LEARN. PRACTICE. GROW.Concept and mechanism
Field type defines possible values and behavior rather than only appearance. Changing a multi-select to a single picklist can clear existing values; do not assume the first or most frequent option remains. Migration requires preserving the source and agreeing how to choose a primary classification, including exceptions. Deactivating a picklist value retains it on existing records while removing it from current choices. This differs from replacing it with blank or reclassifying history. A value’s API name separates logic references from translated labels. Identifier changes require analyzing formulas, integrations, and other dependencies before release.
Guided application
When loading across orgs, map entities to target identifiers instead of trusting CSV ordering or similar labels. Validate representative samples and reconcile counts, relationships, and exceptions. For information that must remain in an external system, Salesforce Connect and external objects can avoid full copying, but require assessing supported features and source dependency. A local interface does not turn the source into an independent database available throughout any outage. Decide between external access and replication by considering freshness, required operations, security, and recovery. This course analyzes these choices without configuring connectors or processing actual customer data.
Eighteen thousand requests have multiple classifications. The team creates an approved primary-selection rule, preserves earlier values, and sends ambiguous combinations for review. Results are reconciled before retiring the old classification.
Common pitfalls
Schema-only backup; inactive confused with deleted; sandbox ID treated as universal identity; external object treated as a complete local replica.
Related topics: Requirements, access, and platform extensions · Relationships, lifecycle, and reporting · Formulas, validations, and aggregates
Preserve the source, define transformation, and confirm outcomes. A new type or connector does not alone resolve data meaning.
Reference: Manage Picklist Values · Platform App Builder guide SU 26