Salesforce is an important tool when it comes to lead management and customer acquisition. Many businesses invest in this platform so that they can increase their customer acquisition rate. However, it is important to know all the details of this tool before you make any investment in this platform.
In this article, we are going into the details of Salesforce configuration vs. customization that will help you out in investing your money in this platform.
What is Salesforce Configuration?
Salesforce configuration is the process of customizing the settings, features, and operations of the Salesforce platform to match the unique needs of a business without the use of coding or programming. It entails modifying the platform’s behaviour and look using built-in tools like point-and-click interfaces and declarative choices. Custom field development, user role and permission definition, page layout design, workflow configuration, and automation rule configuration are a few examples of configuration jobs. Compared to considerable customisation through code, this strategy is often less complicated, quicker to adopt, and more durable for maintaining day-to-day operations.
What is Salesforce Customization
Salesforce customization refers to the process of tailoring the Salesforce platform to meet the business requirements of varying companies. It is unlike configuration. In configuration, there is no coding involved, however, in customization of Salesforce, the source code of Salesforce is modified so that it can be crafted to fulfil specific business needs of a company. Customization needs the expertise of skilled people so that the exact solution can be curated for professionals. It is often saved for situations when high levels of flexibility and automation are required or where normal configuration options fall short of meeting the unique objectives of the company.
Comparing Configuration & Customization in Salesforce
There are various points where one can see the stark contrast between configuration and customization.
1. Implementation
Configuration is recommended in many cases where one needs a quick solution to acquire more customers. However, customization is opted for where the system must be crafted as per the business needs of the B2B client, and it takes time.
2. Maintenance
Configuration is easier to maintain, especially with regular Salesforce updates. In contrast, Salesforce customization requires continuous maintenance with changes in the code. So, usually, with customization, companies need to purchase maintenance and support services.
3. Flexibility
In the case of configuration, one can only use the built-in feature of Salesforce. But if you have opted for the customization, then you will enjoy more flexibility and scalability to make changes in the software as and when required.
4. Cost
Configuration usually costs less than customization. As has been mentioned when you get customized solutions, customer support services are purchased along with it. Support teams help you with the required changes in the product. So, the cost of customization is usually more than the configured Salesforce solutions.
5. Development Skills
When Salesforce is configured, there is no need for any specific development skills. Even a person who has no programming skills can configure Salesforce. On the other hand, to customize Salesforce, one needs development skills.
When to Opt for Configuration?
Now that you know the points of difference between Salesforce configuration and customisation, it is important to know when to opt for configurations.
- If Salesforce core features are sufficient for your business, then you should go for configuration. And for configuration, you can hire some services.
- Secondly, if you are in a hurry to establish your business and looking for a system that can help you manage the business (especially in acquiring customers), then you can quickly opt for Salesforce configuration.
- If there are budget constraints for your business, then Salesforce configuration is the best option for you. It will cut the upfront cost that one needs to spend on a software solution purchase.
- There is minimal coding expertise, so, you do not need to hire some coding expert or any such services for configuration.
When to Use Customization?
Coming towards the scenarios when you need to use customized Salesforce solutions for your business.
- When your business requirements are complex, and you know there are various features that your business needs other than mere customer acquisition, then Salesforce customization is the best option for your business.
- Also, when your business workflow is complex and your business needs next-level automation, then customization is a must for your business. Salesforce, as a standalone software, cannot help you with your business. You need to have other integrated software and platforms.
- Sometimes, one software or application cannot fulfil your business needs. So, there is an evident need for the integrated solutions. In that case, you need a customized Salesforce solution for your business not a configured system.
- If your budget allows you to spend on the automated system, then it is preferable to opt for the customized Salesforce platform. Why? Because, with time when businesses expand, they need more software and applications that can easily be integrated with the customized Salesforce platform.
Hopefully, the idea of configuration vs. customization is clear to you. Now, you know what you need—Salesforce customization or configuration. If there is any other confusion, or you are looking for experts who can configure or customize Salesforce for you, then contact team Techloyce. We are just one call away from you.
