Custom Objects
Overview
Custom objects in Salesforce are user-defined structures that allow you to store information that is specific to your organization’s needs. This functionality extends your instance beyond the standard objects provided by Salesforce. When managed correctly they can become a fundamental part of Salesforce and enable you to create tailored solutions within the platform.
How Are Custom Objects Used?
Custom Data Structure
Created by users to track information that doesn’t fit into the standard objects. For example, you might create one to track project details, inventory items, or employee records. Similar to standard objects custom fields are available to store specific types of data. These fields can include text, numbers, dates, picklists, checkboxes, and more.
Automation
Custom objects can be used in workflow rules, process automation, and approval processes to automate business processes and ensure consistency in how data is handled. They can be accessed through Salesforce APIs, enabling integration with external systems and applications to exchange data and synchronize information.
Permissions
You can control access through Salesforce’s security model. Including profile permissions, field-level security, and sharing settings.
What is the Benefit?
Custom objects in Salesforce provide the flexibility to adapt the Salesforce platform to a wide range of business needs. This makes it possible to manage and leverage data in ways that are most relevant to you. Various relationships are available (lookup, master-detail, hierarchical) that help model complex data structures and relationships. By linking to standard objects or other custom objects you create a cohesive data model.
Who is Impacted?
Developers/Admins
Developers use custom objects to extend Salesforce’s standard functionality and create tailored solutions that fit specific business requirements. They can be leveraged to build integrations with external systems to ensure that Salesforce accommodates diverse data needs and workflows. Admins use them in workflow rules, process automation, and approval processes to improve and automate business processes.
End Users
End users benefit from custom objects through tailored interfaces that make data entry and management more relevant to their specific jobs.
Customers
If organizations provide customer portals or external-facing applications, then custom objects can be used to manage client-specific data and interactions. Customers benefit from a more personalized experience when specialized objects are used to manage and track their interactions and needs.