Settings: Import Data
Learn how the Import Data section lets your business bring important records into the CRM, including accounts, contacts, and products.
Thought Process
The Import Data section is there to help businesses move information into the CRM more efficiently, especially when they already have data in another system, spreadsheet, or source file.
Rather than asking users to add everything manually one record at a time, the import process gives a faster way to bring in larger sets of data. In your CRM, this section focuses on three main import types: Accounts, Contacts, and Products.
Why it matters
Importing data can save a huge amount of time when setting up the CRM or moving over from another system.
Why structure helps
Splitting the process into separate import types keeps the setup clearer and makes each type of data easier to manage correctly.
The Three Import Areas
Accounts
Use this option to import company or account records into the CRM so your customer base can be brought across more quickly.
Contacts
Use this option to import contact records, helping you bring people and communication records into the system more efficiently.
Products
Use this option to import product records so your product catalogue can be created more quickly inside the CRM.
Why the Import Types Are Separate
Accounts, contacts, and products are all different kinds of data, so each one needs its own import route.
Accounts and contacts
These relate to customer and people records, so they need to be imported in a way that preserves their important business information.
Products
Products often have a different structure from customer records, so they are handled separately to keep the product setup cleaner.
Simple Walkthrough
- Go to Settings.
- Open the Import Data section.
- Choose whether you want to import Accounts, Contacts, or Products.
- Prepare the source file you want to import.
- Upload the file into the relevant import area.
- Work through the import process for that data type.
- Review the imported records afterwards to confirm the data has come in correctly.
Getting the Most From Import Data
Import one type at a time
Focus on one import area first rather than trying to bring everything in at once. It makes checking the results much easier.
Check the file before uploading
A quick review of the source data can help prevent avoidable import issues later.
Keep the file clean
Cleaner source data usually leads to a smoother import and less work fixing records afterwards.
Review imported records straight away
It is easier to spot and correct issues immediately after the import than much later once the CRM is being used more heavily.