Practical Strategies for Salesforce Data Migration: From Legacy Systems to CRM Success
Author: Priya Sunil Jagtap
Co-Author-Dr. Prajakta N. Warale
Master of Business Administration-Business Analytics Specialization SSMS IMR, Savitribai Phule Pune University
Abstract :
Migrating data into Salesforce is often one of the most challenging yet business-critical steps in a CRM implementation. Poorly planned migrations can lead to data loss, duplication, or low user adoption, directly affecting business operations. This paper focuses on a practical, step-by-step approach to Salesforce data migration, covering assessment of legacy data, preparation and cleansing, mapping with Salesforce objects, and execution using commonly adopted tools such as Data Loader, APIs, and ETL platforms like Azure Data Factory. Key industry challenges—such as managing high data volumes, preserving relationships across objects, handling Salesforce governor limits, and ensuring data quality—are addressed with tested solutions. The study emphasizes the importance of phased migrations, reconciliation reports, and stakeholder sign-off to avoid surprises during go-live. Real-world examples demonstrate how automation, validation scripts, and pilot runs reduce risk and build confidence among users. By following these practical strategies, organizations can achieve smoother transitions to Salesforce, minimize downtime, and set a strong foundation for long-term CRM success.
Keywords: Salesforce, Data Migration, CRM Implementation, Legacy Systems, ETL, Data Loader, Azure Data Factory, Data Quality, Data Governance, Record Reconciliation, User Adoption
