What is field mapping?
Field mapping is the translation layer between two systems that name and structure their data differently.
It is where imports and integrations succeed or fail: a wrong mapping silently puts the right data in the wrong field.
Short answer
Field mapping is defining how each field in a source - a file, another CRM, or an integration - corresponds to a field in the destination, so data lands in the right place. It includes translating value formats and picklist options between systems. Correct field mapping is what makes an import or integration load clean, usable data instead of misplaced values.
Key takeaways
- Defines how source fields correspond to destination fields.
- Includes translating value formats and picklist options.
- Central to imports, migrations, and integrations.
- A wrong mapping misplaces data silently, without an error.
Why it matters
A mapping mistake does not throw an error - it just loads phone numbers into a notes field or one picklist value as another. Because it fails silently, bad mapping corrupts data invisibly, which is why testing a mapping on a sample matters so much.
How Ardovo handles it
Ardovo auto-maps common fields and lets you adjust the rest, translating picklist values between systems, and previews the result before committing. Rook flags likely mismaps on a test batch, so data lands where it belongs instead of failing silently.
Frequently asked questions
Why is field mapping important?
Because it determines whether data lands in the right place. A wrong mapping fails silently - no error, just values in the wrong field or picklist options that did not translate. Since the failure is invisible, correct mapping and a test are what keep imports and integrations clean.
What does field mapping include besides matching field names?
Translating value formats and picklist options between systems. Two CRMs might both have a "stage" field but use different stage names, or format dates and phones differently. Good mapping handles the value translation, not just the field-name pairing.
How do you check a field mapping is correct?
Test it on a small sample and verify each value landed in the intended field with its format and picklist value preserved. Because mapping errors are silent, a test is the only reliable way to catch them before they corrupt the full load.