If a business decides to utilize a Salesforce solution, then they can expect it to meet all business requirements fully. The Salesforce platform is something that can provide business the functionality one might expect because it is configurable as well as customizable. Many businesses believe that Salesforce Configuration and customization are the same. However, these are actually quite different from each other.

The statistics tell us that more than 90% of the businesses during the Salesforce CRM development and customization have to deal with both configuration and customization. And the platform itself is designed to handle these things perfectly.

Difference between Configuration and Customization

When it comes to configuration, you deal with the items already available on the platform; you select whatever you need. However, if you need to perform customization, you have to handle the code to make the solution work as required. If you have to move to customization, it means that the available resources are not enough.

Salesforce Configuration

Salesforce Configuration is configuring your needs to the system without changing much of the basic structure. The configuration is less complicated, due to the availability of all the features and functions in the Salesforce environment. So, there should be fewer issues while implementing your business requirements. For that, you need to clearly understand what the features mean and how to handle them.

Features of Salesforce Configuration:

Configuration in Salesforce means offering user-defined values that will empower certain features/modules to start operating.
Configuration can allow you to work with the Salesforce Admin panel to alter switches and setups in the programs.
Salesforce Configuration helps to implement business requirements using Salesforce OOTB functionality.
You can add new Objects and fields, modules, workflows, surveys, and reports by altering settings in the Admin panel.
Customers can get what they expect by configuring and acquiring a pre-defined application of Salesforce.
It supports some inbuilt features like, Email-to-Case, Web-to-Case, Email-to-Lead, etc.

Salesforce Configuration includes:

Adding Objects/Fields
Adding tabs/apps
Create new profiles
Setting Permissions
Work with reports and workflows
Create email templates
Validation rules
Create page layouts or record types
Integrating Email Client
Create apps for AppExchange as well as Add some applications from AppExchange

Salesforce Customization

Customization can be stated as a step ahead of Salesforce configuration. Customization is required for cases where configuration doesn’t serve the purpose. Salesforce Customization relates to the custom development of code for creating tailored features and functionalities. If you have to move to customization, it means that the available resources are not enough, and you have to handle the code to make the solution work as required.

Features of Salesforce customization:

It helps in developing features/functions that aren’t available as a part of the Standard Salesforce Solution.
It helps to achieve certain actions that aren’t covered in OOTB configuration and requires some custom coding.
Customization allows the addition of triggers on the object to perform a few actions.
Salesforce Customization can be considered complex and involves giving attention to user adoption.
Once the Configuration is done properly, then Customization is used and brings fruitful results.

Salesforce Customization includes:

Work with Apex classes or triggers
Work with Visualforce and its components
Use CSS to change how the pages look
Integrate the solution with the third-party solutions
Use JavaScript to add additional features and capabilities
Create Lightning components
Build custom partner portals
Optimize the design and functionality

Summary:

Customization and Configuration are the most essential and demanded factors if you want to cover all your business’ needs. So, whatever you choose, make sure you get everything done with the help of a knowledgeable and experienced Salesforce implementation partner.

If you have any questions you can reach out our Salesforce Consulting team here.