How to add data to ClientSuccess

There are several options for adding client, contact, and contract data to ClientSuccess, each of which can be used individually or in any combination. The options for importing your data are:

1. Manual entry
2. Use a client data import template 
3. Utilize a CRM integration (e.g. Salesforce or HubSpot)
4. Create or update data via our open API

Below are the factors to consider when deciding which option to choose:

What are your business processes today?
How are CSMs notified of new clients, contacts, and contracts currently? Are CSMs managing renewals or are the sales reps? 
Having an understanding of the current state can help you choose the best integration method as well as ensure a plan for adequate change management.

What data do you want visible in ClientSuccess? Where does this data live?  Is it accurate and accessible?
Although data may live in multiple systems, only one system may be considered the reliable source-of-truth. Alternatively, different systems may be relied upon for different data elements.  
Clients and Contacts can be created in ClientSuccess with a minimal amount of required data elements, however, Contracts require more robust data including products, revenue amounts, term start and end date, and stage.  Please see Salesforce Revenue Integration or HubSpot Revenue Integration for more information. 

Does data need to flow from ClientSuccess to another system?
The API and CRM integrations can be used to export data from ClientSuccess to other tools.

Do you have an available developer or CRM Administrator resource?
The CRM integration and API typically require more technical resources both to set up and maintain.  Manual entry or CSV import is typically faster to initially set up.

What are your account-to-CSM ratios?
Manual entry may not scale as ratios increase. 

How often do you want the data in ClientSuccess to "refresh"?
The API and CRM integration are more suited for real-time integrations. Data imports are typically scheduled weekly.