Salesforce Org Merges — Before you get started

Merging Salesforce orgs is no easy task, but don’t worry, with the right preparations, you can boost your chances of success. Before embarking on your org merge journey, make sure you have the following:

1. Clear Vision and Goals

2. Focus

3. Product Owner

4. Bandwidth

5. Plan for the Unexpected

1. Clear Vision and Goals

First things first, you need to have a clear vision and goals. Without a clear idea of why you’re merging orgs, it’ll be like trying to solve a puzzle without knowing what the picture looks like. So, make sure everyone involved knows the purpose behind the merge.

• Why are you migrating Salesforce instances? Are you doing it because of an acquisition?

• Do you want to streamline processes and increase efficiency?

• Or maybe you’re aiming to save costs by optimizing the licensing structure?

Understanding the “why” will guide your decisions and set the direction for the merge.

2. Focus

Next up, stay focused! It’s easy to get carried away with all the brilliant ideas that come up during discussions. But remember, you can’t include everything in the first go. So, always go back to your project objectives and keep your eyes on the minimum viable product (MVP). Don’t worry, though. If there are great ideas that can’t be implemented right away, just jot them down in a backlog for future consideration.

3. Product Owner

Another important factor is having a reliable product owner. They play a key role in making countless decisions that impact different parts of the business. So, find someone with a solid reputation and history within the organization. You need someone everyone trusts to make the right calls and steer the merge in the right direction.

4. Bandwidth

Now, let’s talk about bandwidth. Org merges require input from various teams across the organization. You’ll need their time to gather initial requirements and validate proposed solutions. It’s crucial to communicate the urgency of the merge and ensure that everyone has enough time and resources to participate effectively. This way, you’ll end up with a solution that works for everyone.

5. Plan for the unexpected

Last but not least, prepare for the unexpected. Things will inevitably go wrong, and it’s essential to be ready for it. Delays in decision-making or development can throw a wrench in your plans. That’s why it’s smart to build some extra time into your schedule to account for unexpected delays. For example, if you’re planning to sunset a system with licenses expiring on December 1st, make sure your org consolidation is completed by November 1st to avoid any last-minute headaches.

Merging Salesforce orgs is no cakewalk, but if you have a clear vision, stay focused, have a reliable product owner, secure the necessary bandwidth, and plan for the unexpected, you’ll be setting yourself up for success. If you’re ready to start Ramp, take a look at 7 Ramp Essentials.