Hello there!

I would like to request the option to include Salesforce data as actual values rather than as formula fields, by choice.

Currently, Fivetran does not allow the export of formula fields.

The only option currently available to us through dbt is to use the Fivetran formula fields macro. While it is a viable option, it introduces some additional challenges:

1. Some formulas cannot be translated into SQL, resulting in "NULL" appearing in the formula_view
2. Some formulas include conditions for values in other objects, and these also seem not to be translatable into SQL
3. The query string embedded in MODEL automatically filters out fivetran-deleted values, and there are scenarios where we need to retain them
4. The query string located in the column (MODEL) that dbt reads is not fixed; it sometimes changes and excludes columns that should be included. This inconsistency leads to errors downstream from time to time (see picture below)

Based on the problems mentioned above, we have following options to solve them:

1. Write our own macro to replace the one currently used by the dbt package
2. Build a custom pipeline that imports the actual values for calculated fields
3. Allow for the hard-copying of values at our own risk

Writing Our Own Macro is problematic due to the need for ongoing maintenance and the inability to influence the model's query string, which leads to losing fivetran_deleted values.

Building a Custom Pipeline requires significant effort and maintenance, making it inconvenient as it forces the use of two systems for one data source import

Therefore, the preferred solution is:

Importing Hard-Copied Values from Formula Fields, which offers a straightforward approach to include calculated values directly, avoiding the complexities and limitations of the other options. This method would simplify data management by ensuring that essential data is accurately imported without the need for complex workarounds.

If the direct import of hard-copied values from formula fields isn't feasible, it would be beneficial to consider the following options regarding the macro and the fivetran_formula_model table:

1. Enable the option to retain fivetran_deleted values
2. Ensure all columns present in our raw tables exported from Salesforce are always retained

Thanks a lot and best regards,

Emre!