For large record sets, select the Bulk API option as it processes results in a fraction of the time while using fewer API calls than the traditional SOAP API. Bulk API is based on REST principles and is optimized for working with large sets of data. You can use it to insert, update, upsert, dedupe, or delete large record sets asynchronously using parallel processing.
*Not available with Salesforce Professional Edition
The Bulk API option is available in Dedupe, Delete, Export, Import, Match, Modify, and Verify. Select the checkbox beside Bulk API to use this option for large jobs.
Configuring Bulk API
In General Settings, you can set your default batch size and choose whether to run Bulk API in parallel or serial mode. Learn more about General Settings.
Batch Size
By default, no batch size is specified for Bulk API.
- This allows DemandTools to use Salesforce Bulk API 2.0, a newer version of the API that lets Salesforce determine batch size for faster performance.
If you need to set a batch size for bulk jobs, you can specify a value between 1 and 10,000 in General Settings.
- This option requires Salesforce Bulk API 1.0, which results in slower performance but allows user customization.
- If you use this option, you can expect the following behavior in the generated audit logs:
- If operation IS successful, new or updated record ID and information is returned.
- If operation IS NOT successful on insert, no record information is returned.
- If operation IS NOT successful on update, record information is returned.
Serial Mode
Bulk API runs in parallel mode by default, meaning you can run several bulk jobs at the same time.
- Parallel mode is faster than serial mode.
- But it can cause database lock contention as the CRM attempts to reconcile jobs. Severe lock contention can cause the load to fail. The following operations are likely to cause lock contention:
- Inserting multiple new records linked to the same parent record
- Inserting multiple contacts linked to the same account
- Inserting multiple campaign member records for the same campaign
- Creating new users
- Updating ownership for records with private sharing
- Updating user roles
- Updating territory hierarchies
For these operations, we recommend using serial mode, where bulk jobs are processed one at a time.
- Serial mode may significantly increase the processing time for a load.
- But this option guarantees that batches are processed one at at time, eliminating lock contention.
- Serial mode limits batch sizes to 10,000 records. If you set a batch size of lower than 10,000, this number will be used when serial mode is enabled.
Monitoring Bulk API Jobs
You can track the status of bulk data load jobs in progress and see recently completed jobs in Salesforce.
1. Navigate to Setup.
2. Open Monitoring.
3. Select Bulk Data Load Jobs.
Alternatively, you can go to Jobs and then Bulk Data Load Jobs directly. Learn more in Salesforce Help and Training: Monitoring Bulk Data Load Jobs.
