Migrating to Salesforce? It's not just about moving data — it’s about moving the right data the right way.

At first glance, Salesforce data migration might seem like a straightforward technical task. You map some fields, export the data, clean it up, and push it into the new system. Done, right? Not quite. A surprising number of migrations go wrong — not because of complex code but due to oversight, poor planning, or lack of team involvement.

Let’s break down what really matters — and the pitfalls you must avoid.

Pitfall 1: Incomplete Data Mapping

One small mismatch in field mapping can mean corrupted customer profiles or broken records. Always create a mapping sheet and double-check each field. Tools like Excel or Lucidchart can help visualize this process effectively.

Pitfall 2: Poor Data Quality

The saying "garbage in, garbage out" applies heavily here. If your source data is filled with duplicates or inconsistencies, you’re only transferring chaos to Salesforce. Use tools like Dedupe, Talend, or Informatica to assess and clean data before migration.

Pitfall 3: Ignoring End-Users

Your sales and support teams are the real users of Salesforce. If they’re not involved in the migration plan, you may end up with a system that doesn’t meet their needs. Invite them early, gather feedback, and validate processes.

Pitfall 4: Underestimating Time and Resources

Salesforce data migration isn’t a weekend task. Many businesses underestimate the time needed for planning, testing, and validation. Set realistic timelines and allocate proper manpower.

Pitfall 5: Skipping Data Security Checks

Data breaches are expensive — both financially and reputationally. Ensure encrypted transfers, role-based access, and compliance checks during every stage of the migration.

Best Practices

• Plan every stage in detail.

• Use data cleansing tools.

• Validate data post-migration.

• Document the entire process.

• Involve users at every stage.

Businesses that follow these steps report up to 30% savings in operational costs and faster user adoption. A successful Salesforce data migration leads to better decision-making, improved workflow, and happier users.

Thinking about migrating to Salesforce? Start with a strong foundation. Avoid these traps and ensure a smooth journey.