Automatic Backup of Data Extensions for Data Overwrite Investigation

This article explains how to automate the backup of Data Extensions using Automation Studio in Marketing Cloud Engagement. To prepare for root cause analysis when data is overwritten, you will configure Data Extract and File Transfer activities to store backup files on the SFTP server.

Considerations

Please verify the following constraints and impacts before implementing this procedure.

• Resource Impact: This backup process consumes system resources. If the issue has low reproducibility, the resource load may outweigh the benefits. It is recommended to implement this only if the issue has a certain level of reproducibility.

• Processing Time and Scheduling: Large data volumes may require significant time for Data Extract and File Transfer, potentially affecting subsequent processes. Create a schedule with ample buffer time, considering future data growth. 

Instructions

1. Create a Data Extract Activity

1. Log in to Marketing Cloud Engagement and click Audience Builder > Contact Builder.

2. Click the target Data Extension on the Data Extensions tab.

3. Copy the External Key value.

4. Click Journey Builder > Automation Studio.

5. Select the Activities tab and click Create Activity.

6. Select Data Extract and click Next.

7. Configure the properties as follows and click Next:

   • Name: Any name

   • File Naming Pattern: DataExtensionName_%%Year%%%%Month%%%%Day%%.csv

   • (Example: DEbackup_%%Year%%%%Month%%%%Day%%.csv)

   • Extract Type: Data Extension Extract

8. On the Extract Configuration screen, enter the External Key copied in step 3 into the DECustomer Key field, then click Next > Finish.

2. Create a File Transfer Activity

1. On the Activities tab in Automation Studio, click Create Activity.

2. Select File Transfer and click Next.

3. Configure the properties as follows and click Next:

   • Name: Any name

   • File Action: Move a File From SafeHouse

4. On the Configuration screen, configure the following and click Next:

   • File Naming Pattern: Enter the same file naming pattern used in the Data Extract Activity.

   • Destination: ExactTarget Enhanced FTP

5. Click Finish.

3. Configure the Automation

Add the backup activities to the automation (such as Import or Query activities) that populates the target Data Extension.

1. Click the target automation from the Overview tab in Automation Studio.

2. Click Pause > Pause on the Workflow tab.

   • Note: Running automations must be paused before editing.

3. Drag and drop Data Extract and File Transfer from the activity list on the left to the steps immediately following the activity that updates the target Data Extension.

   • Note: Ensure that the Data Extract and File Transfer activities are placed in separate steps (do not place them in the same step).

4. Click Choose on the placed Data Extract and File Transfer activities to select the activities you created.

5. Click Save > Active > Activate in the upper right corner.