Salesforce has become a leader in the world of CRM with over 150,000 companies using it today. As of 2023, Salesforce Lightning has become the go-to user interface for most users. But many businesses still rely on Salesforce Classic. It is the OG version with a tab based interface. On the flip side, Lightning is a modern and more intuitive Salesforce. So, how do you decide between Salesforce Lightning vs Classic?
This guide will help you understand the differences between these two Salesforce UIs. We'll help you choose the one that best fits your company's needs. Keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of each UI to choose the one for you!
Salesforce offers a range of editions to cater to different business needs. Each one is tailored to suit various sizes and types of businesses. These editions determine the features, tools, and overall experience of the Salesforce platform. They also significantly affect which user interface (UI) you should use.
These are the Salesforce editions currently available:
One thing is simple, higher the edition, the more advanced features and customizations. The edition you choose will depend on your business size and the complexity of your CRM needs. For example, small businesses might opt for the Essentials edition, while larger companies may go for Enterprise.
Note: All the Salesforce editions support both Classic and Lightning. However, some advanced features (like Lightning Flow) are only available in higher editions.
Salesforce Lightning is a modern user interface with a visually appealing experience. It was introduced in 2015 to enhance user productivity with a more dynamic dashboard. It has a drag and drop feature, faster navigation and a customizable interface. Plus, it's mobile-responsive to give users a consistent experience across all devices.
Another advantage of Lightning is its focus on automation and artificial intelligence (AI). It integrates with Salesforce Einstein which is Salesforce’s AI layer. It helps with predictive analytics, personalized recommendations, and smarter workflows. Additionally, Lightning is constantly updated with new features and enhancements. This makes it the preferred UI for Salesforce users who need the latest tools.
Salesforce Classic is the original user interface of Salesforce. It is the same old school and familiar layout for those who prefer a traditional experience. Basically, Salesforce classic was the default UI until Lightning was introduced. It is still used by many businesses today due to its stability and simplicity. So, it remains a solid choice for users accustomed to it or have limited needs for customization.
Many long-term users find it easier to navigate due to its straightforward design and simple functionality. Classic also has a stable environment which is useful for companies that want reliability. However, it does not receive as many updates as Lightning and lacks some of the more modern features. These include things like AI-powered features and advanced automation.
Here is an overview of the Lightning vs Classic Salesforce UIs. Take a quick look at the table below:
When it comes to Salesforce Lightning vs Classic, we have to do a feature comparison of the two. Since these are two different UIs of the same platform, most things are the same. There are just a few differences. Salesforce Lightning is a new interface that makes it easier to work in Salesforce. While both Classic and Lightning have some of the same features, there are several features only available in Lightning.
Here are some of the key features you can only use in Salesforce Lightning:
Choosing between Salesforce Lightning vs Classic depends on a variety of factors. You have to look at things like business goals, team needs and CRM requirements. Here's a detailed breakdown of the factors that should guide your decision:
Larger businesses with complex CRM needs benefit from the advanced features of Lightning. For example, companies with sales teams and customer service departments will find Lightning’s automation helpful for streamlining processes and boosting productivity. Smaller businesses with fewer customization needs may prefer Classic.
If you want deep customization and flexibility, Lightning is the better choice. Its drag-and-drop functionality makes it easy to use the platform. Plus, the App Builder makes it easy to create tailored experiences for different teams. In contrast, Salesforce Classic has limited customization options which suits small scale businesses.
While Salesforce Lightning offers more advanced features, it can need more resources to implement. Organizations need a bigger budget and resources to train users and customize the interface. However, if you're looking for a cost effective solution then Classic is a better choice. It also comes with a smaller learning curve.
Salesforce Lightning is always evolving with new features and improvements. If your business plans to scale and grow, opting for Lightning will give access to the latest tools. Classic, while stable, will eventually phase out. This is because Salesforce focuses more on Lightning updates and capabilities.
User adoption is crucial when deciding between the two UIs. If your team is already familiar with Salesforce Classic, it might be easier to stick with it. But Lightning will make your team more productive in the long run if you are willing to invest time in training.
For most users, switching to Salesforce Lightning is a smart choice, especially if your company is new to Salesforce. Lightning is easier to use, faster, and is the future of Salesforce. Here are some stats from Salesforce that show why Lightning is better than Classic:
But if your team likes the older interface and prefers sticking with it, Classic can still work. Just keep in mind that Salesforce has not given a clear end date for Classic, but it might not be supported forever. So, in the Classic vs Lightning Salesforce debate, Lightning is often the winner.
Regardless of which Salesforce edition you have, it's very easy to switch between Classic vs Lightning interface. So, it doesn’t matter between salesforce classic vs salesforce lightning as you can access both.
Follow the steps below to switch views:
Note:
The decision between Salesforce Lightning vs Salesforce Classic comes down to your business needs. Pick Lightning if you want a customizable CRM with new features and updates. On the other hand, Salesforce Classic remains a solid option for businesses that want a simple UI.
At PixelConsulting.io, we help businesses choose and adopt the right Salesforce solutions. Our team of analysts can guide you through the process of selecting the ideal Salesforce UI. We also help you move from Salesforce Classic to Lightning for a successful adoption.
Reach out today for expert advice and support to help you maximize the value of Salesforce!
Salesforce Lightning is a modern, user-friendly interface offering enhanced features like customizable pages, improved reporting, and faster performance. Classic is the older version with a simpler design, but it lacks some of the advanced capabilities of Lightning.
Salesforce Classic is a legacy development platform and Lightning is the latest version. It offers limited functionality and is hard to use due to the outdated interface. Lightning includes advanced features but it's designed for non technical users. It offers better user experience, with easy-to-use features like drag-and-drop
Some features available in Classic may not be present in Lightning Experience, such as certain aspects of the Service Console. It's essential to review feature availability before transitioning.
Lightning Experience generally offers improved performance with faster load times due to its modern architecture, enhancing user productivity compared to the older Classic interface.
While Salesforce hasn't announced an official end date for Classic, updates ceased after the Spring '19 release, indicating a shift towards Lightning Experience as the primary platform.
Read Also : Salesforce User Adoption Metrics
