Salesforce API: How to extend your Salesforce platform with custom integrations

Salesforce provides a comprehensive API (Application Programming interface) that allows developers to interact with Salesforce’s platform, data and services and integrate them into external applications. These APIs enable various tasks, such as retrieving, creating, updating and deleting records and managing users, custom objects and more.

Salesforce API explained

API stands for Application Programming Interface and it is simply another way to send commands to Salesforce, only this time there is no User Interface (UI) to work through. Instead, developers use APIs to send commands programmatically to Salesforce by writing platform code.

Use cases of Salesforce API

Salesforce APIs are used in a variety of practical scenarios to improve the functionality and efficiency of Salesforce-based operations. Some common use cases include:

Integration with third-party applications

Many companies use multiple software systems to manage different aspects of their operations. Salesforce APIs enable seamless integration between Salesforce and other third-party applications, allowing data to flow between systems. For example, integrating Salesforce with an e-commerce platform to synchronize customer data, orders and inventory.

Salesforce integrations

Automate business processes

Salesforce APIs enable organizations to automate repetitive and manual tasks. These can include creating, updating or deleting records based on specific triggers or events. For example, automatically generating follow-up tasks for sales representatives when a new lead is added to Salesforce.

Custom application development

Developers use Salesforce APIs to build custom applications that communicate with Salesforce data and features. This allows solutions to be customized to meet unique business needs. For example, developing a mobile app for field staff to view and update customer data on the spot.

Real-time event monitoring

Salesforce APIs, such as the Streaming API, enable real-time event monitoring and data synchronization. This is especially useful for applications that require immediate updates, such as social media monitoring tools that track brand mentions and customer interactions in real time.

Data migration and synchronization

When transitioning from one system to another, companies often need to migrate data. Salesforce APIs facilitate the smooth transfer of data between systems so that critical information is migrated accurately. In addition, continuous data synchronization can be set up to maintain consistent data between platforms.

Reporting and Analysis

Developers use Salesforce APIs to extract data for reporting and analysis purposes. This involves querying data from Salesforce objects and using that data to generate custom reports and visualizations that provide insight into business performance.

External data access

Salesforce APIs allow external systems to access and update Salesforce data. This is valuable when external partners, suppliers or customers need to interact with your Salesforce data in a controlled manner. For example, allowing customers to view their order history and account information through a customer portal.

Do you have any questions for our specialists?

We can imagine you have questions about the Salesforce APIs. We would be happy to answer your questions! As a Salesforce implementation partner, we have several examples of successful implementations and processes we have gone through with other customers. This way we give you a good idea of the possibilities and you can see for yourself the benefits of working with the Salesforce APIs.