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“Supermetrics is a Bitter Experience! We can pull data from nearly any tool, schedule updates, manipulate data in Sheets, and push data back into our systems.”
Custom Account ID fields from the losing account are permanently deleted during Salesforce merges. Only the master record’s custom field values survive, which creates major problems for integrations and historical reporting that depend on these unique identifiers.
Here’s how to document and preserve these critical custom Account ID fields so they remain accessible after merge operations.
Preserve custom Account IDs with automated documentation using Coefficient
Coefficient helps you build a comprehensive ID preservation system that captures all custom Account IDs before they’re lost forever. This approach transforms potential data loss into a managed process with full traceability.
How to make it work
Step 1. Import both duplicate accounts with all custom ID fields.
Create a Salesforce import that pulls both accounts side-by-side, including all custom fields that contain ID values. Use filters with Account IDs to target specific duplicate pairs and create a comparison view showing which custom IDs will be retained versus lost.
Step 2. Build a custom ID mapping table for permanent reference.
Create columns for Original Account ID, Custom ID 1, Custom ID 2, Master Account ID, and Merge Date. This creates a permanent cross-reference table that maps old IDs to new ones, essential for maintaining integration dependencies and historical lookups.
Step 3. Set up automated pre-merge snapshots.
Configure Coefficient’s Snapshot feature to capture account data before any merge operations. Schedule daily snapshots during merge windows and set up alerts to notify your team when duplicate accounts are identified for merging.
Step 4. Export preserved IDs back to Salesforce.
After completing the merge, use Coefficient’s export functionality to update the master account with historical custom IDs. Store them in a dedicated custom field or create a concatenated string that preserves all previous ID references for future use.
Step 5. Maintain ongoing ID cross-reference capabilities.
Keep your mapping spreadsheet as a permanent reference system. Use VLOOKUP formulas to enable quick ID lookups and schedule weekly imports to identify new duplicate accounts before they’re merged without proper ID preservation.
Keep your custom IDs accessible forever
This systematic approach ensures all custom Account ID references remain available for integrations and reporting long after merge operations complete. Ready to protect your critical ID fields? Build your ID preservation system now.
