XML

Learn how to use the XML storage action to build your workflows

Introduction

The XML Storage Action allows users to perform structured data transformations between systems using XML. It supports both parsing existing XML files and composing new XML documents based on user-defined templates and data streams. This action allows users to define a structured schema for reading from or writing to external systems (like Salesforce, FTP servers, or CRMs). This ensures accurate parsing and mapping of data during transfer processes.

Steps to Configure the XML Action

Step 1: Select Operation

  1. Choose whether the action is to:

  • Read from a source and convert to XML

  • Write from XML to a destination

Step 2: Define File Structure

  1. Navigate to the Compose tab.

  2. Use dynamic values. For example, you can use values like a DateTime field in the file name.

  3. Proceed to Configure XML.

Step 3: Generate XML Structure

  1. Use a sample file from your source data and convert it into a XML structure.

  2. Ensure the XML includes field names and nested tags as per the source (e.g., Salesforce fields).

Example:

<Opportunity>
  <Name>Acme Inc</Name>
  <Stage>Prospecting</Stage>
  <Amount>5000</Amount>
  <CloseDate>2025-06-09</CloseDate>
</Opportunity>

Step 4: Test the XML Configuration

  1. Click on Test to validate the schema.

  2. The output preview will show how the data appears.

Step 5: Save to FTP

  1. Set the destination FTP file path.

  2. The system will now write the parsed Salesforce data as an XML file to FTP.

XML Parsing and Mapping

When Reading from FTP

  • Upload or define the XML schema again.

  • This structure tells the system how to parse the incoming XML.

Mapping to CRM

  • After parsing:

    • Go to the Console/Mapping screen

    • Fields defined in the schema will appear

    • Drag and drop fields from the XML to the CRM fields

Key Concepts

Term
Description

XML Structure

Blueprint of how data is formatted in XML

Schema

Field definitions used for mapping and parsing

Compose

Interface where users define filename structure

Test Output

Sample result to validate XML correctness

Mapping

Field-to-field connection between source and destination

Best Practices

  • Always use a sample file to derive the XML schema.

  • Validate the structure using the Test function before finalizing.

  • Use ChatGPT or similar tools for fast conversion of sample data (like JSON or tables) into XML to use in the Read or Parse operationsz.

  • For complex mappings, take screenshots and document field relationships.

  • Ensure that XML field names match Salesforce API field names or source system labels.

Operation Examples

Common Scenarios to use the XML Action

  • Salesforce to FTP: Read Salesforce Opportunity data, compose XML with dynamic fields (like DateTime), configure schema, test, and write to an FTP path as XML.

  • FTP to CRM: Read XML from FTP, parse using the defined schema, and write to a CRM by mapping XML fields to CRM fields.

Scenario 1: Salesforce to FTP

  • Read from Salesforce Opportunity

  • Compose the data structure (including dynamic fields like DateTime)

  • Configure XML

    • Define the XML structure using sample file format

    • Generate XML based on Salesforce fields

    • Test the XML schema

  • Write the structured XML to an FTP path

Scenario 2: FTP to CRM

  • Read XML from FTP

  • Parse using defined schema

  • Write to CRM system (e.g., Console)

    • Drag and drop mapping fields based on the schema

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I automate XML integrations on a schedule? Yes, DBSync supports flexible scheduling for XML integration jobs—hourly, daily, or custom intervals. 2. What if my XML structure changes? Update your sample file and schema in the XML Storage Action, then revalidate using the Test function. 3. Which systems are supported? You can integrate with popular CRMs (Salesforce, HubSpot, Microsoft Dynamics 365), ERPs (QuickBooks, NetSuite), cloud storage (AWS S3, Google Drive, FTP/SFTP), and more.

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