Solution
The Closeloop team thoroughly analyzed the customer's requirements and existing systems, including Salesforce and NetSuite. They identified the challenges of disjointed systems, manual data entry, time-consuming processes, limited visibility, and scalability concerns. The team also examined the data structures, mapping requirements, and potential integration points between the two platforms.
Closeloop proposed a comprehensive solution to address identified challenges based on the analysis. Closeloop proposed to use Celigo as the integration platform. The solution aimed to achieve seamless data synchronization and automation between Salesforce and NetSuite.
Solution Architecture
- Based on what we learned and understood through client meetings and assessments, and after evaluation of different integration platforms and tools available, considering factors such as compatibility with Salesforce CPQ and NetSuite, ease of use, scalability, and security, the team proposed to use Celigo integrator.io, which specializes in connecting Salesforce with NetSuite. integrator.io offers pre-built connectors and templates which can be used further for customization.
- We proposed to set up an Integration Layer to facilitate seamless data exchange between Salesforce CPQ and NetSuite. This layer will serve as the bridge connecting the two systems and handling data transformation and mapping.
- An event trigger will be established in Salesforce and activated in real time when an Opportunity is marked as "Closed Won." This trigger will initiate the integration process promptly, facilitating immediate data transfer to NetSuite. As a result, real-time synchronization between the two systems was achieved, ensuring minimal delays in data updates.
- We proposed to automate data transfer, which will ensure that relevant data from Salesforce CPQ, such as Customer, Contact, Billing Account, Subscription, and Package information, was accurately and promptly transferred to the corresponding records in NetSuite.
Implementation
Configuration and Setup: The Celigo integrator.io platform was configured and set up to establish the integration between Salesforce CPQ and NetSuite. Necessary credentials and connections were provided to enable seamless communication between the two systems.
Integration Flow Design: The integration flow was designed within integrator.io to define the data flow and mapping between Salesforce CPQ and NetSuite. This involved mapping fields, transformations, and any required data validation rules.
Real-Time Trigger Setup: We implemented a real-time trigger in Salesforce that activated whenever an Opportunity was marked as "Closed Won." This trigger served as the event initiator, prompting data transfer to NetSuite in real-time.
Automated Customer, Contact, and Billing Account Creation: Automation scripts and flows were created to automatically create or update Customer, Contact, and Billing Account records in NetSuite based on relevant information from Salesforce. This eliminates the need for manual data entry and reduces data discrepancies.
Subscription and Package Creation: The integration team implemented processes to create NetSuite Subscription records from Salesforce Opportunities and CPQ Quote data. Additionally, Subscription Plans will be generated based on Salesforce CPQ Packages, ensuring an accurate representation of subscriptions in NetSuite.
Documentation and Training: Detailed documentation materials were provided to the customer's team to ensure smooth onboarding and understanding of the integrated system.
QA
During the integration process between Salesforce and NetSuite, several Quality Assurance (QA) activities are typically carried out to ensure the successful implementation and functionality of the integration. Some of the key QA activities include:
Requirement Analysis: QA teams work closely with stakeholders to understand the integration requirements, including data mapping, field validations, error handling, and data flow between Salesforce CPQ and NetSuite.
Test Planning: QA engineers develop a comprehensive test plan outlining the scope, test objectives, test cases, and testing approach to be followed during the integration process.
Integration Testing: This involves testing the integration between Salesforce and NetSuite to ensure that data is correctly exchanged, synchronized, and mapped between the two systems.
Data Validation: QA teams verify that data is accurately transferred and translated between Salesforce and NetSuite, checking for any data inconsistencies or errors during the data migration process.
Error Handling and Logging: QA engineers test the integration's error handling mechanisms to ensure that appropriate error messages are displayed, and errors are logged for easy debugging and troubleshooting.
Regression Testing: As changes are made to the integration during development, regression testing is performed to ensure that new updates do not adversely affect existing functionalities.
Bug Tracking and Resolution: Any defects identified during testing are logged, tracked, and resolved by the development team.
Results
After implementing the integration between Salesforce CPQ and NetSuite using Celigo's integrator.io platform, the customer experienced significant improvements in their sales processes and data management. With the real-time event trigger, data was seamlessly transferred to NetSuite when Opportunities reached the "Closed Won" status, ensuring real-time synchronization and minimal delays in data updates. Automated data transfer streamlined creating and updating Customer, Contact, Billing Account, Subscription, and Package records, reducing manual efforts and data discrepancies. The robust error handling and monitoring mechanisms provided timely identification and resolution of integration-related issues, enhancing data integrity. Overall, the implementation delivered a seamless, efficient, and reliable integration, empowering the customer with improved sales workflows, data accuracy, and operational efficiency for better customer satisfaction and business growth.
