What is Salesforce Data Loader? All You Need to Know

Q: What are the advantages of utilizing the Salesforce Data Loader?

Salesforce Data Loader provides efficient, time-saving and dependable data operations. It also offers the capability to work with massive data sets and perform fast data migration.

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When using a customer relationship management (CRM) tool like Salesforce, data integrity—whether data is “dirty” or “clean”—can make or break an organization’s ability to use data for effective decision-making. Learning how to use the Salesforce data loader properly is an effective way to keep data clean. It also safeguards it from error-prone manual data handling processes. Thus, it improves efficiency and saves countless man-hours while dealing with a great deal of data. Here are answers to a few commonly asked questions about the data import wizard vs. the data loader. Offers you additional information to help you decide on a solution for your CRM.

What Exactly Is Data Loading?

Data loading is an automatic process. A user obtains a data set from one location and moves it to another. A data loader is software that automates the high-volume import, export, and storage of Salesforce data. It frequently entails transferring data saved in one file format and saving it to the target program in another.

Businesses use this method to import and export mass data because it avoids many potential risks. These include the ones involved with manual transfers, such as inaccuracy and duplicates. Manual entry cannot accomplish this, so the data loader does the heavy lifting. Salesforce relies heavily on data. At some stage, it requires data entry. Either manually or by automation.

Manually entering tens of thousands of records and then getting them into usable condition is simply not feasible. Especially for small enterprises, SMEs, and so on. All types of data entry might cause issues such as duplication and unclean data.

That’s why we have data loading, the process of entering or updating vast amounts of data.

What Is a Salesforce Data Loader?

A Salesforce data loader is a universal tool for bulk data imports and exports. It also offers a user-friendly interface or command-line access. While using it, you can quickly transfer large amounts of data into Salesforce. Besides, it can track the transfer and offer some organization for all of it.

Executive Summary

Data loading refers to large-scale data updates, such as adding or deleting hundreds of thousands of entries. Along with converting from one format to another.

Salesforce data loaders are client programs that enable users to add, update, and edit huge amounts of data simultaneously.

Administrators, developers, and consultants can utilize a data loader to insert and delete over 50,000 files in minutes.

In addition to the default Salesforce Data Loader, Salesforce AppExchange offers a plethora of third-party data loading tools.

When importing records, a data loader reads, extracts, and loads data from CSV files or databases. Similarly, exported data can be converted to CSVs and then imported into another database or saved as a spreadsheet.

A Salesforce data loader can also be used to migrate client data from one system to another. Further, it can upload fresh data in bulk and export records for backup or transfer to another system. This article also covers a few of the most common data loaders.

No matter which one you use, here are some best practices for bulk importing and exporting data in Salesforce:

Make sure to make a backup CSV file before you begin removing files.

Before relocating a large number of records, try a small batch first.

Make sure profiles and sharing rights are necessary for data import.

Which Data Loader Should You Use?

A handful of dozen data loaders from different developers are among the many apps available on AppExchange. Moreover, it is the official software marketplace for Salesforce.

Some are getting old and may benefit further from an update. Several appear to have been heroic efforts. And a handful stick out, at least in terms of 4.5- or 5-star evaluations.

Besides, your Salesforce objectives influence your options.

Key considerations for selecting a data loader include:

Are you dealing with a volume above 50,000? If not, then use the Data Import Wizard.

Who or what department will have access to it, and how will it be controlled?

Rules for avoiding duplicates.

How frequently do you need to update records, and whether do you want it automatically?

Which Salesforce objects do you need to load?

Types of Data Loaders in Salesforce

As previously said, there is a large selection of data loaders. But there are some clear front-runners. These are extensively utilized and also offer large record limits. They are free or low-cost, which is obviously beneficial for tight budgets and small businesses.

Jitterbit Data Loader:

Although this software is part of the Jitterbit Harmony platform, it is independent for free use. While it still lacks a dedicated web version, the desktop app is simple to install. It is also available for all levels of users.

dataloader.io:

This is a much more current and accessible version of the native SFDC data loader. It also provides an entirely cloud-based solution with a more user-friendly interface. While it was once an independent product, Salesforce has bought it. Import/export can be done using Box, Dropbox, FTP, or SFTP.

Salesforce Data Import Wizard:

The Import Wizard is a built-in data migration tool that can handle smaller volumes of records. You can also find it in your Salesforce setup. Given that this is a native Salesforce app, the interface is familiar to all users and simple to understand.

XL-Connector:

This plugin is for Excel users who like to operate in a spreadsheet. Likewise, the application allows you to export your data from Salesforce. It allows you to work on it in Excel and then sync it back into Salesforce. XL-Connector 365 is also available.

Salesforce Data Loader:

This is the default data loader app in Salesforce. It also runs as a web or local application. While the base plan is free, it also offers premium options with additional features.

You can use Data Loader in two ways:

User interface:

Configure the configuration parameters and CSV files used for import and export. Similarly, field mappings convert field names in your import file to Salesforce fields.

Command line (Windows only):

Configure the configuration, data sources, mappings, and actions in files. The command line allows you to configure Data Loader for automated processing.

Data Loader offers the following key features:

An intuitive wizard interface for interactive use.

An alternative command-line interface for automated batch processes (Windows only).

Support for huge files of up to 5 million records.

Drag-and-drop field mapping.

Supports all objects, including bespoke objects.

Can process data in both Salesforce and Database.com.

Detailed success and error logs in CSV format.
A built-in CSV file viewer.

Support for Windows and Mac.

If the most recent version of Data Loader is incompatible with your organization’s current API version, then your installed Data Loader will attempt to use the prior API version to resolve compatibility with your organization. For example, if your organization does not support API v56.0, Data Loader v56.0.0 will make queries using API v55.0.

Supported Windows Versions:

Windows 10

Windows 11

Supported MacOS Versions:

MacOS 13.x (Ventura)

MacOS 14.x (Sonoma)

	Jitterbit Data Loader	dataloader.io	Data Import Wizard	XL-Connector	Salesforce Data Loader
Record limit per use	Unlimited	100,000/month	50,000	n/a	50,000 to 5 million
Save functions	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Automated exports	Unlimited	Hourly, daily, weekly, monthly	Weekly and monthly	n/a	Hourly, daily, weekly, monthly
Manual exports	Unlimited	Yes	1 per week	Yes	Limited on a monthly level
Scheduling	Yes	Yes	No	No	Only through CLI

Comparison between Types of Dataloaders

Salesforce data loaders are an effective and user-friendly method for loading massive amounts of contact and other data into Salesforce.

Henry Harvin provides Salesforce courses that include training, projects, internships, certification, placement, e-learning, and hands-on projects to improve existing abilities.

FAQs

Q.1: How can I learn Salesforce from scratch?

Ans: Salesforce Trailhead is a fun and interactive approach to studying Salesforce at your own pace. Above all, it comes with guided learning paths and a multitude of learning tools for different jobs, including admins, developers, and partners.

Q.2: What are the advantages of utilizing the Salesforce Data Loader?

Ans: Salesforce Data Loader provides efficient, time-saving, and dependable data operations. It also offers the capability to work with massive data sets and perform fast data migration

Q.3: What are the key features of Dataloader.io?

Ans: Dataloader.io is a Salesforce data loader that supports standard as well as custom objects. It also allows you to schedule data loading, map fields, transform data, monitor in real-time, and handle errors.

Q.4: Are there any upfront or additional fees with Salesforce?

Ans: Salesforce may charge an initial fee and additional fees for add-ons, apps, and new products. Pricing and costs can vary. Contact a salesperson for further information.

Q.5: How do I use Salesforce Cloud Services?

Ans: The Customer Success Group offers tools, expert guidance, and personalized counsel. Further, it provides best practices to help customers get the most out of Salesforce Cloud Services. They also provide several support plans to meet the individual demands of each customer.