Understanding the Business Value of Salesforce Integration Services

Table of Contents

A3Logics 20 Jun 2023

Table of Contents

 

It’s a well-known fact that businesses everywhere are on a journey to digitize for productivity, efficiency, and sustainable growth. Whether it’s in finance and customer services or logistics and recruitment, every single industry worldwide needs the best business tools. Basically this explains why countless businesses have turned to Salesforce for their operations, customer relationship management (CRM), and sales systems. For over 20 years, Salesforce has been a giant amongst competing heritage software companies and start-ups. Unquestionably this software-as-a-service (SaaS) sets the standard for business software in terms of innovation and reliability. With this in mind, we need only look to the scope, adaptability, scalability, and universality of Salesforce integration services for SaaS efficacy.

 

Even so, failure to plan is planning to fail and this justifies investing in Salesforce integration services.

 

When businesses opt for these specialist software services they are properly planning their Salesforce platform integration with other business software. In detail, this includes integration of third-party applications and systems. Undeniably the options for Salesforce integration and retaining effective systems is a major value-add of the CRM.

 

Therefore in this A3logics blog article we’ll cover everything businesses should know abut Salesforce integration services including:

 

  • What is involved in Salesforce integration services
  • How to book specialists to bring every stakeholder in for success
  • All aspects of Salesforce integration that make it a worthwhile business tactic
  • Do’s and don’t’s of business value benefits and strategically managing Salesforce integration

Now let’s get started with this guide for businesses considering Salesforce integration services.

 

What exactly are Salesforce integration services

At this time, Salesforce integrations services are offered globally from software and development companies. During Salesforce integration services, businesses might expect to work with development specialists and consultants with high-level knowledge and experience. In particular, some of these companies are Salesforce Technical Architects and Consultants with certifications in the Salesforce Partner Ecosystem. Specifically, this means that they are qualified and established providers of Salesforce Technical Architecture and Consulting. When businesses invest with these Salesforce integration services providers they receive benefits that expand how their software is configured. Presently the Salesforce Partner Ecosystem gives specific developers capability to integrate additional features, services, and products to the Salesforce SaaS. Subsequently the expertise, experience, and technical reach of a Salesforce development company overseeing integration is of a very high level.

Understanding the range of Salesforce integration services available to businesses

 

  • Third-party applications and systems

 

This service area involves developers reviewing the third-party products in use and planning Salesforce implementation so all products interconnect. In brief software developers can manage the process for common products such as Google G Suite and Microsoft Office 365.

 

  • API integrations

 

Generally this includes setting up Salesforce API integration to create a technical ecosystem where applications, devices, and software seamlessly connect. What’s more this Salesforce Application Programming Interface (API) simplifies how all these components talk to one another. Concurrently, developers can also use this to integrate Salesforce functionality into these other products. Overall this leads to maximizing all Salesforce features and capabilities so businesses derive more value and can transform their operations.

 

  • Data integration and migration

 

Every business benefits from data-centric services. When Salesforce integration developers prepare data integration and migration they support the transition of files and systems to minimize disruption. Accordingly this protects data integrity without complicating any procedural frameworks. At the same time, development teams will ensure that any data permanently migrated is securely set up while connecting databases. Thereupon businesses’ data is unified and highly accessible.

 

  •  Single sign-on (SSO) integrations

 

When businesses need these SSO integrations this allows them to keep existing identity providers for secure third-party identity providers. Not only does this enable users to flow into Salesforce from a different provider but also it facilitates predefined authentication. For example, businesses can use Salesforce as the primary identity provider or Salesforce can be the back-end service provider. Altogether this means businesses maintain secure authentication    with a wide range of integration options for reliable authentication of credentials.

 

  • Pre-built or custom connector development

 

Configuring and deploying Salesforce with simple data syncing is possible using this leading type of Salesforce integration services. When businesses opt for Salesforce Connectors during development they can sync data into their systems using either pre-built or customer connectors. During development businesses may need developers to integrate data from both Salesforce and third-party systems. At this point, integration expertise helps establish what type of connector is needed then execute according to relevant Salesforce components.

In summary these services equip businesses with Salesforce software that’s comprehensively connected and integrated. Consequently, this end-to-end offering helps businesses get the most out of Salesforce and risk manages software set-up.

 

Are Salesforce integration services a good business investment

 

Following on from this overview of Salesforce integration services, the next question many businesses ask is if it’s worth it. To emphasize, Focus on Force thought leader Martin Gessner explains that businesses choosing this product are prioritizing “the Salesforce Confidence”. Furthermore Gessner attests that, “Thousands of businesses worldwide have used it, and most have seen their sales figures rise, and their lead generation efforts have been boosted.”

 

Nevertheless, beyond Salesforce the platform, how does configuration and development make a difference to product outcomes?

 

By and large, hiring specialist development teams for high-level products like Salesforce is statistically worth it. On the one hand, investing in the product is the first step and this is understandably a big budgetary outlay. On the other hand, paying for the product doesn’t guarantee its efficacy simply because it’s not custom configured.

 

Therefore, it’s important to note that when businesses invest in Salesforce development services  including integration they gain these contributions:

 

  • Customization and business-specific configurations
  • Market insights and transferrable experience
  • Expert integration of Salesforce modules and third-party integration
  • User-experience (UX) and user-interface (UI) design for better user outcomes
  • Development and deployment according to business needs
  • Agile and efficient timeline to deployment and business use
  • Strategic configuration choices that incorporate business goals for scaling

 

What do Salesforce integration services help businesses achieve?

 

  • Value add of existing tools

 

Ensures that businesses preserve the systems, products, and data assets that are worthwhile for operations and offerings. Simultaneously helps eliminate deadweight that hinders progress and profits. To clarify, when businesses have this input then they can make informed decisions from external, impartial Salesforce consultants.

 

  • Smoothing out macro operations of using new software

 

Supports businesses to be up and running more quickly without the hiccups that can undermine new tools.

 

  • Expert insights and transferrable knowledge

 

With the Salesforce consultants and developers helping they can approach using the platform from a more educated place.

 

  • Training and staff support

 

Salesforce developers and consultants delivering integration services will guide all stages of development. Accordingly, this includes training and staff support so key stakeholders are continually engaged so they can success in their roles.

 

  •  Ensures high-level systems mesh productively

 

In addition to the training, integration services deliver project management of organization-wide systems. In the long run, this minimizes risks to losing high-value systems while connecting new tools effectively and efficiently.

 

  • Reduces loss of productivity

 

Following on from productive tool ecosystems is how integration services help sustain productivity. Whether it’s for individual workers, teams, or the entire organization, developers and consultants support businesses to focus on their people. While it’s sometimes disruptive to have new systems, this is part of harm minimization in the form of sustaining output.

 

  • Maintains security infrastructure

Lastly, with Salesforce experts involved there is less chance of any disruption or damage to security systems. At present, there is an exponential global cybersecurity threat and every organization needs to maintain security at all times.

 

Are Salesforce integration services better than in-house configuration and integration

 

Since we touched on how businesses derive value from Salesforce integration services, let’s now look at in-house configuration. Moreover, we’ll review the comparison of in-house configuration and integration versus outsourcing Salesforce integration development and services. While there is no definitive answer on if one is better than the other, we will note that experience matters. Specifically there are a significant number of moving parts for businesses implementing Salesforce that have complex or extensive integration needs.

On the one hand, we have in-house Salesforce configuration and integration

 

• Internal management of all aspects of development
• Thorough understanding of all needs without third-party input
• Lower cost outlay due to using internal resources
• Project management at pace with internal capacity
• Utilization of internal IT team’s skills and knowledge
• Protects brand integrity and minimizes any risks of needs misunderstanding

 

On the other hand, we have businesses opting for outsourcing Salesforce integration services

  • Extensive consultation and needs assessment through collaboration with clients
  • Appraisal and project management from knowledgable consultants, developers, and technical architects
  • External costs outlay for services
  • Established and proven development and integration experience
  • Salesforce Partner Ecosystem expertise and insights
  • Comprehensive integration management for all application, data, and third-party software
  • Maintenance and support
  • Scaling management and updates

Conclusively there is no definite answer about whether these two Salesforce integration options are better — in-house or professional services. Overall it is up to individual businesses and how they appraise their needs. Most compelling evidence suggests that expert configuration, deployment, and integration helps businesses focus on their own operations. Despite this, it’s understandable that some businesses may still opt to manage some or all parts of this in-house.

 

Maximize your investments and Grow your Business with Our Salesforce Integration Services

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What to expect when investing in the development process of Salesforce integration services

 

Now that we have covered the business considerations of Salesforce integration services we can delve into the development process. On the whole, a main investment return of working with Salesforce software professionals is wide-reaching, end-to-end processes. Not only do these processes incorporate hands-on, highly methodical development but also this covers post-deployment maintenance and scaling. To this end, businesses can benefit from the powerful platform features, extensive third-party configurations and integrations, and improved operations.

 

Five components of the Salesforce development process when businesses opt for Salesforce integration services

 

  • Consultation

 

Firstly, businesses begin any development process with a professional software development and consultancy company with preliminary consultation. Afterwards, if they proceed with Salesforce development and integration services they will have more detailed consultation to plan their needs. With this intention to consult and evaluate needs, businesses and development teams collaborate effectively to plan the Salesforce development process.

 

  •  Development process

Secondly, the technical phases of the development process leading to deployment consist of:

  1. Research and ideation — Including the target market, competitors, and wider Salesforce ecosystem to comprehensively devise the best, most robust platform.
  2. Prototype development and beta testing — Engineering this initial version will help refine the final platform and can be tested with target users.
  3. Revisions and finalizing platform — Following testing, the platform will be continually refined until it’s ready for use.
  4. Preparations for deployment and integration — Once the platform is ready for deployment and integration, the developers will coordinate all relevant components and technical parts. While this is being undertaken, developers and businesses can prepare team training and any marketing strategies.

 

  •  Deployment and Integration

Thirdly, the deployment and integration step of development involves getting businesses and the market ready for use. Whether it’s training staff, organizing systems and databases for integration, or setting up a Salesforce application for the AppExchange, developers are hands-on.

 

  • Maintenance

Fourthly, after the platform is deployed and integration is complete, then the developers will oversee maintenance. Altogether this incorporates monitoring the platform’s functionality as well as resolving any issues that arise or are reported. Due to Salesforce being a frontline business tool, the maintenance support is extremely beneficial for businesses, especially those seeking growth.

 

  • Scaling

 

Lastly, the development process will allow businesses to scale their Salesforce platform over time. As a matter of fact, this is one of the most desirable features of Salesforce. Because businesses can keep scaling their platform with both new platform features or as operations expand, it’s an evergreen investment. Accordingly, software developers can help with integration of new features or modules.

 

How do businesses measurably target business value using Salesforce integration services

 

Once businesses begin considering Salesforce integration services, it’s worth knowing that there is business value before, during, and after deployment. All things considered, in this era choosing business tools is a multi-dimensional decision wherein value is a living thing.

 

In essence, businesses looking to invest in a quality SaaS like Salesforce need to evaluate their decision in terms of:

  • Improving business operations
  • Achieving sustained strategic growth, goals, and operational objectives
  • Upholding the brand and unique value proposition (UVP)
  • Making the most cost-effective decision for short-term and long-term aims and needs
  • Diversifying the value of all business assets to strengthen the entire organization
  • Investing in tools that are cutting-edge and that stand the test of time

 

Significantly these points tie in to how businesses understand and weigh up the dynamic value of their chosen SaaS. Thus when we discuss Salesforce integration services it’s crucial for businesses to have a clear outlook and understanding of value.

 

Therefore in this section, we’ll unpack the range of business areas whose value increases using Salesforce integration services

 

  • Cost benefits

 

In the first place, all businesses want and need to have cost benefits from any decision they make. Despite the financial investment of the Salesforce SaaS, all businesses can see positive cost benefits once they use the software. Whether it’s sales conversions or customer retention combined with improved staff productivity and team collaboration, cost benefits are wide-reaching. Without doubt, there is an investment in the platform and this is before businesses book Salesforce development and integration services. Even so, the outcomes of this investment are dynamic and measurable. For example, configuring a custom platform that entirely targets business needs and integrates with existing systems for effective workflows matters. Equally, the deeper value lies in more effective use of current software and applications through integration that ties in Salesforce. Overall the outcome of cost benefits is arguably untapped and businesses can discuss this with their development company.

 

  • Individual and team workflow

 

Whereas efficiency is a well-understood part of business, workflow is more dynamic again as it feeds into numerous areas. Both productivity and detail-oriented output depend on workflow along with efficiency and effectiveness. Hence businesses focusing on how their individual staff and teams can be undertaking their work responsibilities is highly beneficial. In that case, Salesforce integration services help businesses identify what isn’t working then designing and deploying measurably impactful solutions. Afterwards, businesses can see qualitative and quantitative differences in how their teams fulfil their roles and collaborate. In the long run, equipping staff with high quality tools that consolidate all their work in one place is logical. Moreover it creates a more harmonious work environment that’s positive and enjoyable which can lead to higher retention rates.

 

  •  Better use of existing systems and tools

 

In the same fashion as cost benefits is getting more out of existing assets and processes. Furthermore the pursuit of this helps resolve issues while moving ahead with how the organization operates. Both this macro and micro approach tackles ongoing problems head-on and revolutionizes businesses for the better. Unlike the cost benefits alone, this approach of reworking systems and tools is more holistic as it can identify unknown issues. Simultaneously the integration of purpose-built software that’s configured for better operations and seamless workflows has potential to drive growth.

 

  • Automation

 

Every organization is looking for ways to streamline certain processes without compromising on accuracy, support, or customer experience. In other words, they’re looking to automate without sacrificing the quality of their offering. Subsequently businesses using Salesforce integration services are able to approach automation in terms of platform features, needs, and existing tools. Due to how sophisticated Salesforce is there is extensive scope for automation in innovative, technology-forward ways. For example, businesses might not be getting the most from their customer service email service and databases. When their integration with Salesforce is deployed their development services can more efficiently handle communications and automate service points. All in all automation also frees team members for other service and sales tasks that require their absolute focus. In that case, automation is more than the Salesforce custom platform, it’s also part of overhauling processes and maximizing tools.

 

  • Data insights

 

A key benefit of Salesforce integration services is robust data integration. Because data management is both a benefit of technical solutions yet a pitfall for many businesses, detailed integration is essential. Accordingly businesses should evaluate how their current data management, reporting, analysis, and insights tactics are functioning. Once this is incorporated in the development and integration process businesses are in a position to level up data use. Thereafter, opportunities like generating more leads and converting more customers or even introducing new products or services can eventuate. Further to this opportunity pathway is businesses analyzing and leveraging their software and application integration. For example, with this deployed and integration complete businesses can gain a more accurate insight of customer needs. Straightaway they can respond and then even scale their Salesforce platform to swiftly exceed customer expectations. In time this nurtures businesses as commercial organizations and their overall brand integrity.

 

  • Intelligent business design

 

In addition to the data insights described above, businesses can implement and fortify an intelligent design through Salesforce integration services. Rather than maintain processes and strategies as per the status quo, using a custom Salesforce platform and integration encourages disruption. While this could start small in terms of digitizing operations and introducing cross-platform customer engagement, businesses can chase growth. In this situation, the development process could lead to businesses changing their operations completely and even using different parts of existing third-party tools.

 

  • Security

 

Finally, businesses need to keep their security front-of-mind. Both their own business integrity and their stakeholders’s wellbeing depends on this. In this situation, businesses are now accountable for cybersecurity to protect their data, risk manage, and mitigate data breaches. Concurrently there is the need to uphold data protection due to how strict global data protection and privacy laws are. In view of this, security protocols and infrastructure are able to be targeted during Salesforce development and integration planning. Though this is incredibly complex, the Salesforce security architecture is highly regarded and businesses can provide their system information. For the purpose of integration — of security infrastructure and third-party platforms or applications — developers can provide options for fortification. Meanwhile businesses can opt for Salesforce services such as SSO integration that cultivates security. Coupled with existing infrastructure and protocols, this type of integration and customized Salesforce platforms can enhance cybersecurity.

 

Conclusion 

 

In light of this discussion of the business value of Salesforce integration, it’s obvious that these are high-level services. Even more than customization and configuration, integration with third-party platforms and applications while building businesses’ ecosystems drives better operations. Nevertheless these are not simply services to outsource to a software development company as businesses benefit from engaged collaboration.

 

In conclusion then businesses should opt for Salesforce integration services with the objective to improve operations, maximize investment, and grow. Whether it’s for bringing new products to market, rebranding, or taking business in a new direction, Salesforce integration enables evolution. Markedly in the 21st century this is a hallmark of sustained, heritage businesses that are standing the test of time. Therefore businesses investing in the Salesforce CRM and Salesforce integration services should think short-term and long-term before development.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

What are Salesforce integration services?

 

Salesforce integration services incorporate a software development company supporting business clients to integrate the SaaS with their systems. Some examples of these services includes:

  • Integration of third-party applications and systems
  • API integrations
  • Data integration and migration
  • Single sign-on (SSO) integrations
  • Pre-built or custom connector development

For instance with the first service, an experienced development company can manage integration of Salesforce services with Microsoft Office 365. In order to learn more, businesses can book in with A3logics qualified Salesforce development team for a thorough consultation.

 

Are Salesforce integration services the same as Salesforce development services?

 

Salesforce integration services can be part of Salesforce development services however they are not the same. In detail, Salesforce integration covers developers integrating Salesforce with businesses’ existing systems, applications, and software. On the other hand, Salesforce development covers end-to-end configuration of the entire CRM and its modules for businesses. Despite this, many businesses might opt for integrations services as part of their development in order to maximize their tools.

 

Can any third-party software be integrated using Salesforce integration services?

 

Nearly all third-party software can be integrated through Salesforce integration services. In order to approach this strategically and minimize issues or business disruption, Salesforce developers will thoroughly prepare prior to integration. As a result this determines precise business needs, if retaining the application or system is strategically worthwhile, or alternative options.

 

Can businesses manage integration in-house or should they seek experienced Salesforce integration services?

 

Salesforce is highly regarded as a user-friendly and easily customized then deployed SaaS. Overall businesses can deploy the platform for their needs without consulting or booking Salesforce development services. Despite this, if integration is complex or businesses are seeking to link up multiple tools then working with Salesforce integration makes sense. Equally, a Salesforce development company will offer the insights, experience, and qualifications for businesses to get real returns on software.