Integration Nuances
Understand platform-specific behaviors, limitations, and best practices for the DonorPerfect integration.
DonorPerfect Integration Nuances
Understanding the specific behaviors and limitations of the DonorPerfect integration will help you optimize your setup and avoid common issues. This guide covers platform-specific considerations and best practices.
Platform-Specific Behaviors
DonorPerfect API Characteristics
Data Format Requirements
Date Formatting
Critical: DonorPerfect requires dates in MM/DD/YYYY format. Other formats will cause sync failures.
| Data Type | WeGive Format | DonorPerfect Format | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transaction Date | ISO 8601 | MM/DD/YYYY | Automatic conversion |
| Donor Birth Date | YYYY-MM-DD | MM/DD/YYYY | Optional field |
| Pledge Start Date | Timestamp | MM/DD/YYYY | Required for pledges |
Currency Handling
Text Field Limitations
| Field Type | Character Limit | Handling |
|---|---|---|
| Gift Narrative | 255 characters | Automatic truncation |
| Donor Notes | 8,000 characters | Full text support |
| Address Lines | 50 characters each | Line splitting for long addresses |
Synchronization Behaviors
Incremental Sync Logic
Duplicate Handling
Duplicate Prevention: The integration prevents duplicates by checking existing DonorPerfect IDs, but initial setup requires clean data to avoid issues.
Duplicate Detection Methods:
- Email address matching for donors
- DonorPerfect ID tracking for existing records
- Transaction ID correlation for gifts
- Manual review recommended for initial sync
Field Mapping Limitations
Hardcoded Values
Some values are hardcoded due to DonorPerfect requirements:
| Field | WeGive Value | DonorPerfect Value | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Country | Various | ”US” | System limitation |
| Record Type | N/A | ”G” (Gift) | Required classification |
| Frequency | Various | ”M” (Monthly) | Simplified mapping |
| User ID | System | ”WeGive” | Integration tracking |
Missing Field Support
Performance Considerations
Large Database Handling
Memory and Processing
- Batch Processing: Large datasets processed in manageable chunks
- Memory Management: Automatic cleanup prevents memory issues
- Error Recovery: Failed batches retry automatically
- Progress Tracking: Real-time status updates in dashboard
Best Practices
Data Preparation
Clean Existing Data
Remove duplicate donors and standardize formats before integration
Validate Email Addresses
Ensure all donors have valid, unique email addresses
Organize Fund Structure
Set up clear GL code organization in DonorPerfect
Test with Sample Data
Use a subset of data for initial testing and validation
Ongoing Management
Regular Monitoring
Check sync status weekly and address any errors promptly
Data Quality Maintenance
Maintain clean data in both systems to prevent sync issues
Performance Optimization
Monitor sync times and adjust batch sizes if needed
Error Resolution
Address sync errors quickly to maintain data consistency
Common Limitations
Technical Limitations
These limitations are inherent to the DonorPerfect API and cannot be modified:
- XML Format: All data must be XML-compatible
- Date Format: Strict MM/DD/YYYY requirement
- Field Length: Character limits vary by field type
- Query Complexity: Some complex queries not supported
Business Logic Limitations
- Single Currency: Primary support for USD transactions
- Simplified Recurring: Monthly frequency assumption
- Anonymous Handling: Limited anonymous gift customization
- Tribute Information: Basic tribute/memorial support only
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sync Failures
Next Steps
Data Mapping Reference
Detailed field mapping documentation
Get Support
Contact our team for integration assistance
Understanding these nuances will help you successfully implement and maintain your DonorPerfect integration. For additional support or questions about specific behaviors, contact our support team at [email protected].