This document provides an overview of important considerations for migrating business data from one tool to another. It discusses different methods for data migration, including using spreadsheets, APIs, or a third-party migration service. It also outlines best practices for preparing data for migration, such as backing up data, ensuring account access and field mappings, and disabling automations to avoid errors. Tips are provided for tracking records during migration and addressing errors. External help from migration experts is recommended for those intimidated by or struggling with the migration process.

1. What to Know Before you
Embark on a Data Migration

2. Who Are We?
Over here at Import2, we’ve
completed over 20,000 data
migrations and counting - from
helpdesks to CRM’s to blogs. We
work with all types of users, including
non-technical staff, consultants, IT
directors and everyone in between.
We are confident that we can help
you have a more positive experience
with your migration…

3. What We Will Cover…
• Methods of migrating your business data from
SaaS tools (like Salesforce, Zoho, Zendesk, and
many more!)
• How to prepare in order to minimize disruption
or errors during the process
• Additional resources and guidance for working
with errors (because we have a lot of
experience, and we love to share!)

4. What We Won’t Cover…
We won’t delve into specific tool
tips here. If you already know
where you are migrating your data
to and are looking for detailed
assistance, head on over here to
see our offered guides and find
exactly what you need to pull off
the perfect migration!

5. Spreadsheets
Using CSV files to upload data manually
through your destination tool’s import
functionality (if available).
This method requires little to no technical
expertise. However, it is labor intensive
and you must be familiar with the data
models of both the source and destination
tools in order to map objects and fields.
Be aware that this method does increase
the likelihood of data loss, as many tools
do not allow the full export/import of all
objects.
Methods Available

6. Methods Available
API
Migrate data directly between
your source and destination tools.
For this method, be ready for
hands-on coding. This method
does have limitations, as not all
tools allow access to all objects or
fields via API.

7. Methods Available
Import2.com
A fully automated service for a full data
transfer. No spreadsheets, no coding.
This method requires a staff member or
consultant who is familiar with the current
dataset to be present in order to validate
the data transfer. No technical experience
is necessary, just careful review and
specific feedback if changes are needed.
Be aware that this method can support
spreadsheets, backup files and API,
depending on the tools.

8. How to Prepare
1. Backup your data!
2. Ensure you have an active account in both your source
and destination tools, as well as authorization to transfer
data
3. Make sure if you have custom fields/values, you have
created these in the destination tool for ease of mapping
during the process
4. Setup all of your users so that you can assign correct
record ownership of the incoming data

9. Beware of Automations!
•Disable any user/customer
notification settings that
may cause unwanted
outgoing communication
during the transfer
•Disable any data validation
rules, workflows or
triggers that may cause
unwanted disruptions or
errors during the transfer

10. If Things Go Wrong…
Make sure to keep track of each record you import so that if you
make any mistakes during the migration process, it is simple to
locate problematic records and/or delete erroneous data.

11. Help with Errors
Even if you spend time preparing
for your import, you may still
encounter data validation errors
that you need to address in
order to migrate all of your data.
Check out our FAQ site to find
explanations and guidance to fix
the most common data
validation errors.

12. Ready to Get Started?
Good luck!
If you are intimidated by doing the migration yourself, or if you
are currently struggling with the process, let us know! We will
be happy to help you complete a successful data migration.