Integration options between Heroku and Salesforce

Heroku Connect: Synchronizing Salesforce Data to Heroku Postgres

Pros of Heroku Connect

• Bi-directional syncing: Heroku Connect provides a robust bi-directional sync between Salesforce and Heroku Postgres. This enables developers to easily read from and write to Salesforce data within Heroku-based applications.
• Developer flexibility: Since Heroku Connect replicates data into a Postgres database, developers can use familiar SQL queries and tools to interact with Salesforce data. This is particularly advantageous for applications that require complex querying, manipulation, or analytics.
• Offline data access: Data stored in Heroku Postgres is accessible even if there are connectivity issues with Salesforce. This improves resilience and ensures applications have uninterrupted data access.
• Efficient for data-heavy applications: For applications that need to perform frequent or complex operations on Salesforce data, Heroku Connect is highly efficient. The data can be processed locally on Heroku without the latency that can come with API calls to Salesforce.

Cons of Heroku Connect

• Limited real-time capabilities: While Heroku Connect operates on a near-real-time basis, there may be a slight delay in data syncing depending on the configuration. For applications that require true real-time updates, this can be a drawback.
• Cost considerations: The cost of running Heroku Connect can be high, particularly for large datasets or complex data models. Syncing large volumes of data with frequent updates can incur significant charges over time.
• Storage requirements: Heroku Connect duplicates Salesforce data into Heroku Postgres, which means additional storage capacity is required. This can add both complexity and expense to the infrastructure setup, especially as the volume of Salesforce data grows.
• Complex sync configuration: Setting up Heroku Connect for more complex data models can require significant configuration and maintenance. For example, managing relationships between objects requires careful planning to avoid conflicts or data inconsistencies.

Salesforce Connect: Accessing external data in real-time

Pros of Salesforce Connect

• Real-time access: Salesforce Connect provides real-time access to external data. This is particularly useful for data that changes frequently or when real-time data accuracy is crucial.
• No data duplication: Since Salesforce Connect does not replicate data into Salesforce, it eliminates the need for additional storage or duplication. This approach is more cost-efficient for accessing large data sets or data that does not need to be stored in Salesforce.
• Lightweight integration: Salesforce Connect is ideal for lightweight integrations where data doesn’t need to be modified within Salesforce. External objects provide a seamless way for Salesforce users to view data without requiring significant infrastructure changes.
• Ideal for complex systems: If the external data is complex or stored in multiple locations, Salesforce Connect can consolidate it into one interface in Salesforce. This makes it easier for users to access and analyze without needing to manage complex syncing.

Cons of Salesforce Connect

• Limited to read-only or simple interactions: Salesforce Connect is best for read-only access or basic updates. For more complex interactions with external data, or cases that require heavy data manipulation, Salesforce Connect can be restrictive.
• Dependent on API calls: Salesforce Connect relies on API calls to retrieve data in real-time, which can lead to performance bottlenecks if there is high demand or if the external data source experiences latency. This reliance on APIs can also increase costs, as Salesforce API usage is metered.
• Limited offline access: Since data is retrieved in real-time, Salesforce Connect requires continuous connectivity with the external data source. If that connection goes down, users lose access to the data.
• Configuration complexity: Configuring Salesforce Connect to interface with certain types of databases or custom data sources can require significant setup and maintenance. Organizations may also need to manage different security configurations to ensure external data is accessed securely.

Key considerations for choosing between Heroku Connect and Salesforce Connect

• Data availability needs: If the application requires real-time access to data without replication, Salesforce Connect may be the best choice. If slight delays in data sync are acceptable, Heroku Connect’s bi-directional sync capabilities provide more flexibility.
• Data storage requirements: For organizations that prefer not to duplicate data, Salesforce Connect is ideal. Heroku Connect, however, provides the benefit of local data storage, which is beneficial for applications needing extensive data manipulation or offline access.
• Integration complexity: Heroku Connect allows developers to work with familiar tools and libraries, especially if they are already comfortable with SQL databases. Salesforce Connect, by contrast, can be simpler to set up for straightforward data viewing.
• Cost sensitivity: Since Heroku Connect requires storage for replicated data and may have higher synchronization costs, Salesforce Connect can be a more budget-friendly option if data doesn’t need to be actively modified within Heroku applications.
• Real-time requirements: For applications where real-time data updates are critical, Salesforce Connect may be the better choice since it allows for live data retrieval. However, Heroku Connect can work well for scenarios where a short delay in data sync is acceptable.

Final thoughts