Ever lost a client because your team had incorrect details? Or create an order too late because your systems were out of sync? These are the consequences of your ERP and CRM system not communicating.
Trying to manage customer data without connecting your ERP and Salesforce is like digging for gold in an empty mine. It can create a lot of confusion. Records become outdated. Teams miss updates or fail to execute changes across various platforms. And there’s a lot of data entered multiple times manually.
Salesforce allows integration with your ERP system, which means your sales, finance, and operations teams can collaborate concurrently and not have to guess whether the information is correct or spend hours checking it. No more back-and-forth between tools.
We will cover what Salesforce ERP integration is, why it impacts burgeoning companies, what tools are available, what pitfalls to look out for, and how to fix them. Let’s get started!
ERP systems are also known as enterprise resource planning. It is designed to assist professionals with time, resource, and cost management. Businesses today face challenges managing daily operations such as human resources, finance, inventory, and sales. However, ERP simplifies these by automating all the processes into a single interface/dashboard. It significantly enhances the productivity of a firm.
Manages bills, payments, and money planning.
Keeps track of stock and products moving in and out.
Plans and improves shipping and delivery to streamline processes.
Handles customer orders from registration to billing and even customer service integration post-sales.
Manages employee records, payroll, and other finance-related services.
Shows important business intelligence data, providing the right data-driven decisions on time.
Since teams have all the necessary information at their fingertips, having all systems communicate effectively reduces errors and increases efficiency. When integrated with Salesforce, SAP ERP allows even greater access to information.
Now that we know what ERP is, let's discuss how Salesforce works with ERP. As we know, Salesforce is a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software that helps the team track customers, sales, and even support. However, Salesforce by itself does not show any inventory, billing, or shipping activities.
This is where ERP integration with Salesforce comes to the rescue. Integration is the connecting of the two systems, ERP and Salesforce, so that they exchange information automatically and in real-time. When an update occurs in one system, it gets reflected in the other too. This way, every department, like sales and finance, relies on accurate information.
For example:
In short, ERP Integration with Salesforce eliminates the boundaries of having multiple business applications, improves accuracy, reduces errors, and speeds up processes.
Working with ERP and Salesforce independently can be more of a headache. For instance, finance is unable to check whether products are in stock, and sales can’t track new deals coming in. Support has trouble figuring out how to track shipments. This feels like a massive disconnect. Salesforce integration with ERP resolves all these issues.
Here is a summary of the advantages when synergy is achieved between the systems:
Did you know? As per Nucleus Research, Companies that integrate systems like Salesforce CRM and ERP have a productivity increase of 20 to 30%. Also, Panorama Consulting found that 83% of companies improved their business operations after integrating ERP systems.
Most enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems integrate with Salesforce, though the quality of each integration varies. Here, you will review the most well-known ERPs and their integrations with Salesforce.
As every company is different, some may have a technology team while others may prefer a more streamlined tool set. This is why Salesforce can connect with ERP systems in multiple ways. We will cover the four most popular methods.
This method works best for clients who have their technical staff. While this method offers maximum control, it is challenging to adapt to conceptual changes.
The tools that assist with connecting systems are known as middleware tools. For companies seeking an effortless and straightforward solution, this is perfect.
Companies in need of quick and inexpensive solutions that are easy to implement, handle, and don't require ongoing support often turn to these.
Integrating systems from the ground up is very common for corporations that have diverse needs. Moreover, Large corporations that have intricate systems tend to prefer this method.
Integration of Salesforce with ERP systems helps improve business processes for any organization. Like any other project, its integration requires clearly defined steps. The following is a guide to follow through for an effective integration.
While planning an integration, it is important to ask yourself some questions. Why do you want to integrate Salesforce with ERP? What are your objectives? Which departments do you want the system to integrate? Is it sales, finance, or inventory?
Also, check the current business processes and systems in place. This will give you a better understanding of what needs to be integrated and possible ways of doing so. Systematized arrangements help in easy execution.
It is possible to connect ERP with Salesforce in several different ways:
Each selection has its pros and cons based on time availability, costs, complexity, and expertise of the team. These factors may determine whether simpler tools for those without much programming knowledge will be better.
Now, ensure the information in Salesforce and your ERP system syncs. This process is called data mapping.
For example, Salesforce has a "Customer Name" field. Your ERP should also have it. All pieces of information, like orders, payments, and inventory, must have identical nomenclature across both systems. Also, confirm that the date and currency formats are correct to avoid errors.
Testing is crucial. Start with the individual components of the system and ensure data transfer works in both directions between the two systems.
Afterward, perform an integration test to ensure all components work together seamlessly. Allow actual users to test the system and provide feedback. This helps to identify and rectify issues before the full-scale deployment.
Now everything is in one place. Your Salesforce solution is live and fully configured after performing rigorous testing and validation. All settings should be finalized after the last users are trained, and all key stakeholders have been informed. Make sure to observe the launch closely until all issues have been addressed.
Your work begins after going live. You still need to make sure that everything continues to function properly. Ensure data is syncing accurately. Perform updates when necessary. Resolve all lags and issues immediately.
Integrating Salesforce with your ERP system has strong advantages, but it may also lead to some challenges. Most of these issues can be fixed with proper planning. In this guide, we will discuss the most prominent problems to look out for and how to overcome them.
Different systems sometimes store the same customer or order information, data duplication is pretty common while handling orders. This challenge becomes even harder when dealing with multiple customers.
How to fix it: Set automation processes to clear redundant information. Put data organization systems in place for greater efficiency and less confusion. Automating data redundancy checks with tools like Zapier can help maintain a clean database.
A business integration may face roadblocks if the goals are vague or if the sense of purpose is too tech-focused. Also, lack of teamwork and failure to meet timelines can take an unreasonable toll. Conflict between IT departments may also create a setback in the process.
How to fix it: Set defined and reasonable scopes. Draw a schematic of your systems and outline the flow of information through inter-system portals, as well as design a mini schedule to assign checklists to various teams.
The possibility of leaking sensitive business information or corporate hacking increases when systems share data because the interfaces create new entry points for cybercriminals.
How to fix it: Apply best practices like using strong encryption data, password protection, strict limitations to classified groups, and sharing only what is necessary. Additional protocols like HIPAA or GDPR may be required to ensure sensitive data privacy.
Staff members lacking adequate training may not operate the new system appropriately, which could result in lost resources, increased operational costs, and errors.
How to fix it: Adequate training resources will fix this problem. Guides should incorporate diagrams and structured exercises so learning becomes easier.
If your ERP or Salesforce suppliers are not coordinated, productivity may be diminished due to delays.
How to fix it: Select one representative from your organization to communicate with all vendors. Periodic meetings resolve alignment concerns and sustain progress.
Want a seamless Salesforce ERP integration by 2025? Here are some straightforward strategies adopted by successful companies.
Check for errors and duplicates prior to launching your integration. Clean, accurate data will help in the efficient syncing of the systems.
Your business will expand, and so will your tools. Choose Dell Boomi and MuleSoft as they offer increased data and user capabilities down the line. This will be a time and cost saver later.
Identify goals to be achieved with the integration and define parameters early on. Automated metrics like data sync time, error occurrence rate, and estimated time savings from reduced workforce hours are effective.
Both Salesforce and the ERP system should always stand on the same information for true integration. Bidirectional updates maintain up-to-date information with no inaccuracies. This enables your sales and finance teams to operate seamlessly.
Having both systems with real-time data accuracy is essential during constant data exchange. This allows for no mix-ups, which helps keep everyone in sales and finance up to date.
Integrating Salesforce with your ERP goes beyond simply joining two systems. It optimizes the entire organization. You receive real-time information, advanced analytics, and improved insights on what needs to be done next.
Having the right tools in place and resolving common challenges proactively positions the business to scale in the future.
Whether you are a big corporation or an emerging new startup, ERP integration with Salesforce will improve efficiency and accuracy and foster sustainable growth.
Information silos can be problematic for any business. Outdated information and missing data can cause issues for your business. Integrating both ERP and Salesforce can enhance your business processes.
Everything will be streamlined and accessible, from order tracking to providing real-time customer updates.
Does your team wish to increase productivity as well as reduce errors? A custom solution designed for your needs, coupled with expert guidance, will improve almost any productivity challenge—all it takes is the right technology.
Reach out to PixelConsulting today. We build custom solutions tailored to improve your workflow.
There is no one best ERP for everyone. Salesforce-compatible ERPs such as SAP, Oracle NetSuite, and Microsoft Dynamics 365 are well-known. They work best with other platforms when integrated through MuleSoft. Your company's size and budget will determine the best fit.
Salesforce is distinctly a CRM. An ERP managing inventory and finance systems has no overlap with its functions. That is why numerous firms integrate ERPs alongside Salesforce.
Every project is unique. ERP-Salesforce connections differ greatly in complexity. Larger-scale projects can take up to 6 months, while simpler connections can be completed in weeks. Good project planning greatly speeds up the process, especially when paired with accurate data.
Not always. Pre-built systems used with middleware like Boomi don’t require coding. Legacy and custom ERP systems benefit from having a developer on board.
Absolutely! With live data sharing, small businesses are able to manage clients and tasks more efficiently. Connecting these systems becomes simpler with affordable tools meant for small teams.
Read Also: Common Salesforce Adoption Challenges And Solutions
