Data Extract Activity in Automation Studio
The Data Extract activity in Salesforce Marketing Cloud (SFMC) Automation Studio allows you to extract data from Data Extensions, Tracking Data, or Reports into a file format that can be used for external processing.
Types of Data Extracts in SFMC
The Data Extract activity supports multiple types of data extraction, including:
Data Extract Type | Purpose |
Data Extension Extract | Exports data from a Data Extension in CSV format. |
Tracking Extract | Extracts tracking data such as opens, clicks, bounces from Email Studio. |
File Extract | Converts XML files to CSV or vice versa. |
Data View Extract | Retrieves subscriber engagement data from system Data Views. |
Zip & Encrypt Extract | Compresses and encrypts files for secure transfer. |
Data Relationship Extract | Exports relationship-based data from multiple sources. |
Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Data Extract Activity
Step 1: Navigate to Automation Studio
- Log in to your Salesforce Marketing Cloud account.
- Go to Journey Builder → Automation Studio.
- Click on New Automation.
Step 2: Define an Automation Workflow
- Select a Starting Source:
- Choose Scheduled for recurring extracts.
- Use File Drop if the extract is triggered by an incoming file.
- Drag and Drop the Data Extract Activity from the left panel into the workflow.
Step 3: Configure the Data Extract Activity
- Click on the Data Extract Activity in the workflow.
- Choose the Extract Type based on your needs:
- Data Extension Extract → Extracts subscriber or campaign data.
- Tracking Extract → Exports tracking data like opens, clicks, bounces.
- File Extract → Converts XML to CSV, etc.
- Zip & Encrypt Extract → Compresses and encrypts files.
- Configure Extraction Settings:
- Select the Data Extension (if applicable).
- Choose the output format (e.g., CSV, TSV, XML).
- Set the file naming convention (e.g., Extract_YYYYMMDD.csv).
- Save the configuration.
Step 4: Add a File Transfer Activity (Optional)
- If the extracted file needs to be moved to an FTP location, add a File Transfer Activity after the Data Extract.
- Configure FTP destination settings.
Step 5: Save and Run the Automation
- Click Save to finalize the setup.
- Click Run Once to test the extract.
- If everything works fine, Activate the automation.
Best Practices for Using Data Extracts
- Use proper naming conventions to organize extracted files.
- Schedule extracts during off-peak hours to optimize system performance.
- Monitor automation logs to check for failures.
- Use File Transfer Activity to move files to FTP securely.
