Profile
Overview
Profiles are the base components that define a user’s access level and permissions within Salesforce. They help to ensure that users can perform their job functions effectively while maintaining security and data integrity.
How Are Profiles Used?
Through object permissions, profiles control what Objects users can do (Read/Create/Edit/Delete/View All/Modify All).
Further with field level security, you are able to control read/edit rights for each field within an object.
Profiles also contain settings such as run reports, flow user, setup access and more. Apps, Tabs, Record Types and Page Layouts are also assigned through here.
What is the Benefit?
Security
By controlling access to data and functionality sensitive information is protected.
Customization
Enable organizations to tailor the Salesforce experience for different roles.
Efficiency
With appropriate access controls users can focus on their tasks without being overwhelmed by unnecessary options.
Who is Impacted?
Salesforce Users
The natural starting point for controlling almost everything a user can see and do in Salesforce. They are crucial to a user being able to perform their job, a customer being able to see Knowledge Articles in Experience site, being able to run flows etc.
Without proper profile definition a large risk would be posed to the success and adoption of the Salesforce instance.
Salesforce Administrators
Administrators create and manage them ensuring users have appropriate access. Regular review of roles and policies should occur to ensure alignment.