Salesforce implementation is a fairly elaborate process that involves a lot of different steps, each of which needs to be carried out with precision and efficiency. When it comes to the technical aspects of implementing the CRM platform within your organization, Salesforce developer & architect role is essential.
Just like building any other software application, you need to design the blueprint of the software, decide the tools to be added to the same, and finally move on to the development process.
Salesforce architects and developers are the professionals that help you give shape to your business objectives in the form of a well-implemented CRM platform.
Let us now understand what roles they play in the process of implementing Salesforce based on your needs and preferences.
Who Is A Salesforce Architect?
Just like a conventional architect helps you design a building and provides you with a base on which the construction can kick start, a Salesforce architect is a professional who helps clients design the CRM platform.
They come in much before the development begins and help you design the technical aesthetics of the application.
The job of a Salesforce architect is to design and deliver personalized solutions within the Salesforce environment depending on the specific need and preferences of the clients.
Salesforce architects ensure that their clients implement a CRM platform that is ideal for them and caters to all their requirements.
What Does A Salesforce Architect Do?
A Salesforce architect wears many hats and shoulders many responsibilities, some of which are discussed as follows:
Creating A Blueprint Of The Software
It is the job of a Salesforce architect to prepare a blueprint of the CRM platform before the development team takes over and starts building the platform.
The design created by the architect is used as the base for developing the entire CRM platform.
Moreover, a Salesforce architect provides their clients with a robust roadmap for the CRM platform and all its different components. This helps the developers to build the software and achieve the goals their clients are willing to achieve.
Making Expert Recommendations
Another important job of a Salesforce architect is to recommend the tools, components, features, and add-ons to their clients that best suit their needs and preferences.
Depending on the processes you want to streamline, the customers you are targeting, the applications you want to integrate with, and the users you want to work with on the platform, your Salesforce architect would provide you with suggestions and recommendations to facilitate efficient Salesforce implementation.
Creating Proof Of Concept
It is always advisable to check the feasibility of an idea or a blueprint before it is realized practically.
Keeping this in mind, Salesforce architects create a proof of concept to demonstrate the practical feasibility of designs and ensure that the same can be implemented within the clients’ organization.
By giving their clients proof of concept, architects relieve them from the risk of going back and starting from scratch if the designs do not turn out to be as envisioned.
Who Is A Salesforce Developer?
Once the job of a Salesforce architect is largely over, the developer comes into the picture and takes the Salesforce implementation project forward.
As the name suggests, a Salesforce developer helps their client develop the CRM platform according to their requirements and the designs created by the architects.
Salesforce developers are fully well-versed with the technical nitty-gritty of Salesforce and are capable of using their knowledge to provide personalized technical solutions to their clients.
From adding specific features to troubleshooting specific issues, a Salesforce developer is needed for their tech acumen and understanding of the CRM platform.
What Does A Salesforce Developer Do?
Here are some of the key responsibilities shouldered by a Salesforce developer:
Salesforce Configuration And Customization
Configuration and customization are two highly important tasks performed by Salesforce developers. Depending on the results you want to achieve you can choose to configure or customize your Salesforce org.
Salesforce configuration is the process of using the pre-built tools within the CRM platform to make necessary changes and meet specific requirements without any use of code.
On the other hand, Salesforce customization is the process of bringing about bigger and more long-lasting changes within the CRM platform via coding with the help of Apex or Visualforce.
As compared to configuration, Salesforce customization is a more programming-heavy task for changing the functionality of the CRM platform based on the clients’ specific requirements.
Salesforce Integration
Salesforce is a highly customizable platform. Salesforce developers help you extend the functionality of the CRM platform with Salesforce integration. This involves syncing Salesforce data with suitable third-party platforms to prevent users from switching platforms while working.
Depending on the clients’ needs, developers can help them integrate Salesforce with a range of different applications. For example, you can integrate Salesforce with PayPal to streamline your payments or with DocuSign to streamline e-signing and managing documents.
Identifying And Troubleshooting Issues
Despite being a highly efficient, scalable, and flexible CRM platform, Salesforce is not devoid of technical issues.
One of the most important tasks performed by a Salesforce developer is identifying issues within the software and troubleshooting them to restore the normal functionality of the CRM platform.
QA And Testing
Before a Salesforce org is deployed or any major change is made to the same, Salesforce developers conduct quality assurance (QA) and testing of the software.
This helps organizations ensure that the CRM platform works just fine and is ready to go live. If there are any issues with the software right before it is launched, they get them resolved to make the launch smooth.
The Final Word
These were the roles played by Salesforce architects and developers when it comes to implementing the CRM platform. Salesforce implementation is practically impossible without the contributions of both professionals.
While one helps in designing the platform and creating its foundation, the other takes care of developing the software and resolving technical issues.