Salesforce Org Merges: Outsourcing as a Solution to Pain Points

By Flavia Ferraro, Salesforce Certified Business Analyst at BairesDev

Salesforce is a powerful tool for managing customer relationships, but what happens when your organization goes through a merger or acquisition? Such was the scenario unfolding with a client in the stock exchange sector. A couple of years ago, this financial and tech leader acquired a fraud detection technology company, and the necessity of both instances to merge turned critical.

Combining Salesforce Orgs can be a challenging and complex process, but with the right approach, it can be done efficiently and effectively.

The Pain Points

As a Salesforce certified administrator, I experienced up close the challenges that may arise during Salesforce Org merges. While these challenges may seem daunting, they can all be overcome by taking the right steps and following the best practices. The following are a few critical points to consider:

One of the main tasks associated with Salesforce Org merges is data duplication. When merging two Orgs, there is a risk of duplicating data, workflows, reports, and other customizations. This can lead to confusion and inefficiencies, as users may not know which version of a record is the most up-to-date.

You could also run into integration issues. Integrating two separate Orgs can be complicated, mainly when dealing with disparate systems and processes. This can lead to data inconsistencies and errors, as information may not be transferred correctly between the two systems.

During the merge process, there is also a risk of data loss, particularly when customizations are involved. Customizations can include everything from custom fields and objects to workflows and reports. If these customizations are not properly documented and migrated during the merge process, they can be lost, leading to a loss of valuable data.
Perhaps one of the biggest challenges associated with Salesforce Org merges is user resistance. Changes to workflows and customizations can lead to resistance from users who are accustomed to working with their existing setup. This can lead to decreased productivity and frustration among users, who may not fully understand the reasons for the modifications.
One of the main pain points associated with Salesforce Org merges is cost. Merging two separate Orgs can be a time-consuming and expensive process, particularly if there are significant differences between the two Orgs. If one organization is using a large number of custom objects, fields, and workflows, while the other is using only standard Salesforce functionality, merging the two Orgs can be much more complicated and costly.
In addition, there may be costs associated with training users on the newly merged Org and updating any integrations with other systems or tools. It is important for organizations to carefully consider the potential costs of a Salesforce Org merge before moving forward with the process.

The Solution

One solution is to outsource skilled hands to handle the Salesforce Org merge process. Outsourcing can provide access to experts who are well-versed in Salesforce Org merges and can help ensure a smooth transition. These resources can assist in doing the following:

Conducting a thorough analysis of each organization’s existing Salesforce Orgs

Outsourcing partners can help organizations conduct a comprehensive analysis of their existing Salesforce Orgs. This includes reviewing data, workflows, reports, and customizations to identify potential conflicts or duplications. The analysis helps create a clear picture of what needs to be done to integrate the two Orgs successfully.

Developing a clear plan for integrating the two Orgs

A clear plan is essential to ensure that the Salesforce Org merge is executed smoothly. Outsourced resources can help organizations develop a clear plan for integrating the two Orgs. This involves mapping out potential conflicts and developing solutions to mitigate these challenges. The plan should also include a timeline, budget, and resource allocation to ensure a successful merge.

Communicating regularly with all stakeholders

Outsourced collaborators can help organizations ensure that all stakeholders are informed and on board with the changes. These include users and the leadership team within both organizations. Communication is crucial to ensure that everyone understands the benefits of the Salesforce Org merger and how it will affect them.

Conducting thorough testing before and after the merge

Outsourced experts can help organizations conduct thorough testing before and after the merge. Testing ensures that everything is working as expected and any potential issues are identified and addressed promptly. They can bring in expertise to ensure that the testing is comprehensive and thorough.

Seasoned outsourcing companies can help ensure a smooth transition and a successful merge process. With technical expertise, fresh perspectives, and ideas, professionals from outside can help organizations conduct a comprehensive analysis, develop a clear plan, communicate regularly with all stakeholders, and conduct thorough testing before and after the merge.

What to consider when outsourcing experts?

When considering outsourced vendors for a Salesforce Org merge, there are several factors to take into account to ensure reliability. Some important criteria include:

Certifications: Look for vendors with relevant certifications from Salesforce, such as the Salesforce Certified Administrator, Salesforce Certified Developer, or Salesforce Certified Architect certifications. These certifications demonstrate that the vendor has the knowledge and skills to work with the Salesforce platform.

Experience: The vendor should have a proven track record of successfully completing Salesforce Org merge projects. Ask for references or case studies to get a sense of their experience in this area.

Technical expertise: The vendor should have a deep understanding of Salesforce technologies and be up-to-date with the latest developments in the platform. Look for vendors who have experience working with the specific Salesforce products and integrations that your organization uses.

Communication skills: The vendor should have excellent communication skills and be responsive to your needs. They should be able to explain complex technical concepts in a way that is easy to understand and be able to work collaboratively with your team.

Data security: The outsourced team should have robust security measures in place to protect your data during the merge process. Look for vendors who have experience working with sensitive data and who follow best practices for data security.

In conclusion

A Salesforce Org merge might be daunting to think about. It comes with talent, technology, and, most likely, financial challenges. However, it could prove to be a critical step toward achieving business goals and accomplishing your company vision. This is a key step that should be part of a solid strategy, one that is smart in terms of expertise, efficiency, processes, and adaptability. While outsourcing is just one alternative among many, it is one that allows you access to seasoned experts, from Salesforce-certified talent to experienced Project Managers and Business Analysts. Reach out to reputable vendors for a consultation and thoroughly evaluate how they fit your organization’s needs. They might become your next best business and tech partners!