How to collect historical data in one field

[charlie_kim]

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!

[Oz_Platero · Accepted solution]

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.