Mistakes to Avoid When Adopting Salesforce Data Migration

Many of you have this misconception that data migration is nothing more than moving records from one system to another. But what if I say it is one of the most challenging and time-consuming tasks? Moreover, it demands ample planning along with a good understanding of the current system.

Implementing software without appropriate challenges is just a myth. And all those cloud-based software deployments that revolve around products from Salesforce.com are no exception. Salesforce implementations, additions, and upgrades are on a global rise. According to IBM, using Cloud-based CRM software solutions generates powerful returns, as much as 50% improvement in productivity and 65% improvement in sales quotas. Plus, it reduces labor costs by an average of 40%.

And that’s quite amazing! As a result, one can witness salesforce projects extending across industries and companies irrespective of their sizes. However, certain organizations find it hard achieve the results they need within their desired timeframe.

Is Salesforce Worth It?

There is no doubt in the fact that Salesforce is known as one of the leading CRM cloud softwares across the globe. And investing in such a technology becomes a must-do to stay in the competition.

The numbers never lie. According to them, this field is all set to create 3.3 million jobs by the year 2022. Due to which technical skills will continue to be in high demand in the current job market. In addition to this, businesses will be found rushing to embrace the future of big data, IoT, and AI. So irrespective of the role you are playing, all you have to do is keep up with rapidly changing technology. In the present scenario, it is key if you want to land a new or better, job.

Have You Jumped Onboard?

If yes, I am sure you must have faced a situation that demands Salesforce data migration. Well, it can be insanely tricky at times; I mean eventual loss of important data and critical functionality are pure results of poor data mapping. In addition to this, you might also face unexpected effects of existing data and rules after migration. Well, I do not wish to increase your troubles by saying that when you migrate into a running instance that is being used by several users as opposed to a new one, this means importing hundreds or thousands of records. To avoid headaches, you should make sure that all records have been migrated completely.

There several factors to take into account during data migration to having to go back and forth in the standard protocol of planning, migrating and testing to make sure all the data has been migrated. Along with these steps, it is very important to avoid the following mistakes.

Mistake 1: Avoiding Stakeholders

Stakeholders are the ones who can tell you exactly what kind of issues can arise before, during, and after migration. After listening to them, chances are there you might need to make modifications to fields, validate rules, or even rethink your overall approach depending on their feedback.

Mistake 2: Poor Data

It may interest you to know that Salesforce is as good as the data you import. If the data is substandard, users tend to supplement the CRM with different manual systems, and this might lead to inconsistency and unnecessary mistakes. 

Let me give you a situation where you are visiting a local bakery and the owner cheerfully greets you by your name. How does that feel? Warm and welcoming, right? Your data should have the same objective. If the data has missing fields or any inconsistent ways of tracking information, accessing knowledge on a broad scale can be difficult. So what can be done?

• Allocate time to cleanse your data.
• Seek help from a relevant Salesforce developer.
• If the budget allows, engage third-party experts.

Mistake 3: Mapping Irrelevant Data Fields

Adding fields like Legacy ID or User ID might turn out to be necessary in your source data. But at the same time, getting rid of unnecessary fields, especially the ones which are used by only a few records, is an important step when it comes to the mapping process.

Mistake 4: Over-Complicating Requirements

Gearing up for a Salesforce implementation can be pretty exciting and full of demands. But still, you have to work within set parameters. There are times when you get extensive customizations or extend complicated requests that Salesforce may not be able to deliver. As a result, you might end up with serious complications during the implementation and user adoption level.

However, this does not always indicate that the Salesforce implementation will be a disaster. It does, however, indicate the need for a strong business liaison or analyst, who can advise appropriately.

Mistake 5: Lack of Processes

Is mapping out each step of your sales process in detail necessary? Have you ever given some thought about allocating for changes or variations in the customer's journey? If not, it’s time to gain spectacular results by empowering sales staff to convert leads.

Right from sending relevant documents to prompting staff to take regular follow up, engage on social media and undertake thousands of other actions that convert leads into customers, and then into fans and brand advocates, everything can be achieved by using a Salesforce platform. But remember, in case, if your Salesforce setup doesn’t accurately reflect your true processes, it can let your team down.