Mass Contact Updates Training Webinar

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Use DataMiner Platinum and the Excel Import tool to mass update information in the main contact tab.

For mass updates to activity records (donations, interactions, etc.), watch the Mass Updating Donations Training Webinar.

Quick Recap

The trainer led a session on mass contact updates using the Excel Import tool, emphasizing the importance of data cleaning and standardization. She demonstrated how to build a DataMiner Platinum report for contact cleaning, use Excel to manipulate data for import, and update existing records in the system. She also discussed the process of adding new attributes, changing the format of a field, exporting and importing data for training purposes, and updating fields on various tabs.

Summary

Mass Contact Updating and Data Standardization
The trainer explained the process of mass contact updating, a technique used for data cleaning and standardization. She emphasized that this process is commonly used when new data is imported into DonorSnap, and adjustments need to be made to the data’s format. The trainer also highlighted that you may desire to change the way you track data as you understand the program’s features more fully or as time goes on. She demonstrated how to move data from one field to another, using the example of moving data from the ‘Constituent Code’ field to the ‘Contact Type’ field.

Building DataMiner Platinum Reports
The trainer discussed the process of building a DataMiner Platinum report for contact cleaning. She explained the importance of the record number (ContactIPK) for re-importing the data to the same person. The trainer also detailed the steps involved in the process, including adding a new batch, titling the report, and selecting the fields to be exported. Once all of the needed data is exported, the data is next modified in Excel.

Excel Data Manipulation and Import
The trainer demonstrated how to use Excel to manipulate data for import back into DonorSnap. She emphasized the importance of saving a copy of the original data before making changes and suggested freezing the top row for easier work. She then moved data from one field to another as an example of common changes an organization might make. After making the necessary changes, she saved the file on her computer for future reference. Lastly, she guided on how to use the Excel Import tool for updating existing data in the system.

Updating Records and Fields in DonorSnap
The trainer demonstrated how to update existing records in DonorSnap, specifically focusing on the process of importing contact types from a spreadsheet. She highlighted the importance of mapping fields correctly and the ability to undo changes if necessary. The trainer also showed how to fix a typo in the contact type field and how to inactivate and delete a user-defined field that was no longer needed. She emphasized the simplicity and efficiency of the process, even when dealing with a large number of records.

Adding Attributes and Ensuring Integrity
The trainer discussed the process of adding new attributes to DonorSnap, including after school program, alumni, and past board member. She emphasized the importance of being cautious when introducing new attributes and the need to ensure data integrity. The trainer also explained her process of inactivating and potentially deleting unused fields, highlighting the importance of thorough testing and reversal of imports in case of errors. She suggested limiting staff’s ability to reverse imports to prevent unintended consequences.

Field Control Type Changes
The trainer discussed the limitations of changing the format of a field in their system. She explained that once a field is added, it cannot be changed to a different field control type, such as a text box or multiple select dropdown. To change the format, a new field must be added, the data moved, and the system re-imported. The trainer demonstrated this process using a ‘church’ field as an example. She also mentioned that she had to send the information out to Excel and re-import it into a new field with the desired field type.

Related Pages

Excel Import Training Webinar
Mass Donation Updates Training Webinar
Importing Donations with Excel Import Training Webinar

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