.png){kind=small}
Salesforce continues to enhance its platform with tools that simplify data handling, and one of the most versatile tools in this suite is OmniStudio. Designed to streamline the creation of guided, industry-specific brand experiences, OmniStudio allows businesses to configure processes with clicks rather than code. At the core of this powerful toolset is DataRaptor, a vital component for managing data extraction, transformation, and loading.
In this blog, we’ll explore OmniStudio and the essential role DataRaptor plays in enabling seamless data flows between Salesforce and other platforms.
What is Omnistudio?
OmniStudio is a Salesforce tool that empowers businesses to deliver customized digital experiences across various platforms without the need for extensive coding. Its drag-and-drop interface enables businesses to quickly design guided customer interactions tailored to their specific industry needs.
One of the most critical tools within OmniStudio is DataRaptor, which serves as a bridge for transferring and transforming data between Salesforce and other systems.
Understanding DataRaptor: Your Data Handling Solution
A DataRaptor is a mapping tool that allows you to read, transform, and write Salesforce data. Think of it as the engine that powers your system’s data flows during digital customer interactions. Whether it's pulling data to display in a user interface or saving new inputs from users, DataRaptor ensures smooth data operations.
There are four main types of DataRaptors:
1. DataRaptor Turbo Extract
The DataRaptor Turbo Extract is used to quickly retrieve data from a specific Salesforce object type, including fields from related objects. It’s ideal for fast data retrieval, but it doesn’t support formulas or complex output mapping.
Key Features:
Retrieves data from a single object.
Supports filtering and field selection.
Doesn’t support formulas or output mapping
2. DataRaptor Extract
The DataRaptor Extract goes beyond Turbo Extract by pulling data from multiple objects and supporting complex field mappings. It reads Salesforce data and returns results in JSON, XML, or custom formats.
Key Features:
Supports formulas for data manipulation.
Enables complex output mappings.
Ideal for providing data to OmniScripts and FlexCards.
3. DataRaptor Load
The DataRaptor Load is responsible for transferring data from input formats like JSON or XML into Salesforce objects. It updates existing records and can create new ones simultaneously.
Key Features:
Updates and creates records in Salesforce.
Handles both JSON and XML input formats.
Ensures data accuracy during transfers.
 4. DataRaptor Transform
The DataRaptor Transform manipulates incoming data to fit specific business needs. It can convert data formats, rename fields, and even substitute values in different fields.
Key Features:
Converts data between JSON and XML.
Renames fields and restructures input data.
Offers powerful data customization options.
Setting Up DataRaptors with OmniStudio DataRaptor Designer
To set up DataRaptors, you use the OmniStudio DataRaptor Designer, which is accessible through the OmniStudio app's DataRaptors tab. This designer has tabs that help you define the actions you want to perform. It's like a control center where you specify how you want your DataRaptor to work.
1. Extract Tab: The extract tab is used to specify the Salesforce objects you want the DataRaptor to query and the filters that determine the data to be returned from the object.
2. Formulas Tab: The Formulas tab is used to define formulas. Three types of DataRaptors (Extract, Transform, and Load) support formulas. When you define a formula, you map its output to the output JSON (for extracts and transforms) or Salesforce object field (for loads).
3. Output Tab: The Output tab is used to map data from the extract step JSON to the output JSON.
4. Options Tab: The Options tab sets advanced options such as whether to check the user's access permissions for the fields before executing the DataRaptor. Set the Platform Cache Type to Session Cache for data related to users and their login sessions, or Org Cache for all other types of data. The Time to Live in Minutes setting determines how long the data remains in the cache.
5. Preview Tab: The Preview tab is used to test the output of the DataRaptor. You provide input parameters as Key/Value pairs and then click Execute. The result is displayed in the Response section.
Real-World Use Case: Fetching Accounts & Primary Contacts with DataRaptor Extract
Let’s walk through a simple example of using a DataRaptor Extract to fetch account details and related primary contact information.
Steps to set up:
1. Go to the OmniStudio DataRaptors tab and click new.
2. Fill in all the required fields & click Save.
3. In the Extract tab, Click on Add Extract Step.
4. First, select the Object from where we want to fetch data. In the Extract output path give the name of the List in which we have to store all the data which is fetched from the Object. In Filter define any type of filter for the data.
5. As we can Fetch data from multiple objects whether objects are related to each other or not through DataRaptor extract, we will add one more extract step for Contact records related to the Account we fetched above.
6. Go to the Formula tab if you want to add any formula for the data that you fetched in the Extract tab. For eg. I have written a formula to get the record count for both lists separately and saved the count in Formula Result Path.
7. In the Output tab map the fields for both the Objects for which you want to show data in the output.
8. Go to the Preview tab click on the Execute button and in the Response section you will have your data & you can see all the fields in the data that you have mapped in the output tab and also the Record count for both the lists that you added in the formula tab.
By following these steps, you can automate data retrieval processes, saving time and reducing errors.
Why Use OmniStudio DataRaptor?
Here are some key benefits of using DataRaptor:
Time-Saving Automation: Automate data extraction and transformation tasks to reduce manual work.
Data Accuracy: Minimize errors by using standardized templates and rules.
Scalable Solution: Handle growing data needs without increasing the complexity of your processes.
Conclusion:
Salesforce’s OmniStudio DataRaptor is a powerful tool for managing data flows across various systems. Whether you need to extract data, transform it, or load it into Salesforce, DataRaptor simplifies the process. By leveraging this tool, businesses can improve efficiency, reduce errors, and deliver better customer experiences.
If you’re ready to optimize your Salesforce setup with OmniStudio DataRaptor, Cloud Science Labs is here to help. Our experts will guide you through the setup process, provide tailored solutions, and offer ongoing support to ensure your success. 👉 Contact us today to get started! Email us at digital@cloudscienclabs.com