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A GUIDE TO SALESFORCE IMPLEMENTATION
Though Salesforce is relatively a simple tool to use, its implementation and deployment by a company does require due processes to be followed. This is just to ensure that the process is a hit and doesn't get plagued with road bumps and is not a big failure for so many reasons. In order to have a smooth journey from A to Z, we have put together a simple guide to shine the torch on the entire process of Salesforce implementation.
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The planning and preparation phase. The first step is to prepare a comprehensive plan on the roadmap to deployment. Since implementation is best done by a professional vendor like Codleo Consulting, allow them to study, engage and question all relevant stakeholders (such as managers and teams). Based on this interactive and intensive engagement can the vendor team plan knowing the deficits & issues and find the right solutions. Goals have to be pinpointed and prioritised.
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Budgeting. Please note that with Salesforce the more the levels of personalisation / customisation, the costs rise. So, if you wish to use the basic version and not tamper too much, it can be quite economical. However, the more tools and features you wish to add / customise, the costs start rising. Engagement with the vendor helps to formulate the costs / budgets and try to stick to it as far as possible along with the intended timelines
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Create a salesforce project team. This includes leadership, managers and representatives from different departments who work with the vendor company at every stage of the way. Top leaders must be designated as executive sponsors as it ensures that they are in the loop and ensure all creases are ironed out along the way, and adoption is not an issue.
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Project execution, testing and collaboration. At this stage, the vendor starts implementing the project with testing happening in a sandbox with improvements being suggested by a team of users deployed to test and give feedback. Collaboration and testing and communication ensures everything is smooth and on track.
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Deployment happens on the big day and your company's salesforce edition is launched, after all glitches, issues have been addressed in the sandbox testing stage.
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The next step is training for all departments. Training that are relevant, engaging, fun, hands-on with real-time examples ensure better adoption. Customisation of training as per needs of each department has to happen to ensure smooth adoption. Refresher training courses every few months keeps up the momentum.
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Documentation and support services. Written documentation on the entire project needs to be prepared and handed over to the client. This acts as reference material or helps guide. Support services contract is an option to ensure the salesforce runs smoothly at all times and no glitches hamper work or 'downtime'. Most companies opt for this so that they can get cost-effective support at all times and can focus on their work, instead of hiring or being bogged by minor/major issues related to Salesforce.
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About the Author
Mohit Sharma
Mohit is Practice Lead, 15x Certified Salesforce Consultant, Salesforce trainer, blogger, writer, and full-time husband. With over 8 years of experience implementing Salesforce, and an obsession for innovation, ready to tackle any new project that comes his way.
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