If you are reading this article, you are probably well aware of the advantages of Salesforce and are considering implementing solutions from this ecosystem in your organization. It is also almost certain that nowhere can you find information about how much it really costs to implement Salesforce. Today, we will try to describe this issue in as much detail as possible.
Let’s start with specifics: an MVP, i.e., the simplest implementation, which is necessary to launch the system and use it, costs in the range of 12-20 thousand euros.
Table of Contents:
- What are the types of Salesforce implementations, and how much do they cost?
- What else affects the cost of Salesforce implementation and how to estimate it?
- How to reduce the cost of Salesforce implementation?
- Isn’t the price of a Salesforce implementation too high?
- Summary
What are the types of Salesforce implementation, and how much do they cost?
There are simpler implementations and more complicated ones. The difference between them lies in the degree of sophistication and customization of the platform to meet specific business needs. A simple implementation focuses on basic functions and processes, while a more complex Salesforce implementation takes into account advanced customizations, multi-faceted processes, integrations with other systems, extensive reporting and data analysis.
We’ve already mentioned cost, but where do such wide price ranges come from? Here the analogy of buying a car may be useful. There is no single answer to the question of how much a car costs. The price depends on the make, model, mileage, equipment, etc. In the case of Salesforce – just as when buying a car – you can estimate the cost by giving your specific requirements.
Let’s take a closer look at the types of projects run at Cloudity.
MVP – Minimum Viable Product
The simplest Salesforce implementation. During such a project, we focus on creating a basic configuration and providing the customer with the most important functionalities to enable the customer to start using the platform as soon as possible.
SMB implementation
Next in line is the implementation most often used by small and medium-sized businesses (SMB segment). This low-complexity project aims to streamline business operations, increase efficiency, and improve customer service by leveraging the tools and features offered by Salesforce.
CBU implementation
A Corporate Business Unit (CBU) is a part of a larger company that acts as a separate entity but is still part of the whole company. It can be compared to a division or section that focuses on certain aspects of the business. Implementation for a CBU is generally more complex than for an SMB.
EBU implementation
Enterprise Business Unit (EBU) is a group inside a large company that offers services and products aimed at other large companies. An EBU-type project is the implementation and customization of the Salesforce platform within just such a separate unit within a large enterprise. It is the most complex implementation project, involving many people and departments, which affects the price and duration.
Terminology
The nomenclature described above is used by Salesforce to make the complexity of projects easier to understand. However, the customer has complete freedom – the scale of implementation depends solely on their needs.
For example, we worked with a large Polish organization in the manufacturing industry, which decided to implement a solution dedicated to the SMB sector. It was precisely this scale of implementation that was optimal, as it concerned the digital transformation of a small slice of the company’s business. Another example is a very large manufacturing company that decided only to implement an MVP for a customer service department of several people. Here too – despite the scale of the entire company – a small implementation project was sufficient.
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What else influences the cost of Salesforce implementation and how to estimate it?
It is worth remembering that the price of Salesforce implementation consists of:
- the cost of Salesforce product licenses, and
- the salary of the Salesforce partner who is conducting the project work.
As a rule, an implementation project has a similar structure – requirements analysis, configuration, and testing are required – but depending on the type of project, the various stages look slightly different. In addition, depending on the client’s industry, we recommend implementing different Salesforce components.
Configuration and customization
Configuring and customizing the platform for a specific client has a major impact on the price of Salesforce implementation. The more advanced and complex the requirements for configuring the tool, user interface, automating processes, or creating custom reports, the higher the cost of implementation will be.
Cost of Salesforce implementation vs. people involved in the project
The time of the specialists involved on the implementation partner’s side of the project obviously costs money, and the broader the scope of the implementation, the more time is needed to implement all the project objectives.
Want to know exactly who is involved in an implementation project and what their roles are? We have described them all in this article.
Salesforce implementation pricing vs. company size and complexity
The size and complexity of a company have a direct impact on the cost of a Salesforce implementation. Larger companies with more extensive business processes, a larger number of users, and a larger scope of data incur higher implementation costs. The size of the project can affect the number of consultant hours required, and the technical resources needed to complete the project.
Employee training
Regardless of how advanced and functional the Salesforce platform is, a key element of its successful implementation is proper employee training. This maximizes the chances of full adoption of the tool and minimizes resistance among new users. Trained employees will be able to take full advantage of the potential of the implemented platform.
Salesforce implementation price – negotiation and scale of implementation
The monthly cost per Salesforce user depends on the size of the company, the scale of implementation, and the number of users of the platform, among other factors. Standard services have specific list prices, while more advanced solutions and products are priced according to the specific requirements of a given client.
Salesforce configuration costs
In addition to the Salesforce implementation itself, an important component of the project’s cost is its customization, i.e., tailoring it to the client’s specific business requirements.
Configuration includes:
- customization of system settings;
- creating fields, views, reports, and custom modules;
- defining business rules according to the company’s needs.
Configuration costs depend on the complexity and number of changes that need to be made. Personalization, on the other hand, allows you to introduce unique functions and processes that fit your organization’s specific business requirements.
Personalization can include:
- developing individual functionalities,
- creation of custom modules,
- integration with external applications.
For many companies, the combination of proper configuration and customization is the key to achieving Salesforce’s full potential, and this in turn maximizes the return on investment in the tool.
Learn more about implementation project timeframes
Departments involved in the project vs. the cost of Salesforce implementation
The cost of Salesforce implementation also depends on the number of departments involved in the project. The more different teams are involved in the implementation process, the more complex and diverse the needs and requirements may be.
For example, if an implementation project involves both sales, marketing, and customer service teams, each may require customization of the platform to suit their processes and goals. Each of these departments may have different priorities, expectations, and requirements for features and integration.
Integrations with business tools also affect the cost of a Salesforce implementation
Implementing Salesforce in a company often requires integrating the new solution with existing systems, such as ERP, financial and warehouse systems, or e-commerce tools. These integrations allow information to flow seamlessly between different systems, preventing data duplication and silos. Salesforce integration with existing systems can be complex and time-consuming, which can affect project costs.
Integration costs depend on the complexity of the systems, the amount of data that needs to be moved, and the number of interfaces that need to be created. However, it is worth remembering that investments in integrations increase the value of a Salesforce implementation by enabling consistent data flow and improving business processes.
How do you reduce the cost of a Salesforce implementation?
We’ve created a short, indispensable guide – we’ve listed in points what to do to reduce implementation expenses.
Choose the right licenses and subscription models
Carefully analyze the types of licenses and subscription models and consider which best suits your needs. Identify the essential functionalities for your company’s business processes and choose the right license plan.
ALL ABOUT THE SALESFORCE IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS
Optimize business processes before implementation
Before starting the project, it is worth conducting a detailed analysis of your company’s business processes. This allows you to streamline your processes, which can lead to a reduction in implementation complexity and cost. Eliminating redundant and inefficient process steps helps align Salesforce with your company’s actual needs, resulting in better use of your investment in the tool.
Preparing employees for the change
Preparing employees well for using Salesforce is crucial to the success of the implementation. Investing in effective in-house training allows employees to use Salesforce tools and features effectively, reduce resistance to change, and minimize the risk of errors and problems associated with improper platform use. Effective training can reduce the need for additional technical support after implementation, which will reduce costs. You can read more about the topic of change management in an organization here.
Choosing the right implementation partner
Does choosing the right implementation partner affect the cost of a Salesforce implementation? Definitely! However, the decision to tie up with a particular implementation company should be preceded by an analysis of references, customer reviews, and the skills and experience of the team. Importantly, a trusted Salesforce partner will tell you what solution will be optimal for your business and, if necessary, advise against implementing solutions that simply won’t work for your business or their implementation will just be a budget burnout.
Monitor results and adjust your strategy
The success of a Salesforce implementation continues even after the platform is first launched. A company should constantly monitor the effectiveness of the implemented solution to make sure it is meeting its intended business goals. Through monitoring, you can identify areas that need to be optimized or adjusted. This is important because your company’s needs will change as the business grows and over time.
The role of your implementation partner is to nurture your relationship – then you can always come in for support in customizing your Salesforce platform or enhancing individual solutions with new modules without hesitation. Working with professionals and regularly monitoring the results enables your company to reach the full potential of the platform and optimize the benefits of your investment.
Isn’t the price of Salesforce implementation too high?
The fact is that solutions from the Salesforce ecosystem are not among the cheapest on the market. You can find good solutions designed to handle a specific slice of the business – sales, customer service, or marketing. You can’t have reservations about them, except for one thing – they don’t handle a company’s business holistically.
Salesforce is an entire ecosystem, called 360 Customer View for a reason. Salesforce products work best for organizations that are aware of the benefits of investing in cutting-edge technology and want the implemented solutions to keep pace with the company’s growth. Scaling a business with the wrong tool can be very costly, difficult, or even impossible. Salesforce, on the other hand, “grows” with your business and that is its greatest advantage. Thus, the price of Salesforce implementation includes not only the implementation of a certain number of functionalities, but it is also a gateway to further technological development of your organization.
Summary
If you are still hesitating about whether Salesforce will be an ideal solution for your company, contact us – our consultants will dispel your doubts and, based on the conversation, estimate the cost of Salesforce implementation as accurately as possible. We have been a Salesforce partner for many years and have always been committed to transparency in our relationships with current and potential customers.
So we never suggest an implementation if we don’t believe it will have the intended effect, or if the solutions from the Salesforce ecosystem are not compatible with your organization’s business profile. We also talk openly about the price of Salesforce implementation and have answers to your questions.
