Best Practices When Integrating Apps with Salesforce
Third-party applications are an important component of a company's IT infrastructure. Nowadays, there is an app for almost everything. Furthermore, there are likely a couple of similar product providers competing for market supremacy.
Finding Salesforce solutions for integration with third-party apps isn't the main difficulty for firms; instead, it's about developing the best ecosystem to achieve their CRM objectives.
Before we move on to the best practices for SalesForce integration with third-party apps, let's first understand the challenges during integrations:
1. Software providers change the APIs owing to the inclusion of new functionality or changes in business rules. However, regardless of the rationale for these changes, if API calls are no longer acceptable, the infrastructure ceases to function effectively, and end-users no longer reap the full benefits of integration.
2. Another prevalent issue is the gap between technological foundations. If the technologies are not matched with the user's platform, the integration process necessitates particularly sensitive architecture changes.
Third-party software vendors may have their own commercial needs and aren't necessarily concerned with programs or plug-ins that meet your requirements. As a result, it is significantly more common in some circumstances. It's a good idea to look out for alternative apps with better integration prospects.
3. Furthermore, there are various API security problems that frequently prohibit enterprises from implementing acceptable third-party solutions. This is especially true for large firms, yet depending on the sort of business, SMBs may face a similar problem. Simply put, the in-built API security may not be compliant with corporate data privacy regulations, meaning that a corporation must find an alternative.
4. Every integration case is unique due to the unique infrastructure of an organization's IT environment. Because of differences in connecting points and business requirements, each scenario will necessitate a completely unique plan and approach.
Types of Integrations with Salesforce
Organizations of any size and across numerous business categories connect their CRM to external systems at process and data levels. These can be divided into three major forms of Salesforce integration :
- Data Integration
When you need to sync data from two or more systems, data integration is the solution. As a result, any integrated extension will share real-time data.
- Integration of Business Logic
This form of integration enables the creation of effective all-around business solutions that combine a variety of back-end systems and apps.
- Integration of the User Interface
If you want to provide a customized experience for all users, you should think about user interface integration. Salesforce provides the tools required to accomplish the goals even if the user uses multiple applications in different languages.
However, Salesforce integration is not as simple as it seems to be. It can be difficult to find the ideal Salesforce integration to get every department on board with this plan.
Best Practices for Salesforce Integration
When Salesforce integration with third-party solutions is done correctly, you won't even notice that you're utilizing a separate application. Everything should feel and function as though two applications were combined into one. The seamless user experience is what ultimately drives the popularity of Salesforce.
However, it is very hard to predict which form of system would best connect with your team and how effective it will be.
Given below are a few important points to consider when locating the finest available integration solution and achieving your business objectives.
Concentrate on Your Primary Business Requirements
People frequently express a desire for a new tool. People will sometimes push an application for no clear commercial purpose. Any significant integration with a third-party system is a complex task that must address difficulties and meet business needs.
Certain Salesforce data integration best practices must be followed to maintain the security and integrity of your organization. Before you begin the selection and research process, you should list the key defects and pain points in your business model. Only then should you begin looking for a product that can handle it.
Involve an Expert Team
Changes in data format and, in general, integrations can have a substantial impact on your day-to-day operation. As a result, even introducing a new tool can knock your team off-kilter. That is why you must get on board an expert team prior to finalizing an integration.
Changes to the infrastructure must be communicated to all concerned departments. And it is critical that you listen to their opinions when it comes to selecting applications because they will be the ones working with it, and having their view will eventually help you make a better decision.
However, you must designate a single decision-maker with the most extensive competence to take the final decision.
Scrutinize and Analyze Your Competition
It’s always a good idea to know what technologies your competitors are utilizing. If it works for them, it might very well work for you. But don’t just assume it to be true because you might be missing some crucial in-depth aspect of their infrastructure.
Maybe a specific application works best for your competition because they use it in tandem with other systems, or perhaps because they chose very particular connection points, or it may be that they invested in high customization of their core CRM platform to work with specific apps.
Ensure Data Security
Data security is the paramount need of businesses that have transformed digitally. Any third-party app should be scrutinized and researched beforehand so that the enterprise data is safe from any unauthorized access.
Attention to Detail
After you've decided on a product, it's time to get into the details. Many businesses are dissatisfied with their integration, but since they signed a long-term contract, there is no way out. Legal concerns can lead to a slew of complications in the future, so make sure the product is right for you and that there are no unexpected repercussions.
Hiring an expert Marktech company to run, manage and maintain your SalesForce operations can save you from investing in an undercooked application that now has a long-term contract with your enterprise.
In the end, we can say that regardless of what you want to achieve with integration, you should get it done correctly. Failure to plan for future solutions may wind up costing you more. With technology evolving at the quickest rate ever, now is the moment for organizations to invest in a long-term infrastructure that can scale and react to changes.
Want to learn more about Salesforce integrations and authorize one for your brand? Let’s talk.
Our experts bring decades of collective experience to the table when finding the right solutions for your business. Email us at info@growthnatives.com today or visit our website to learn more about how we can help you implement the best Salesforce integrations for your business.
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