Curriculum
External Objects are a powerful Salesforce feature that allows organizations to access and work with data stored outside Salesforce without physically importing that data into the Salesforce database. Instead of duplicating information across multiple systems, External Objects enable Salesforce users to view and interact with external data in real time.
Modern organizations often store information in ERP systems, databases, legacy applications, cloud platforms, and third-party systems. External Objects provide a seamless way to integrate these external data sources into Salesforce while maintaining a single source of truth.
Understanding External Objects is essential for Salesforce Administrators, Developers, Consultants, Integration Specialists, and Architects because they play a major role in enterprise integrations and large-scale Salesforce implementations.
External Objects are Salesforce objects that map to data stored outside Salesforce.
Unlike Standard Objects and Custom Objects:
Users can access external data almost as if it were stored directly in Salesforce.
Organizations often manage data across multiple systems.
Examples include:
Without External Objects:
External Objects help solve these challenges efficiently.
A company stores inventory information in an ERP system.
The ERP contains:
Instead of importing inventory records into Salesforce:
Salesforce creates External Objects that connect directly to ERP data.
Users can view inventory information without duplication.
This improves efficiency and reduces maintenance.
External Objects have several unique characteristics.
Data remains outside Salesforce.
Information is retrieved when requested.
Reduces storage requirements.
Supports enterprise architectures.
Depending on configuration and external system capabilities.
These characteristics make External Objects ideal for large-scale integrations.
External Objects rely on:
Connections to external systems.
The primary Salesforce technology used for external data access.
A standard protocol commonly used for data integration.
Salesforce uses these technologies to retrieve and display external data.
Salesforce Connect is a Salesforce integration feature that allows access to external data without importing it.
Benefits include:
Salesforce Connect is the foundation of most External Object implementations.
| Feature | External Objects | Custom Objects |
|---|---|---|
| Data Storage | External System | Salesforce |
| Real-Time Access | Yes | No |
| Storage Usage | Minimal | Consumes Storage |
| Requires Integration | Yes | No |
| Performance Dependency | External System | Salesforce |
Both object types serve different purposes.
Salesforce identifies External Objects using the suffix:
__xExamples:
Inventory__xSupplier__xEmployee__xThe “__x” suffix distinguishes External Objects from other object types.
For comparison:
No suffix.
Example:
AccountUses:
__cExample:
Student__cUses:
__xExample:
Inventory__xUnderstanding suffixes is important for administration and development.
Salesforce can connect to many external systems.
Examples:
These integrations provide enterprise-level flexibility.
OData stands for:
Open Data Protocol
It is a standard web protocol used to access and manipulate data.
Benefits include:
Salesforce Connect commonly uses OData endpoints.
Create an External Data Source.
Navigate to:
Setup → External Data Sources
Configure connection details.
Examples:
Validate the connection.
Synchronize external objects.
Salesforce automatically creates External Objects.
The objects become available in Object Manager.
Important settings include:
Example:
ERP Inventory System
External system endpoint.
Examples:
Typically OData.
Proper configuration is critical for successful integration.
External Objects support relationship capabilities.
Examples:
Connects Salesforce data with external data.
Connects external records to Salesforce records.
These relationship types allow integrated data models.
Connects an External Object to a Standard or Custom Object.
Example:
Inventory__x → Product__c
Benefits:
External Lookup Relationships are common in enterprise systems.
Connects Salesforce records to External Objects using external identifiers.
Example:
Account → Customer_Record__x
Benefits:
Indirect Lookups are widely used in Salesforce Connect implementations.
Salesforce supports reporting on External Objects.
Examples:
Benefits:
Reporting capabilities depend on external system support.
Security considerations include:
Profiles and permission sets.
Authentication and authorization.
Restrict access appropriately.
Organizations should secure both Salesforce and external systems.
Because data resides externally:
Can affect response times.
Impacts accessibility.
Depends on the external system.
Administrators should monitor integration performance carefully.
ERP Inventory → Salesforce
Employee Records → Salesforce
Accounting Data → Salesforce
Patient Records → Salesforce
Production Data → Salesforce
These scenarios frequently use External Objects.
Data remains external.
Always view current information.
Single source of truth.
Supports enterprise architecture.
Handles large datasets effectively.
These benefits make External Objects highly valuable.
Administrators should understand limitations.
External availability affects access.
Network delays may occur.
Salesforce Connect may require additional licensing.
Requires technical configuration.
Despite these limitations, External Objects remain essential for enterprise integrations.
Avoid unnecessary data storage.
Improve performance.
Protect sensitive information.
Ensure system reliability.
Support maintenance.
Validate data access and performance.
Following these practices improves integration success.
A manufacturing company stores inventory information in SAP.
Instead of importing millions of inventory records into Salesforce:
Inventory__x
Connected through Salesforce Connect.
Benefits:
This demonstrates the practical value of External Objects.
Understanding External Objects helps professionals:
They are an important component of modern Salesforce ecosystems.
External Objects allow Salesforce users to access and interact with data stored outside Salesforce without importing it into the platform. Through Salesforce Connect, OData integrations, External Lookups, and Indirect Lookup Relationships, organizations can create scalable and efficient architectures that provide real-time access to external information. External Objects reduce storage costs, eliminate data duplication, and support enterprise-level integration strategies.
External Objects are Salesforce objects that provide access to data stored outside Salesforce.
The data remains in the external system and is accessed in real time.
External Objects use the suffix:
__xSalesforce Connect is commonly used to access External Objects.
It connects an External Object with a Salesforce Standard or Custom Object.
They provide real-time access to external data while reducing storage costs and eliminating duplication.
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