1. What is Salesforce and how is it used?
Salesforce is a cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) platform that helps businesses manage their sales, marketing, and customer service activities. It allows companies to store and organize customer data, track sales opportunities, automate processes, and provide better customer support.
2. What is the role of a Salesforce Administrator?
A Salesforce Administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining the Salesforce platform within an organization. Their role involves tasks such as creating and managing user accounts, configuring security settings, creating and customizing objects, workflows, and reports, and providing user support and training.
3. What are the different types of Salesforce objects?
In Salesforce, there are two main types of objects: standard objects and custom objects. Standard objects are pre-built by Salesforce and include accounts, contacts, leads, opportunities, and more. Custom objects are created by administrators to meet specific business needs and can be related to standard or other custom objects.
4. What is the difference between a role and a profile in Salesforce?
In Salesforce, a role determines a user’s position and hierarchy within an organization, while a profile defines what a user can do within the Salesforce system. Roles control data visibility and access, while profiles control object and field-level permissions, page layouts, and record types.
5. What is a workflow rule and how is it used?
A workflow rule in Salesforce is an automated process that enables you to standardize and streamline business processes. It consists of a set of criteria and associated actions. When the criteria are met, the specified actions are triggered automatically. Workflow rules can be used to update fields, create tasks, send email notifications, or trigger outbound messages.
6. How do you create a custom object in Salesforce?
To create a custom object in Salesforce, you need to navigate to the Setup menu, select Object Manager, and then click on “New Custom Object.” Provide details such as object name, plural label, record name, and other required information. You can also define custom fields, relationships, and page layouts for the object.
7. What is the difference between a standard object and a custom object in Salesforce?
Standard objects in Salesforce are predefined and come with the CRM platform, such as accounts, contacts, opportunities, and cases. Custom objects, on the other hand, are created by administrators to store and manage data unique to an organization’s business processes.
8. How can you prevent duplicate records in Salesforce?
Salesforce provides several mechanisms to prevent duplicate records. You can enable duplicate rules and define matching criteria based on field values. You can also use the built-in Duplicate Management feature to block or alert users when they attempt to create duplicate records.
9. What is a validation rule in Salesforce and how is it used?
A validation rule in Salesforce allows you to define criteria that data must meet before it is saved. If the data does not meet the defined criteria, the validation rule displays an error message and prevents the record from being saved. Validation rules help maintain data integrity and enforce data quality standards.
10. What is a sharing rule and how is it used in Salesforce?
A sharing rule in Salesforce is a mechanism used to extend or restrict access to records for particular users or groups. Sharing rules are used to grant access to records that are not accessible by default based on the organization-wide defaults or role hierarchy. They can be based on criteria or defined manually.
11. How do you create a report in Salesforce?
To create a report in Salesforce, go to the Reports tab and click on “New Report.” Choose a report type, specify the criteria for data selection, and add desired fields to the report layout. Customize the report format, summarize data, and apply filters as needed. Finally, save and run the report.
12. What are the different types of reports in Salesforce?
Salesforce provides several types of reports, including tabular reports, summary reports, matrix reports, and joined reports. Tabular reports display data in a simple table format, summary reports provide grouped and summarized data, matrix reports show data in a grid format, and joined reports combine data from multiple report types.
13. What is a dashboard in Salesforce?
A dashboard in Salesforce is a visual representation of data from reports, providing key metrics and performance indicators at a glance. Dashboards consist of components like charts, tables, and gauges that display real-time data. Users can customize and share dashboards to monitor and analyze their business performance.
14. How can you schedule a report in Salesforce?
To schedule a report in Salesforce, open the report you want to schedule, click on the “Schedule Future Runs” button, and specify the desired schedule frequency, start date, and end date. You can choose to receive the report results via email or save them to a designated folder.
15. What is the difference between a role hierarchy and a sharing rule?
A role hierarchy is a representation of the reporting structure within an organization. It determines the level of access users have to records based on their position in the hierarchy. Sharing rules, on the other hand, extend or restrict access to records beyond what is provided by the role hierarchy. Sharing rules are based on criteria or manual sharing and can grant additional access to specific users or groups.
16. What is the purpose of the Salesforce AppExchange?
The Salesforce AppExchange is an online marketplace where users can find and install various applications and components that extend the functionality of the Salesforce platform. It offers a wide range of pre-built solutions, including apps for sales, marketing, customer service, analytics, and more, developed by Salesforce and third-party vendors.
17. How do you import data into Salesforce?
Salesforce provides different methods for importing data. You can use the Data Import Wizard, which guides you through the process of mapping and importing data from CSV files. Alternatively, you can use the Salesforce Data Loader, a more robust tool that supports large data volumes and provides more advanced features for data management.
18. How do you export data from Salesforce?
To export data from Salesforce, go to the Setup menu, enter “Data Export” in the Quick Find box, and select “Data Export.” Follow the prompts to specify the data range, object selection, and export format. Once the export is complete, you will receive an email with a link to download the exported data.
19. What is a Salesforce sandbox and how is it used?
A Salesforce sandbox is a copy of the production environment where administrators and developers can safely test and develop changes before deploying them to the live Salesforce instance. Sandboxes provide a separate space to experiment with configuration, customization, and integration without affecting the production data or functionality.
20. How can you create a new user in Salesforce?
To create a new user in Salesforce, go to the Setup menu, enter “Users” in the Quick Find box, and select “Users.” Click on “New User” and fill in the required user details, such as username, email address, first name, last name, and role. Set the appropriate user license, profile, and permissions, and save the user record.
21. How do you set up a security token in Salesforce?
In Salesforce, a security token is a unique key that provides an extra layer of security when accessing Salesforce through the API or when using certain integrations. To set up a security token, log in to Salesforce, navigate to the user’s personal settings, click on “Reset My Security Token,” and follow the instructions to generate and reset the security token.
22. What is a Salesforce record type and how is it used?
A Salesforce record type is a way to differentiate and categorize records within an object based on specific criteria. It allows you to define different page layouts, picklist values, and business processes for different types of records. Record types are commonly used when different departments or business units have unique data requirements for the same object.
23. What is the difference between a lookup relationship and a master-detail relationship in Salesforce?
In Salesforce, a lookup relationship allows you to create a relationship between two objects, where the child object can have a reference to the parent object, but the parent object does not control the existence or deletion of the child records. On the other hand, a master-detail relationship creates a tight relationship between objects, where the parent object controls the existence and deletion of the child records and cascades certain behaviors like sharing and record ownership.
24. How can you customize the Salesforce user interface?
Salesforce provides several customization options for the user interface. You can create custom tabs, modify page layouts, rearrange fields, add custom fields, and create custom buttons or links. Additionally, you can use Salesforce Lightning App Builder to create custom applications and customize the home page layout.
25. What is a data loader in Salesforce and how is it used?
The Salesforce Data Loader is a client application used to import, export, and delete data in Salesforce. It supports bulk data operations and provides an interface for mapping data fields between files and Salesforce objects. The Data Loader can be used to automate data loads, schedule operations, and perform data cleansing tasks.
26. How do you enable field-level security in Salesforce?
To enable field-level security in Salesforce, go to the Setup menu, enter “Object Manager” in the Quick Find box, and select the desired object. Click on “Fields & Relationships,” select the field you want to modify, and click on “Set Field-Level Security.” From there, you can define the visibility and accessibility of the field for different profiles.
27. What is the difference between a role and a profile in Salesforce?
A role in Salesforce determines the hierarchical position and access level of a user within an organization. It controls data visibility and accessibility based on the role hierarchy. A profile, on the other hand, defines the permissions, settings, and access levels that determine what a user can do within the Salesforce system, including object and field-level permissions, page layouts, and record types.
28. How do you enable or disable a user in Salesforce?
To enable or disable a user in Salesforce, go to the Setup menu, enter “Users” in the Quick Find box, and select “Users.” Locate the user you want to enable or disable, click on their name, and then click on “Edit.” Set the “Active” checkbox to enable or disable the user, and save the changes.
29. What is the difference between a workflow rule and a process builder in Salesforce?
A workflow rule in Salesforce is a simple automation tool that allows you to define criteria and associated actions to be triggered when the criteria are met. Workflow rules can perform standard actions like field updates, email alerts, and task creation. In contrast, the process builder is a more advanced automation tool that provides a visual interface for creating complex, multi-step processes. It can perform a wide range of actions, including updating related records, creating records, posting to Chatter, and invoking Apex code.
30. How can you create a custom report type in Salesforce?
To create a custom report type in Salesforce, go to the Setup menu, enter “Report Types” in the Quick Find box, and select “Report Types.” Click on “New Custom Report Type” and follow the prompts to select the primary object, define relationships, and choose the available fields and relationships for reporting. Save the custom report type once it is configured.
31. How do you mass delete records in Salesforce?
To mass delete records in Salesforce, you can use the Data Loader or a similar data management tool. Extract the record IDs of the records you want to delete, create a CSV file with the IDs, and use the Data Loader’s delete operation to delete the records in bulk. Be cautious when performing mass deletions, as the action cannot be undone.
32. What is the Salesforce Data Import Wizard?
The Salesforce Data Import Wizard is a web-based tool that guides users through the process of importing data into Salesforce. It provides a step-by-step wizard interface to map fields, validate data, and import records from CSV files. The Data Import Wizard is useful for importing smaller data sets and does not support complex transformations or large data volumes.
33. What is the difference between a lookup filter and a validation rule in Salesforce?
A lookup filter is used to restrict the values available for selection in a lookup field based on specified criteria. It filters the available records in the related object. A validation rule, on the other hand, is used to validate data before it is saved and can display an error message if the data does not meet the defined criteria.
34. How do you enable field history tracking in Salesforce?
To enable field history tracking in Salesforce, go to the Setup menu, enter “Object Manager” in the Quick Find box, and select the desired object. Click on “Fields & Relationships,” select the field you want to track history for, and click on “Set History Tracking.” From there, you can enable tracking for the field and specify the number of tracked field history records to retain.
35. What is the difference between a public group and a queue in Salesforce?
A public group in Salesforce is a way to group multiple users together for sharing and collaboration purposes. It allows you to assign records, share data, and grant access to a group of users collectively. A queue, on the other hand, is a virtual holding area for records that need to be worked on by a group of users. It enables multiple users to take ownership of records from the queue and work on them individually.
36. How can you create a custom tab in Salesforce?
To create a custom tab in Salesforce, go to the Setup menu, enter “Tabs” in the Quick Find box, and select “Tabs.” Click on “New Custom Object Tab” or “New Web Tab,” depending on the type of tab you want to create. Specify the tab details, such as label, object or web content URL, and visibility settings. Save the tab to make it available in the Salesforce user interface.
37. What is the difference between a standard field and a custom field in Salesforce?
A standard field in Salesforce is a pre-built field that comes with standard objects and has predefined functionality, such as “Name,” “Created By,” or “Last Modified Date.” A custom field, on the other hand, is created by administrators to capture additional data specific to an organization’s needs. Custom fields can be added to standard or custom objects and can have different data types and properties.
38. How do you enable field auditing in Salesforce?
To enable field auditing in Salesforce, go to the Setup menu, enter “Field History Tracking” in the Quick Find box, and select “Field History Tracking.” Choose the object for which you want to enable field history tracking, select the fields you want to track, and save the settings. Salesforce will then start tracking and storing historical data for the selected fields.
39. What is a junction object in Salesforce?
A junction object in Salesforce is a custom object that serves as a bridge or junction between two or more objects in a many-to-many relationship. It allows you to model complex relationships where multiple records from one object can be associated with multiple records from another object through the junction object.
40. How do you set up email-to-case in Salesforce?
To set up email-to-case in Salesforce, go to the Setup menu, enter “Email-to-Case” in the Quick Find box, and select “Email-to-Case.” Configure the email settings, such as email addresses, routing addresses, and case assignment rules. You can also set up email templates and auto-response rules to automatically respond to incoming emails and create cases based on email content.
41. What is Salesforce Chatter and how is it used?
Salesforce Chatter is an enterprise social networking and collaboration tool that allows users to communicate, share information, and collaborate within the Salesforce platform. It provides features like feeds, profiles, groups, file sharing, and real-time notifications. Chatter enhances communication and collaboration among users, making it easier to share updates, ask questions, and work together on projects.
42. How do you enable multi-currency in Salesforce?
To enable multi-currency in Salesforce, go to the Setup menu, enter “Currency” in the Quick Find box, and select “Currency Management.” Enable currency management and set the organization’s default currency. You can then define additional active currencies and set conversion rates. Enabling multi-currency allows you to handle transactions and report on data in different currencies.
43. What is a formula field in Salesforce and how is it used?
A formula field in Salesforce is a read-only field that derives its value from a formula expression. The formula can reference other fields, perform calculations, concatenate text, and apply logical conditions. Formula fields are useful for displaying calculated values, deriving information from related records, or automating data calculations without the need for custom code.
44. How do you create a dependent picklist in Salesforce?
To create a dependent picklist in Salesforce, go to the Setup menu, enter “Object Manager” in the Quick Find box, and select the desired object. Click on “Fields & Relationships,” select the picklist field you want to make dependent, and click on “New” next to “Controlling Field.” Choose the controlling field that will determine the values available in the dependent picklist. Configure the picklist values for each controlling field value, and save the changes.
45. What is the difference between a trigger and a workflow rule in Salesforce?
A trigger in Salesforce is a piece of Apex code that executes before or after specific database events, such as insert, update, delete, or undelete. Triggers allow for complex business logic and data manipulation. On the other hand, a workflow rule is a declarative tool that allows you to automate standard internal procedures and processes. Workflow rules can perform actions like field updates, email alerts, and task creation but have limitations compared to triggers.
46. How do you create a validation rule in Salesforce?
To create a validation rule in Salesforce, go to the Setup menu, enter “Object Manager” in the Quick Find box, and select the desired object. Click on “Validation Rules” and then click on “New Rule.” Define the rule criteria using a formula expression and provide an error message to display when the criteria are not met. Save the validation rule to enforce the defined criteria during record creation or update.
47. What is the difference between a standard report and a custom report in Salesforce?
A standard report in Salesforce is a pre-built report that comes with the CRM platform. It provides commonly used report templates and fields for standard objects. A custom report, on the other hand, is created by users to meet specific reporting requirements. It allows for selecting custom fields, defining report criteria, and creating report formats tailored to the organization’s needs.
48. How can you create a new object in Salesforce?
To create a new object in Salesforce, go to the Setup menu, enter “Object Manager” in the Quick Find box, and select “Object Manager.” Click on “Create” and choose the type of object you want to create, such as a standard object or a custom object. Provide the necessary details like label, plural label, record name, and object settings. Save the object to create it in the Salesforce org.
49. What is the Salesforce Lightning Experience?
The Salesforce Lightning Experience is the modern and redesigned user interface of Salesforce. It offers a more intuitive and visually appealing interface compared to the classic Salesforce interface (Salesforce Classic). The Lightning Experience provides enhanced productivity features, improved navigation, customizable home pages, and Lightning components for building custom applications and experiences.
50. How do you enable debug logs in Salesforce?
To enable debug logs in Salesforce, go to the Setup menu, enter “Debug Logs” in the Quick Find box, and select “Debug Logs.” Click on “New” and select the user for whom you want to enable debug logging. Specify the log levels for different categories like Apex code, database, workflow, and save the settings. Debug logs capture detailed information and help in troubleshooting issues within the Salesforce platform.