Import Data in CRM using KingswaySoft

Introduction:

In this blogpost, we will show you how to import data in Dynamics CRM using KingswaySoft. This functionality was explored when a trusted client of AlphaBOLD inquired if we could find an easy solution to migrate their call center data to their Dynamics 365 instance.

If you are not familiar with KingswaySoft, or do not know how to add connections in KingswaySoft, please refer to our previous blog series mentioned below:

• Dynamics 365 Kingswaysoft Data Integration Connection Guide
• Dynamics 365 Kingswaysoft Data Integration Guide Part 2: Reading Data from CRM

Now that we have covered the initial connectivity process, let's move on to our solution journey!

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The Solution Journey:

With a ton of data that needed to be migrated to Dynamics 365, we began our exploration journey to find the easiest solution for our client. In our first attempt, we tried using the D365 import wizard for data migrations, but that process was too slow and complicated. For example, if the number of failed records exceeded 5000 during the import, we had to delete the existing records and then start the import process from the beginning. This was because D365 only provided us with the first 5000 failed records.

After reviewing multiple other solutions, we finally landed upon KingswaySoft for data migration. KingswaySoft is known as the best data integration and data migration tool in the market so far and for good reason.

Benefits of KingswaySoft:

1. Codeless Integration:Development can be done in a matter of minutes.
2. Flexible and Easy-to-use:User-friendly and simple interface.
3. Cost-Effective:A streamlined development experience and simple licensing model.
4. Unparallel Performance:Budget-friendly targeted feature set, that allows for optimal performance.

Interested in learning more about this tool, click below to review their website: www.kingswaysoft.com/

Now that we have understood the background of the dilemma we faced and gone over the benefits of our selected solution; we can move on to the steps we need to take to import the data in CRM using KingswaySoft!

KingswaySoft– Steps to Import Data:

In order to import data from excel sheets to D365 using KingswaySoft we need to perform the following steps:

1. Dump all the excel sheets in your DBMS
   • Go to SQL Server Management Studio
   • Create a new database or use your existing database.
   • Right-click on database and select Task -> Data Import
     
     
   • This will open a SQL Server Import and Export wizard, select the Microsoft Excel in Data Source and then give the path of the excel sheet.
     
   • Click on Next and then select SQL Server Native Client 11.0 as a destination. Provide it with the Server name, the Authentication credentials, and the Database name.
     
   • Click on the Next button and then give names to the tables (DB table names)
     
     
   • Click on Finish to dump all your data in the database.

 

2. The next step is to create a new Integration Service Project in Visual Studio.
   
3. Now right-click on Connection Manager, select New Connection -> DynamicsCRM and then click on add. Provide all the required connections details to CRM Connection Manager(when you enter the username and password then all the organization against that user will be listed down in the Organization area).
4. After adding the CRM connections, right-click again on Connection Manager, select New OLB Db Connection and add a new database connection.
5. Once the connections are added, select the Data Flow Task option from SSIS Toolbox and drop it in the Control Flow.
   
6. Double click on the Data Flow Task. Drag the OLB DB Source and Dynamics CRM Destination option to the Data Flow Task and drop them in the main window. Extend the blue colored arrow from OLB DB Source to Dynamics CRM Destination.
   
7. After that, double click on OLE DB Source, select the connection added in Step 4 and then select the table.
   
8. Now, double click on Dynamics CRM Destination and the steps mentioned below:
   • Step 1: Provide the wizard with the
     • CRM Connection (added in step 3)
     • Action name, in our case, we need to update existing records and create new records. To do this we selected Upsert (update and insert) action
     • Destination entity name

• • Step 2:
    • Click on Columns and then map the DB columns with the CRM fields.
      

 

9. After mapping the columns successfully, you will need to do some Error Handling. Error handling is used to recognize failed fields and to determine the reason for their failure. Error handling allows us to import only the failed records To do this, we need to perform a few steps:
   • Go to Dynamics CRM Destination, click on Error Handling and choose “Redirect rows to error output”.
     
   • Drag the Flat File destination option from SSIS Toolbox and drop it in the main window. Double click on the option and then provide the file connection name along with the name of the file in which you want to record the issues.
   • Extend the red color arrow from Dynamics CRM Destination to the Flat File Destination
     
10. Save the project, build it and then click on the Start button.Your data will start importing in CRM.

Optionset Mapping

This data integration software also provides us with an Optionset Mapping option. When we import data to the CRM, the CRM only accepts the exact match options. If the data is not an exact match, it will throw exceptions. To import data that is not an exact match, you will need to add the Optionset Mapping Block. This option block should be set between OLB DB Source and Dynamics CRM Destination.

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Conclusion:

KingswaySoft proved to be a very fast and reliable tool for data import in Dynamics 365. It provided us with nine write action types (create, update, upsert, delete, convert, merge, execute the workflow, send and bulk delete) – which were more than any tool offered in the market. Not only did this data integration tool meet the requirements of our client, it also gave them additional benefits such as integration with multiple types of data sources and destinations such as D365 online, on-premise CRM, Excel, SQL, etc.

I hope this blog brings clarity to your importing dilemmas and helps you import data from Dynamics CRM successfully using KingswaySoft. If you have any questions or insights about the blog, feel free to contact us! If you have any question or queries, do not hesitate to reach out to us! 

Happy Importing!