If you’ve spent any time in OmniStudio, you’ve probably wondered when to reach for a DataRaptor Turbo Extract instead of the standard Extract. It’s one of those choices that seems small at first, but it can actually make or break the performance of your FlexCards or OmniScripts. I’ve seen plenty of teams struggle with slow page loads simply because they used the wrong tool for a basic data pull.
Why DataRaptor Turbo Extract is usually the better choice
Here’s the thing: speed is everything in a modern UI. DataRaptor Turbo Extract is built specifically to be fast. It skips all the heavy lifting that the classic Extract does, like complex mapping and formulas. It basically goes straight to the Salesforce database, grabs the fields you asked for, and hands them back in a flat JSON structure. It’s lean, mean, and incredibly efficient.
In my experience, if you’re just trying to populate a simple list of records, Turbo is the way to go. It uses fewer server resources and has lower latency. When you’re managing large data volumes, those milliseconds add up quickly. If you can use Turbo, you should.
Comparing DataRaptor Turbo Extract and the Classic Extract
So, what’s the catch? Well, the “Turbo” speed comes at a cost of flexibility. Let’s break down the main differences so you know which one to pick for your next task. Think of it like this: Turbo is a motorcycle – fast but can’t carry much. Classic Extract is a moving truck – it takes longer to get there, but it can carry your whole house and rearrange the furniture on the way.
- Mapping: Turbo gives you the data exactly as it looks in Salesforce. Classic lets you rename fields, nest them, and create a custom JSON structure.
- Formulas: If you need to do math or string manipulation inside the DataRaptor, you need the classic version. Turbo doesn’t support complex formulas.
- Relationships: Turbo is great for a single object and its immediate parents. But if you need to pull from multiple unrelated objects or do complex joins, you’ll hit a wall.
- Performance: Turbo wins every single time. It’s optimized for high-traffic scenarios where you just need raw data quickly.
Pro Tip: I always start with a Turbo Extract first. If I realize I need to transform the data or add a formula later, I can always switch to a classic Extract. It’s much harder to go the other direction once you’ve built out a complex mapping.
When to stick with the Classic Extract
Now, don’t get me wrong – the classic DataRaptor Extract isn’t obsolete. You’ll need it whenever you have to shape the output for a specific integration or a complex UI component. If your JSON needs to be deeply nested or if you’re using Data Masks to hide sensitive info, Turbo won’t help you there. Also, if you’re following strict OmniScript naming conventions and need your output paths to match a specific schema, the mapping tab in the classic version is your best friend.
Limitations of the Turbo Method
One thing that trips people up is the relationship limit. While DataRaptor Turbo Extract can pull from related objects (like getting the Account Name from a Contact record), it isn’t designed for deep traversals. If you find yourself trying to pull data from four or five levels away, you’re going to run into issues. At that point, you’re better off using a classic Extract or even an Integration Procedure to stitch the data together.
Key Takeaways
- Use DataRaptor Turbo Extract for 90% of your simple read operations to keep performance high.
- Choose the classic Extract only when you need formulas, complex JSON nesting, or data masking.
- Turbo returns a flatter JSON structure, which is usually easier for FlexCards to handle anyway.
- Always benchmark your load times – if a page feels sluggish, check your DataRaptors first.
At the end of the day, it’s about using the right tool for the job. Don’t over-engineer your data layer if you don’t have to. Keep it simple, keep it fast, and your users will thank you. If you’re just getting started with these tools, try building the same simple query in both versions and look at the response time in the OmniStudio debugger. You’ll see the difference immediately.