Prevent data overwriting on import

[Jzitek]

Our company would like to see a function available to stop data from being overwritten when importing.  We would like something like a wizard with two columns to show existing data vs. new data being imported with the option to prevent overwriting for any property that has important existing information.

[AdamLPW · Accepted solution]

Hi @Jzitek,

This is a good idea - I'm often importing over the top of existing data and having to manually correct.  

I'd recommend you post this in the ideas board - https://community.hubspot.com/t5/HubSpot-Ideas/idb-p/HubSpot_Ideas

as it's more likely to be picked up by developers there.

Ouf of interest, what data is it that's being overwritten?  I have some manual work-arounds I use to sanitise my data pre import which might help.

[karstenkoehler · Accepted solution]

Hi @Jzitek ,

It's been a while since you posted this but I wanted to share an update: This is now possible! During the mapping step of the import process, you should see the option to not overwrite existing values:

If this answers your original question, you can help the community by marking this post as a solution.

Cheers!

[Jzitek]

It is a good compromise solution for now. We would still like the ability to see what data exists already to say which data we want to keep and which we want to update.

[AdamLPW · Accepted solution]

Hi @Jzitek,

This is a good idea - I'm often importing over the top of existing data and having to manually correct.  

I'd recommend you post this in the ideas board - https://community.hubspot.com/t5/HubSpot-Ideas/idb-p/HubSpot_Ideas

as it's more likely to be picked up by developers there.

Ouf of interest, what data is it that's being overwritten?  I have some manual work-arounds I use to sanitise my data pre import which might help.

[Jzitek]

Hi again @AdamLPW , I guess I had it out on the idea forum as well (so now I have 2 idea submissions and one here...one way to get heard!) Here it is if you wouldn't mind an upvote! https://community.hubspot.com/t5/HubSpot-Ideas/Disable-overwrite-on-import-and-allow-option-to-choos...

[AdamLPW]

Upvoted!

In terms of work-arounds - I'm sure you're already getting to know the "frequent offenders" in terms of the kind of data and/or the fields that get overwritten on import.  I literally just spend some time vetting my data in Excel prior to import, while it's all in one place, rather than fixing on individual contact records post-import.  

I will also, on occasion, NOT match columns in an import which I know will cause issues.  This is especially true where the data in HubSpot for that property is more correct/up-to-date than my external data.   

[Jzitek]

Hi @AdamLPW , thanks for the correction. I thought I had submitted in the correct area, but I've posted it to the ideas now! There isn't necessarily one thing being overwritten, it is more of a concern of overwriting. We have a large company and so we are wanting to avoid super users from various areas overwriting some of the data for contacts that may overlap in different business interests. I would be curious to hear what your manual work around is to see if that could help our users. Thanks!