So, you’re here, which means you’ve either already integrated your ERP system with Salesforce or you’re exploring what to do next after integration. Either way, you’re in the right place!
If you’ve already done Salesforce and ERP integration—congratulations! That’s a smart move toward streamlining your operations and unlocking growth opportunities. We’ll guide you through 7 high-impact actions to maximize the value of your integration.
If you haven’t integrated yet, don’t worry. Consider this your roadmap to understand what comes next once you’ve connected Salesforce and your ERP. And if you’re ready to start, hiring a Salesforce integration consultant is the first step to getting it done right.
Now, let’s jump into the agenda you’re here for. But before we dive into the actionable steps, let’s quickly understand what Salesforce and ERP integration mean for businesses and why it’s a game-changer.
Table of Contents
What Does Salesforce and ERP Integration Mean for Businesses?
Salesforce CRM and ERP systems serve two critical, yet distinct functions:
- Salesforce CRM focuses on customer relationships, sales pipelines, and front-office activities.
- ERP systems handle backend operations like inventory management, financials, and procurement.
Integration bridges these two systems, enabling seamless data flow, real-time synchronization, and cross-departmental collaboration. The result? Enhanced efficiency, fewer errors, and a 360-degree view of business operations.
With that in mind, let’s dive into the 7 high-impact actions to take after Salesforce and ERP integration.
7 Actions to Do After Salesforce and ERP Integration
1. Fine-Tune Data Synchronization
Integration doesn’t end with connecting Salesforce and ERP—it’s about ensuring data flows accurately and in real-time between systems. For instance, when a sales order is closed in Salesforce, it should immediately update inventory levels and initiate production in the ERP system.
Example: A manufacturing business could avoid overcommitting to customer orders if their Salesforce CRM reflects up-to-date inventory levels from their ERP. This synchronization prevents customer dissatisfaction while maintaining operational efficiency.
Pro Tip: Conduct regular checks to ensure data fields like customer details, inventory levels, and financial records are syncing without delays or discrepancies. Use automated alerts to flag any syncing errors for quick resolution.
2. Automate Key Workflows for Speed and Accuracy
One of the most impactful benefits of integration is workflow automation. Identify repetitive tasks, such as order processing, billing, and inventory updates, and replace manual interventions with automated workflows.
Example: A retail business with integrated systems can automate its order-to-cash process. When a customer places an order in Salesforce, the ERP automatically generates an invoice, deducts inventory, and updates financial records.
Why It Matters: Automation reduces human error, speeds up processes, and allows employees to focus on higher-value tasks like customer service or strategy.
Quick Win: Use Salesforce Flows to automate approval processes for quotes and orders, ensuring smoother handoffs between sales and operations.
3. Create Unified Dashboards for Better Visibility
Data is only useful if it’s accessible and actionable. After integration, create dashboards that merge Salesforce and ERP data into one centralized view. These dashboards can display key metrics like sales forecasts, inventory levels, and cash flow.
Example: A distribution company can track sales pipeline data from Salesforce alongside warehouse stock levels from ERP. This ensures the sales team knows exactly what’s available to sell and avoids delays or miscommunication.
Actionable Insight: Use Salesforce reports and dashboards to identify bottlenecks, such as slow-moving inventory or delayed orders, and address them proactively.
4. Align Sales and Operations Teams for Seamless Collaboration
One of the most common challenges for businesses is the disconnect between sales and operations. Integration bridges this gap by providing real-time visibility into both customer demand and operational capacity.
Example: A sales rep closing a large deal in Salesforce can instantly check inventory levels in the ERP to confirm availability. If stock is low, the ERP triggers procurement workflows to replenish supplies before committing to delivery timelines.
Impact: This alignment reduces order fulfilment delays, improves customer satisfaction, and strengthens interdepartmental collaboration.
Pro Tip: Host regular cross-departmental meetings to review dashboards and discuss insights from integrated data.
5. Train Teams on New Workflows and Systems
Integration introduces changes to workflows, and without proper training, employees might not fully utilize the new capabilities. Create role-specific training sessions to ensure every team member understands how to leverage the integrated system.
Example: Train sales teams on using ERP-synced inventory data to offer accurate delivery timelines, while operations teams learn to track incoming orders directly from Salesforce.
Why It Matters: Proper training ensures higher adoption rates and minimizes resistance to change, maximizing the return on your integration investment.
Pro Tip: Provide user guides and host periodic refresher training to keep teams updated on system capabilities.
6. Monitor Performance and Optimize for Growth
Integration isn’t a one-and-done project—it requires ongoing monitoring and optimization. Use analytics tools to track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as order processing times, inventory accuracy, and customer satisfaction.
Example: A business might notice that order processing times are still slower than expected. By analyzing data flows, they discover bottlenecks in manual approval steps and automate them to speed up the process.
Action Plan: Regularly review dashboards, gather user feedback, and fine-tune workflows to adapt to evolving business needs.
7. Expand Integration to Additional Tools and Systems
Once Salesforce and ERP integration are done, the next step is to expand this ecosystem by integrating other tools, such as e-commerce platforms, marketing software, or analytics tools.
Example: An e-commerce business can integrate its online store with Salesforce and ERP to automate order processing, sync inventory in real-time, and provide customers with accurate delivery timelines.
Why It Matters: Expanding integration capabilities ensures your systems grow alongside your business, supporting scalability and enhancing operational efficiency.
Pro Tip: Use middleware platforms like MuleSoft or Jitterbit to simplify the process of adding new integrations.
End Note
Salesforce and ERP integration is a powerful step, but it’s just the beginning. To truly unlock the potential of this integration, you need to take proactive actions like automating workflows, training teams, and expanding use cases. By implementing these 7 high-impact actions, you can streamline operations, enhance collaboration, and drive business growth.
Not sure where to start? Connect with a Salesforce integration consultant today to ensure your integration delivers maximum value and supports your long-term goals!
