What Is Salesforce Connect? [Powerful Tool for Data Integration]

Salesforce Connect is a feature that lets you work with data stored in other systems (databases, SAP, another Salesforce org, SharePoint, etc.) directly from Salesforce, without copying that data into Salesforce.

It works by creating external objects in Salesforce that link to data stored elsewhere. This feature allows real-time viewing, searching, and modifying of external data as if it were native to Salesforce.

With Salesforce Connect, companies can tap into information from various systems like on-premises databases or cloud applications.

This saves time and resources by eliminating the need to copy data into Salesforce. Users can work with up-to-date external data right alongside their Salesforce records.

The tool offers various adapters for connecting to external sources. These include cross-org adapters for linking Salesforce orgs, OData adapters for standardized data access, and custom Apex adapters for unique integration needs.

Salesforce Connect makes it easy to bring together data from many places, helping businesses get a complete view of their information.

Table of Contents

What Is Salesforce Connect?

In simple terms, Salesforce Connect lets you “pretend” that external tables are Salesforce objects.

You see them as tabs, list views, related lists, and reports, but the data still physically resides in the external system and is loaded in real time when you open them.

A quick way to think about it:

Without Salesforce Connect: You import/sync data into Salesforce (via ETL, APIs, or batch jobs), store it, and keep it up to date.
With Salesforce Connect: You keep the data where it is, and Salesforce just calls out to that system whenever someone needs to view or update it.

This is done using two main building blocks:

External Data Source – connection definition to the external system (URL, authentication, adapter type).
External Object – a “virtual” object in Salesforce that maps to an external table or API resource.

Salesforce Connect enables seamless integration of external data into Salesforce. It allows users to view, search, and modify data stored outside their Salesforce org without copying it.

When Should You Use Salesforce Connect?

Salesforce Connect shines when you have data you don’t really want to copy into Salesforce, but you still want users to see and sometimes edit it.

Typical scenarios:

You have a large amount of data (orders, logs, transactions), and storing it in Salesforce would be too expensive.
You only need small slices of that data at a time (for example, the last 20 orders per customer).
You must always see the latest data (inventory, shipments, account balances).
You already have a source of truth (ERP, core banking, warehouse system) and don’t want to manage another copy.

You probably should not use Salesforce Connect when:

You need heavy reporting and analytics on that data within Salesforce (lots of roll-ups, complex reports, Einstein, etc.).
You need to run large-scale data migrations or high-volume batch processing on data within Salesforce.
You must work with the data even when the external system is down or unreachable.

Overview of Salesforce Connect

Salesforce Connect acts as a bridge between Salesforce and external data sources. It uses the OData protocol to connect to various systems, including on-premises databases and cloud services. This tool was previously known as Lightning Connect.

Salesforce Connect doesn’t copy data into Salesforce. Instead, it creates a real-time link to external information. This approach saves storage space and ensures data is always up-to-date.

Users can access external data through custom tabs, objects, and fields in Salesforce. This integration makes external information feel like native Salesforce data.

The Role of External Objects in Salesforce

External objects are key to Salesforce Connect. They represent data stored outside Salesforce. These objects look and behave like custom objects but point to data in external systems.

Users can create, read, update, and delete records in external objects. This functionality depends on the capabilities of the external system and how Salesforce Connect is set up.

External objects can be used in many Salesforce features. They work with list views, detail pages, custom tabs, and search. This wide compatibility helps create a smooth user experience.

Benefits of Using Salesforce Connect

Salesforce Connect offers several advantages for businesses. It eliminates the need for data duplication, reducing storage costs and syncing issues. Users always see the most current data from external sources.

The tool supports real-time access to large volumes of data. This feature is useful for companies dealing with big data or frequently changing information.

Salesforce Connect simplifies the data model. It allows organizations to keep data in its original location while still making it accessible in Salesforce. This approach can be especially helpful for companies with complex data architectures or regulatory requirements.

Salesforce Connect Components

Salesforce Connect includes key components that bring external data into Salesforce. These components let users see and work with data from other systems right in Salesforce.

External Data Sources

External data sources tell Salesforce where to find data outside the system. Users set up these sources to link Salesforce with other databases or apps. They can connect to many systems, such as ERPs and custom databases.

Salesforce Connect supports various connection types. OData is a common way to link data. It works with many modern systems. Custom adapters can be made for older or unique setups.

The first step is to set up an external data source. Users give it a name and select the connection type. They also add details such as the data’s web address and login information.

External Objects in Salesforce

External objects act like normal Salesforce objects but show data from outside. They look and work much like custom objects. The big difference is that the data stays in the other system.

Users can create tabs for external objects, set up page layouts, and add fields, making the outside data feel like it’s part of Salesforce.

External objects can link to other Salesforce data. For example, an external invoice might connect to a Salesforce account. This helps users see all related info in one place.

Apex Adapters and Connectors

Apex adapters and connectors are custom code that helps Salesforce communicate with other systems. They’re useful when standard connectors don’t work for a specific setup.

Developers use Apex, Salesforce’s coding language, to build these tools. They can make adapters for any kind of data source. This is great for linking to old systems or ones with odd setups.

Apex connectors can do more than just fetch data. They can also update info in the outside system. This two-way sync keeps all systems up to date.

Integration Techniques and Tools in Salesforce

Salesforce Connect offers various methods for seamlessly integrating external data. These techniques enable real-time access and efficient data management across multiple systems.

Utilizing OData Protocol

OData (Open Data Protocol) is a key integration technique for Salesforce Connect. It’s a standardized protocol that lets systems exchange data over the internet. OData uses simple HTTP requests to create and consume data APIs.

Salesforce Connect supports OData versions 2.0 and 4.0. This protocol provides real-time access to external data without copying it into Salesforce, making it ideal for connecting to systems that already have OData endpoints.

OData makes it easy to query, filter, and sort data from external sources. It works well with many types of databases and web services.

Leveraging Custom Adapters

Custom adapters extend Salesforce Connect’s capabilities. They let you connect to data sources that don’t use OData and are custom-built to fit specific data integration needs.

Developers can create custom adapters using Apex. This lets them connect to almost any external system or API. Custom adapters can handle complex data transformations and business logic.

They help connect to legacy systems or APIs with unique formats. Custom adapters give more control over how data is fetched and displayed in Salesforce.

Salesforce API and Callouts

Salesforce API and callouts are powerful integration tools. They let Salesforce communicate directly with external systems, which is useful when you need to send data out of Salesforce or pull data on demand.

The Salesforce API supports REST and SOAP. These APIs enable external systems to access Salesforce data securely, while callouts enable Salesforce to reach out to external web services.

There are limits on how many callouts you can make. It’s important to design integrations that work within these limits. APIs and callouts can create robust, real-time integrations between Salesforce and other systems.

Integrating External Data

Introduction to Salesforce Connect for External Applications

Salesforce Connect allows companies to import data from outside sources without copying it. This allows users to view and work with up-to-date information from other systems directly in Salesforce.

Real-Time Data Access

Salesforce Connect uses external objects to show data from other places. These objects look and act like regular Salesforce objects but pull in live data when needed, so users always see the latest information.

Users can search, view, and edit external data just like they do with normal Salesforce records. The data stays in its original system, so there’s no need to copy or sync it.

Some common data sources include:

Other Salesforce orgs
Databases like Amazon DynamoDB
Cloud applications
On-premise systems

Managing Large Data Volumes in Salesforce

Salesforce Connect helps handle big amounts of data without slowing things down. It only grabs the specific records users need at that moment.

This approach has several benefits:

Saves storage space in Salesforce
Reduces data transfer costs
Speeds up system performance

Companies can set up filters for very large datasets. These filters limit which records appear in Salesforce to keep things running smoothly.

Security and Compliance Considerations in Salesforce

When bringing in outside data, keeping it safe is crucial. Salesforce Connect includes features to protect sensitive information:

User authentication: Only allowed users can see external data
Field-level security: Admins can control which fields are visible
Sharing rules: Data access can match the rules of the source system

Salesforce Connect tracks data access and changes for regulatory compliance. This helps companies comply with rules such as GDPR and HIPAA.

It’s important to check that Salesforce and the external system meet all necessary security standards. This ensures that data stays protected as it moves between systems.

Advanced Integration Scenarios

Salesforce Connect provides powerful integration capabilities to address complex business needs. It allows seamless data sharing and access across different systems and organizations.

Cross-Org Data Sharing

Salesforce Connect’s Cross-Org Adapter enables companies to share data across multiple Salesforce orgs. This is useful for large enterprises with separate divisions or subsidiaries.

The adapter creates a secure link between orgs. It allows real-time access to records without copying data. Users can view and edit information from other orgs directly in their own interface.

This setup helps maintain data consistency across the organization. It eliminates the need for manual updates or complex data-syncing processes.

Complex Business Solutions in Salesforce

Salesforce Connect shines when integrating with external systems, such as ERPs. It brings data from these systems into Salesforce without permanently storing it.

This approach works well for companies with large amounts of legacy data. They can access historical records on-demand without migrating everything to Salesforce.

It’s also useful for real-time data needs, such as checking current inventory levels from an ERP during the sales process. This gives sales reps accurate information without leaving Salesforce.

Salesforce Connect adapts to unique business requirements. It can handle complex data relationships and security rules across systems.

Salesforce Connect and Automation

Data Synchronisation with Salesforce Connect

Salesforce Connect can be combined with automation tools to streamline data integration and workflows. This powerful combination enhances productivity and data management across systems.

Automating with Workflows and Flows

Salesforce Connect works well with Workflows and Flows. These tools can trigger actions in response to changes in external data. For example, Flow can update a Salesforce record when an external system changes.

Workflows can send alerts or create tasks using external data, helping teams stay informed about important system updates. Through Salesforce Connect, flows can also create, update, or delete records in external systems.

SOQL queries can fetch external data for use in automation processes. This allows for complex logic based on data from multiple sources.

Enhancing Data Integration in Salesforce

Salesforce Connect improves data integration by allowing real-time access to external data. This eliminates the need for frequent data imports and reduces data duplication.

Automation can keep data in sync across systems. For instance, a Flow can copy new Salesforce leads to an external marketing system, ensuring both systems have up-to-date information.

The Lightning Platform’s automation tools can create custom integrations with external systems. These integrations can handle complex business processes that span multiple systems.

Automated data validation checks can ensure data quality across integrated systems. This helps maintain data integrity and reduces errors in business processes.

Best Practices and Considerations

Implementing Salesforce Connect effectively requires careful planning and attention to key factors. Optimizing performance and selecting the right use cases is crucial for success.

Optimizing Performance

Focusing on efficient data retrieval to get the most out of Salesforce Connect. Limit data transfer by using filters and selective sync. This helps avoid performance issues and keeps response times quick.

Set up caching for frequently accessed data. This reduces the load on external systems and improves user experience.

Monitor API usage closely. Salesforce Connect relies on API calls, so stay within your limits to prevent disruptions.

Use batch processing for large data sets. This spreads the load and prevents timeouts.

Importance of Use Cases

Choose the right scenarios for Salesforce Connect. It works best when you need real-time access to external data without duplicating it.

Good use cases include:

Integrating legacy systems
Accessing up-to-date inventory levels
Viewing customer data from other platforms

Avoid using Salesforce Connect for data that changes rarely. In those cases, periodic data imports might be more suitable.

Consider security needs. Ensure the external systems have proper safeguards in place to protect sensitive information.

Evaluate reporting requirements. Some advanced reporting features may not work with external objects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salesforce Connect enables real-time data integration from external sources. It allows access to data without copying or storing it in Salesforce.

What purposes does Salesforce Connect serve within the ecosystem?

Salesforce Connect brings external data into Salesforce without duplicating it. It creates external objects that represent data from outside systems. Users can view and interact with this information as if it were native Salesforce data.

How does one enable Salesforce Connect in their organization?

An admin must set up an external data source to enable Salesforce Connect. They need to define connection details and authentication methods. After that, they can create external objects based on tables or views from the external system.

What are the pricing details for Salesforce Connect?

Salesforce Connect is an add-on feature with separate pricing. The cost depends on the Salesforce edition and the number of external objects required. Organizations should contact Salesforce sales for specific pricing information.

What limitations should one be aware of when using Salesforce Connect?

Salesforce Connect has some limitations on data operations. It may not support all standard object features, and the number of external objects and API calls is limited. Performance can vary depending on network speed and the responsiveness of external systems.

In what ways does Salesforce Connect differ from MuleSoft?

Salesforce Connect focuses on real-time data access without data replication. MuleSoft is an integration platform that connects various systems and applications. MuleSoft can move and transform data, while Salesforce Connect primarily reads external data.

Could you explain the function of a connected app within Salesforce?

A connected app in Salesforce is a framework that enables external applications to integrate with Salesforce. It defines how an external app can access Salesforce data. Connected apps use OAuth for secure authentication and can control which Salesforce data and features the external app can use.

Conclusion

Salesforce Connect is a powerful tool for integrating external data into Salesforce. It allows real-time access to information stored outside the Salesforce environment.

Users can view, search, and modify external data without copying it into their Salesforce org. This approach reduces data redundancy and simplifies maintenance.

The platform offers out-of-the-box adapters for various data sources. It can connect to publicly accessible OData 2.0 sources and other external systems.