When it comes to Salesforce org, accumulating tech debt is inevitable. enterprises often hit a strategic crossroads: whether to remediate an existing org or to start fresh with a new one. This pivotal decision can significantly impact a business’s trajectory, efficiency, and future adaptability. But how can one choose wisely?
To navigate this choice effectively and address technical debt, explore our blog on Salesforce Org Strategy: Remediate Existing vs. Start New.
The Crossroads
In the fast-evolving business landscape, Salesforce stands as a beacon of innovation and agility. However, the true potential of Salesforce org migration can be underutilised when organisational processes become fragmented, and legacy codes linger unoptimised.
As businesses navigate through changes in their models, growth scales, and advancements in Salesforce itself can lead to accumulated technical debt.
Technical Debt – The Hidden Culprit
Aged Apex code, not refactored to leverage the latest Salesforce framework updates, can become a liability. Validation rules that no longer align with updated business processes can trigger unnecessary complications. When the technical framework doesn’t evolve alongside the business, it can lead to:
- Decline in performance due to inefficient code
- Compromised user experience because of antiquated processes
- Increased maintenance costs with declining returns
Over time, change may be necessary as a result of growing user frustration with constraints brought on by out-of-date integrations or customisations.
The question then arises: Should you remediate what you have, or is it time to start anew?
Salesforce Org Considerations – Remediate vs. New
Remediate Existing Org
Remediation involves addressing the existing issues within your current Salesforce org, streamlining processes, and enhancing functionality without starting from scratch.
Pros
- Familiarity: Users and administrators are familiar with the existing setup, making incremental changes less disruptive.
- Continuity: Business continues on a known platform, avoiding the risks associated with data migration to a new system.
- Cost: Generally, remediation incurs a lower immediate cost compared to establishing a new org.
Cons
- Time: Remediation can be a slower process as it often involves deep diving into existing systems to untangle complex issues.
- Risk: The risk of impacting daily operations is higher as changes are made to a live environment.
- Compounded Complexity: Each additional ‘quick fix’ risks creating a more complex system architecture, potentially transforming solutions into a tangled web of Band-Aid fixes.
- Overlooking root cause: Addressing surface-level issues with Band-Aid fixes can overlook deeper systemic flaws, calling for repeated interventions.
Start New Org
Starting with a new Salesforce implementation org allows businesses to implement a system that’s designed to meet current business models and processes without the baggage of past limitations.
Pros
- Clean Slate: A new salesforce org provides an opportunity to re-architect solutions based on current business requirements and Salesforce implementation best practices.
- Speed: Setting up a new org by salesforce implementation partners can be faster in terms of achieving a streamlined environment that aligns with current business needs.
- Innovation: Embraces the latest Salesforce features and encourages the adoption of modern business practices.
- Data Integrity: A fresh start offers an opportunity to establish clean data practices, ensuring higher data accuracy and reliability.
Cons
- Cost: Initial setup for a new org is typically higher due to migration and dual-system running costs.
- Learning Curve: There’s a period of adjustment as users and administrators get accustomed to the new system.
- Transition Complexity: The move to a new org can be intricate, involving meticulous planning to ensure data and process integrity.
Making the Decision
1.Business Direction
Assess if your current org supports the strategic direction and growth of your business. Has there been a pivot in business models or significant market changes?
2. Technical Debt
Evaluate the level of technical debt. How much of the existing setup is outdated or redundant?
3. User Experience
Consider the current user experience. Is Salesforce service cloud implementation seen as an enabler or a hindrance to daily operations?
4. Data Quality
Analyse the quality of your data. High volumes of inaccurate or duplicate data can skew business decisions.
5. Governance and Integration
Examine governance processes and integrations. Poor governance can lead to a chaotic Salesforce environment, while complex integrations may influence the direction of your strategy.
Framework for Consideration
The Salesforce Org Considerations Framework, along with the insights from this initiative, is aimed to provide a directional guide, helping to balance the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Generating a detailed estimate of time and cost, as well as drafting an implementation for salesforce org strategy, falls beyond the scope of this activity.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose to remediate or start anew, the process requires thorough planning and analysis. It’s a decision that should not be taken lightly as it holds implications for operational continuity, user adoption, and financial investment. Engage with stakeholders, and Salesforce service cloud experts, and consider the long-term impact on your business. The choice between remediation and starting fresh with a CRM implementation services can redefine your path to achieving a future-proof, efficient, and agile business environment.
Decision-making at such a junction is not just about technology – it’s about aligning your digital infrastructure with your business vision. Take a step back, consider the big picture, and let your strategic business goals guide you through this transformative journey.
