The Best Salesforce Integration Apps For Business Productivity

To connect your Salesforce instance with other applications, databases, and work management systems, you need dedicated Salesforce integration apps.

These apps come as either multi-platform Salesforce connectors or single-platform solutions that connect with one specific application.

In this article, I’ll explore the working principles of Salesforce integrations. Then I’ll discuss the best Salesforce integration apps for enterprises and large organizations.

What is a Salesforce Integration App?

A Salesforce integration app is a script, platform, or API connector that links Salesforce orgs with other applications.

These apps are usually third-party applications that serve as bridges between non-compatible applications or platforms.

For example, Salesforce integration apps allow marketers to transfer leads from marketing campaigns to Zendesk for further nurturing and feedback generation. This will help the marketing and support teams exchange lead updates and contact information.

How Do Salesforce Integration Apps Work?

When you have two applications — say Salesforce and Jira — the only way for them to interact and share data is through API endpoints and web services.

However, since both systems have disparate infrastructure, you need an integration app processing incoming and outgoing requests while running transformations to fetch the correct data format for both platforms.

Depending on the configuration and field entity, the object shared between both platforms could be editable or read-only. You can restrict access based on user permissions and authorization.

Salesforce uses the following patterns for retrieving and requesting data:

Remote Call-In
Request and Reply
Fire and Forget
Batch Data Synchronization
UI Update Based on Data Changes
Data Virtualization

Regardless of the integration pattern, the application can function as a point-to-point connector, hub-and-spoke mechanism, or an enterprise service bus (ESB).

API and governance limits also restrict the number of calls any user can make to the Salesforce APIs within a specific time period.

Types of Salesforce Apps

Salesforce has over 4500 free and premium apps that can be integrated into your organization. I’ve grouped them into the following categories:

Help and service desk applications (ServiceNow, Talkdesk, Zendesk)
Sales management solutions (Salesloft, Geopointe, Oracle CPQ)
Document management apps (DocuSign, PandaDoc, Juro)
Marketing apps (MailChimp, Active Campaign, TypeForm)
Lead management apps (HubSpot, HootSuite, ZoomInfo)
Project management apps (Azure DevOps. Asana, Jira)
Analytic tools (Cloudingo, FunnelSource, Power BI)
Communication apps (Slack, Zoom, ScreenMeet)
Payment gateways (Stripe, Square, QuickBooks)

AppExchange has a dedicated connector for each of these platforms—these are called Salesforce native integrations.

But if you want a solution that can connect Salesforce to multiple systems and applications at the same time, look for third-party Salesforce integration apps.

10 Things to Look For in Salesforce Integration Apps

As you search the internet for reliable Salesforce connectors, here are some things to look out for:

Decentralization: The integration app should enable users to make changes to their side of the connection without affecting the other side’s configurations.
Scalability: Look for integration apps that offer flexibility to add extra projects, systems, and partners without crapping out.
Reputation: Read user reviews to get a feel of what people are saying about the Salesforce integration tool.
Affordability: Choose a solution that offers a favorable pricing model for your use case. Consider subscription and licensing fees.
Support: Prioritize the presence of timely and extensive support services in case the solution breaks down or becomes faulty.
Security and privacy: Check the integration security features and data transfer and storage policies for sensitive information. Verify that the solution is compliant with regulations.
Extensive library: A tool with a vast library of connectors and mapping templates will cut down the workload and speed up configuration processes.
Documentation: Look for a Salesforce integration app with extensive documentation. This will help you find important technical solutions faster.
Customizability: If you can customize the mapping, this opens up multiple possibilities and connection scenarios for Salesforce objects, fields, and entities.
Automation: Verify the availability of automated integration triggers, actions, events, and other forms of automation, which is necessary for reducing manual work.

Any solution with a combination of these factors is a welcome addition to your integration pool.

10 Best Salesforce Integration Apps For Enterprises

Here are the most relevant Salesforce integration apps for businesses, MSPs, and enterprises.

Celigo

Celigo is a next-gen integration platform that unifies data and applications in order to optimize business processes, improve data consistency, and clear backlogs faster.

Celigo Features

Celigo AI for handling errors
API management for smoother policy enforcement and user onboarding
Error management for ML-powered troubleshooting
CloudExtend for syncing emails and files from external storage.

SnapLogic

SnapLogic is an iPaaS solution for connecting cloud services, SaaS applications, and legacy systems. The iPaaS application comes with API management solutions.

SnapLogic Features

SnapLogic Autosync to automated data ingestion
Application integration with Snaps (pre-built connectors)
Data integration and automation (ETL, ELT, or reverse-ETL)
SnapAI (AutoSuggest, GenAI Builder, SnapGPT, AutoPrep)
API management and development for self-service creation and management of APIs.

Jitterbit Harmony

Harmony is a low-code platform that allows users to build applications and establish automated connections between systems and interfaces.

Jitterbit Harmony Features

API manager for speeding up the creation of APIs
Marketplace for a vast repository of pre-built connectors.
Harmony EDI for managing electronic data interchange between partners
Management console for designing and organizing integration processes
Cloud Studio: a drag-and-drop interface for creating integration workflows

Zapier

Zapier is a no-code automation platform used for connecting Salesforce with multiple platforms. It also supports over 7000 application connections.

Zapier Features

Tables (workflow databases)
Canvas (AI workflow planner)
Zaps (custom workflow automation)
Interfaces (custom workflow visualization pages)
Chatbots (AI chatbots for smoother customer conversations)

Exalate

Exalate is a bidirectional integration solution that supports two-way syncs between Salesforce and other systems such as Jira, GitHub, Azure DevOps, Zendesk, and ServiceNow. It supports both standard and custom configuration modes.

Exalate Features

Basic mode with pre-built sync mapping
Script mode with a Groovy scripting engine
Triggers for automating synchronization events
Sync Queue for managing ongoing and pending connections
Aida, an AI-powered documentation assistant
Integration as a Service for MSPs

Workato

Workato is an integration solution that allows businesses to automate workflows and connect all cloud and on-premise apps.

Workato Features

Workflow apps for building no-code applications
Enterprise iPaaS for integrating business data and processes
Data orchestration for controlling how data moves between platforms
API management for controlling how your business works with APIs
Recipes (Triggers and Actions): automated instructions for complex workflows
Workbots for engaging in intelligent conversations and cutting down response times.

Unito

Unito is a fully featured integration solution that connects teams using multiple tools to cut costs and improve collaboration efficiency.

Unito Features

Unito Sync Platform
Unito Sync Embed
Unito Spreadsheet Sync

Skyvia

Skyvia is an all-inclusive cloud data platform for backing up cloud data, integrating systems, and managing spreadsheets.

Skyvia Features

Backup for handling data backups
Integration (tools for integrating cloud databases)
Connectors (custom pre-built integrations for different platforms)
Query Builder for visually obtaining queries and exporting cloud data
Skyvia Connect for syncing data from different sources on a unified interface.

Talend

Talend is an enterprise data management solution that supports the entire data lifecycle. Owned by Qlik, this solution combines data integration, data quality, and data governance in a single, low-code platform.

Talend Features

Talend Data Fabric is a unified platform for data integration, application and API integration, data integrity, and governance
Stitch ETL, a fully-managed data pipeline for analytics

Informatica

Informatica is a low-code, AI-powered cloud data management platform for connecting and managing data across multi-cloud, hybrid environments.

Informatica Features

Intelligent data management cloud
Data integration and engineering
API and application integration
Customer 360
Data catalog
MDM and 360 applications
CLAIRE AI Engine

Benefits of Salesforce Integration Apps

Still fence-sitting? Here are the benefits of Salesforce integration apps for your business:

Better connectivity with other systems: Salesforce integration apps expand Salesforce’s functionality by enabling connections with other traditionally incompatible systems.
Better data management: Integrating Salesforce with other systems unifies all business data, including leads, accounts, opportunities, and cases, to a singular source of truth for the organization.
Increased productivity: Salesforce integration tools make it possible to automate repetitive tasks, eliminating manual work. You can also improve productivity by integrating Salesforce with Jira, Asana, and other work management solutions.
Improved customer service: When you integrate Salesforce with customer service portals, you get a unified view of all support tickets, backlogs, and entities, which will help your support team generate insights for improving resolution times and customer satisfaction.
Lower expenses: Syncing multiple platforms with Salesforce allows you to access data without paying separate licensing and subscription fees for these applications.
Smoother collaboration: Cross-company collaborations with MSPs or outsourcing partners can flourish when a Salesforce integration can provide real-time updates for both sides of the connection.

Best Practices for Implementing Salesforce Integration Apps

When implementing Salesforce integration apps, here are some best practices to follow:

Create a Plan

The Salesforce integration plan should factor in specific business objectives as well as timelines, milestones, and responsibilities.

For instance, Salesforce integration with Zendesk should feature a plan created by both the support team and salespeople. Both sides will decide which fields, accounts, and objects to exchange back and forth.

Set a Budget

After devising a plan, the next step is to create a budget for your integration. This budget should cover the cost of building or buying the integration, licensing fees, maintenance costs, developer salaries, and other expenses.

Choose a Salesforce Integration App

Your choice of Salesforce integration application depends on your budget and business goals. Follow the recommendations when choosing your preferred application: check cost, reputation, security, and customizability.

If you decide to build from scratch, hand the requirements to your developers so they can start working on the prototype. But if you want to buy a ready-made solution, the options are app-native Salesforce integrations or third-party apps.

Prepare Your Data for Transfer

Clean up your data by arranging all objects and setting sensitive information to private or need-to-know. Map all dependencies and plugins on your end to prevent data duplication or loss.

For example, when mapping Jira custom field data to a Salesforce account, you must create a corresponding field or choose one of the defaults.

Test the Connection

Try the integration in a sandbox environment to verify if the right entities are interacting and that the data is transformed into the correct format.

For instance, if you want user mentions on Salesforce to appear in Jira, make sure the value coming over is the actual name rather than the ID from the API endpoint.

Automate the Sync

To reduce the manual task of initiating exchanges every time people on the other side need information, set automated triggers to control the sync.

Salesforce connectors use SOQL to configure the triggers. But, you can configure your integration solution for granular control over data exchanges.

Monitor Performance

Keep an eye on the sync to determine if it is working as expected. Check the quality of incoming data on both sides to verify the accuracy of all transformations.

Use the error-handling mechanism to debug faulty syncs and confirm whether network interruptions or user errors are the cause of the malfunction.

Why Exalate is the Best Salesforce Integration App

Exalate is a highly recommended integration app for Salesforce because it supports all default and custom entities. For instance, you can use Exalate to sync multiple Salesforce entities to one Jira ticket.

Users can also connect with Exalate’s Groovy scripting engine to write specific expressions and custom code to control how syncs work.

The best part is that you can automate your syncs using triggers that are native to the platform you are working on, such as Salesforce, Jira, Zendesk, ServiceNow, Azure DevOps, and GitHub.

To find out how Exalate can help you with Salesforce integration, book a demo with us.