Testing Data Sources

This article outlines the steps for testing data sources within the FORTH CRM.

Overview

Testing your data sources ensures that leads from external vendors or web forms transfer into the FORTH CRM accurately. This allows you to verify your connection URL and field mapping without involving the webform or marketing company/lead vendor. By performing these tests, you reduce the risk of lost lead data, save time on manual troubleshooting, and confirm that your system is ready to receive new business.

This capability may also be used to troubleshoot if you are having a problem with the post in the CRM or if the issue is on the lead poster’s end.

How to Access

To begin testing, you must first locate the unique Post URL for the data source you wish to verify.

1. Log in to the FORTH CRM.

2. Click the Contacts tab and select Data Sources.

3. Select the specific Data Source you want to test from the dropdown menu at the top left of the page.

4. Click Edit.

5. Locate the Post URL displayed at the top of the page and the Import Fields section further down the page.

How it Works

1. Copy the Post URL: Highlight and copy the entire URL found at the top of your Data Source page.
   

2. Format the Test Data: You must add test information to the end of the URL. After the final forward slash (/), add a question mark (?) followed by the field names and the values you want to test (see example below). Use an ampersand (&) to separate each field.

   • Example Format: "?[FieldName1]=Value&[FieldName2]=Value&[FieldName3]=Value&….”.

3. Finalize the URL: Ensure the field names exactly match the labels listed on the left side of your Import Fields section.
   
   The POST URL will look like below when importing a lead with the following information inputted for each field.
   
   FirstName = Test
   LastName = Testing
   Phone = 555-555-5555
   State = IL
   
   Below is how the URL will look for testing.
   https://client.forthcrm.com/post/3c94a5a810be14575db09dc75569f9c7821e0331/?FirstName=Test&LastName=Testing&Phone=555-555-5555&State=IL
    

4. Run the Test: Paste the complete, formatted URL into your web browser's address bar as if visiting a webpage (see below), and press Enter.
   

5. Confirm Success: The browser will display a "Success" banner followed by a unique identification number.

   • Note: If you receive an error, check that the field names in your URL match the CRM field names exactly.

6. Verify the Contact: Copy the identification number (this is the customer ID) provided in the success message. Go to the Contacts tab in the CRM and paste the number into the search bar to view the newly created test lead.

Assistance

For further assistance, please reach out to support@setforth.com 

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