Five steps to a hassle-free CRM data migration

Data migration for CRM is a lot more complicated than moving data from old fields to a new system, so requires an extensive amount of planning. It’s very unlikely that your current contact management system will match the new CRM fields, which can make data migration the biggest task of the entire CRM implementation process.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Consider data exclusions

In some cases, it might not be worthwhile to migrate all of your contact records to the new system. This is a decision you should make first, so you and your team don’t waste time on unnecessary data.

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Here are a couple of examples of potential exclusions you could consider:

  • If your current CRM system is 15 years old, how many years of activity should you migrate to the new system?
  • Should you migrate contact records that have been inactive for 10 years?

2. Make sure your current data is clean and accurate

Contact your account managers and ask them to clean up their current client contact information. 70% of CRM users say their system offers improved access to customer data. But that won’t be the case if your current data isn’t accurate.

Take the time to fill in missing fields, ensure the information they already contain is accurate, and remove any duplicate data they have. There’s no point in transferring bad data to a new system, while making your data clean before migration will encourage users to keep it that way after.

3. Back up the your legacy CRM

You never know what problems you might face during data migration, and the last thing you want is to lose customer information in the process. Backup the data on your legacy CRM before taking any steps to migrate in case a big issue arises.

4. Reformat data for the new software

Get an idea of the different fields, labels and categories of the new system, and start formatting your current data to meet those needs. Doing this before migration will decrease the chances that CRM data ends up out of place after.

5. Add to and update the new CRM system

Once your CRM data is formatted, you can start adding it to the new system. You will probably come across new labels and categories that fit your business. When you do, update your already-migrated data to use these fields as you go along. That way you make the most of the system’s features from the beginning.

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Courtney Danyel

About the author…

Courtney is a business writer, content marketing expert, Twitter addict (@danyeltravels) and recovering academic. These days she works with marketing agencies and SaaS companies to create content that engages audiences, generates buzz, builds relationships, and drives sales.

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Courtney Danyel

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