A data conversion will convert data from your existing system (if we can access your data) to the Fisher of Men CMS.  Depending on where the information is coming from will depend on the cost.  Most that come from a database program will run around $95.  Spreadsheets can be more because there always seems to be cleanup work that needs to be done.

Once we're able to analyze your data files we'll be able to give you an accurate quote to convert your data.

The Data Conversion Process

You can provide us with information in a dbf format (preferred), comma-delimited, or one of a number of other formats.  If you're having a data conversion done, we'll be discussing this.

We'll work with you to pull your files that hold your data.  We'll send them to use by either email or FTP depending on their size.  We won't pull your data until we're ready to convert your data.  We'll work with you to determine the most convenient time to pull your data.

Once we pull your data, you're in what's called an automation stand still.  That's because you really can't change or add data to your current system since we've already pulled your data and you can't use our system yet. 

What you do is simply keep track of any new data or changes to existing records you make so you can update the Fisher of Men CMS once you get the converted data files installed.

Once we've installed the newly converted data files, you should check out the data.  If we need to fix something, it's best handled upfront before you start adding a lot of information to the system. 

The process is pretty simple.  We may request to pull your data for a test conversion before we do the live one.  This will allow us to greatly minimize how much time by becoming familiar with your data tables.

What We Can Convert

That's a system by system question.  Let's take a look at your data and your data files and then we can answer that question.  We also address specific issues associated to converting from a spreadsheet in the next section.

The more data files we convert, the more it costs to convert your data.  Once we establish what you want converted and have seen your data files we'll be able to provide an accurate quote to convert your data.

*What You Need To Know About Converting Data from a Spreadsheet Like Excel To The Fisher of Men CMS (or to any other system)

If you're using Excel (or any spreadsheet), in order to import from it the data must be put into the spreadsheet in a specific way.

In Excel you have Rows (left to right) & Columns (top to bottom).  A Column is for data, ie, First Name, Last Name, Address, City, etc.  A row is data for the columns.  A row is the record.  To import records, you cannot use more than one row per person (record).  See the examples below ...

Done Right in a Spreadsheet - Click on Thumbnail to view:

Done Wrong in a Spreadsheet - Click on Thumbnail to view:

What we see so often is Churches make nice looking views for their data like in the second example but this layout cannot be imported.  You can only have 1 person's information on a single row. 

If you're using more than one row for a record you'll need to clean that up.  If you'd like us to clean it up for you, we charge $15/hour to do it.  There's no automated way to fix this problem to prepare for a data conversion so it requires someone to manual fix it which is time consuming.

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