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What is Salesforce Integration?

Integration of Salesforce is the act of combining two or more systems, enabling the consolidation of distinct processes. Consider scenarios within your tech stack where data is stored in one system but needed in another. By integrating these systems, you can efficiently oversee the data flow across various business operations spanning multiple platforms.

What makes integration significant?

We reside in a digital age and we consistently require to enhance our effectiveness and our clients’ journey to stay competitive – it’s uncommon that a system operates in seclusion now. We must grow more and more adept at merging our systems so that we can accomplish it more swiftly and in a expandable way.

What does API stand for?

API, stands for Application Programming Interface, is the mechanism that enables two applications to communicate with one another. For instance, when utilizing a mobile app, the app links to the web, retrieves information from a server, and displays it in a user-friendly layout.

A well-functioning API facilitates this entire procedure seamlessly. Various categories of APIs exist, and these will be discussed further in the ‘Salesforce Integration Capabilities’ segment.

Different Architectural Approaches for Integrating with Salesforce

I’ll guide you through three distinct types of integration architectures, each with its own advantages and limitations.

• Point-to-point integration
• Hub-and-spoke integration
• Enterprise Service Bus integration (ESB)

Point-to-Point Integration

Also referred to as one-on-one incorporation, a point-to-point network integration transmits a message to another network through a 1-1 connection. Imagine you possess a sales app that transmits new orders details to a invoicing network, to a logistics app, and to a monitoring network – all individually as its own small incorporation.

If you desire the monitoring and the logistics to interact, then that’s an additional incorporation that must be configured. There are numerous drawbacks with this incorporation method. It’s costly to construct and uphold, and if you ever wish to substitute one of the networks, you will have to construct multiple new incorporations for it to connect to the same networks once more.

Hub-and-Spoke Integration

With center-and-spoke integration, you possess a centralized nucleus system that aids in communication between the systems. The nucleus is accountable for directing all traffic, and you solely require to construct one connection for every fresh system, which is a substantial enhancement on point-to-point integration.

Enterprise Service Bus Integration (ESB)

Business Service Bus (ESB) signifies the development of the spoke-and-hub integration structure pattern. The distinction lies in the integration motor used to establish links between linked software programs and systems.
Utilize ESB if you require to perform any of the following with your ‘communications’:

• Routing: Facilitating the transfer of data or messages between different systems or destinations.
• Orchestration: Sequencing the order of transactions or events to ensure coordinated processing.
• Transformation: Converting data or messages from one system’s format to another to facilitate communication.
• Security: Implementing measures such as authentication and authorization to fulfill security needs.

Salesforce provides us with Real-time Data Integration in Salesforce to facilitate building these connections. Here are four key capabilities to consider:

1. REST API

REST API (Representational State Transfer Application Programming Interface) is a widely-used architectural style that allows web services to communicate over the internet. It leverages standard HTTP methods, such as GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE, to perform operations on resources, making it easy for developers to build applications. One of the key characteristics of REST APIs is their statelessness, meaning each request from a client contains all the information needed for the server to process it. This simplicity and efficiency contribute to their popularity in web and mobile development.

• GET for database querying
• POST for record creation
• PUT for updates
• PATCH for modifications
• DELETE for removal

REST API is best for web or mobile applications. Regarding data formats, it uses XML or JSON. JSON works better with data and is best for web or mobile applications. This means that REST doesn’t use much bandwidth and is easily consumed by web browsers.

REST APIs also support multiple data formats, with JSON being the most commonly used due to its lightweight nature. This flexibility allows applications to easily integrate with various systems and services, enabling seamless data exchange. As a result, REST APIs are essential for creating scalable and responsive applications that enhance user experiences. Their ability to connect different platforms and facilitate smooth communication makes them a vital tool in modern software development.

In terms of timing, REST is synchronous. For example, you send a POST request to create a record in Salesforce and you will receive a response as to whether it was successful or not.

2. SOAP API

SOAP application programming interface was previously more frequently utilized by outdated systems, however, it is still possible to encounter it. It is most suitable for integration between systems, communication within backend systems, and for applications that necessitate a formal agreement (contracts) between the API.

Although it is dependable and firmly established, it has a tendency to be less efficient and consume more data compared to REST. SOAP API utilizes XML for highly organized data payloads and operates asynchronously, which implies that it does not require to pause for a response.

SOAP also supports asynchronous operations, meaning it can send requests without waiting for immediate responses, making it suitable for certain types of long-running transactions.

3. Streaming API

There exist two methods of communication: ‘Question and Answer’ and ‘Occurrence Oriented’. The Live Streaming API is founded on the broadcast/receive model, providing a highly effective approach to dispatch alerts and serves as the foundation of Occurrence-Oriented Design.

Four Types of Streaming APIs in Salesforce:

• Generic
• PushTopic
• Platform Events
• Change Data Capture

They are all created using CometD technology. This indicates there is an Enterprise Messaging Bus that enables an Event Producer to post a Message to a channel so that any Event Consumer (subscribed to it) can receive that transmission.

Platform Events streamline the process of conveying changes in data and enable us to achieve a nearly immediate integration between Salesforce and external systems. There is a significant amount of excitement surrounding Event-Driven Architecture currently and for valid reasons. I would recommend delving deeper into this topic here.

4.Web Service Callouts

In Salesforce integration scenarios, callouts occur when Salesforce initiates communication with external systems. For instance, when a user updates an Account’s address, Salesforce may call an address database for verification. Web Service Callouts, a type of callout, are programmatically executed and free to utilize.

However, they require developer intervention for implementation. They are suitable for synchronous timing requirements or when quick responses are expected asynchronously. Notably, callouts invoked through an Apex trigger must be marked as asynchronous. They are optimal for smaller data loads, where the request and response sizes are both under 3 MB.

Summary

Salesforce integration encompasses connecting systems to streamline operations, utilizing various architectural approaches and API capabilities for efficiency.

FAQs about Salesforce CRM Integration

1. What is Salesforce Integration Solutions?

• Salesforce integration is simply connecting Salesforce with other apps or systems you use, so everything works together smoothly. This helps your data flow easily across different platforms and keeps all your processes in sync.

2. Why is Salesforce integration important?

• Integration is key because it prevents data from getting stuck in different places, makes your business run more efficiently, improves customer experience, and ensures your team has access to real-time information from various systems.

3. What are the different types of Salesforce integrations?

There are a few common ways to integrate Salesforce:

• Point-to-Point Integration: Directly connects two systems.
• Hub-and-Spoke Integration: A central hub connects everything.
• Enterprise Service Bus (ESB): A more advanced method, ideal for large organizations.
• API-based Integration: Using APIs like REST, or Streaming for communication between systems.

4. What’s the difference between REST API and SOAP API in Salesforce?

• REST API is lightweight, easier to use, and works great for web and mobile apps. It uses JSON or XML formats.
• SOAP API is more formal, using XML for highly structured data. It’s often used for legacy systems or when you need strict contracts between systems.

5. What is Event-Driven Architecture in Salesforce?

• Event-Driven Architecture means your systems can talk to each other based on specific events, like when data changes. Salesforce uses Streaming APIs like PushTopic, Platform Events, and Change Data Capture to handle these real-time updates.

6. How can I integrate Salesforce with other systems?

• You can connect Salesforce to other systems using APIs (like REST or SOAP), middleware platforms (like MuleSoft), or use something like Enterprise Service Bus (ESB) or platform events for more advanced integrations.

7. What’s a Web Service Callout in Salesforce?

• A web service callout happens when Salesforce reaches out to another system to request or send data. For example, if you update an address in Salesforce, it might call an external address verification service. This can happen right away (synchronously) or in the background (asynchronously).

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