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Event Details
Managing data doesn’t have to be complicated. In this session, you’ll learn how to confidently import and export records in Sugar to keep your CRM accurate, organized, and up to date. We’ll walk through best practices for preparing your files, using Sugar’s built-in tools, and avoiding common pitfalls that lead to errors or duplicate records.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand when and why to import vs. export data in Sugar
- Learn step-by-step how to prepare, format, and validate files
- Explore tips for cleaning data before it enters the system
- Discover best practices for maintaining data quality and integrity
- Gain confidence in moving data seamlessly between Sugar and other systems
Whether you’re new to Sugar or looking to sharpen your admin skills, this webinar will simplify the process of working with your CRM data so you can spend less time troubleshooting and more time focusing on your business.
Instructor: Andrea Ayers
Recording date: December 18, 2025
Outstanding Questions & Answers
What’s the number one cause of failed imports?
The biggest culprit is file formatting, especially:
- missing required fields
- unexpected extra columns
- incorrect date formats
- mismatched dropdown values
Cleaning your file first saves a lot of time.
What’s the safest way to update records without creating duplicates?
Use a unique identifier—preferably the Sugar Record ID.
Mapping this tells Sugar exactly which record to update.
Can I import relationships (like Contacts linked to Accounts)?
Yes! Include the related record’s Sugar ID. Example process:
- Import Accounts
- Import Contacts with an Account ID column
What’s the best way to clean data before importing?
- Standardize capitalization
- Trim extra spaces
- Validate email + phone formats
- Use Find/Replace to fix inconsistent values
A quick cleanup step reduces errors dramatically.
How do exports work with filters?
You can export:
- All records in a module
- Only the filtered list view you're currently viewing
Exports are CSV files—perfect for reporting and audits.
How do I maintain data quality over time?
- Schedule periodic audits
- Use deduplication tools
- Train users on consistent entry
- Add SugarBPM rules for validation (e.g., enforcing formats or dropdowns)
Can you assign records using Round Robin?
Short answer is yes, but it can not be done using Importing.
You can use this SugarBPM workflow to make assignments for leads.
Additional Resources
Learn more about the SugarU Live Webinar Series