Salesforce Integration With SharePoint.

Integrating Salesforce with SharePoint allows you to manage and access documents stored in SharePoint directly from Salesforce, streamlining workflows and enhancing productivity. Here's a high-level overview of how to achieve this integration:

Methods of Integration

1. Out-of-the-Box Connectors:
   

• Salesforce offers built-in connectors for SharePoint. This allows you to link Salesforce records to SharePoint documents.

• To set this up, navigate to Salesforce Setup, search for "Files Connect," and follow the setup wizard. You'll need to configure an authentication provider for SharePoint and then link Salesforce to your SharePoint instance.

1. Third-Party Apps:

• There are several third-party applications available on the Salesforce AppExchange that facilitate Salesforce and SharePoint integration. Apps like SharePoint & OneDrive for Business by SkySync or S-Drive offer robust features for syncing and managing documents.

1. Custom Integration:

• For more complex requirements, a custom integration using Salesforce Apex and Microsoft Graph API (for SharePoint Online) can be developed.

• This method provides flexibility and allows for specific business logic to be implemented but requires development effort.

Steps for Out-of-the-Box Salesforce Integration with SharePoint

1. Enable Files Connect:

• Go to Setup in Salesforce.

• Search for "Files Connect" in the Quick Find box.

• Enable Files Connect and set the authentication type (usually OAuth 2.0 for SharePoint Online).

1. Set Up Authentication Provider:

• Go to Setup > Auth. Providers.

• Create a new provider with Type "Microsoft Access Control Service" for SharePoint Online.

• Fill in the necessary details, including the client ID and client secret from your Azure AD application registration.

1. Create an External Data Source:

• Go to Setup > External Data Sources.

• Create a new external data source for SharePoint.

• Choose "Files Connect: SharePoint Online" as the data source type.

• Set the Authentication Provider to the one you created in the previous step.

• Define the root folder in SharePoint that you want to connect to.

1. Set Permissions:

• Assign the necessary permissions to users by setting up the right external object permissions.

• Ensure users have access to the Files Connect cloud settings.

1. Link Documents:

• Users can now link documents stored in SharePoint to Salesforce records.

• Go to a Salesforce record, navigate to the Files related list, and link SharePoint files.

Considerations

• Security: Ensure that data transfer between Salesforce and SharePoint is secure. Use encryption and secure authentication methods.

• Permissions: Make sure appropriate permissions are set up in both Salesforce and SharePoint to avoid unauthorized access.

• API Limits: Be aware of any API limits and quotas on Salesforce .

Conclusion

Integrating Salesforce with SharePoint can significantly enhance your organization’s efficiency by combining powerful CRM capabilities with robust document management features. Whether you choose the built-in Files Connect or a custom API solution, following best practices and ensuring proper configuration will help you leverage the full potential of both platforms.