When ingesting phone numbers into a custom field with the Phone data type in Salesforce Data Cloud, the correct statement is that text values can be accepted for ingestion into a phone data type field . Here’s why:
Understanding the Requirement
The marketing manager at Cloud Kicks plans to ingest corporate phone numbers into Data Cloud using a custom field with the Phone data type.
It is important to understand how phone numbers are validated and stored during ingestion.
Why Text Values Can Be Accepted?
Phone Data Type Behavior :
The Phone data type in Salesforce accepts text values, as phone numbers are typically stored as strings (e.g., "+1-800-555-1234").
While the field is designed for phone numbers, it does not enforce strict formatting rules during ingestion.
Validation During Ingestion :
Salesforce does not validate the format of phone numbers at the time of ingestion.
Validation occurs only when the data is used in downstream systems or applications that enforce formatting rules.
Other Options Are Incorrect :
B. Data Cloud validates the format of the phone number at the time of ingestion : This is incorrect because Data Cloud does not validate phone number formats during ingestion.
C. The phone number field can only accept 10-digit values : This is incorrect because the Phone data type supports various formats, including international numbers.
D. The phone number field should be used as a primary key : This is incorrect because phone numbers are not unique identifiers and should not be used as primary keys.
Steps to Ingest Phone Numbers
Step 1: Create a Custom Field
Navigate to Object Manager > Account > Fields & Relationships and create a custom field with the Phone data type.
Step 2: Configure Data Ingestion
Ensure the source data includes phone numbers as text values.
Map the phone number field from the source to the custom field in Data Cloud.
Step 3: Validate Data Usage
Test the ingested data to ensure it meets downstream requirements (e.g., formatting for dialing).
Conclusion
Text values can be accepted for ingestion into a Phone data type field, as phone numbers are stored as strings and formatting validation occurs later in the process.
