Salesforce Governance Model -How it Works and its Significance
A governance model in Salesforce refers to the structured framework used to organize and oversee the use and development of the Salesforce environment within an organization.
This model is crucial for ensuring that the Salesforce platform aligns with business goals, remains efficient, scalable, and secure, and that it meets the needs of its users effectively.
How Does the Governance Model Work?
Imagine a bustling city without traffic lights, designated lanes, or any sense of order.
Chaos, right?
That’s what a Salesforce org can resemble without a governance model. It establishes the “rules of the road” for everyone using the platform.
Here’s the key cast of characters:
People
Governance Council (Steering Committee): This is usually a group of stakeholders from various parts of the organization (IT, sales, marketing, customer service, etc.) who make strategic decisions about the use and configuration of Salesforce. They prioritize projects, allocate resources, and set policies for usage and security.
Center of Excellence (CoE) or Center of Expertise (CoE): This is your team of Salesforce gurus. They provide expertise and best practices, ensuring everyone uses the platform effectively. Think of them as the in-house Salesforce consultants, readily available to answer questions and guide implementation.
Roles and Responsibilities: Salesforce Administrator(s) and Developer(s) — These roles are responsible for the day-to-day management and development of the Salesforce platform. They implement changes, manage releases, and ensure the system runs smoothly, often guided by the decisions of the steering committee.
Processes
Now that you know the players, let’s explore the processes that keep things running smoothly:
Change Management: Effective governance models include a change management process that governs how modifications are proposed, evaluated, and implemented. This typically involves:
- Change Control Board: A subset of the steering committee or a specific group that reviews and approves changes based on set criteria.
- Release Management: Scheduled releases include new features, updates, and fixes, ensuring they are implemented without disrupting business operations.
Data Governance: Your customer data is gold, and a good governance model treats it that way. Data governance processes ensure the accuracy, security, and compliance of your data. This includes things like data quality checks, user access controls, and procedures for data backup and recovery.
User Training and Support: Ongoing training and support are provided to ensure that users can leverage Salesforce effectively. This includes on-boarding new users and offering continuous education on new features and best practices.
Technology
When it comes to Salesforce governance, technology plays a crucial role in automating tasks, enforcing best practices, and providing visibility into your Salesforce org. Here are some key technological considerations:
Salesforce Native Tools: Salesforce itself offers a treasure trove of built-in features that support good governance. For example, permission sets and profiles define user access levels, while change sets and sandboxes provide safe environments for testing and development. Utilizing these tools effectively is a cornerstone of a strong governance model.
Data Management Tools: Maintaining data quality and security is paramount. Data management tools can automate data cleansing processes, identify and flag duplicate records, and ensure data encryption for added security.
Reporting and Analytics: Data is only valuable if you can use it. Reporting and analytics tools provide insights into user activity, data trends, and potential compliance issues. This information empowers you to continuously improve your Salesforce governance practices.
Integration Tools: Salesforce likely interacts with other business systems. Integration tools help ensure seamless data flow between platforms, minimizing errors and streamlining workflows.
Significance of a Salesforce Governance Model
So, why should you invest time and effort in building a Salesforce Governance Model? The benefits are plentiful:
The governance model plays a critical role in the successful deployment and ongoing management of the Salesforce within a company. Its significances include:
- Alignment with Business Goals: Ensures that all developments and usage of Salesforce align with the organization’s strategic objectives.
- Efficiency and Scalability: Helps in managing the platform efficiently and scaling it as the organization grows.
- Quality Control: Maintains the quality of data and customization's, preventing “org bloat” and configuration issues that can arise from unmanaged changes.
- Risk Management: Reduces risks associated with data security and regulatory compliance by setting and enforcing appropriate policies.
- User Adoption and Satisfaction: Improves user adoption and satisfaction by involving users in decision-making processes and providing them with necessary training and support.
Implementing a robust governance model for Salesforce helps in maintaining a healthy and productive environment that supports ongoing business needs and adapts to changes in organizational strategies and market conditions.
The Salesforce Governance team should focus on People, Process, Technology to streamline operations and enhance system efficiency.
For more help, opt for Salesforce consulting services.
