If you’re tired of copy/pasting between systems or chasing down out-of-date info, syncing Georep with Salesforce is one of those rare fixes that actually saves you time. This guide is for admins, ops folks, and anyone who wants their sales or field data to just… work. No fluff. Just clear, direct steps to link Georep with Salesforce so your data’s always in sync.
We’ll cover the “why,” the “how,” and a few “don’t bother” pitfalls. If you’ve got basic admin access and a willingness to poke around settings, you’ll be fine.
Before You Start: What Actually Syncs (and What Doesn’t)
Let’s get real: not everything syncs perfectly, and some data fields just aren’t worth the trouble. Here’s what you need to know before you dive in:
- What usually syncs well: Contacts, accounts, leads, and custom objects (if mapped right).
- What’s trickier: Attachments, non-standard field types, and heavy custom automations.
- What to skip: Syncing every single field “just in case.” It slows things down and causes more headaches than it solves.
Pro tip: Make a list of the must-have fields. If you’re not sure, ask the folks actually using the data.
Step 1: Prep Your Salesforce and Georep Accounts
Before you fiddle with integration settings, check these basics:
- Salesforce: You’ll need admin rights or “Modify All Data” permissions.
- Georep: Must be on a plan that supports integrations (check their pricing page if you’re unsure).
- APIs: Make sure API access is enabled in both systems.
- Sandbox: If you can, test this in a Salesforce sandbox first. Trust me, it’s worth the extra step.
Why bother prepping? If you skip this, you’ll hit permissions errors halfway through and waste an afternoon.
Step 2: Map Out Your Data Flow (Seriously, Do This)
Grab a notepad or whiteboard and answer:
- What needs to go from Georep to Salesforce?
- What (if anything) should sync from Salesforce to Georep?
- Are you syncing one-way or two-way?
- How often do you need the sync to run?
Don’t get fancy: Start simple. One-way sync is less error-prone. You can always add more fields or objects later.
Step 3: Connect Georep to Salesforce
Here’s how the actual hookup happens:
- In Georep:
- Go to the integrations section.
- Click “Add Integration” or “Connect to Salesforce.”
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You’ll likely be asked for your Salesforce org type (Production or Sandbox).
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Salesforce OAuth:
- You’ll be redirected to Salesforce to log in.
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Approve the requested permissions. (If you’re squeamish about the permissions, read them. But this is standard OAuth stuff.)
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API Token (sometimes):
- Some setups ask for a Salesforce API token. If so, follow Salesforce’s docs to generate one.
- Paste it into Georep when prompted.
Heads up: If your Salesforce has IP restrictions, you’ll need to whitelist Georep’s IP addresses. Check Georep’s docs for the latest list.
Step 4: Select and Map the Data You Want to Sync
Now for the picky part—choosing what actually syncs.
- Pick your objects:
- Common choices: Accounts, Contacts, Opportunities, Leads.
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Custom objects? You’ll need to select those specifically.
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Map fields:
- Line up each Georep field with its Salesforce counterpart.
- Watch out for mismatched field types (e.g., text vs. picklist).
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Skip unnecessary fields. Less is more.
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Set sync direction:
- One-way: Pick which system “wins” if there’s a conflict.
- Two-way: Decide what happens if data changes in both places (usually last update wins, but check your business rules).
Pro tip: If you’re not sure about a field, leave it out and add it later. It’s easier than cleaning up junk data after the fact.
Step 5: Test Your Integration (Don’t Skip This)
This is where most people get lazy and regret it. Do some test syncs first:
- Create test records in Georep and see if they show up in Salesforce.
- Update a record in Salesforce and check if it syncs back (if you set up two-way).
- Look for:
- Missing fields
- Duplicate records
- Weird formatting (dates, phone numbers, etc.)
If something’s off:
Double-check your field mappings and data types. Nine times out of ten, that’s the culprit.
Step 6: Schedule Your Syncs
Decide how often you want data to sync. Most integrations let you pick:
- Real-time: Updates go through instantly. Great, but can slow things down if you’re moving tons of data.
- Hourly or daily: Fine for most use cases. Less server strain, but might mean slight data lag.
- Manual: Only sync when you push the button. Good for first-time data loads.
Pro tip: Start with manual or daily syncs. Once things look solid, bump up the frequency if you need it.
Step 7: Monitor and Troubleshoot
No integration runs perfectly forever. Here’s what to keep an eye on:
- Error logs: Most systems have them. If a sync fails, check here first.
- Duplicate records: Still a classic pain point. Use Salesforce’s duplicate management tools if needed.
- User feedback: If your team says the data looks weird, trust them. It’s usually the fastest way to spot issues.
What not to do: Don’t set it and forget it. Check in at least once a week, especially at first.
What Works, What Doesn’t, and What to Ignore
- Works well: Simple, one-way syncs of core objects. Keeps things tidy.
- Doesn’t work well: Syncing complex automations or expecting custom Salesforce logic to run perfectly from external updates.
- Ignore: The urge to sync everything. More data isn’t more useful if it’s a mess.
If you run into trouble, both Georep and Salesforce have active forums and support. But honestly, most issues are from mapping mistakes or permissions.
Wrapping Up: Keep It Simple, Iterate Later
Syncing Georep and Salesforce isn’t rocket science, but it pays to start small and get the basics right. Focus on syncing the data that actually matters, and don’t be afraid to leave out fields or objects you’re unsure about. Once things are running smoothly, you can always expand.
Remember: a simple, reliable sync beats a fancy, broken one every time. Good luck!