Item: Salesforce Lightning Platform
Rating: 9
Author: Joseph Lemos

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

Salesforce Lightning Platform is our primary CRM and is used by all of our sales staff from lead generation through delivery of product. It is relatively easy to sync back and forth with our ERP system because of the ability to create custom modules. I've also added non sales data to the app so that I can use the report module to share information across departments. The security layers make it simple to keep information compartmentalized.

Pros and Cons

The customization options are great. I can add whatever modules I want and relate them together.
The security features make it easy to know who can see what.
Workflows allow for automating of many tasks, including emails, field updates, etc.

The reporting module is weak compared to the rest. Essentially no customization at all.
Some of the default modules - Opportunity Contacts - for example, have almost customization options, meaning I had to build my own module and work around it.
I would like more oversight into how and when users are working in the system.

Return on Investment

Better visibility of Accounts and Contacts interactions makes it easier to maintain during employee transitions.
Tracking of current jobs and relating them to past jobs is very useful.
More efficient use of Sales Reps time.
Sales Managers have good visibility into how their people are working.

Alternatives Considered

Zoho CRM, HubSpot CRM, Sugar Sell (SugarCRM) and NetSuite CRM

I think Salesforce has the most powerful developer engine - I have yet to need a module that I couldn't create (maybe with help). I probably could have made the others work but Salesforce, in my opinion, made it the easiest. Salesforce is reliable and established as well so you're not taking any risks from that perspective.

Key Insights

Do you think Salesforce Lightning Platform delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Salesforce Lightning Platform's feature set?

Yes

Did Salesforce Lightning Platform live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of Salesforce Lightning Platform go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Salesforce Lightning Platform again?

Yes

Other Software Used

Epicor ERP, Altaro VM Backup, HubSpot Marketing Hub

Likelihood to Recommend

Well suited / Poorly suited - really two sides of the same coin

Company has management that will be willing to work in the system. Sometimes people are reluctant to learn something new.
In house IT with developer skills. This is critical unless you either want to change your business to match Salesforce, or pay consultants a lot of money.
Existing systems can be integrated, but you need that knowledge and access as well. Running Salesforce with connecting it will create a need for double data entry, If you have a locked down legacy system, you will have difficulty sharing data.

Salesforce Lightning - Powerful Developer Landscape

Overall Satisfaction with Salesforce Lightning Platform (formerly Salesforce App Cloud)