Importing Custom Object Records in Bulk Using CSV Files

Overview of Bulk Import for Custom Objects

Bulk import allows you to add or update large numbers of Custom Object records at once by uploading a CSV file. This method is ideal for initial data migration, periodic updates, or syncing data from external systems. The process includes options to create new records, update existing ones, or perform both actions simultaneously, with controls to manage duplicates and track the import's progress.

Key Features and Benefits

Using bulk import for Custom Objects provides several advantages for managing your data efficiently:

• Time Efficiency: Import hundreds or thousands of records in minutes instead of creating them individually.
• Flexible Update Modes: Choose to only create new records, only update existing ones, or perform a combined create-and-update operation.
• Duplicate Prevention: The system can use unique fields you've defined to identify and handle potential duplicate records during the import.
• Process Control: Monitor the import status, pause it if needed, resume it later, or cancel it entirely from a central management page.
• Detailed Reporting: After the import, review comprehensive statistics and see exactly which rows succeeded, failed, or generated warnings, along with guidance on how to resolve any issues.

How to Perform a Bulk Import

Step 1: Initiate the Import

Navigate to the Custom Objects section within your CRM. Select the specific type of Custom Object you want to import records for. Click the Import button, typically located in the top-right area of the screen.

Step 2: Configure Import Settings

You will be presented with several configuration options:

• Import Mode: Select Create, Update, or Create & Update based on your goal.
• Deduplication Field (if applicable): If your CSV file contains data for multiple unique fields, you may be prompted to select which specific unique field the system should use to identify and match existing records for updates or duplicate checking.
• Update Empty Values: When in an update mode, enabling this option allows blank cells in your CSV file to overwrite existing data in the corresponding record fields. Note that primary and required fields are generally protected from being set to empty.

Step 3: Map Your CSV Fields

Upload your CSV file. The system will display a mapping interface. You must correctly match the columns from your CSV file to the corresponding fields in your Custom Object.

1. Start by mapping any Primary and Required fields for the object.
2. Proceed to map any additional standard or custom fields.
3. You can also map special fields like Owner or Followers if your object supports them and your CSV contains that data.

Step 4: Start and Monitor the Import

After mapping is complete, click Start Import. The import will begin processing. To track its progress or manage it, go to the Bulk Actions section and select the Custom Objects tab. From here you can:

• View the status of all recent imports.
• Pause a running import.
• Resume a paused import.
• Cancel an import entirely.

Once finished, click on the import to see a detailed report showing counts of successful, failed, and warning rows. You can drill down into errors and warnings for specific guidance on fixing data issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which import mode should I choose?

Use Create for entirely new data. Use Update only to modify records that already exist in your CRM (based on a unique field match). Use Create & Update when your CSV contains a mixture of new records to add and existing records to modify.

What does 'strict conflict handling across unique fields' mean?

This refers to the system's enforcement of unique field rules. If your import data tries to assign a value to a unique field that is already used by a different, existing record, that row will be flagged with an error or warning to prevent a data conflict.

Can I import records for multiple different Custom Object types in one CSV file?

No. Currently, each import file must contain data for only one specific type of Custom Object. The feature to import multiple object types in a single file is not yet available.

What happens if I cancel an import?

Canceling stops the process immediately. Records that were fully processed before the cancellation will remain created or updated in the system. Records that had not yet been processed will not be affected.

Where do I find the results and error details after an import?

Go to Bulk Actions → Custom Objects, click on the completed import, and review the statistics panel. Tabs for Errors and Warnings will list each problematic row from your CSV along with a description of the issue and suggested resolution steps.