Global relationships, moving out of the getting-to-know-your-industry-requirements phase, settling down for consistent ROI. These are all stages that factor into your Salesforce migration choices, and the questions you might have when embarking on this journey with your Salesforce partner.
Welcome to the second edition of the WarpDrive Tech Salesforce Partner Relationship Advice Column. In this blog, we cover some of the queries customers have about Salesforce migrations. There’s no query too complex for our panel of experts, and we’re here to provide insight into what a successful Salesforce migration should be like, so that you know what to expect every step of the way.
Why does having a Salesforce partner help to make migration easier?
Salesforce migration is not always a cheap exercise to do manually or on your own. With the help of a Salesforce partner, you can accelerate your migration to Salesforce for a far better price than by going direct. Additionally, you won’t have to complete the process yourself, meaning that your data and privacy are safe from any unintentional data compromises or human error. Salesforce partners also work with you to monitor the ROI, and turnaround times and measure customer service experience after the migration has been completed, so you’re never left hanging.
What best practices should be on my Salesforce migration checklist?
Before you migrate, sit down with your Salesforce partner and have an open discussion about everything you need before you proceed. It’s important to hold them up to a high standard because an efficient migration will elevate your customer loyalty and ROI and protect your credit. WDT’s pre-migration checklist includes:
Compartmentalize your data for migration: Migrating everything all at once may seem like an efficient way of doing things, but it can overwhelm your system, resulting in data loss and mean key information is misplaced in your new platform. Generally, doing things all in one go will leave you feeling like that phase after a breakup where you decided cutting and bleaching your hair was a really good idea. An example of compartmentalizing your data for migration is compiling your product inventory into its own section, and doing the same with each of your CRM components.
Back It Up - Get Your Data Saved, Copied and Secured: This way, if anything is lost and the worst case scenario happens - everything appears to have been deleted - it isn’t the worst case scenario after all. You’ve got everything saved, and ready to go again.
Ensure All Required Fields in Your New New Platform Are Filled Out: This way, your old data will match up accordingly with the areas it's supposed to fill in your new platform.
Use a Template & Trial it Before Implementing your Data: Your Salesforce partner can help you design a data migration template that works best for you - it should cover everything you need, without embellishing your platform with add-ons that don’t serve a purpose, and incur additional costs. Move a trial data segment into the new platform to see whether it structures correctly in the platform. Another thing to consider is: Salesforce outlines that each “Object” (or CRM component, like your ‘About Us' page data) will provide its own migration order; data may be interdependent. For example, your product inventory data may be connected to your checkout data.
Monitor Your Data Throughout: It may seem like overload, but that data-protection fire extinguisher will be the best thing you ever did. Review routinely throughout the migration process just to ensure everything is progressing as planned. And if there are elements missing or misplaced - you’ve backed everything up earlier, so you don’t need to sweat it.
Why is Salesforce in demand?
Salesforce’s rapid rise is a response to the demand for digitized and automatic CRM management systems that are industry-compatible. In comparison to other CRM solutions, Salesforce offers a complete 360-degree management system - providing automated and highly detailed platforms to support: marketing, sales, small business, commerce, customer service, and business/financial technology - all centered around the needs of your industry and roles. For a breakdown of how Salesforce works across your industry, with specific customer success case studies, check out our blog here.
How do I migrate Salesforce from classic to lightning?
You can choose to migrate your org on your own, using Salesforce’s inbuilt migration functions. Using Lightning Experience Transition Assistant, you will be walked-through a step-by-step guide on how to migrate your org from classic to lightning. However, completing this process is much like moving into a new house on your own. You need to call upon that friend who has a suitable vehicle that can move your foldout sofa and your fridge with ease. An effective Salesforce partner is your friend with a spacious van - they’ll save you money and time on org migrations, as well as ensuring that none of your data is compromised or misplaced within its shiny new Salesforce apartment complex.
How do I migrate email templates in Salesforce?
First things first, consider what email platform you use. Each one will be different in terms of migrating your email templates. Salesforce recommends that you double-check your email sync settings in your current Salesforce module; this will confirm what templates you currently have stored, and will allow you to pick and choose the ones you want to keep and migrate. Again, Salesforce provides its own migration system. However, it is much safer and less time-consuming to go through this process with a trusted Salesforce partner.
What are some of the benefits of migrating to Salesforce?
Industry-specific CRM solutions: Salesforce helps to navigate industry-specific challenges on a global and local scale. We have a blog breaking down Salesforce industry success stories, that you can access here.
Lightning CRM: Like its title suggests, a digitized and automated CRM system provides its functions at lightning speed. Enjoy real-time updates in regards to: project delivery and progression, customer satisfaction logistics, ROI, product/service delivery turnaround times and social media promotion implementation, to name just a handful of unique Salesforce features.
Additional Training and Support functions: With Salesforce, and with the help of a Salesforce partner, you can obtain and make use of industry best practices. You can complete a Salesforce certification, or chat with your Salesforce partner about what features will improve your sales, marketing and customer service.
Customer Success Logistics: Salesforce’s success rate is astronomical. With an average of 29% annual revenue increase and a catalogue of the world’s biggest companies using their products, it makes sense to go with what works. Companies such as Ford, Loreal, Engie, Guess and Vitality all use Salesforce to offer unique and seamless customer service experiences.
What are Salesforce certifications, and which one should I get?
Dress to impress with Salesforce industry qualifications. Salesforce certifications are industry-recognized achievements that can help you gain inside knowledge into your industry, and distinguish you from your competitors. As for what badge to go for, this depends on the amount of Salesforce experience you have accumulated so far. Consult with your Salesforce partner to work out what accreditation would be best for your industry and your professionals. You’re able to choose from a variety of certifications, beginning with Salesforce Associate, which is recommended for those with 6 months of Salesforce experience.