Table of Contents:
  1. What is Salesforce Data Loader?
  2. What are its Primary Functions?
  3. What are its Benefits? 
  4. How does the Loader Solve User Challenges? 
  5. What Else Can Salesforce Data Loader Do?

Remember the earlier days of sales where, when you updated the system, you had to type in all of the data from the old system to the new system? Somewhere, there is somebody who remembers those old days vividly. Nowadays, we don’t have to retype all the information one by one. Today, there’s Salesforce Data Loader.

What is Salesforce Data Loader?

Salesforce Data Loader is an essential tool to update and manage information. The application ensures a smooth integration of new data into Salesforce as well as offering easy ways to eliminate redundant information. Team members of various stripes, from developer to admin, may use the data loader regularly to pull, update, or even delete records to assist them with their work.

This application is for the bulk import or export of data from Salesforce. Users can install the data loader in a Mac or Windows environment, using either the user interface or Windows command line to specify data files. The loader can connect to a database or comma-separated values (CSV) data. Here's what team members need to know to maximize the value of Salesforce Data Loader for your organization.

For more information on our native Salesforce connector, visit our Integration page.

What are its Primary Functions?

The data loader has four core functions:

  • Insert new data
  • Update
  • Delete
  • Export

Inserting new data lets users put new information into Salesforce. The update function lets anybody update existing data. Delete removes data that is no longer required, and export lets users export data from Salesforce in the form of CSV files. It is also possible to insert and update records simultaneously and do a "hard delete" of Salesforce data, that removes it completely.

What are its Benefits? 

One of the most exciting features about Salesforce Data Loader is that users can load up to 5 million records at a time. They can also use the import wizard to prevent duplicate records according to the account name, contact email address, or other information in the record. Its seamless integration with the Salesforce platform means many team members, regardless of expertise, can work with the data loader.

The tool is designed for data records from 50,000 to 5,000,000. Any file size larger than 5,000,000 should work directly with a Salesforce representative. Anything less than 50,000 may want to use the Salesforce Import Wizard instead. The upsert function is also a feature of particular interest. This function allows users to update existing records while inserting new records at the same time. This makes inputting and updating records far more efficient.

How does the Loader Solve User Challenges? 

In order to work efficiently many large organizations need regular information updates. These updates that take place on a daily or weekly basis are essential for all team members. The data loader can help ensure everyone has the information they need, regardless of where in the organization they work.

If you're working with an enterprise size organization, be sure to review some common ways enterprises leverage Salesforce.

Since the Salesforce Data Loader ensures for smooth integration of new data into Salesforce, those in charge of taking care of the data have less to worry about and don't have to hover over the workstation to ensure there are no problems with the integration of new data into the system. They can instead work on other tasks that require their attention and if an issue does arise concerning the integration of new data, they can take care of it.

When it comes to looking for duplicate records, team members no longer have to go through the records one by one. Instead, they can search for duplicate records far more easily, which makes their jobs more productive and efficient, especially with the upsert function.

What Else Can Salesforce Data Loader Do?

While the information listed above about what Salesforce Data Loader can do is worthy of attention, here are a few more exciting functions.

  • Intelligent data mapping
  • Import and export directly from multiple repositories
  • Schedule tasks
  • Drag and drop field mapping
  • Support for all objects, including custom objects
  • Detailed success and error logs
  • Support for both Windows and Mac computers

Intelligent Data Mapping

Keyboard shortcuts and numerous filters at your fingertips for faster searches and more efficient workdays.

Import And Export Directly

With Salesforce Data Loader, team members can import and export directly from SFTP, DropBox, FTP, and Box. Exporting and importing is quick and easy, ensuring they are always connected to the information they need and to other team members.

Schedule Tasks

Speaking of exporting and importing data, team members can set it up so this task is done automatically. They can also choose for it to be done on an hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly basis. This helps to increase productivity as they are not spending time searching for records to import on that day. If they need to import a record two hours from now, they can set it up to do it automatically and they don't have to pause their work to search for the record.

Support For Windows And Mac Computers

When it comes to IT and tech support for programs, they are either geared for Windows or Mac computers. Luckily, Salesforce Data loader has support for Windows and Mac computers, which means that if a company switches over from Windows to Mac computers, or vice versa, then they don't have to worry about not having support for Data Loader. They could even have a mix of Windows and Mac computers if they wanted to.

Detailed Logs

When it comes to keeping logs, Salesforce Data Loader has it covered. It keeps detailed logs of all errors regarding importing and exporting of records, as well as other functions. It also keeps detailed logs of all the successful commands team members have executed. This makes it easier for those studying the logs to compare the rate of successful commands to the rate of unsuccessful commands. From powerful data mapping tools to seamlessly integrate new data into the system, the possibilities are endless.

If there are any further questions about the Dataforce Data Loader, contact Integrate.io today and discover what companies like Deloitte, IKEA, and Samsung have already discovered.