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How to collect historical data in one field

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charlie_kim
Level 2

How to collect historical data in one field

Hi,

 

I'm trying to figure out the best method to store historical data in one field.


For example, a user fills out a form to download whitepaper A and we write the value to a field called "Whitepaper Download".

 

Then the same user fills out another form for whitepaper B.

 

What I'm trying to figure out is how would you store the values as a running historical list in a field called "Whitepaper Download History"?

 

The values in the history field would be such as:

{{system.date}} - {{lead.Whitepaper Download}} <-- this would be Whitepaper A

{{system.date}} - {{lead.Whitepaper Download}} <-- this would be Whitepaper B

 

Thank you!

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Oz_Platero
Level 6

Re: How to collect historical data in one field

Hello @charlie_kim ,


(Picture and request vs text illustration seem different).


I will assume you want to retain and store a running history appended to the end.

  • Create a custom field with Data Type Text Area
    • IF you need it in CRM, create field(s) in CRM first
      • Ensure your data type is large enough
        • i.e. Text Area (Long)
      • (SFDC) Disable bi-directional sync temporarily
      • Map together Lead/Contact if applicable; sometimes you may not want to
      • Turn sync back on
      • If fields came down as 2 separate fields and you do not want this create a Marketo support ticket
      • If Marketo data type is not sufficiently large change data type to Text Area, and you selected a sufficiently large type in SFDC
  • You will then use flow steps with tokens to concatenate the existing value + a new value
  • In the value section for a Change Data value flow step
    •  {{lead.NewHistoryDLField}};{{system.date}}-{{lead.Whitepaper Download}}
    • Essentially you are appending values to the existing values already stored in your new custom field.

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1 REPLY 1
Oz_Platero
Level 6

Re: How to collect historical data in one field

Hello @charlie_kim ,


(Picture and request vs text illustration seem different).


I will assume you want to retain and store a running history appended to the end.

  • Create a custom field with Data Type Text Area
    • IF you need it in CRM, create field(s) in CRM first
      • Ensure your data type is large enough
        • i.e. Text Area (Long)
      • (SFDC) Disable bi-directional sync temporarily
      • Map together Lead/Contact if applicable; sometimes you may not want to
      • Turn sync back on
      • If fields came down as 2 separate fields and you do not want this create a Marketo support ticket
      • If Marketo data type is not sufficiently large change data type to Text Area, and you selected a sufficiently large type in SFDC
  • You will then use flow steps with tokens to concatenate the existing value + a new value
  • In the value section for a Change Data value flow step
    •  {{lead.NewHistoryDLField}};{{system.date}}-{{lead.Whitepaper Download}}
    • Essentially you are appending values to the existing values already stored in your new custom field.