I’ve always been a big fan of the out-of-the-box data import tools with CRM 2011. I’ve occasionally gotten the question on how to have the lookup resolve against custom fields or fields other than the name of the record. For example, in my recent blog on importing marketing list members, there was a need to use a client unique identifier that was part of the contact record. This unique identifier distinguished the various “Joe Smiths” by having a unique number associated with them (i.e. Joe Smith ID #12345, Joe Smith ID # 97531, etc.) from an upstream system. There was a need to import these Joe Smiths into the marketing list not by the name (which is the default lookup) but instead by the Client ID. As a matter of fact, the source file for the import didn’t even contain the contact name, only the number. If it did though, and I tried to import the records in this case, I would get errors to the effect of the duplicate reference could not be resolved.
I’m fast-tracking through this example to cut to the chase here. I’m at the point where I have a file containing a Client ID and Marketing List and am at the point of import. (Among a couple of different options to get to this point, you can look for the Import Data icon in the ribbon from a view).
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
In order to change the lookup reference follow the screen shot below:
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
1. Click Contact
2. Click the lookup icon
3. Select Client ID
4. Deselect Full Name.
5. Click OK.
6. Follow the wizard on through.
Provided your Client ID is unique, you should have a much higher success rate of importing records.
If you have any questions about this subject or how we might help you with your CRM needs, please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@customereffective.com.
