The Weekend Picklist ? ChatGPT vs. Salesforce Developer, Complete Guide to Salesforce Integration and Dreamforce '23

Every weekend, we’ll be delivering our top headlines – highlights from the previous week for you to enjoy with a cup of coffee!

Can ChatGPT Replace a Salesforce Developer?

Could ChatGPT transform the role of a Salesforce Developer? While this chatbot can assist in code writing, it currently doesn't consider any of the already existing code in your org, which can potentially lead to compatibility issues. This may change when Salesforce releases Einstein GPT, as the model will be trained on your existing code base and will be able to write better code for you.

When it comes to stakeholder management, ChatGPT is good at summarizing user stories, but it can't replicate the nuanced understanding of human interaction.?

In terms of integrations, which can be extremely complex to set up and manage, AI may help you with certain things like the initial code required to set up an integration, but it will still take human judgment to fulfill complex requirements.

Something that could greatly benefit developers is ChatGPT's abilities in testing and debugging. It can suggest test classes, saving time and effort.

Salesforce Development Lifecycle will more likely be completely separate from this tool, as the development lifecycle is different for every organization. [Read More]

Complete Guide to Salesforce Integration Best Practices

Integration best practices are essential to support scalability, security, data consistency, and maintainability in an organization's tech stack.?These principles are essential during Salesforce implementations, whether that's migrating a legacy CRM to Salesforce or implementing a new CRM.

The best integration strategy results in a solid tech stack that mitigates tech debt – whereas poor implementation can increase it. Key practices include understanding the business strategy, deciding the integration approach, collaborating with stakeholders, brainstorming business scenarios, and choosing the right implementation team.?

Other factors like integration type, the integration platform/tool, use of Salesforce features, and decisions about data storage/security/sync frequency are also important.

The main three broad categories for Salesforce integrations are Data, Process, and Virtual Integration. Choosing the appropriate integration type influences the platform/tool used. Critical steps include conducting a detailed impact analysis, creating a risk management strategy, securing budget approval, evaluating Salesforce features and integration tools, assessing data ownership, and ensuring solution scalability.

Additionally, create a data/process integrity checklist and regularly review and refine your project plan. This iterative approach ensures a successful implementation, leading to smoother Salesforce integration experiences.?[Read More]

How to Identify, Select, and Engage Your Salesforce Stakeholders

Engaging stakeholders effectively is a key non-technical skill that's often underestimated in Salesforce training.?Stakeholders hold invaluable business insights that aren't always thoroughly documented or known by a single person.?

The number of stakeholders you need to consult will vary based on your project's scope. The number of stakeholders you need to consult will vary based on your project's scope – think of them in four distinct groups and aim to speak to one from each:?

• ‘Upwards': Those who authorize changes.?
• 'Downwards': Those affected by changes.?
• 'Inside': Those operating new systems.??
• 'Outside': Customers benefiting from processes.

Also, involving three crucial stakeholder types can be beneficial:?

• Change Advocates: A source of innovation.
• Status Quo Defendants: Indicators of potential hurdles.
• The Keystone: All-round system experts.?

If you're new to the organization, seek guidance from a project sponsor or leverage your internal network to find these stakeholders.

Remember to respect stakeholders' time by scheduling efficient meetings and being well-prepared with knowledge about their role and organization. And lastly, maintain open communication for future inquiries and express gratitude for their contribution, providing a brief summary of the key takeaways post-discussion.?[Read More]

Dreamforce '23 Registration Is Now Live!

You can now register for Dreamforce 2023, happening September 12-14!?This is the biggest conference in the Salesforce calendar, attracting nearly 180,000 attendees pre-pandemic. Early bird tickets start at $1,499, increasing to $1,899 when the initial batch sells out. Struggling to get approval? Salesforce offers a "Convince Your Boss Letter" highlighting the ROI.

Dreamforce is an educational hub, featuring presentations from Salesforce experts and other global icons, with Matthew McConaughey, Dr. @Jane Goodall DBE, and Bono being announced for this year. There are numerous chances to network with a variety of professionals.

The event will take place at San Francisco's Moscone Centre, where attendees can expect an engaging Salesforce experience with high-quality production. Alongside Q&A sessions and Trailhead challenges, you can also relax and socialize at networking events and after-parties, such as the incredible "Dreamfest" held at Oracle Stadium. Past performers? Think Metallica and Foo Fighters.?

Check our?Complete Guide to Dreamforce?for more details. See you there!?[Read More]

Adopting DevOps: the 5 steps to success

Implementing Salesforce DevOps can be simplified into five key steps:

1. Understand Your Requirements: Start by finding the strengths and weaknesses in how you currently work. Once you know the areas that are causing you trouble, you can confidently pinpoint the resources and support you’ll need to help you achieve DevOps success.
2. Start Small and Ramp Up: Avoid implementing everything at once. Begin with foundational elements like efficient deployments and version control, then gradually introduce other DevOps processes.
3. Build a DevOps Culture: Go beyond tools and processes; foster a culture centered on collaboration, continuous improvement, and team engagement.?
4. Iterate and Optimize: Keep learning, adapt, and enhance your operations. A strong DevOps culture will encourage team members to contribute to this optimization process
5. Measure Success: Regularly review your DevOps implementation to track progress and identify areas of improvement. Use measures like Google’s DORA metrics for a comprehensive assessment.

By following these steps, the journey towards DevOps adoption becomes less overwhelming and more strategically directed, resulting in a successful implementation.?[Read More]