These days, companies are always looking forward to enhancing their business productivity, optimizing their performance, and offering extraordinary services to their customers. Two vital players that allow companies to achieve these objectives are Salesforce, one of the most popular customer relationship management (CRM) platforms and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software.
Together, these platforms allow efficient management of various core business processes, thereby helping businesses to achieve their goals. Nowadays, Salesforce and ERP systems have become common to all popular organizations across various industries. The convergence of these two systems has emerged as a strategic way for businesses to achieve new levels of efficiency, transparency, and collaboration.
According to Gartner, over 70% of recently implemented ERP initiatives will fail to fully meet their original business goals. This will happen mainly because of inadequate automation. So, here we are going to look at various workflow automation options for Salesforce-ERP, analyze real-world case studies, and help you identify the best platform that will help you automate Salesforce ERP workflows.
Why Opt for Salesforce ERP Workflow Automation?
Salesforce ERP automation is the process of integrating Salesforce with enterprise resource planning systems so that the various processes can operate in an automated manner. It encompasses the synchronization of various data processes and workflows between the two systems, ensuring that there is an uninterrupted flow of information.
Here is a more precise definition of workflow automation:
Workflow automation refers to taking a tedious, manual task and converting it into an automated one. Workflow automation makes it easier and faster for employees to complete their jobs. It can also allow businesses to remove bottlenecks and acquire business insights. Intelligent workflows can integrate CRM and ERP systems to provide consumer-buying insights to the sales teams.
Salesforce has been recognized as a Leader in the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Customer Data Platforms, and by integrating the workflows of Salesforce of ERP platforms like SAP, companies can double the benefits of Salesforce. In fact, with SAP integration, the integration developer’s efficiency increased by 30%. SAP Integration Suite also allowed businesses to deliver nearly 350% ROI.
Before delving deep into the various benefits of the Salesforce ERP integration, let’s have a detailed understanding of each of these systems.
What Is Salesforce?
Salesforce is one of the leading customer relationship management platforms. It helps companies in managing their sales, marketing, customer service, and various other operations. It provides a suite of cloud-based applications and services which help improve customer engagement and boost business efficiency.
What Is Enterprise Resource Planning?
ERP is an integrated software system that helps automate some of the core business processes across different departments of organization. This software solution comes with a centralized database and a suite of modules that support various business functions like finance, procurement, human resources, supply chain management, inventory management, etc.
Here are some of the major benefits of automating Salesforce ERP workflows:
Reduce manual labour:
When you automate Salesforce ERP workflows, you no longer have to manually enter data and perform various redundant tasks. This helps reduce errors significantly. The data synchronization process is also automated.
Save significant resources and time:
By automating the various processes in the business environment, you can save valuable time and resources. Your employees can also focus on core business functionalities.
Real-time data visibility:
The workflow integration process offers real-time data visibility for all stakeholders. This allows you to make critical business decisions and gain vital business insights.
Access up-to-date data:
By ensuring that the data across different systems is synchronized, you can have access to up-to-date data at all times. This again ensures that business transparency is maintained.
Improve efficiency:
By automating the vital workflows in your environment, you can easily ensure that your business efficiency is further enhanced. This will help take your business’s success to new heights.
Benefits of automating Salesforce + ERP workflows:
- Reduce manual labour
- Save significant resources and time
- Real-time data visibility
- Access up-to-date data
- Improve efficiency
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Salesforce comes with multiple automation tools that are used to automate Salesforce ERP workflows. Here are some of those tools:
- Workflow rules: Workflow rules can automate tasks using a rule-based approach. They can create tasks and update fields when records are created or updated.
- Process builder: Process builder makes use of visual interfaces to automate business processes. It can automate various tasks like sending emails, creating records, and logging calls.
- Salesforce flows: Flow is an extremely powerful tool used in Salesforce to create complex workflows. It includes user interfaces and background processes for automation.
- Apex: The Salesforce programming language apex enables customized and complex automation like custom triggers, web services. It offers greater flexibility.
- Approval processes: Approval processes can automatically route records for the approval process. It allows the users to set approvers and define the approval flow. This helps streamline the approval process.
DID YOU KNOW: A recent Salesforce survey found 89% of workers are more satisfied with their jobs due to automation. And 91% say automation saves them time.
Key Workflows You Can Automate with Salesforce + ERP Integration:
According to a study conducted by Salesforce, 95% of IT and engineering leaders say their organizations are prioritising workflow automation. Here are some of the workflows that can be easily automated:
Automated workflow for services:
The customer service teams are required to offer extraordinary services to the customers, and that too quickly. In order to do so, they are using human-centric workflows that can unify the systems. By automating workflow for services, the entire customer handling process can take place quickly.
Examples of automated workflows for services:
- Customer ID verification workflows
- Collector call preparation workflows
Automated workflow for sales:
The sales team can also make use of Salesforce ERP automation in order to reduce time-consuming administrative tasks. They can also eliminate tedious data entry and close deals faster. This allows the sales reps to spend more time understanding the customers and their businesses. You can also opt for Salesforce invoice sync with ERP.
Examples of automated workflows for sales:
- Support creation workflows
- Follow-up reminder workflows
- New customer onboarding workflows
Automated workflow for marketing:
These kinds of workflows help marketing teams create loyalty through more meaningful connections with customers and prospects. They also help convert potential prospects to customers. You can also opt for a quote to cash automation Salesforce.
Examples of automated workflows for marketing:
- Social media scheduling workflows
- Lead generation synthesis workflows
- Negative review response workflows
Automated workflow for IT:
These workflows make it really easy for the IT teams to resolve tickets and keep the various software and hardware components of the environment compliant. This allows the employees to stay productive at all times.
Examples of automated workflows for marketing:
- Employee account setup workflow
- Service request handling workflow
- Project request workflow
- 63% of the top problems executives are looking for ways to streamline their internal workflows.
- 71% of service decision makers are using automation initiatives to reduce escalating workloads.
- 75% of technical leaders who have implemented automation witness time savings of at least 4 hours per 40-hour week.
Note: These days, a lot of companies are also using iPaaS for Salesforce ERP integration.
Choose iPaaS for application integration -> Experience 100% improvement in business efficiency!
Common Challenges Involved When You Try to Automate Salesforce ERP Workflows:
Salesforce-ERP workflow automation can expose your business to multiple challenges. Let us have a quick glance at some of those challenges:
Data silos:
Isolated data in various departments can create inefficiencies when you try to automate Salesforce ERP workflows. The unstructured data again becomes a challenge. Sometimes, companies also face challenges in sharing data across the various systems.
According to MuleSoft’s 2022 Connectivity Benchmark Report, 90% of IT leaders mentioned that data silos leave companies disconnected from vital business data.
Legacy system incompatibility:
The legacy ERP systems do not have Salesforce connectors. This makes it difficult for you to integrate those systems. Sometimes, data format incompatibility issues occur. The Legacy systems also find it difficult to collaborate with cloud platforms.
Data synchronization:
The inconsistent data between the Salesforce and ERP systems can pose a challenge. This leads to system disruption. As a result, the data changes are not reflected in real-time. There is also a high risk of data conflicts during the syncing process.
Scaling the business:
Increasing data volume can slow down the system. This becomes a massive business challenge as performance degradation may happen. Sometimes, the integration also fails to give optimal performance during peak load times.
All these challenges associated with Salesforce-ERP workflow automation can be mitigated if you choose the right way to integrate the workflows between the two systems.
Three Options to Automate Salesforce ERP Workflows:
There are three primary ways in which you can automate Salesforce ERP workflows.
Let us have a look at what these ways are:
Native integration with Salesforce:
Salesforce comes with multiple native integration capabilities. This allows seamless communication between the CRM and ERP systems. These native integrations allow real-time data synchronization. It also helps the users access ERP data within Salesforce and vice versa. However, the extent of customization and flexibility of this method of integration may depend on the ERP system which is being used.
Pros of native integration:
- Excellent customer support: Because of the limited ERPs available on Salesforce, it is easier to get the required customer support.
- Better compatibility: The pre-existing ERP integration templates are highly compatible with Salesforce. This reduces the risk of errors.
Cons of native integration:
- Limited ERP solutions: Currently, Salesforce allows you to use the connector only for selected ERP platforms.
- Poor scalability: The pre-existing templates can only take you so far. As your company grows, adding more applications becomes a difficult task.
Custom integration solution:
Custom Salesforce ERP integration solutions are appropriate for businesses that have unique integration requirements or complex ERP systems. This type of integration involves creating tailored solutions using application programming interfaces (APIs) and middleware platforms. This type of integration offers a high level of customization and flexibility. However, they require substantial expertise and development resources. The pricing may also be high, especially on a long-term basis.
Pros of custom integration:
- Enhanced customization: With custom integration, you have the option to customize the integration solution based on your system needs.
- Improved data synchronization: Custom integrations can be configured to ensure that the data is synchronized across the systems.
Cons of custom integration:
- Longer development time: The entire integration process take significant amount of time as compared to other integration solutions.
- Higher initial costs: The development cost of custom integrations is high compared to other integration solutions.
Third-party platforms:
There are multiple third-party integration platforms available which allow you to automate Salesforce ERP workflows. These tools come with multiple connection workflows and templates which allow you to automate the workflows. While choosing a third-party platform, there are multiple factors you need to consider, like scalability, ease of use, customization options, and pricing. The platform also allows you to automate sales order processing.
One such tool which allows companies to seamlessly integrate the CRM and ERP system is APPSeCONNECT.
Pros of third-party platforms:
- Reduced reliance on IT teams: With third-party iPaaS platforms, you no longer need to burden your IT team. The iPaaS provider takes care of everything on your behalf.
- Enhanced customization capability: Like other integration methods, third-party platforms are scalable. They also come with fewer overhead charges.
- Better data protection and compliance: iPaaS providers ensure that your business remains compliant with the regulatory standards. The sensitive data also remains protected.
| Integration Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Native Integration with Salesforce |
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| Custom Integration Solution |
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| Third-Party Platforms |
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How APPSeCONNECT Allows You to Automate Salesforce ERP Workflows?
APPSeCONNECT stands out as one of the most reliable iPaaS solution providers for automating workflows for Salesforce-ERP. With APPSeCONNECT as your integration partner, you can ensure that all your business processes are streamlined and the various business operations can be carried out in an extraordinary manner. The company can also help with Salesforce order to cash integration.
APPSeCONNECT’s team of integration experts will take their time to understand your business challenges and offer you the required solutions to automate Salesforce ERP workflows. The company is also known to offer its services at an affordable price.
The Security and Compliance Aspects:
APPSeCONNECT employs various access control and identity management techniques to ensure that sensitive data remains protected. Some of the security measures include:
- SSO (SAML)
- RBAC (Role-Based Access Control)
- SCIM provisioning
- 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication)
- Domain capture
- IP allow listing
- Audit logs
APPSeCONNECT also help companies across various industries to adhere to compliance requirements. They take care of compliance regulations like ISO 27001 standards, SOC 2 (Type II), GDPR compliance, etc. You can also rely on APPSeCONNECT for navigating geo-specific compliance requirements and tax laws.
APPSeCONNECT helps navigate the post-Brexit challenges for its UK and European clients. It also abides by various industry-specific regulations for the US clients like HIPAA for the healthcare sector and the CLOUD ACT.
Now you will find a lot of other companies as well like MuleSoft and Celigo that can offer you automation services. So, here’s a table of comparison that will tell you what makes APPSeCONNECT a better choice among other iPaaS solution providers:
| Feature | APPSeCONNECT | MuleSoft | Celigo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-built connectors | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ |
| Low-Code/ No-Code Setup | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Ease of Implementation | ✅ | ⚠ | ⚠ |
| Customization options | ✅ | ⚠ | ⚠️ |
| Affordable pricing options | ✅ | ⚠️ | ❌ |
| Comprehensive security and compliance | ✅ | ⚠️ | ❌ |
MuleSoft and Celigo do offer you workflow automation services. However, the services are not easily customizable and the price tag is quite high. However, with APPSeCONNECT, you can enjoy comprehensive services on a budget.
The APPSeCONNECT Advantage:
- Pre-built connectors
- Low-Code/ No-Code Setup
- Ease of Implementation
- Customization options
- Affordable pricing options
- Comprehensive security and compliance
Real-World Case Studies of Salesforce–ERP Automation:
Advancing Eyecare opted for Salesforce ERP Integration to optimize its E-Commerce operations and increase business efficiency by 50%
About the company: Advancing Eyecare is a collaborative venture of industry leaders in the eye care instrumentation marketplace. It offers unparalleled products and services in the ophthalmic equipment industry. The company is also focused on innovation and customer-centricity.
Advancing Eyecare used a suite of applications to manage their business operations efficiently. They used SAP Business One as their ERP system and Salesforce as their CRM. However, the company recently went digital to an online store and employed Bigcommerce as its E-Commerce storefront.
The challenge: The recent transition to Bigcommerce brought about a lot of challenges. The core business functionalities were hampered because of a disjoint data flow between the systems. This brought about business inefficiencies.
The solution: APPSeCONNECT understood the business challenge and offered Advancing Eyecare a unique integration solution. It allowed the company to bring together Bigcommerce, Salesforce, and SAP Business One onto a single platform. This allowed bidirectional flow of data between the various systems. The business processes were synchronized. The business ROI increased by 50%.
Hernon was able to achieve zero business downtime by leveraging a fully automated and integrated solution offered by APPSeCONNECT
About the company: Hernon is a worldwide innovator in hyperformance adhesives, sealants, and precision dispensing equipment. The company creates custom adhesives for companies from across the globe. It also provides its solutions to a vast number of industries.
As its business continued to grow, the company was looking for a CRM to make the sales team aware of the various stock levels in SAP. It was also looking forward to generating quotes and orders in CRM and directly sending the data to SAP.
The challenges: The company was facing multiple challenges in integrating its CRM and ERP solution. Each integration endpoint brought about a huge impact on the business. The company also began to face frequent business downtimes. The legacy data migration again became a challenge.
The solution: APPSeCONNECT’s CRM-ERP integration solution allowed the company to achieve extraordinary business growth. It was able to bring about enhanced operational efficiency and further take its business to new heights. The company was also able to observe enhanced customer experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
With APPSeCONNECT as your integration partner, you can ensure that data integrity is maintained across your system. You can also ensure that data sync occurs on a real-time basis.
The automation involves ensuring that the various repeated and manual tasks get executed on its own without requiring any intervention from you.
The exact duration will depend on your business requirement. You can connect with the integration experts at APPSeCONNECT for a more detailed timeline.
