you to import relationship
mappings, notes, activities and email attachments. Import can be completed
once or scheduled for regular imports.
|