Data Migration

The Metazoa Snapshot Org Management product can move connected sets of data between Salesforce Orgs. Unlike Data Loader, Snapshot keeps all relationships between Objects intact. Administrators can migrate data between Salesforce Orgs for testing, development, or backup purposes. Snapshot also supports CSV file import to bring in datasets from external systems such as Oracle or SAP.

Migrate Relational Data
Between Salesforce Orgs

Snapshot provides powerful tools for migrating connected sets of data between Salesforce Orgs. This capability is useful for backing up data, refreshing Sandboxes, merging Orgs, and populating Orgs with test data for application development. The Bulk API is used for all transactions to ensure that very large Datasets can be moved efficiently. We have moved hundreds of thousands of records while testing the data migration tools in Snapshot.

When an administrator migrates data between Salesforce Orgs, all of the internal relationships are preserved. External references in the Dataset are also connected to matching objects on the destination. Snapshot also supports CSV file import to bring in datasets from external systems and for creating datasets with a spreadsheet editor. Snapshot can scramble selected fields to maintain data privacy and remap field names for any destination Org.

When you select the Deployment Arrow between any two connected Snapshots, the Options Menu will display various commands. The second set of options will be to Build, Import, and Migrate Datasets. The option to Build a Dataset will use the source Salesforce org to download multiple records in the form of XML files to your local machine. The option to Import a Dataset will use CSV or XML files from any source to create a new Dataset as well. Lastly, the option to Migrate a Dataset will insert and update records from the selected Dataset into the destination Salesforce Org. Watch the short movie below to learn more about the relational data migration capabilities in Snapshot.

Migrating Relational Datasets with Snapshot

Snapshot is a powerful tool for migrating metadata and data between organizations. This technical documentation outlines the steps to efficiently transfer relational datasets between organizations using Snapshot.

Step 1: Connect to Snapshots

Connect two organizations through Snapshot by creating a deployment arrow. This connection enables the transfer of data and metadata between the source and destination organizations.

Step 2: Build a Dataset

Right-click on the deployment arrow and select the option to build a dataset from the source organization.

2.1 Select Objects

You can select custom or regular objects for migration. Selection can be done by object names, through filters, or by selecting all records.

2.2 Select Child Objects

Select child objects that are connected to the parent object. For example, if you are transferring account data, you can also choose to transfer connected contacts and opportunities.

2.3 Select Fields

Choose the fields within the objects that you want to include in the dataset. By default, all fields will be selected.

2.4 Build Dataset

Click the “Build Dataset” button. Snapshot will use the Bulk Data API to gather the selected objects and their related child objects and fields. Once complete, Snapshot will display the total number of records gathered in the dataset (e.g. 4,000 accounts, 300 contacts, and 1,200 opportunities).

Step 3: Migrate the Dataset

Right-click on the deployment arrow and choose “Migrate Data Sets” to begin the transfer process to the destination organization.

3.1 Review Fields

Review the fields in the dataset by either field name or object name.

3.2 Select Matching Fields

Choose fields that will be used to match records between the source and destination. For example, for accounts, you might match by name and postal code to ensure that records with duplicate names but different locations are matched correctly.

3.3 Data Scrambling (Optional)

For privacy reasons, especially when moving data into a developer or testing environment, you can choose to scramble certain fields, such as amounts in opportunities.

3.4 Deactivate Rules and Triggers (Optional)

To prevent interference from triggers, validation rules, workflows, and flows during complex deployments, you may opt to temporarily deactivate them for the objects being migrated.

3.5 Migrate Dataset

In the last tab, choose how the data should be migrated:
  • Error Handling: Choose to stop after an error or continue.
  • Field Truncation: Choose to allow or disallow field truncation if the fields are smaller in the destination.
  • Logging: Log errors only or both errors and successes.
  • Data Transfer Mode: Choose between parallel or serial data transfer.
Click to start the migration. Snapshot will first migrate the parent object (e.g. accounts) followed by the child objects (e.g. contacts, opportunities).

Step 4: Review Migration Results

Once the migration is complete, Snapshot will display the results. If there are any records that could not be migrated due to errors, this information will be available in the migration errors log. The tool ensures that relationships between objects are maintained and properly reconnected in the destination organization. Snapshot not only helps in migrating data but also in preserving the relationships among the data objects, making it an invaluable tool for efficient and secure data migration across different organizations.

Learn More!

Snapshot provides powerful tools for Salesforce Administrators that help manage the change and release process, visualize org complexity, improve security and compliance, and lower the total cost of Org ownership. Visit the AppExchange to start a 14 day free trial or click the button below to schedule a demo.

🎉 Congratulations! 🎉

You’ve successfully completed the Metazoa Metadata Studio Certification Class. With the skills you’ve acquired, you’re now adept at harnessing the power of Metazoa’s Metadata Studio, seamlessly integrating artificial intelligence into Salesforce org management. You have earned you a certificate! Well done, and we wish you continued success in your future endeavors!