Salesforce is one of the leading customer relationship management (CRM) platforms globally, and it has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of its users. Two of its primary interfaces, Salesforce Classic and Lightning Experience, serve as crucial components in how users interact with the platform. This blog will provide a detailed comparison of Salesforce Lightning and Classic, highlighting their key differences, benefits, and considerations for organizations planning to migrate.
1. User Interface and Experience
Salesforce Classic
Salesforce Classic, the original interface of Salesforce, has a straightforward design with a more traditional feel. While it offers essential functionalities, the user experience is less dynamic and visually appealing compared to its successor. The layout is more text-heavy, which can make navigation and usability feel cumbersome, particularly for new users.
Salesforce Lightning
Lightning Experience presents a modern, user-friendly interface. Its design focuses on improved usability, featuring customizable dashboards, intuitive navigation, and enhanced visual elements. The Lightning UI employs a card-based layout that organizes information better, making it easier for users to access relevant data quickly. Additionally, Lightning provides contextual help and a more interactive experience, which significantly enhances productivity.
2. Features and Functionality
Salesforce Classic
While Salesforce Classic supports essential CRM functions, it lacks many advanced features available in Lightning. For instance, it does not include capabilities like the Lightning App Builder, which allows users to create custom apps without writing code. Additionally, Classic lacks features such as Kanban views for opportunities and enhanced reporting tools.
Salesforce Lightning
Lightning Experience is equipped with numerous advanced features, including:
- Lightning App Builder: A powerful tool for creating custom applications tailored to specific business needs.
- Dynamic Forms: These allow users to configure page layouts based on user profiles, enhancing personalization.
- Kanban Views: Users can visualize their sales pipeline, making it easier to track and manage opportunities.
- Enhanced Reporting: Lightning offers more sophisticated reporting options, including the ability to create custom report types and dynamic dashboards.
3. Customization and Development
Salesforce Classic
Customizing Salesforce Classic can be challenging, particularly for non-developers. While it offers some customization options, the interface is less flexible. Developers can create custom objects and fields but may face limitations in implementing complex business logic or advanced features.
Salesforce Lightning
Lightning Experience significantly enhances customization capabilities. The Lightning Component Framework allows developers to build reusable components and applications that can be easily integrated into the Lightning UI. This modular approach facilitates quicker development cycles and promotes a more agile environment. Furthermore, Lightning supports Salesforce’s newer features, making it more adaptable to evolving business requirements.
4. Mobile Accessibility
Salesforce Classic
While Salesforce Classic has a mobile interface, it is not as robust or user-friendly as Lightning’s mobile capabilities. Users may encounter limitations in functionality and performance on mobile devices, which can hinder productivity for sales teams on the go.
Salesforce Lightning
Lightning Experience includes a responsive design that optimizes the interface for mobile devices. The mobile app provides access to many of the same features available on the desktop version, ensuring that users can perform their tasks seamlessly, regardless of their location. This mobile-friendly approach aligns with the increasing demand for remote work capabilities.
5. Performance and Speed
Salesforce Classic
Although Salesforce Classic performs adequately for basic CRM tasks, it may not be optimized for handling large datasets or complex processes. Users may experience slower loading times and less efficient data processing, particularly in high-traffic scenarios.
Salesforce Lightning
Lightning Experience is built on a more modern architecture designed for speed and efficiency. The platform leverages the latest web technologies to enhance performance, ensuring that users can access and manipulate data more quickly. Features such as Lazy Loading help to improve the user experience by loading only the necessary components.
6. Integration and Third-Party Apps
Salesforce Classic
While Classic supports various integrations and third-party applications, it may lack the seamless compatibility found in Lightning. Some newer integrations may not be available or optimized for the Classic interface.
Salesforce Lightning
Lightning Experience is designed to work well with third-party applications and integrations. The AppExchange marketplace features numerous Lightning-ready applications, allowing users to expand their CRM capabilities easily. Additionally, Lightning offers improved APIs that facilitate integration with external systems, enhancing the overall functionality of the platform.
7. Learning Curve and Adoption
Salesforce Classic
For organizations that have been using Salesforce Classic for years, the transition to Lightning may involve a steep learning curve. Long-time users may be accustomed to the Classic interface, making it challenging to adapt to the new features and design elements of Lightning.
Salesforce Lightning
While Lightning is designed to be intuitive, new users may still require training to leverage its full potential. Salesforce provides resources such as training courses, webinars, and documentation to facilitate the transition. Organizations planning to switch to Lightning should invest in comprehensive training programs to ensure a smooth adoption process.
8. Security and Compliance
Salesforce Classic
Salesforce Classic has robust security features, but it may not offer the same level of compliance with the latest regulations as Lightning. Organizations using Classic may face challenges in meeting certain security standards due to its older architecture.
Salesforce Lightning
Lightning Experience is built with modern security standards in mind. It offers enhanced security features such as improved data encryption, session management, and compliance with GDPR and other regulations. This makes Lightning a more secure choice for organizations that prioritize data protection.
9. Cost Considerations
Salesforce Classic
Organizations using Salesforce Classic may have lower initial costs, particularly if they have been using the platform for years without significant updates. However, as businesses grow and require more advanced features, they may face higher costs associated with customizing or integrating third-party applications.
Salesforce Lightning
While migrating to Lightning may involve upfront costs, such as training and implementation, the long-term benefits often outweigh these expenses. Lightning’s advanced features and improved user experience can lead to increased productivity and efficiency, ultimately resulting in a higher return on investment.
10. Future Roadmap
Salesforce Classic
Salesforce has announced that it will no longer develop new features for Classic, signaling a shift towards Lightning as the primary interface. This decision may limit the long-term viability of Classic for organizations looking to stay competitive in the ever-evolving CRM landscape.
Salesforce Lightning
Lightning Experience is the future of Salesforce, with continuous updates and enhancements being made to the platform. Organizations that migrate to Lightning will benefit from ongoing improvements, ensuring that they can leverage the latest features and technologies.
Conclusion
The transition from Salesforce Classic to Lightning Experience represents a significant evolution in the Salesforce platform. While Classic served as a reliable foundation for many years, Lightning Experience introduces a modern, user-friendly interface with enhanced features, customization options, and mobile capabilities. Organizations that embrace Lightning can unlock the full potential of Salesforce, leading to improved productivity, better user experience, and greater business success.
