The SugarCRM Import wizard will walk you through the steps to import your data into SugarCRM. These best practices can help you navigate the potential pitfalls and achieve successful results.

Import Wizard Best Practices

1. Test a Small Batch

Import files often include hundreds or thousands of records to import. Before you import all of these records, test a small batch of 10-20 records first. This can save you from having to delete lots of records if something goes wrong with your import.

You can save your settings when importing the test batch, so that if your import is successful you can easily apply these same settings for your entire set of data.

2. Specify an Assigned User

If you do not specify an assigned user for the records you are importing, they will be assigned to you. If all of the records will be assigned to the same user, you can specify that by using the Add Field button on the Mapping, listing the desired user. If the records will be assigned to various users, include an assigned user column in the data file listing the assigned user for each record. Enter the username for each user, exactly as it is stored in the database, and map the column to the Assigned User Name field in SugarCRM, as shown below.

3. Select Duplicate Filters Thoughtfully

First and Last Name may not be the most useful filters to use when checking for duplicates, as names can be common and shared by different individuals.

We recommend using filters for unique values such as email address and phone number when checking for duplicates.

4. Use "Email Address" Instead of "Any Email" Mapping

By default, SugarCRM will match an “Email” header in your CSV file to “Any Email.” This mapping works inconsistently; occassionally when this mapping is used, the data is not imported and/or displayed correctly. If you notice that your email field is getting mapped to “Any Email,” override that default setting by using the “Email Address” field instead.

These four simple best practices can help you successfully import data into SugarCRM. Check out our eBook, Getting Started with SugarCRM, for a variety of best practices to help you use all of SugarCRM’s features more efficiently.

Posted in:

Looking for SugarCRM help?

We do training, customization, integration, and much more. Contact us today.