Data Migration

[usamahali]

Hi,

I want to import my database from Raiser's Edge to Salesforce.

What is the best process to do that?
Do I need to upload each module separately (Constituent Information, Gifts w/o Recurring Payments, Gifts w/ Recurring Payment, Membership)?
Do you have a template I could follow?
Would you be able to take the Raisers Edge file ".bak" and import my database directly?

[CnP.Support]

Good day @USAMahali,

The best way to import data is through the Salesforce Data Loader. Please note that you really don't need to import data into our objects as these transactions were done outside Click & Pledge.

For every transaction we use Opportunity and as long as you import your data into Opportunity the reports will work in Salesforce.

We love to see how we can create an importer for Raiser's Edge and are not familiar with their backup files. Do you know if the backup file is a text file, csv, etc. can it be opened in a notepad or Excel?

[usamahali]

Thanks. their backup file is in the format ".bak". I checked out the Data Loader, however I do not see any option to import multiple previous/archived street addresses. And I want to retain the same constituent id in Raiser's Edge in Salesforce, is that possible? To keep a unique identifier.

[CnP.Support]

Good day!

This is really a Salesforce question and not one that we can really be of much help.

Naturally databases have their own unique ID for each record. You may add a field to the Contact object for the Raiser's Edge ID but moving forward this ID will not be populated. Salesforce uses Contact ID related to its own records.

Have you considered using a Consultant to help with data migration? It can become quite a complex task given your fields in Raiser's Edge are not necessarily the same in Salesforce.

We work with a large number of consulting firms and I am sure they can help you with the migration.

You stated that the backup file is in the .bak format. There is no such format and it could easily be a file extension and still be XML or something else. Have you tried to open the file using a notepad?

[usamahali]

Do you have a list of consulting firms?

[CnP.Support]

Good day!

Please see: http://clickandpledge.com/partners/salesforce/

If you want we can also send it to all of our partners and they can contact you. We need a description of your need to post.

[usamahali]

Thanks. I will get back to you regarding the Raisers Edge file opening in excel or not later today.