Using a Data Map to Map Data

A data map maps data from your source system to Microsoft Dynamics CRM. If a data map is available for your source system, use it to save time.

There are several ways to create a data map:

Use the Import Data Wizard to do an import. The mappings you specify will be saved in a data map that you can export and edit manually.
Import a data map that someone else has created for your source system.
More information: Data Maps (Resource Center), Work with Data Maps
Create a data map using any XML editor.
More information: Work with Data Maps, Data Map Schema Reference

Differences Between Using the Import Data Wizard and Manually Editing a Data Map

The following table shows the tasks that can be done in each method.

Task	Import Data Wizard	Manual Editing of Data Map
Map existing files, columns, and users.	Yes	Yes
Create new record types, fields, or users as part of the migration process.	Yes	No
Map list values, bit values, and Status and Status Reason values.	No	Yes
Use transformations.	No	Yes
Use the display name for target record types and fields.	Yes	No. Uses the logical name instead. For example, the wizard uses Case as the name of the record type, and the data map uses incident. To look up names, use the Customize Entities area in Microsoft Dynamics CRM.