Journey to Unified View: Understanding Database View vs Web View

Understanding differences between Raiser's Edge 7 (database view) and Raiser's Edge NXT (web view) will help you maintain your data management accuracy during merges. The information below consolidates:

Terminology differences

As you work in the two areas, some features are named differently. The table below shows some differences at a glance, but you can learn more about each item in Database-to-Web View Translations.

Database View Term Web View Term Description Key Differences
Addressee/Salutation Name formats Defines how names appear in communications Managed under constituent settings; applies dynamically to lists and emails.
Annotations Alerts Notes or warnings tied to records Alerts display prominently and can trigger workflows.
Assigned Solicitors Fundraisers Individuals responsible for solicitations Web view uses portfolios with assignment tools and dashboards.
Attributes Custom fields User-defined fields for additional data Custom fields in web view support dynamic filtering in Lists and reporting.
Cash Gifts One-time gifts Single donations Web view integrates online donation forms and automated gift entry.
Pay cash Pledge payments Payments toward a pledge Web view tracks pledge schedules and alerts for overdue payments.
Media Attachments Files linked to records Attachments in web view can include documents uploaded via browser or mobile.
Tribute Honor/Memorial Gifts made in honor or memory Web view supports tribute notifications and online acknowledgment options.
Maiden name Former name Previous last name Web view displays former names in constituent profiles for clarity.
Nickname Preferred Informal or chosen name Preferred names appear in lists and communications automatically.
Proposal Opportunity Fundraising proposal Opportunities in web view include pipeline stages and status tracking.
Prospect Prospect Management Constituent tracked for major giving Web view adds dashboards and analytics for prospect tracking.
Solicit codes Communication preferences Preferences for outreach Web view allows granular opt-in/out settings and integrates with email tools.

Web view-only fields

Fields exclusive to web view for planning merges:

Constituent Fields

  • Solicit Code Dates

  • Solicit Code Comments

  • Prospect Status History

  • Prospect status days in stage

Opportunity Fields

  • Opportunity Status History

  • Opportunities days in stage

Other

  • Email History

  • Participant Options

  • BBMS ID number

  • Gift/Action attachments

  • Attachments added via web view

  • RSVP status for participants

  • JustGiving/Peer-to-Peer fields

Functional Differences

Web view introduces enhanced features:

  • Lists and dynamic filtering

  • JustGiving/Peer-to-Peer integration

  • Power Automate workflows

  • Donation forms and Gift Aid processing

  • API integrations and automated recurring gifts

  • Portfolio management and Power BI tiles

Merge Considerations

Key steps when merging databases:

  1. Align Campaigns, Funds, Appeals, Events.

  2. Add Source System attributes for traceability.

  3. Resolve duplicates before and after merge.

  4. Recreate reports and workflows in target system.

Web view-only fields may not transfer automatically. Export them first.