Platform App Builder
At Systems Rewired, we recognize that organizations need scalable, customizable solutions to meet their unique needs. As your trusted Salesforce consulting company, Systems Rewired offers expert Platform App Builders who specialize in designing, developing, and optimizing custom applications built on the Salesforce Platform. Whether you need to automate business processes, create custom workflows, or build innovative apps to support your organization’s objectives, our Platform App Builders have the expertise to make it happen.
The Role of a Salesforce Platform App Builder
A Salesforce Platform App Builder is a professional responsible for building and managing applications on the Salesforce Platform. They use declarative (low-code) tools to create custom solutions that improve business efficiency, optimize user experience, and integrate Salesforce with other systems. App Builders play a critical role in organizations by designing apps that streamline operations, manage data, and automate processes without needing extensive custom code.
Here are the key responsibilities of a Salesforce Platform App Builder:
Building Custom Applications
A Platform App Builder uses Salesforce tools like Lightning App Builder, Process Builder, Flow, and Apex (for more complex logic) to build custom apps. These apps are tailored to the organization’s unique needs, offering features and functionality beyond the out-of-the-box Salesforce platform. Whether you need a custom app for managing events, tracking donations, or automating workflows, the App Builder ensures that the app aligns with your goals.
Automation and Workflow Optimization
Platform App Builders are experts in automating processes to increase efficiency. Using Salesforce Flow, Process Builder, and Workflow Rules, they design solutions that automate routine tasks, such as lead assignment, approval processes, and data updates. Automation helps organizations reduce manual work, enhance productivity, and ensure consistency in business processes.
Data Modeling and Management
Salesforce is a powerful tool for managing and storing data, and Platform App Builders create data models that make it easier to capture, store, and organize data. By designing custom objects, fields, relationships, and record types, App Builders ensure that data is structured in a way that supports efficient reporting and analysis.
User Interface (UI) Design
App Builders focus on creating a user-friendly experience for end-users. They design intuitive and customizable page layouts, user interfaces, and Lightning Components, ensuring that apps are easy to navigate and perform optimally. By building a streamlined and user-friendly UI, the Platform App Builder helps ensure higher adoption rates for custom apps.
Integration with Other Salesforce Products and Third-Party Systems
A key responsibility of the Platform App Builder is to ensure that custom applications are seamlessly integrated with other Salesforce products, such as Sales Cloud, Service Cloud, and Marketing Cloud, as well as third-party systems. They use APIs, external data sources, and integration tools like MuleSoft to ensure smooth data flow and synchronization between systems.
Testing and Troubleshooting
Platform App Builders are also responsible for testing and troubleshooting the custom apps they build. Before deployment, they conduct thorough testing to ensure that applications function as intended, are free from bugs, and meet business requirements. Post-deployment, they handle troubleshooting issues and fine-tune applications for optimal performance.
Training and Support
App Builders often provide training and ongoing support to users and administrators to ensure that custom applications are fully adopted and utilized. They may create user guides, conduct training sessions, and help resolve any issues users encounter.
Skills and Certifications of a Salesforce Platform App Builder
To excel as a Salesforce Platform App Builder, professionals need to have a blend of technical and business skills:
- Salesforce Expertise: Proficiency with Salesforce’s low-code tools, such as Lightning App Builder, Process Builder, Flow, and the Apex programming language for more complex solutions.
- Business Process Understanding: A solid understanding of business processes and how to translate them into functional applications using Salesforce’s tools.
- Data Modeling Skills: Ability to design data models, create custom objects, and ensure data integrity across applications.
- Problem-Solving and Troubleshooting: Aptitude for identifying and resolving technical issues within custom apps, ensuring they meet business needs and operate without errors.
- User-Centric Design: Skills in creating user-friendly and efficient applications that improve productivity and user adoption.
- Integration Experience: Knowledge of integrating Salesforce with third-party systems using APIs and external data sources.
- Salesforce Certifications: The Salesforce Platform App Builder certification demonstrates a professional’s expertise in building and deploying applications on the Salesforce platform.
Why Is the Role Important?
The Salesforce Platform App Builder plays an essential role in enabling organizations to create customized, efficient solutions within Salesforce. Without a dedicated App Builder, organizations may experience:
- Inefficiencies due to manual, error-prone processes.
- Limited ability to create custom applications tailored to business needs.
- Difficulties in integrating Salesforce with other systems.
- Poor user adoption of custom solutions due to complex interfaces or lack of automation.
Platform App Builders address these challenges by leveraging Salesforce’s powerful low-code tools to create applications that streamline operations, enhance productivity, and improve the overall user experience.
Benefits of Salesforce Platform App Builders for Associations, Nonprofits, NGOs, and Educational Institutions
Organizations in sectors like associations, nonprofits, NGOs, and educational institutions can greatly benefit from the expertise of a Salesforce Platform App Builder by building customized applications that meet their specific needs:
- Associations: Platform App Builders can create custom apps for managing membership renewals, event registrations, and certifications, making processes more efficient and automated.
- Nonprofits: Nonprofits use Salesforce for donor management, fundraising campaigns, and volunteer coordination. A Platform App Builder can design solutions that enhance these processes and provide seamless experiences for both staff and supporters.
- NGOs: Marketing, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement are critical for NGOs. A Platform App Builder can develop apps that help manage outreach campaigns, volunteer networks, and event planning, improving coordination and impact.
- Educational Institutions: Educational institutions use Salesforce to manage student recruitment, alumni relations, and fundraising. Platform App Builders can design apps for managing applications, donations, and communications with students and alumni.
Tools and Technologies Used by Salesforce Platform App Builders
Salesforce Platform App Builders rely on a variety of tools to build custom applications:
- Salesforce Low-Code Tools: Lightning App Builder, Process Builder, Flow, and AppExchange for developing and managing custom applications.
- Apex Programming Language: For more complex business logic and custom features that cannot be accomplished through low-code tools.
- Data Management Tools: Custom objects, fields, and relationships to structure data effectively.
- Salesforce Integration Tools: MuleSoft, REST API, and External Data Sources for integrating custom applications with other systems.
- Version Control Tools: Git, GitHub, and other version control tools for managing code and ensuring smooth development workflows.
- Testing Tools: Salesforce’s testing environment, such as Sandbox and Developer Editions, and tools like Apex tests to ensure application reliability.
Other Resources that Complement this Role
- Salesforce Developer: Specializing in writing code for custom features and applications.
- Salesforce Consultant: Advising organizations on how to use Salesforce to meet their business goals, including designing custom apps.
- Salesforce Technical Architect: Overseeing the design and development of complex Salesforce solutions across multiple projects.
- Salesforce Administrator: Managing the day-to-day functions of Salesforce instances, including user management and system configuration.
- Product Manager: Managing the development and delivery of custom applications and solutions for an organization.
As organizations increasingly rely on Salesforce to automate and streamline their operations, the demand for skilled Salesforce Platform App Builders continues to grow, with competitive salaries and opportunities for advancement.
Why Choose Systems Rewired?
At Systems Rewired, our Certified Platform App Builders are experts at leveraging Salesforce’s low-code tools to create custom solutions that meet your specific business needs. Whether you need a new custom app, an improved workflow, or better integration between systems, we ensure your Salesforce platform is optimized to help your organization thrive. Contact us today to learn how our team of Platform App Builders can help you build the perfect custom application tailored to your business objectives.