Salesforce AppExchange: everything you need to know 

If you use Salesforce, you've probably seen it pass by: Salesforce AppExchange. The Salesforce AppExchange is a comprehensive cloud solutions marketplace designed specifically to extend Salesforce's functionality. But what exactly is it and what is it for? In this article, we discuss its key features. 

The main features of the AppExchange 

Various applications 
The AppExchange contains more than 7,000 solutions in various categories ranging from sales and service to marketing, finance and more. Whether you need tools for specific project management, analytics or automation, the AppExchange probably has an app that meets your needs. The diversity in apps is due to companies and developers developing and publishing their apps. The apps can save you a lot of time and money because there is no need to build a solution from scratch. 

Solutions in categories 
The name "AppExchange" might make you think it's only about applications, but it's actually a comprehensive collection of off-the-shelf solutions divided into several categories. Each category has a specific purpose: 

• Apps: These are complete, off-the-shelf solutions that can be added directly to your org. Note; many applications in the AppExchange appear to be free, but do require a per-user license if you want to actually integrate them. This is listed under the pricing details with the app in the AppExchange.   

• Components: These are building blocks that both administrators and developers can use to create custom apps and pages. The beauty is that no coding is required, as these components work with drag-and-drop in the Lightning App Builder. 

• Bolt solutions: These are industry-specific off-the-shelf templates that provide a head start in building communities. These solutions can include business processes, apps and components designed specifically for specific industries. 

• Lightning data: This provides pre-integrated data sets from external sources that are continuously updated. These datasets can contain valuable information such as business information, technology data and intent data, which helps make customer and prospect data more accurate and detailed. 

• Flow solutions: These are solutions that make it easier to integrate a built flow in Salesforce with a third party (for example, Slack or external service providers) and perform actions in the process. 

Solutions by industry 
In addition to solutions categorized by type, AppExchange offers industry-specific solutions tailored to the unique needs of different industries, such as healthcare, financial services, manufacturing and more. Because these solutions are pre-configured with industry best practices, you can leverage specialized tools and processes designed to meet the requirements of your industry. 

Which solution suits you? 

Do you want quick access to solutions that will make your CRM processes faster and better? Then it is certainly wise to investigate whether solutions are available in the AppExchange to take this step. If you can find the solution here, you can use solutions that have already proven themselves to others cheaply, quickly and with low risk of failure.  

Note: Don't just install random solutions because they seem convenient or because they get positive reviews. Seen a solution that seems interesting to you? Then it is important to first map the needs of your organization and identify where any bottlenecks are in your processes. Our consultants are happy to help you see if a solution fits your business processes. Call us for a free consultation.