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Speed up your importing with SimpleImport Spring ’22 (20220118)

We know that when it comes to tasks like importing, every second counts.

That’s why we’ve released a service update for SimpleImport (20220118). Based on our customers’ usage, we found that loading speeds during the import workflow could be improved, so we’ve improved them.

Small changes influenced by your real-world usage mean big improvements. So let’s take a look at what’s changed.

A faster SimpleImport

What have we updated and what does this mean?

Scenario 1:

  • Loading object metadata can be costly. We may only be talking seconds, but seconds add up. That’s why we only want to load the object metadata you want to work with when it’s needed.

The solution:

  • SimpleImport usage revealed that users rarely wanted to import to the first object in the picklist.
  • As a result we removed the auto-selection of the first object displayed during object selection.

The result:

  • Users no longer have to wait for the first object’s metadata to load before selecting the object they actually want to import into!
  • Just have one object available? Don’t worry, we’ll auto-select this one for you – it’s the only option after all!

Scenario 2:

  • Auto-mapping fields took too long. Having to wait for this process to finish before being able to interact was just inconvenient. We strive to remove as much waiting time as possible because that’s just not productive.

The solution:

  • We’ve significantly optimized the auto-field mapping process to minimise the loading time on the mapping page.

The result:

  • The waiting time scales depending on how many fields are in the file.
  • We know this waiting is as a result of SimpleImport offering a helping hand, but now the hand is much, much faster!

How do I access SimpleImport Spring ’22?

Great question! This is a service update so you will automatically have access to the new workflow if you are already using SimpleImport.

If you get stuck or have any questions, feel free to contact our Support team who are more than happy to help you: support@provenworks.com.

SimpleImport

Importing files is so vital for so many organizations. It’s good news that Simplelmport makes this job as effortless as possible. Learn more and book a demo.

Apache Log4j2 vulnerability: ProvenWorks solutions unaffected

ProvenWorks update relating to the identified Apache Log4j vulnerability.

Resources:

US CISA Log4j Guidance Page

UK NCSC Log4j Guidance Page

Salesforce Log4j Information Page

status.salesforce.com


We are writing to confirm that no ProvenWorks solutions are affected by the Apache Log4j2 vulnerability. We do not utilize the impacted libraries for any of our packages.

To confirm, Apache Log4j does not impact any ProvenWorks solutions.

As part of our security processes and systems, we are monitoring the ongoing situation and evaluating any potential risk.

We will keep you updated with any additional information that we deem relevant to report upon in relation to ProvenWorks solutions, as it becomes available. If you have any additional questions you can reach out to us at info@provenworks.com.

PhoneTools: Bind the formula to a Field to Screen setting

Configure the setting

We’ve now created a formula field containing the containing the conditions for screening a record, and we should also now have our phone fields configured in the Fields to Screen settings.

To add the formula field to a Field to Screen setting:

  • Go to App Launcher | PhoneTools Administration.
  • Navigate to the Configuration tab.
  • Select Edit next to one of the Fields to Screen rows where the formula should be applied.
  • Search and select the formula under Formula Field.
  • Press Save.

When the setting has been saved, the formula value will be updated for any configured phone field on the same object that is enabled for screening.


Back to the PhoneTools installation walkthrough

SimpleImport: Accessing the solution

How to access SimpleImport in Salesforce CRM

With SimpleImport now installed in your organization, the first thing you’ll want to do is access the application.

  • Go to App Launcher and type SimpleImport.
  • Under Items, select SimpleImport.

Once SimpleImport has been selected, the application will begin to load.

Note: If you do not see SimpleImport under items, ensure your administrator has provided you with a license for the product and given your profile access to the SimpleImport tab. If you continue to face issues, speak with your system administrator.


Back to the SimpleImport User Guide

SimpleImport: Object selection and import settings (single object)

This article will cover:

  • Choosing an object to import into.
  • Loading an existing mapping.
  • Configuring import settings (Campaigns and Assignment Rules).

After uploading a file into SimpleImport use the Import to Salesforce action to navigate to the object selection and import settings page.

Choosing an object to import data into

You have the option to import into a single object or two related objects. This article will cover importing to a single object so we’ll be choosing an object from the Master select list.

Note: the master object selection is mandatory however the detail is not and should only be used when doing a related import, i.e. Accounts and Contacts.

  • Use the Master select list to choose the object you want to import data to.

Loading an existing mapping

Before reading further, what is a “mapping” in SimpleImport?

Mappings contain a predefined configuration to complete a repeat import task. They are designed by users in your organization and specific to your usage.

It is important to note that you may not have any saved mappings if this is your first time using SimpleImport in which case you can skip this step however we will cover how to save a mapping later in this guide if you are looking to repeat your import task, or configure ManagedImport. Your system administrator may advise you on a mapping to select.

If you are aware of an existing mapping to load:

  • Ensure the Object selection contains the object that has the mapping associated with it.
  • Use the Load mapping select list to search for the mapping name.
  • Select the mapping.

When the mapping has successfully loaded, the path will update at the top of the screen. You can now review the configuration and navigate straight to the import summary to start the job.

Import settings

SimpleImport comes bundled with some helpful import settings that are specific to certain objects in Salesforce. These settings are not mandatory and can be left disabled if you do not wish to use them.

Import to Campaign

If your object selection contains Contacts or Leads, you can associate them with an active Campaign by using the Import to Campaign setting. A Campain Member record will be created for each Contact or Lead. Each Campaign Member will require a status value that can be defined in the import settings.

Note: This setting will be disabled if object selection doesn’t contain a supported object.

To use Import to Campaign:

  • Select Import to Campaign.
  • Search and select an existing active Campaign from the select list.
  • If you choose Specific status, use the select list and choose a pre-existing status value. This sets the same status value for each of the file’s rows.
  • If you choose Status from spreadsheet column, ensure there is a column in your spreadsheet and select its header. This option allows for a different status value for each of the file’s rows.
Use assignment rules

If your object section contains Cases or Leads, you can assign the owner by following the configured Assignment Rules in Salesforce.

To use assignment rules with your import:

  • Select Use assignment rules.
  • If you wish to follow the active assignment rule from Salesforce, select Use active rule.
  • If you wish to use an alternative assignment rule, select its label.

Summary

You should now be able to choose which objects you’d like to import to, load an existing mapping if one exists, and understand how to use Import to Campaign and Assignment Rules.

To continue on to choosing the import type (insert, update, upsert), select Next and move on to the next article in the guide.


Back to the SimpleImport User Guide

SimpleImport: Master-detail insert, update or upsert

This article will cover:

  • What is the difference between insert, update and upsert.
  • Choosing an import type.
  • Using matching conditions with updates and upserts.

What is the difference between insert, update and upsert?

When importing data into Salesforce it is important to understand the difference between the three import types.

  • Insert – Only create new records in your Salesforce Org. 
  • Update – Only update existing records in your Salesforce Org. This is only possible where a single match to an existing Salesforce record is achieved.
  • Upsert – Where a match can be found (see Update above) perform an update, if no match then create a new record.

For update and upsert, SimpleImport introduces matching conditions to define logic for matching existing records. This will become available for use when using update or upsert and is covered in more detail later in this article.

Choosing an import type (master-detail)

You’ve chosen your two related objects, it’s now time to choose the import types for each object.

Note: using update or upsert on a detail object import is considered an advanced import and should only be used if you’re confident in understanding the outcome.

When working with two objects, Step 1 and Step 2 will be presented in the UI.

  • Under Step 1, select insert, update or upsert under Import Type.
  • Select Step 2.
  • Select insert, update or upsert under Import Type.
  • If you have selected insert for both objects, press Next to continue.
  • If you have chosen update or upsert for either object, continue reading Using matching conditions.

Using matching conditions

Updating and upserting into Salesforce couldn’t be easier with the quick-to-adopt matching conditions functionality in SimpleImport. For each object that has the import type set to update or upsert, use the matching conditions tool to define criteria to find existing records in your org. This can range from simply matching existing records by their Salesforce Record ID, or a combination of fields such as Last Name, Phone Number and Email Address.

When update or upsert is chosen, the matching conditions section will automatically create one row ready to complete. Let’s get started.

  • Under File Column, choose a column header from the file that contains the data you want to use for matching.
  • Under Salesforce Field, choose the field label that contains the data you want to match with.
  • To add more matching conditions, select Add Row and repeat the two steps above for each added row.
  • Repeat these steps for both objects until all objects configured for an update or upsert have valid matching conditions.

Note: the matching conditions query builder will create an AND query to find existing records. It must result in finding a single record.

Summary

With the import type chosen and matching conditions set, it’s time to move on to the field mapping. Continue to the next article.


Back to the SimpleImport User Guide

SimpleImport: Object selection and import settings (master-detail)

This article will cover:

  • Choosing related objects to import into.
  • Loading an existing mapping.
  • Import settings (Campaigns and Assignment Rules).

After uploading a file into SimpleImport use the Import to Salesforce action to navigate to the object selection and import settings page.

You have the option to import into a single object or two related objects. This article will cover importing in to two related objects (i.e. Account and Contacts) so we’ll be choosing an object from the Master and then the Detail select list.

  • Use the Master select list to choose the object you want to import data to.
  • Choose a related Detail object.

Loading an existing mapping

Before reading further, what is a “mapping” in SimpleImport?

Mappings contain a predefined configuration to complete a repeat import task. They are designed by users in your organization and specific to your usage.

It is important to note that you may not have any saved mappings if this is your first time using SimpleImport in which case you can skip this step however we will cover how to save a mapping later in this guide if you are looking to repeat your import task, or configure ManagedImport. Your system administrator may advise you on a mapping to select.

If you are aware of an existing mapping to load:

  • Ensure the Object selection contains the objects that have a mapping associated with them.
  • Use the Load mapping select list to search for the mapping name.
  • Select the mapping.

When the mapping has successfully loaded, the path will update at the top of the screen. You can now review the configuration and navigate straight to the import summary to start the job.

Import settings

SimpleImport comes bundled with some helpful import settings that are specific to certain objects in Salesforce. These settings are not mandatory and can be left disabled if you do not wish to use them.

Import to Campaign

If your object selection contains Contacts or Leads in either the master or detail selection, you can associate them with an active Campaign by using the Import to Campaign setting. A Campaign Member record will be created for each Contact or Lead imported. Each Campaign Member will require a status value that can be defined in the import settings.

Note: This setting will be disabled if object selection doesn’t contain a supported object.

To use Import to Campaign:

  • Select Import to Campaign.
  • Search and select an existing active Campaign from the select list.
  • If you choose Specific status, use the select list and choose a pre-existing status value. This sets the same status value for each of the file’s rows.
  • If you choose Status from spreadsheet column, ensure there is a column in your spreadsheet and select its header. This option allows for a different status value for each of the file’s rows.
Use assignment rules

If your object section contains Cases or Leads in either the master or detail selection, you can assign the owner by following the configured Assignment Rules in Salesforce.

To use assignment rules with your import:

  • Select Use assignment rules.
  • If you wish to follow the active assignment rule from Salesforce, select Use active rule.
  • If you wish to use an alternative assignment rule, select its label.

Note: if the master and detail object selection both support assignment rules, two assignment rule options will be available labelled Master and Detail.

Summary

You should now be able to choose which objects you’d like to import to, load an existing mapping if one exists, and understand how to use Import to Campaign and Assignment Rules.

To continue on to choosing the import type (insert, update, upsert), select Next and move on to the next article in the guide.


Back to the SimpleImport User Guide

SimpleImport: Uploading files

Welcome to your new favourite importing solution

When you access SimpleImport for the first time you will be taken to the home page. This is where all uploaded files can be seen and monitored.

Files are represented as individual tiles that contain relevant information. This could be the next best action, or if an import job has been completed, a summary of the results. We will cover the different file states in a later article.

Uploading a file

Did you know SimpleImport supports uploading CSV, XLSX, XLS, ODS and more?

To get started Drag & drop your spreadsheet file into the dotted placeholder, or select Click to upload to choose a file from your computer to upload.

The file will begin to upload and generate a new file tile. It is important to stay on the SimpleImport home page whilst the file upload is in progress.

You will know when the file upload has been completed when one of the two next best actions will be visible:

  1. Choose a sheet – if the file uploaded contains multiple sheets you will be prompted to choose a sheet. Select Choose a sheet then select the sheet you want to process. You will be pushed to the next best action once a sheet has been selected.
  2. Import to Salesforce – if the file uploaded only contains a single sheet, SimpleImport will prepare the sheet for processing.

With the tile now in one of the two above states, move onto the next article to continue on your journey.


Back to the SimpleImport User Guide

SimpleImport: File states and actions

Understanding the file states

To keep everything in one place, SimpleImport uses the home screen to display all uploaded files and their states. Each file state offers actions which are accessible by clicking the three vertical dots.

‘Next best action’ states

In some file states, SimpleImport will use the tile space to suggest the next best action to ensure quick navigation through common processes.

Choose a sheet – the file you uploaded contains multiple sheets. You must now choose the sheet you want to work with.

Available actions: Choose a sheet, Download original file, Delete this file.

Import to Salesforce – the uploaded file contains a single sheet or you have selected a sheet from a multi-sheet file. You must choose one of the available actions to move forward with the file.

Available actions: Import to Salesforce, Remove records*, Download original file, Delete this file.

*Only visible if Delete records preference is enabled.

‘Summary’ states

When there is information related to the file that needs to be presented to the user, it will be shown in the following states.

Import results – when your file has finished an importing job, a matrix will appear. Depending on the import job, a count for the number of records inserted, updated and any errors will be displayed.

Available actions: Download success file (inserts)*, Download success file (updates)**, Download error file, Undo***, Download original file, Delete this file.

*Only visible if the job has successful inserts.

**Only visible if the job has successful updates.

***Only visible if the job has success inserts or updates. Is available for 7 days after the import.

Undo results – after an undo job has processed, the matrix will update confirming the amount of records that have been undone. An error count will accumulate if there were any records that could not be reverted.

Available actions: Download success file, Download error file, Download original file, Delete this file.

Delete results – shows the quantity of records that have been successfully deleted and a quantity or rows that failed to be removed.

Available actions: Download success file, Download error file, Download original file, Delete this file.

File error – on some occasions a file may throw an error in the application. For example if the file is password protected or corrupt. The tile will present the error and turn red. If the message is truncated, you can hover the mouse over the tile to reveal the full message. If you continue to see red tiles after investigating the errors you can contact support@provenworks.com for assistance.

Available actions: Delete this file.

‘Processing’ states

A processing state is indicated when you see the spinner on a tile. A note of the process that is happening at that moment in time is displayed and for some instances, i.e. record import, a progress bar is shown at the bottom of the tile.


Back to the SimpleImport User Guide

SimpleImport: Single object insert, update or upsert

This article will cover:

  • What is the difference between insert, update and upsert.
  • Choosing an import type.
  • Using matching conditions with updates and upserts.

What is the difference between insert, update and upsert?

When importing data into Salesforce it is important to understand the difference between the three import types.

  • Insert – Only create new records in your Salesforce Org. 
  • Update – Only update existing records in your Salesforce Org. This is only possible where a single match to an existing Salesforce record is achieved.
  • Upsert – Where a match can be found (see Update above) perform an update, if no match then create a new record.

For update and upsert, SimpleImport introduces matching conditions to define logic for matching existing records. This will become available for use when using update or upsert and is covered in more detail later in this article.

Choosing an import type (single object)

You’ve chosen your object, you’re now ready to define what type of import you want to complete.

  • Select insert, update or upsert under Import Type.
  • If you have selected insert, press Next to continue.
  • If you have chosen update or upsert, continue reading Using matching conditions.

Using matching conditions

Updating and upserting into Salesforce couldn’t be easier with the quick-to-adopt matching conditions functionality in SimpleImport. For each object that has the import type set to update or upsert, use the matching conditions tool to define criteria to find existing records in your org. This can range from simply matching existing records by their Salesforce Record ID, or a combination of fields such as Last Name, Phone Number and Email Address.

When update or upsert is chosen, the matching conditions section will automatically create one row ready to complete. Let’s get started.

  • Under File Column, choose a column header from the file that contains the data you want to use for matching.
  • Under Salesforce Field, choose the field label that contains the data you want to match with.
  • To add more matching conditions, select Add Row and repeat the two steps above for each added row.

Note: the matching conditions query builder will create an AND query to find existing records. It must result in finding a single record.

Summary

With the import type chosen and matching conditions set, it’s time to move on to the field mapping. Continue to the next article.


Back to the SimpleImport User Guide