5 Reasons Salesforce Managed Services Need to be More Than Admins
Since 1999, Salesforce has grown from a simple CRM platform into a sophisticated ecosystem that is managed by data managers, business analysts, security managers, and integration specialists – cross-functional teams bring a range of capabilities essential for optimizing Salesforce performance.
Here are 5 reasons why your Salesforce platform should be managed by a team rather than just admins.
1. Streamlined Decision-making
As with any organization, certain requests exceed the expertise of Salesforce administrators. For example, when planning a customization project, administrators must collaborate with developers to achieve the best results.
Involving a multidisciplinary team in managing Salesforce can significantly expedite decision-making. Each team member brings unique insights, ensuring that every decision is well-informed and thoroughly considered.
2. Strategic Alignment With Organizational Goals
Engaging business analysts, consultants, and solution architects in Salesforce management not only streamlines decision-making but also propels the organization towards goals such as enhanced operational efficiency.
These interdisciplinary experts bring specialized knowledge in integration, data analysis, and strategic planning. With their support, your healthcare organization can tackle complex challenges and develop initiatives to achieve long-term goals.
3. Streamlined Scalability
Scalability is undeniably a cornerstone of Salesforce managed services. Why? Because healthcare organizations frequently undergo changes such as business growth and an expanding user base.
These factors will likely push your organization to consider scaling up.
When experts beyond administrators oversee Salesforce managed services, scaling becomes seamless. A multidisciplinary team brings the knowledge and skills necessary to expedite transitions efficiently.
4. Improved Security and Compliance
Involving security analysts and compliance officers in Salesforce management is a proactive approach to safeguarding your health organization from breaches and compliance issues. Security analysts, for example, can pinpoint vulnerabilities that might compromise data within Salesforce.
Subsequently, security specialists implement robust measures to protect sensitive organizational and patient data. Similarly, compliance officers ensure that all data management decisions comply with industry regulations, such as HIPAA.
5. Fostered Collaboration
Collaboration is a cornerstone of organizational success, fostering idea-sharing and collective problem-solving. Effective teamwork boosts productivity by reducing redundant efforts and speeding up decision-making.
Delegating Salesforce management to experts exemplifies collaboration. On this CRM platform, developers, business analysts, and data specialists come together to tailor various Salesforce features.
For example, developers and administrators can work together to integrate Salesforce with other systems, automate processes, and optimize system configurations. Through collaboration, your healthcare organization can fully leverage the benefits of Salesforce.
Beyond Admins: Who Should Be Involved in Salesforce?
When looking to manage Salesforce more efficiently, you have three options — employing full-time staff, hiring independent contractors, or engaging outsourced partners. Each option offers distinct advantages and drawbacks you need to consider so you can settle on the one that works best for you.
1. Full-time Employees
Hiring a full-time team is an effective way to maximize the benefits of Salesforce managed services. This team could include Salesforce administrators, developers, consultants, technical architects, and solution architects.
A key advantage of having full-time staff is their availability throughout all working days. Additionally, they will quickly become adept at your business workflows, allowing them to tailor Salesforce solutions precisely to your organization’s needs.
However, there are notable drawbacks. Maintaining a full-time team of consultants, architects, and other experts can be prohibitively expensive. Furthermore, the high demand for skilled Salesforce professionals means you may frequently face high turnover rates.
2. Independent Contractors
Hiring independent contractors is an excellent strategy to access the specific skill sets needed for maximizing Salesforce capabilities. This cost-effective approach allows you to pay only for the expertise you require, when you need it.
However, there are several drawbacks to consider. Independent contractors often have irregular schedules, resulting in unpredictable availability that can disrupt project timelines. Additionally, these contractors might not be familiar with your company’s processes, necessitating extra time for onboarding and acclimation to ensure high-quality results. Over-reliance on independent contractors can also increase the risk of non-compliance.
While contracting can be beneficial, it is important to weigh these potential challenges and plan accordingly.
3. Outsourced Partners
Outsourced partners are specialized firms or agencies that offer comprehensive Salesforce managed services. Typically, these partners have an in-house team of experts, including consultants, technical architects, and solution architects.
Besides the experts, outsourced partners provide dedicated project and engagement managers who ensure you achieve the objectives you envisioned. Notably, the partners boast stable teams who are resistant to turnover.
While partnering with outsourced providers for Salesforce managed services offers numerous benefits, it also comes with a few drawbacks. Firstly, general-purpose providers often serve multiple industries, which means they may not fully understand your unique goals. Secondly, some service providers require long-term contracts with 1- to 3-year commitments.
When evaluating partners, it’s crucial to ensure they are the right fit for your needs. We recommend working with a partner who specializes in your industry. Additionally, verify that their contract commitments align with your business requirements. For example, some providers now offer flexible month-to-month contracts that help mitigate financial risk.
Conclusion
In conclusion, optimizing Salesforce managed services can significantly enhance healthcare organizations’ efficiency, security, and scalability. Whether through full-time employees, independent contractors, or outsourced partners, it is crucial to choose the right approach that aligns with your organization’s specific needs and goals.
Each option presents its own set of advantages and challenges, but with strategic planning and effective collaboration, you can fully leverage the capabilities of Salesforce to drive better patient outcomes and achieve operational excellence. Prioritizing security and compliance while fostering teamwork ensures your organization remains resilient and adaptive in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape.