Your Guide to SFMC Import Automations

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Welcome to the world of SFMC import automations! If you’re looking to streamline your workflows and save time and resources in SFMC, then import automations are definitely something you’ll want to get familiar with. In this article, we’ll be taking a deep dive into three key SFMC import automation activities: file import, data extract, and transfer data.

File Import Activity

File import is a powerful tool in SFMC that allows you to import data from external files into your SFMC account. This can be done using the SFMC Import Wizard, which is a user-friendly interface that guides you through the import process step-by-step.

File import is useful if you have data stored in a file that you want to use in SFMC, such as a list of subscribers or a set of product data. You can use the Import Wizard to map the data fields in your file to the corresponding fields in your SFMC account, and choose how to handle any duplicates or errors that may occur during the import process.

A typical process workflow for your File Import Activity might involve the following steps:

• Preparing the data file: Ensure that your data file is properly formatted and meets any requirements or restrictions set by SFMC.
• Uploading the data file: Use SFTP or another file transfer protocol to upload the data file to your SFMC account.
• Running the import: Use the SFMC Import Wizard to import the data file into your SFMC account, mapping the data fields and specifying any handling options for duplicates or errors.

Data extract Activity

Data extract is another useful import automation activity in SFMC. This activity allows you to extract data from your SFMC account and save it to an external file, which can then be used for further analysis or manipulation.

Data extract is useful if you want to retrieve data from your SFMC account for use outside of SFMC, or if you want to backup or archive your data. To use the data extract activity, you’ll need to specify which data fields you want to extract, as well as any filters or conditions that you want to apply to the data. You can then choose how to organize and format the data in the extracted file, and specify where you want to save the file.

A typical process workflow for you Data Extract Activity might involve the following steps:

• Specifying the data fields: Choose which data fields you want to extract from your SFMC account.
• Applying filters or conditions: Use filters or conditions to narrow down the data that will be extracted.
• Running the extract: Use the SFMC Data Extract activity to extract the data from your SFMC account and save it to an external file.

Transfer data Activity

Transfer data is a powerful import automation activity that allows you to move data between different SFMC accounts or business units. This can be useful if you want to transfer data from one account to another for testing purposes, or if you want to move data from a production account to a staging account.

Transfer data is different from file import and data extract in that it moves data between SFMC accounts rather than to or from external files. To use the transfer data activity, you’ll need to specify which data you want to transfer, as well as the source and destination accounts or business units. You can also choose how to handle any duplicates or errors that may occur during the transfer process.

A typical process workflow for your Transfer Data Activity might involve the following steps:

• Specifying the data: Choose which data you want to transfer between SFMC accounts.
• Specifying the source and destination: Choose the source and destination accounts or business units for the data transfer.
• Running the transfer: Use the SFMC Transfer Data activity to transfer the data between the specified accounts or business units.

In conclusion, import automations are a crucial tool for managing and manipulating data within SFMC. By using activities such as file import, data extract, and transfer data, you can streamline your workflows, save time and resources, and ensure that your SFMC account is running smoothly and efficiently. So go ahead and put your new-found knowledge to the test — we have no doubt that you’ll be a SFMC import automation pro in no time!