Many businesses keep customer details in Excel files, diaries and different employees’ records.
When they start using a CRM, they want to move everything into the new system. But old records may contain duplicate contacts, incorrect phone numbers and customers who are no longer relevant.
Moving all this data without checking it can create confusion.
1. Remove Duplicate Records
Suppose the same customer appears three times in different Excel files.
Your sales team may contact the same person repeatedly or become confused about which record to update.
Check for duplicate records before importing your data.
2. Correct Important Information
Review customer names, phone numbers, company details and other important fields.
Incorrect information can make it difficult for employees to contact customers or find their records.
3. Do Not Import Everything Without a Reason
Some old enquiries may no longer be useful. Start by identifying the current leads, active customers and records your team genuinely needs.
Keep other records where business, legal or retention requirements make them necessary.
4. Start with Useful, Clean Data
You do not need to make every old record perfect before starting CRM. Prioritise the information needed for daily work and improve the remaining data in stages.
Final Advice
A CRM is only as useful as the information your team can trust.
Before importing your old data, remove duplicates, correct important errors and decide which records are needed.
Need help planning your CRM data migration? Discuss your requirements with the Sukam Apps team.
