Data Migration from Microsoft Dynamics 365 to Salesforce

Despite these obstacles, the ENWAY team designed and delivered a multi-step migration approach:

1. Data Model and Process Redesign. The team adapted the existing Microsoft Dynamics 365 data model to fit Salesforce architecture:
   – Implemented record types, page layouts, and basic automations
   – Redesigned relationships where direct equivalents did not exist (e.g., replacing multi-object lookups)
   – Simplified and optimized business processes (e.g., replacing multiple checkboxes with multi-select picklists and dependent fields)
2. Data Extraction. Since standard and open-source tools proved slow and unreliable, the team used the Microsoft Dynamics API. Custom scripts were developed to extract required data and transform it into structured CSV files.
3. Staging Layer in Salesforce. Dedicated staging objects were created in Salesforce. Extracted data was first loaded into these objects in raw format to ensure safe and controlled processing.
4. Data Transformation and Migration. Custom batch processes were developed to parse and transfer data from staging objects into core Salesforce objects. This included complex data types such as activities, tasks, and emails.