Adobe Marketo Engage Update: Key Changes in Munchkin Version 164
In the latest updates for Adobe Marketo Engage, Munchkin version 164 introduces two distinct changes designed to improve data quality and integration reliability. Beginning its rollout on September 17, 2024, for instances with the "Munchkin Beta" setting enabled, this version will reach all Marketo Engage instances on October 29, 2024. Here’s a breakdown of these updates, why they matter, and what they mean for marketers.
1. Updated Cookie Creation Process
In Munchkin v.164, Adobe Marketo Engage has refined the way it creates cookies to enhance data consistency. This adjustment in cookie creation is intended to ensure a smoother, more reliable tracking experience across all Marketo Engage instances. However, it’s important to note that this change does not impact the overall functionality of cookies for tracking.
Marketers won’t notice a difference in the way Munchkin records activity, but this update will improve the reliability of cookie-based tracking, reducing the likelihood of inconsistencies in how user data is captured. For teams managing extensive campaigns across multiple channels, this update helps ensure that tracking data remains robust and accurate.
2. Removal of Non-URL Encoded Control Characters
Another significant change in Munchkin v.164 involves the automatic removal of non-URL encoded control characters from all URL fields in "Visits Web Page" and "Clicks Link" activities. This enhancement specifically targets the URL parameters in Munchkin JavaScript tracking, removing characters that might otherwise cause compatibility issues when integrated with third-party systems.
Why Remove Control Characters?
Control characters—special characters used in ASCII that are not designed to be displayed—can occasionally appear in URLs, especially in complex or dynamically generated ones. While harmless within Marketo itself, these characters can cause problems when URL data is passed to systems that don’t support or expect them, leading to potential data processing errors. By removing these characters, Munchkin v.164 ensures that only valid URL characters are propagated, reducing the risk of downstream data rejection or compatibility issues in analytics platforms, CRM systems, or other third-party integrations.
What These Changes Mean for Marketo Engage Users
For end-users, Munchkin v.164’s updates represent a behind-the-scenes improvement focused on data hygiene and cross-system compatibility. By ensuring that cookies are created more consistently and URLs remain error-free, Marketo Engage helps streamline data collection and enhance data quality, ultimately helping marketers build more reliable insights.
In summary, these two changes in Munchkin v.164 reflect Adobe’s commitment to enhancing the precision and usability of its tracking tools in Marketo Engage. While subtle, these updates are impactful for marketing teams looking to maintain clean data flows across their integrated platforms, reducing the need for manual data troubleshooting and allowing for a more seamless marketing automation experience.
Happy Marketo’ing! 💜