VLOOKUP The VLOOKUP function is similar to the Excel function with the same name, and it is used to look up a value inside a specific object’s record set. Let’s say we have a custom object that handles all country calling codes. The object is quite simple: We want users to manually input the country…

Validation rules I bet you already know what a validation rule is, but let’s discuss them again. A validation rule is a feature that is used to improve data quality. It is checked before a record is saved in the database. They are defined by the following: Here is an example of a validation rule:…

Hierarchical relationships Hierarchical relationships are an exclusive property of the User object, and they are used to relate users to each other, following a hierarchy. When creating a custom field on the User object, no other relationship is available other than the hierarchical relationship: Hierarchical Relationship field type on the User object This special kind…

Many-to-many relationships Using master–detail fields, we can set up the so-called many-to-many relationships, which are a way to link a given record to more than one record using Junction objects. When do you need it? Imagine that you want to link a Case with multiple Assets: Many-to-many relationships in action By using a many-to-many relationship,…

Roll-up fields A roll-up is a special kind of field that is allowed only on a master object—that is, objects that are on the master side of a master–detail relationship. These fields are used to summarize child fields, such as getting the number of case details parented to a given Case, or getting the total…

Click on the Next button at the bottom of the page to jump to the next step. Note that the Field-Level Security (FLS) for the new object’s field defaults to Visible/Writable, and that the master–detail lookup is a required field by default (after all, you cannot have a child without a master record): Master-detail field…

Master–detail relationships The master–detail relationship links two objects in a strong way: children are close to their parent and are strongly related. So this type of relation is usually used to create a detail record. Think about adding a Case Detail custom object that stores multiple case details, such as multiple products, addresses, or repeated…

Extending Custom Objects One of the main tasks of a Salesforce admin is the definition of the data model that holds all your CRM data. If you are reading this book, you certainly know how to create new custom objects and fields: mastering data model customization is, without any doubt, a skill you should acquire…

Importing data with Data Loader Data Loader is a standalone application that’s used to bulk import (and export) data. It can actually do all kinds of CRUD operations (insert, update, delete, and export). To download the app, go to Setup | Integrations | Data Loader and select the download link for your operating system (Windows…

Handling data changes So far, we have talked extensively about how to release metadata changes, but what about data changes? You may need to cleanse some fields on your records (due to a bug or a change request) or import a new table or even delete a given object from your organization because you don’t…