August 22, 2009
Updating Picklist (Multi-Select) fields via DataLoader
Goal: You need to update a Picklist (Multi-Select) field in Salesforce.com DataLoader and add a value to each field.
Problem: Using standard DataLoader features, if you add a new value to the DataLoader import file, it will overwrite all existing values in the Picklist (Multi-Select) field, instead of adding the new value to existing values. See a description here.
Solution: Use a script to update the import file to retain existing Picklist (Multi-Select) values and add the new value you want included.
Using Perl, of course! Thought about an Excel macro... But I hate writing macros, and love writing Perl. And, go install Perl anyway.