With a library of data sources available, you can upload a CSV, connect a CRM, or route data from a Data Warehouse to build your partner data foundation in Crossbeam.
This article walks through the different data source options and how to use them based on common use cases.
Getting Started: Google Sheets or CSVs
If you're just beginning to identify overlaps with your partners, uploading a Google Sheet or a CSV file is the fastest way to get started with account mapping.
Pros and Considerations
Pros: Google Sheets and CSV uploads are free and quick to set up, and accelerate your initial account mapping efforts.
Google Sheets: You can map, manage, and dynamically update your account data from Google Sheets directly within Crossbeam.
CSVs: You can store unlimited CSVs in Crossbeam, keep versions organized, and streamline data with built-in storage. Once you've imported a CSV, you can use it to create Populations and Lists to grow your ecosystem intelligence. See how to set up a Population from a CSV in this video.
Considerations: CSV uploads are useful for one-off partner comparisons, but don't scale as well as other data sources. CSVs are a static snapshot of your data and are not automatically refreshed with the latest account information. To stay useful beyond the initial upload, CSVs must be updated manually and maintained consistently.
Scaling Up: CRMs and Data Warehouses
CRM systems (Salesforce, HubSpot, and Microsoft Dynamics) and Data Warehouses (Snowflake and Databricks) serve as a dynamic system of record in Crossbeam for your sales pipeline and customer base.
Unlike CSVs, data sources connected through a CRM or Data Warehouse update automatically several times a day, keeping your data current and accurate. With these data sources in place, your account mapping can move at the speed of your business.
Pros and Considerations
Pros: Fast and scalable. Using a CRM or Data Warehouse as a data source helps your Crossbeam ecosystem grow alongside your business. Capture account changes in near real-time and act on opportunities as they surface, with scheduled data syncs throughout the day. Extend your reach by using data from your CRM or Data Warehouse to build Populations for a complete view of your partner landscape, then narrow your focus to the most relevant accounts. See how to connect your CRM and create Populations.
Considerations: This type of data source may require some initial configuration and setup. Contact our support team if you need help getting started.
Going Further: Advanced CRM Customizations
For customers moving from CSVs to CRM or Data Warehouse integrations, you can customize the default fields you want synced into Crossbeam.
With advanced filtering capabilities, you can create suppression streams, targeted account segmentation, or simply be more selective about the data you bring into Crossbeam. If you already have a CRM connected, you can customize these fields at any time, though filtering will not be applied retroactively.
Interested in advanced CRM customizations? Contact our support team to get started.
Pros and Considerations
Pros: Better segmentation. Keep data clean and organized by proactively removing unnecessary fields when setting up your CRM integration. During implementation, customize the default fields you'd like to sync with Crossbeam for cleaner, more actionable account mapping. If your CRM is already connected, you can re-sync it and go through the same customization steps to adjust your preferred data going forward.
Considerations: This type of data source may require some initial configuration and setup. Contact our support team if you need help getting started.
You can also browse the full library of data sources by visiting the Data Sources page in Crossbeam.
đĄ Tip
When connecting your CRM for the first time, it pays to be selective with your data. Use advanced CRM customization to cut through the clutter and focus on your most valuable partner ecosystem data.