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Overview

In this how-to article, we are describing how to use DataBridge Transformation to split an input column into multiple output columns.

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The split transformation lets you split a field into segments by any chosen separator and pick which segments you want to keep in the output. This means that if you want two split a field into two separate fields, then you need to create two split transformations with the same separator but different selected segments.

Prerequisites

The following prerequisites are required before you follow the steps below.

  1. A (demo) subscription of DataBridge, to sign up, follow this URL: https://my-databridge.infobridgeuniverse.com/Account/SignUp
  2. A SuperOffice CRM login name with administrator rights

Configure the DataBridge Profile 

Create a new profile or edit an existing profile by clicking Manage profile. On the Transform page, select the Transformation you want, in this case, Split and click Add

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First segment index

Last segment index

First word

0

0

First three words

0

2

Last three words

-3

-1

First word to next to last word

0

-2

Second word to last word

1

-1

Last word

-1

-1

In practice, if you need to split a full name into first name and last name, you have to think about the fact that many people have compound surnames, which means that the field will be split into more than two segments. You can decide that the first word will always be the first name, and all the rest shall be placed in the last name output field.

To do so, you have to create two split transformations. In both transformations, you set the separator as [:space:]. In the “first name” transformation, select segments from First to First and in the “last name” transformation, select segments from Second to Last. Voilà! All your contacts with a compound surname can now have their family name correctly registered in your system.

Examples for splitting person full name

Enter the values below to achieve the needed split functionality.

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Value in import or export column

Output Field Name

Separator

Segments from

To

Ignore field if not splittable 

Remark

Pierre van Mever

First name

 [:space:] first (index 0) first (index 0)see details below This will only put the first name in your output field

Pierre van Mever

Last name

 [:space:] second (index 1) last (index -1)see details below This will put the middle name and last name in your output field

Example for splitting street address 

Split field transformation sample: Split Street address in separate street name and house number. You need to create two split transformations with the same separator but different selected segments

Value in import or export column

Output Field Name

Separator

Segments from

To

Ignore field if not splittable 

Remark

Jan de Groot laan 4

Street name

 [:space:] first (index 0)next to last (index -2) see details belowThe entire street name except the number will be in your output field

Jan de Groot laan 4

House number

 [:space:] last (index -1) last (index -1) see details below This will only put the number in your output field

Example for splitting date field 

Split field transformation sample: Split date field in separate date and time field. In this case, a consultant did not want the time from the updatedDate field exported next to the date. Note: Although we now have a separate option to select the date/time format of your choice when exporting (more info), we did want to show you this example.

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To avoid this, you can simply check the “Ignore field if not splittable” in one of the transformations, and uncheck it in the other one.

Extending the idea

This how-to article describes how to use transformations to split an input field into multiple output fields. There are also many more transformations you can use, see these articles:

More info on import transformations
More info on export transformations

Summary

You have learned to use the transformation Split in order to split a single field into several pieces to match the expected output.