Salesforce CRM Data Integration

Posted by Michelle Brewste
1
Nov 27, 2015
481 Views
The data integration process must begin with the creation of a strategic fundamental plan that addresses core questions and issues including the financial cost and operational challenges of the integration process.  

Just as success of Salesforce CRM deployment depends on management sponsorship and user adoption, integration and alignment too require commitment from a motivated team. The strategic framework will help ensure there is complete clarity about why integration is so important and how alignment will ultimately benefit the organization.  

2. Formalize Data Standardization Protocols
 
Databases stored in legacy applications will require effective standardization of databases for functional and hassle-free integration with Salesforce. The requisite custom objects, fields, and tables must be created and deployed to ensure alignment takes place in an effective and holistic manner.  
Organizations can either use the legacy data as the benchmark and come up with modified schemas or can create new standards from scratch that can be implemented throughout the organization. Once the schemas are prepared, the next step is to update and clean the data.      
 
3. Determine Data Parameters  

How to integrate data from multiple sources? What source and target fields should be accorded top priority? Will multiple platforms exchange data on a real-time basis in the future? Or, will the legacy solution be converted into a backup where updated data from the Salesforce platform is synched at periodic intervals? Apart from determining the answers to these questions, the determined data parameters must be made visible to all stakeholders involved in the integration and alignment process.  

4. Clean and Update the Data 

In the digital age, a firm that utilizes its data better is likely to enjoy sustainable success. However, relying on obsolete or inaccurate data is a shortcut for disaster. Integration and alignment should never proceed without ensuring the data being integrated is up to data and free of errors. The process of SFDC integration with other applications presents a wonderful opportunity for organizations to get rid of issues and problems in their data before it results in significant damage. 
 
5. Keep it Simple and Sustainable  

The biggest challenge is that the data that is being constantly modified or updated must be shared in a systematic and sustainable manner. It is a misconception that huge volumes of data cannot be integrated or aligned in a simple manner. Constant innovation and smart utilization of features like External IDs can help firms avoid creating complicated and unwieldy options for Salesforce integration with multiple platforms.
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