If you’re tired of endlessly punching the keyboard, then you should probably know more about ETL tools! Yes, when it comes to transforming raw data into usable formats, many companies may have poor data availability, which can hinder the development of a strong data culture.
ETL tools (Extract, Transform, Load) are an important part of solving this. Designed to automate and simplify the process of extracting data from various sources, ETL tools transform data into a consistent and clean format and load it into the target system, that too, in a timely and efficient manner.
There are different ETL tools to choose from, which gives you the power to select the best option. However, reviewing all the available options can be time-consuming. In this blog, we’ve compiled the top 10 ETL tools, detailing some of the best options in the market.
Apex Data Loader
Helping you insert, update, delete, or export Salesforce records in bulk, Apex Data Loader is compatible with both MacOS and Windows. One of the popular ETL tools for salesforce data migration, it can handle data from CSV files or a database connection. It also offers an amazing ‘upsert’ feature. With a Salesforce ID or an external ID, you can easily find a match for a record. If a match is found, the record gets updated; otherwise, a new record is created.
Apex Data Loader generates handy success and error CSV files after each operation. These files help identify any issues and understand why certain data didn’t go through. An Automap button speeds up the field mapping process, making the data loading experience even smoother. You also have a ‘Mass Delete’ option to get rid of unlimited records across all tables, surpassing the limitations of Salesforce’s Mass Delete feature.
Best of all, the Apex Data Loader is free for anyone with a Salesforce login! However, the app supports the import of only CSV files, making the option to transform the data very limited, which is considered a major drawback.
Dataloader.io
Powered by CloudHub from MuleSoft, Dataloader.io provides a convenient web-based solution for loading data into Salesforce. A simple, free, user-friendly cloud-based offering, Dataloader.io makes it easy to love your data loader!
The app has a much nicer look and feel compared to Apex Data Loader, besides offering some additional functionality such as the ability to explore look-up fields by both ID and name and automating the task of field mapping. Similar to Apex Data loader, the functionality to transform records in Dataloader.io is also somewhat limited.
JitterBit Data Loader
A useful free ETL, this is the go-to for quick ad-hoc tasks. JitterBit Data Loader stands out with its user-friendly interface and a wide range of powerful features. Offering not just insert, update, and upsert features, but also options to query, delete, and bulk load, the wizard-based graphical point-and-click configuration makes it easy to manage the app.
Though available in both free and paid versions, the free version is restricted in terms of functionality. Managing specific ETL projects or sharing projects with other users can be a bit challenging with the free version. But the paid version has you covered if you need those extra features.
Progress Data Direct
A tool that blends traditional and cutting-edge interfaces, Progress Data Direct is a highly reliable and robust ETL tool. Progress Data Direct employs high-performance software that delivers lightning-fast access to data, both in on-premises and cloud environments.
With Progress Data Direct, the built-in cache resides entirely within the driver, eliminating the need for additional databases. This innovative approach not only enhances performance but also minimizes web service calls to the Salesforce API. Progress Data Direct empowers you to effortlessly configure the driver, enabling seamless loading of strategic and tactical data without any application code changes.
StarfishETL
StarfishETL prides itself on its power, flexibility, and speed. As one of the major ETL tools for salesforce data migration, it is capable of connecting to almost all data sources that exist, bringing together multiple databases. With a vast library of pre-configured maps and connectivity to more than 300 applications, migrating with StarfishETL is always easy and simple.
StarfishETL uses pre-defined data maps and allows customization of such maps. The app is capable of performing some handy actions such as converting data types and duplicate checking and can run scheduled or in real-time. You can move data with security and structure, even if it’s hosted on-premises.
Talend Open Studio
An open-source application that provides user-friendly and cost-effective solutions for data integration, Talend Open Studio (TOS) provides big data, data quality, data preparation, and data integration solutions. In Talend Open Studio, data can be combined easily, converted, and updated in different locations. The CR tool supports data integration, big data, ESB, and ETL implementations.
Unlike many extract transform load tools, TOS is strong in the transformation function. It is well suited for challenges such as data cleansing, master data management, and enterprise service bus deployment. On the flip side, the tool is big, complex, and sometimes confusing to use.
Midas
With its flexibility and impressive performance, Bodhtree’s Midas, powered by Pentaho, seamlessly integrates Salesforce.com with Oracle E-Business Suite, SAP, and other ERPs, as well as popular databases like MySQL. The tool reduces implementation costs, lengthy timelines, and strenuous efforts.
Midas effortlessly handles large volumes of data in the cloud, making it the perfect fit for big data stacks. It not only reduces implementation costs but also saves valuable time and resources. With a specialized connector for Salesforce and over 300 pre-built open-source connectors, Midas offers unrivaled transparency by visually representing every step in the process.
Pentaho Community Edition
An open-source version that contains almost all the functionality of Midas, Pentaho Community Edition is a suite of open-source Business Intelligence (BI) products that provide data integration, OLAP services, reporting, dashboarding, data mining, and ETL capabilities. The key advantage of the community version lies in its time-tested access to tools, which have been thoroughly vetted and refined by the community.
Additionally, users benefit from a vibrant and supportive community that is readily available to provide assistance and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
Apatar
An advanced and user-friendly ETL toolset, Apatar seamlessly integrates with a wide range of third-party applications and databases. With its intuitive interface, even complex integration tasks can be accomplished without writing a single line of code or designing intricate workflows. Apatar’s suite automatically generates native SQL, simplifying the integration process.
Despite its powerful capabilities to process data from multiple sources and files, Apatar remains lightweight, consuming minimal memory and CPU resources. Installation is a breeze, taking only a few seconds to set up. The tool also keeps detailed run and error logs, facilitating easy diagnosis and troubleshooting.
MassEffect
With its comprehensive set of features, MassEffect simplifies the process of importing and exporting data in advanced file formats, including CSV, MDB, and UDL. One of MassEffect’s standout capabilities is its support for international characters, ensuring seamless integration of data from various regions and languages. This feature is particularly valuable for businesses with a global presence or those working with multilingual datasets.
In addition to its robust file format support and international character compatibility, MassEffect offers a range of other unique features including data transformation capabilities, advanced data mapping options, and data validation mechanisms, among others.
When it comes to data integration, the process can often be time-consuming and resource-intensive. The challenge of finding the right team to handle this crucial task adds another layer of complexity. However, there is a better way!
Instead of investing months into data integration, endlessly punching the keyboard, and taking unnecessary risks with your valuable data, why not choose a seamless and hassle-free solution? At Milestone, our expert Salesforce team is dedicated to making the entire process feel as effortless as slicing through a cake!
CTA: Get a FREE 30-MINUTE CONSULTATION with our Salesforce team to realize your business needs.
