What is a DataRaptor?

Quick answer

A DataRaptor is a declarative data extraction, transformation, and loading tool in Salesforce OmniStudio (formerly Vlocity) used to map between JSON/XML payloads and Salesforce (or external) data — without writing Apex. DataRaptors are optimized for use inside OmniScripts and Integration Procedures to read, transform, and persist data quickly and reliably.

Why DataRaptors matter (SEO keywords: DataRaptor, OmniStudio, Salesforce DataRaptor)

For Salesforce architects and developers working with OmniStudio, DataRaptors provide a low-code way to handle common integration and mapping tasks. They reduce the need for custom code, speed up development, and make mappings easier to maintain. Use cases include pre-populating OmniScripts, transforming external API responses, and creating/updating Salesforce records from UI-driven flows.

Core DataRaptor types

There are four main DataRaptor types you will encounter:

• Extract — Reads data from Salesforce objects (SOQL-like but declarative) and returns JSON to the caller.
• Load — Creates or updates Salesforce records based on incoming JSON payloads.
• Transform — Performs pure JSON-to-JSON transformations (mapping fields, calculating values) without touching the database.
• Turbo Extract — A high-performance read-only extractor optimized for fast response times; useful when you need low-latency reads inside OmniScripts or Integration Procedures.

How DataRaptors are used

DataRaptors are typically invoked from OmniScripts, Integration Procedures, or from custom code via Vlocity APIs. Common patterns:

• Use an Extract to fetch records and prefill OmniScript data elements.
• Use a Transform to reshape an external payload (e.g., convert API response to the frontend model).
• Use a Load at the end of a flow to persist user input into Salesforce.
• Combine Turbo Extracts inside Integration Procedures for fast, multi-source reads.

Sample mapping (simplified)

Below is a small example showing an incoming OmniScript JSON, a DataRaptor Transform mapping, and the output JSON used for a Load.

// Incoming OmniScript JSON
{
  "contactInput": {
    "firstName": "Jane",
    "lastName": "Doe",
    "email": "[email protected]",
    "billingAddress": {
      "street": "123 Main St",
      "city": "Austin",
      "state": "TX"
    }
  }
}

// DataRaptor Transform mapping (declarative in UI; shown here as conceptual mapping)
// Map contactInput.firstName -> Contact.FirstName
// Map contactInput.lastName  -> Contact.LastName
// Map contactInput.email     -> Contact.Email
// Map contactInput.billingAddress.street -> Account.BillingStreet

// Output JSON for DataRaptor Load
{
  "Contact": {
    "FirstName": "Jane",
    "LastName": "Doe",
    "Email": "[email protected]"
  },
  "Account": {
    "BillingStreet": "123 Main St",
    "BillingCity": "Austin",
    "BillingState": "TX"
  }
}

Best practices and tips

• Prefer Transform for purely structural changes to avoid unnecessary DB calls.
• Use Turbo Extract for read-heavy, low-latency needs inside OmniScripts.
• Minimize nested loops in mappings — they can impact performance and complexity.
• Leverage pre-validation in OmniScript or Integration Procedure before calling a Load to reduce partial failures.
• Use DataRaptor testing and debug logs; enable trace for troubleshooting mapping issues.
• Document mapping assumptions and key field selectors; this helps during maintenance and upgrades.

Common interview questions about DataRaptors

Expect follow-ups like:

• When would you use a Transform vs. an Extract?
• How do you handle upserts and external IDs in a DataRaptor Load?
• What are performance considerations for Turbo Extracts?
• How do DataRaptors compare to Apex or middleware solutions?

Conclusion

DataRaptors are a cornerstone of OmniStudio integrations — they enable declarative mapping between JSON and Salesforce data models, reduce code, and speed up delivery. Understanding the differences between Extract, Load, Transform, and Turbo Extract — and when to use each — is essential for any Salesforce developer or architect working with OmniStudio.