How do I migrate/import data into Microsoft Dynamics CRM 3.0?

OPTIONS
When it comes to importing data into Microsoft CRM, there are a number of options to consider.

As discussed in the article "5 ways to import data", the five primary ways to import data into Microsoft CRM are:

• Bulk Import Wizard
• Data Migration Framework
• Data Migration Wizard for Microsoft Office Outlook with Business Contact Manager
• Microsoft Dynamics CRM Connector for Microsoft Dynamics GP
• Custom programming using the Microsoft CRM Software Development Kit (SDK)

A subset of the the last option, custom programming, involves the use of third-party off-the-shelf tools that are built specifically to use the Microsoft CRM SDK.

Two options for third-party tools are:

• Scribe Insight and the Scribe Adapter for Microsoft Dynamics CRM
• c360 Import Manager

I have used both of these tools, and I love them both.

So how do you decide which of the many options is best?

Well, it's as simple as answering the following questions. These questions identify situations that one or more of the options cannot handle. Therefore, choosing the best option becomes a process of elimination.

• Which entities need to be imported? Do you need more than Accounts, Contacts, Leads, and Campaign Responses?
  
• Do notes and attachments need to be imported?
  
• Do relationships between entities (e.g., contacts and parent accounts) need to be established?
  
• Is it a one-time import, or will the same import need to be done on an ongoing basis (e.g., import leads from multiple trade shows)?
• What is the source of the data?

For the third-party tools, under what circumstances would I choose one over the other?

Well, Scribe Insight and the Scribe Adapter for Microsoft Dynamics CRM can handle both data migration/import AND integration with other systems.

c360 Import Manager can only be used for importing data into Microsoft CRM. It is not applicable for real-time systems integration. As a result of a reduced set of features, c360 Import Manager is less expensive than the Scribe solution.


SUMMARY
I have imported data into Microsoft CRM using every single option listed above, with the exception of the Data Migration Wizard for Microsoft Office Outlook with Business Contact Manager (I have yet to find one business using Business Contact Manager for Outlook).

Each option is appropriate for certain situations. Your job is to figure out the best option for your situation.

Since the best option is not always so obvious, Navint Microsoft Dynamics CRM consultants are available to assist with that determination. Don't be shy! Give us a call or send us an e-mail. We would be glad to share our knowledge.