Technical Glossary: Salesforce Performance
Introduction
Salesforce performance refers to the speed, efficiency, and reliability of a Salesforce org in handling various operations and delivering a smooth user experience. As organizations grow and their Salesforce implementations become more complex, maintaining optimal performance becomes increasingly critical. This technical glossary explores key concepts, intended purposes, use cases, and best practices related to Salesforce performance, with a focus on org management and solutions for Salesforce administrators.
Key Concepts
Experienced Page Time (EPT)
EPT is a crucial metric used by Salesforce to measure performance. It represents the total time it takes for a page to load and become interactive from a user's perspective. Lower EPT values indicate better performance.
Governor Limits
These are execution limits imposed by Salesforce to ensure fair resource allocation and prevent individual orgs from monopolizing shared resources. Understanding and working within these limits is essential for maintaining good performance.
Bulk API
The Bulk API is designed for loading large datasets efficiently. It's optimized for performance when dealing with high data volumes.
Indexing
Proper indexing of fields can significantly improve query performance, especially for large datasets. Custom indexes can be created for frequently queried fields.
Intended Purpose and Use Cases
The primary purpose of focusing on Salesforce performance is to ensure that users can work efficiently within the platform, accessing and manipulating data quickly without experiencing frustrating delays or timeouts. Some common use cases where performance optimization becomes crucial include:
- Large-scale data migrations or integrations
- Complex reporting and analytics operations
- High-volume transaction processing
- Customizations involving heavy computations or multiple related objects
- Organizations with a large number of concurrent users
Best Practices for Salesforce Administrators
1. Regular Performance Monitoring
Utilize Salesforce's built-in tools like the Setup Audit Trail, Debug Logs, and Performance Analysis to regularly monitor your org's performance. Third-party solutions can provide more in-depth analysis and recommendations.
2. Optimize SOQL Queries
Write efficient SOQL queries by selecting only necessary fields, using appropriate filters, and avoiding operations that may cause full table scans.
3. Leverage Caching Mechanisms
Utilize platform cache and custom settings to store frequently accessed, relatively static data to reduce database queries and improve response times.
4. Implement Efficient Trigger Design
Design triggers to be bulkified and avoid recursive calls. Use helper classes to separate logic and improve maintainability.
5. Optimize Visualforce Pages
Minimize the use of tags, leverage lazy loading techniques, and use static resources for JavaScript and CSS files to improve page load times.
6. Regular Data Cleanup
Implement data archiving strategies and regularly remove unnecessary records to keep your org lean and performant.
7. Utilize Asynchronous Processing
For long-running operations, leverage asynchronous Apex (future methods, queueable Apex, or batch Apex) to avoid hitting governor limits and improve user experience.
Org Management Solutions
While Salesforce provides native tools for performance monitoring and optimization, third-party solutions can offer more comprehensive org management capabilities. Metazoa, for example, offers solutions that can help with:
- Org cleanup and optimization
- Metadata analysis and management
- Change and release management
- Data dictionary and documentation
These tools can be particularly valuable for large, complex orgs or those undergoing significant changes or migrations.
Conclusion
Understanding and managing Salesforce performance is crucial for administrators to ensure a smooth, efficient experience for users. By following best practices, regularly monitoring performance metrics, and leveraging appropriate tools and solutions, administrators can maintain high-performing Salesforce orgs that scale effectively with organizational growth and changing business needs.