Zendesk Salesforce Integration: Step-by-Step Guide

Zendesk Salesforce integration

Comprehensive Guide To Zendesk Salesforce Integration

Today, customers are at the heart of every business, driving growth and success. This is why companies are also realizing the importance of the customer experience. In fact, the forecasted growth of the customer management market by a CAGR of 15.4% shows increasing CRM integration practices with sales platforms. This is where Zendesk Salesforce integration can help you.

Both Zendesk and Salesforce are leaders in their respective fields. Zendesk excels in customer support, while Salesforce is a powerhouse in sales management. Combining Salesforce with Zendesk can help streamline processes, improve decision-making, and create better customer experiences.

Want to make the best use of both platforms? Consider this your best Zendesk Salesforce integration guide, where we help you understand how to implement this integration effectively.

7-Step Zendesk Salesforce Integration Guide

Step 1: Setting Up Salesforce In Zendesk

Before starting the integration, you have to ensure a lot of things. Firstly, check if the admin can access both Zendesk and Salesforce accounts. Now, to set up this integration, start by :

  • Logging in to your Zendesk account.
  • Then, scroll towards the sidebar and click on the Admin Center (gear icon).
  • Now select Apps and Integrations > Marketplace.
  • In the Zendesk Marketplace, you have to search for Salesforce software. When you find it, install the app, and grant necessary permissions.
  • Log in to your Salesforce account and authorize Zendesk access.

Important Considerations

  • You may need to enter your Salesforce login details to complete the authentication process.
  • Verify that API access is enabled in Salesforce to allow seamless data transfer.

Step 2: Configuring Zendesk For Salesforce Integration

After installation, the next step is configuring the Salesforce integration services. With this configuration, your support agents can access Salesforce details directly from Zendesk, allowing them to respond faster and make better decisions.

Here are the simple steps to set up integration settings.

Define Object Relationships

Link Zendesk entities such as tickets, users, and organizations to their respective Salesforce objects like cases, contacts, and accounts. This mapping ensures that the respective data is correctly associated with both systems.

Enable Trigger Settings

You can set up your Zendesk triggers to send updates to Salesforce based on ticket status, priority, or category.

Set Up Data Visibility

Decide if you want Salesforce data visible within Zendesk tickets. If you do this, remember to give your agent viewing permission.

Activate Real-Time Updates

Configure the integration to support real-time updates, ensuring immediate data synchronization between platforms.

Step 3: Map Fields And Automate Workflows

Field mapping is all about how information is shared and stored in a database. It allows for easy data transfers between Zendesk and Salesforce. Consider the following elements while mapping fields in Zendesk and Salesforce:

Define The Key Fields

Start by making a list of data fields that you need to sync. Suppose you have a past customer sales history. The key fields for this would include the customer name, email ID, phone number, and Ticket ID.

Match The Data Fields

By using the field-mapping feature, you can match Zendesk fields to the appropriate Salesforce fields. This way, only the right information is sent to the right places.

Automate Workflows

Now, you must set up some automation rules. In fact, you can establish your own personalized rules for automation. Such as creating Salesforce leads when new tickets are submitted in Zendesk or updating Salesforce case statuses based on Zendesk ticket resolutions.

Create Validation Rules

Lastly, whatever rules you create above, you have to implement those rules. Validation is important to check for:

  • Data Accuracy
  • Duplicate entries
  • Incomplete or missing data

Step 4: Enable Bi-Directional Data Syncing

As the term suggests, bi-directional syncing synchronizes updates from one platform to another. Backing up Zendesk data will sync it with Salesforce.

This ensures that both Zendesk and Salesforce have the latest information, keeping your teams aligned and your data consistent across both platforms. All you have to do is:

  • Set Up Two-Way Syncing – Enable the bi-directional syncing option in Zendesk settings.
  • Test Sync Rules – Configure rules for syncing specific data types like leads, contacts, and opportunities.
  • Avoid Sync Conflicts – Set up rules for syncing. This way, you can avoid any issues if updates happen simultaneously on both platforms.
  • Monitor Sync Logs – Keep on reviewing logs to track errors or data mismatches during syncing.
Zendesk Salesforce integration guide

Step 5: Testing Zendesk Salesforce Integration

Nearly 79% of businesses saw higher ROI and increased customer retention by integrating automated testing for their software. Therefore, testing is essential to see if the data accurately synchronizes on both - Salesforce and Zendesk.

Set Up A Sandbox Environment

Always conduct tests in a sandbox (testing) environment so that any errors do not impact live data.

Creating Test Data In Zendesk

Create new customer records in Zendesk. Then, submit test tickets with these three scenarios:

Ticket creation

Ticket Updation

Ticket Closure

Create, update, and close a ticket in Zendesk, and check if the respective statuses are reflected in Salesforce or not.

Check Field Mapping Accuracy

Verify whether all mapped fields transfer data accurately between platforms. Also, note down the frequency by which data is getting transferred.

Check For Errors While Testing

No process is without disruptions. So, keep an eye out for any error messages that may arise while transferring data between Zendesk and Salesforce.

Step 6: Final Adjustments Before Deployment

Now, before you go live, do one last check to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Do Final Testing

Do a complete run with real data and actual users. It's better to catch any errors before launch day.

Review Security Settings

Data breaches are becoming so common that failing to protect customer data can cost companies millions of dollars. Take a moment to double-check user permissions and security protocols. Ensure that sensitive data is only accessible to people who need it.

Train Your Team

At the end of the day, your team will be the one using the system every day. So, you must train them well until they are comfortable with the new setup.

Document The Process

Maintain detailed documentation for all the steps, potential hiccups, and fixes. This will help in future reference and troubleshooting.

Step 7: Go Live And Monitor Performance

Once satisfied with the setup, activate the integration

Track Real-Time Updates

Watch how data moves between Zendesk and Salesforce in real-time.

Ask For Feedback

Touch base with your teams and gather their thoughts on the integration. This will help you spot any areas that might need improvement.

Seamless Business Operations With Zendesk Salesforce Integration

That said, we are at the end of our Zendesk Salesforce integration guide. Integrating these two software into a unified platform can reap many benefits, including improved data visibility, managed customer relationships, better team collaboration, and higher work productivity.

Meanwhile, if you are looking for professional help, trust Minuscule Technologies. As a certified Salesforce partner, you can expect customized solutions that match your business needs, 24/7 after-sales support, and performance optimization and maintenance services.

Book your free consultation call today to discuss your Salesforce consulting needs.

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