Send Salesforce Dashboards to Slack - CRM Analytics vs Centro

Send Salesforce Dashboards to Slack - CRM Analytics vs Centro

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Sending Dashboards to Slack can significantly streamline your workflow, bringing crucial data to your team's fingertips. In this article, we'll walk through setting up CRM Analytics for Slack using Salesforce, highlighting common challenges and presenting an alternative solution with the Centro app, comparing and contrasting along the way.

Rather watch than read? Here's a video!

Setting Up CRM Analytics for Slack

To get started, you'll need to install the CRM Analytics app for Slack. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Install the CRM Analytics App:

1. Begin by navigating to the CRM Analytics app setup within Slack.
2. Review and agree to the documentation terms.
3. Enable Slack apps and proceed with the CRM Analytics for Slack setup.
4. Note that CRM Analytics is an add-on product for Enterprise, Performance, and Unlimited editions of Salesforce.

Permissions Configuration:

1. Assign necessary permissions. The documentation may be outdated, so add yourself to all CRM Analytics-related permissions.
2. If you encounter a permission error during installation, create a new permission set called "Slack" and add the system permission "Connect Salesforce with Slack." Do this *before* trying to install the CRM Analytics Slack App!

Connecting and Configuring Slack:

1. Once permissions are set, install the Slack app. This is a common pattern with Salesforce Apps for Slack - there is some amount of configuration/enablement on the Salesforce side, followed by a Slack App install. That Slack app will need to be connected to Salesforce.
2. Ensure you have appropriate permissions set up; otherwise, installation will fail.
3. Post installation, connect the CRM Analytics app to Slack.

Using the CRM Analytics App:

1. You can now post dashboards from Salesforce to Slack manually. For example, create a dashboard in Salesforce, and use the "Post to Slack" button to share it with your team.
2. Note that currently, only public channels are supported for posting, and the customization options for the message text are limited.

Common Issues with CRM Analytics Dashboard App

• One of the key issues users face is the requirement for Salesforce licenses to view posted content in Slack. This can be a hindrance, especially for teams with limited licenses. See below, CRM Analytics pricing starts at $75 per user.
• Dashboards commonly appear with erroneous images in the screenshot that posts.
• The setup process is cumbersome and confusing.
• It's not possible to schedule Dashboards to appear in Slack from the Salesforce side, either from the Schedule button or the Flow.

Centro: A Streamlined Alternative

Centro offers a more intuitive and flexible solution for integrating Salesforce with Slack. Here’s how Centro simplifies the process:

1. Installation:
   • Install the Centro app from both the Slack App Directory and Salesforce AppExchange.
   • Connect the app to your Slack workspace and Salesforce environment.
2. Creating Notifications (Nudges):
   • Centro introduces "Nudges," allowing users to create their own notifications without admin intervention.
   • Users can create notifications for record changes (e.g., closed opportunities or cases) or schedule regular updates.
3. Scheduling Dashboards:
   • Set up scheduled notifications for dashboards.
   • Customize messages and select the channels or direct messages where the notifications should be sent.
4. Automating the Process:
   • Centro uses Salesforce flows to automate the notification process, ensuring updates are timely and accurate.
   • This system avoids the pitfalls of manual configuration and offers a seamless user experience.

Benefits of Centro

• Ease of Use: Centro’s user-friendly interface allows any Salesforce user to set up notifications without needing extensive technical knowledge.
• Flexibility: Notifications can be sent to any Slack channel, including private channels and DMs.
• Customization: Users can personalize messages and include dynamic content with ease.
• Cost-Effective: By using an automation user, Centro helps save on Salesforce licenses.

Conclusion

Integrating CRM analytics with Slack can transform how your team accesses and utilizes data. While Salesforce’s CRM Analytics app provides basic functionality, Centro offers a robust, user-friendly alternative that addresses common challenges and enhances overall efficiency.

For more information and to explore Centro’s capabilities, visit Centro’s website or reach out to their support team.

Thank you for reading, and happy integrating!

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