Salesforce has long been a leader in Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software. Its highly flexible platform allows businesses to streamline their processes, enhance customer relations, and improve productivity. Two popular interfaces within Salesforce—Salesforce Lightning and Salesforce Classic—offer different user experiences and functionalities.
Salesforce Lightning and Salesforce Classic
What is Salesforce Classic?
Salesforce Classic is the original version of Salesforce’s user interface. It was designed and launched in the early stages of Salesforce, providing a basic CRM interface for managing customer data, contacts, opportunities, and tasks. As Salesforce grew, the need for a more modern and flexible user interface arose, leading to the introduction of Salesforce Lightning.
What is Salesforce Lightning?
Salesforce Lightning is a more advanced, feature-rich user interface introduced by Salesforce as part of their Lightning Experience. It was created to offer a more intuitive, visually appealing, and customizable experience for users. Salesforce Lightning integrates modern design elements and functionality, making it easier for users to navigate the platform, automate tasks, and integrate third-party applications.
Key Features of Salesforce Lightning
1. Lightning App Builder
Salesforce Lightning’s App Builder allows users to customize and create apps without requiring deep coding knowledge. Users can drag and drop components, creating a personalized interface that meets the needs of their business.
2. Advanced Reporting and Dashboards
The reporting and dashboard capabilities in Lightning are significantly more advanced than in Classic. Users can create interactive, real-time dashboards with ease, helping businesses track performance and make data-driven decisions.
3. Salesforce Einstein AI
Salesforce Lightning leverages Salesforce Einstein, which is an integrated AI tool that provides advanced analytics and predictions. This feature enables users to forecast trends, automate tasks, and personalize customer experiences based on data.
4. Increased Customization and Integration
Salesforce Lightning offers more options for customization, allowing users to build custom pages, workflows, and apps. Additionally, it supports integration with external apps, enabling businesses to centralize their operations on one platform.
5. Modern User Interface
The Lightning interface has a sleek, modern design, providing an intuitive user experience. With features like a customizable homepage, better navigation, and improved search functionalities, users find Lightning to be much more user-friendly than Salesforce Classic.
6. Mobile Optimization
Salesforce Lightning is optimized for mobile use. The Lightning Experience is responsive, ensuring that users can access their Salesforce data seamlessly from any device be it a desktop, tablet, or smartphone.
Key Features of Salesforce Classic
1. Traditional UI Design
Salesforce Classic features a straightforward and relatively simple interface that most users were accustomed to before Lightning’s release. While this design is functional, it lacks the aesthetic appeal and intuitive navigation offered by Lightning.
2. Limited Customization
Unlike Salesforce Lightning, which provides drag-and-drop functionality, Salesforce Classic has more limited customization options. Users can modify page layouts and settings, but the customization options are far less flexible.
3. Basic Reporting and Dashboards
The reporting and dashboard features in Classic are much simpler than those in Lightning. While Salesforce Classic can still generate reports and display them in dashboards, they lack the level of sophistication and interactivity offered by Lightning.
4. Limited Integration
Salesforce Classic has basic integration capabilities but lacks the extensive app marketplace that is available in Lightning. This means users have fewer opportunities to extend Salesforce’s functionality.
5. Salesforce Classic Navigation
Navigation in Salesforce Classic relies on a more traditional approach. The classic navigation bar and menus can be cumbersome, especially when working across multiple modules or applications.
6. Mobile Limitations
Salesforce Classic is not as optimized for mobile usage. While users can access the platform through mobile apps, the interface is not as responsive or user-friendly as Salesforce Lightning, making it less suitable for on-the-go usage.
Salesforce Lightning and Salesforce Classic – A Detailed Comparison
| Feature | Salesforce Lightning | Salesforce Classic |
| User Interface | Modern, intuitive, responsive | Traditional, less user-friendly |
| Customization | Highly customizable, drag-and-drop options | Limited customization options |
| App Builder | Available for building custom apps | Not available |
| Mobile Optimization | Fully optimized for mobile | Less optimized for mobile |
| Salesforce Einstein | Integrated AI-powered features | Not available |
| Reporting & Dashboards | Advanced, interactive dashboards | Basic reporting, no interactive dashboards |
| Integration with Apps | Supports numerous third-party integrations | Limited integration options |
| Automation | Advanced automation capabilities | Basic automation available |
| Cost | Often higher due to additional features | Lower cost, limited functionality |
Which One is Better for Your Business?
The decision between Salesforce Lightning and Salesforce Classic depends on several factors, including your business size, goals, and technical needs.
- Small businesses or legacy users: If your company is accustomed to Salesforce Classic and doesn’t require advanced features, it may be more cost-effective to stick with Classic. Additionally, businesses that need a simpler, no-frills CRM system may find Classic sufficient.
- Large enterprises or forward-thinking companies: For businesses that require advanced reporting, automation, and AI-powered tools, Salesforce Lightning is the clear choice. Lightning is better suited for enterprises that need customization, app integrations, and a more dynamic user experience.
Advantages of Salesforce Lightning
- Enhanced User Experience: The modern interface and navigation system in Lightning create a more efficient and engaging user experience.
- Increased Productivity: Lightning’s advanced tools like the Lightning App Builder, AI-powered Einstein features, and automation capabilities can save time and improve productivity.
- Seamless Mobile Experience: The responsive design ensures that employees can access Salesforce on any device, ensuring constant connectivity and support for remote work.
- Better Insights and Reporting: With improved dashboards, analytics, and AI capabilities, Lightning provides businesses with better insights into customer data.
Disadvantages of Salesforce Lightning
- Learning Curve: While Lightning is more advanced, it comes with a learning curve. Businesses may require some time and training to adapt to the new interface.
- Higher Costs: The advanced features of Lightning, such as integrations and AI tools, can lead to increased costs for businesses.
- Compatibility Issues: Some legacy features or third-party apps may not be compatible with Salesforce Lightning.
Advantages of Salesforce Classic
- Familiar Interface: For long-time Salesforce users, the Classic interface is easy to navigate and familiar, minimizing the need for training.
- Lower Costs: Since Classic lacks some of the advanced features found in Lightning, it tends to be less expensive, making it a more budget-friendly option for small businesses.
- Stability: Salesforce Classic is stable and works well for basic CRM functionalities without the need for constant updates or upgrades.
Disadvantages of Salesforce Classic
- Limited Customization: Businesses with complex needs or the desire for customization may find Classic limiting.
- Outdated User Interface: Classic’s interface is not as visually appealing or user-friendly as Salesforce Lightning.
- Lack of Modern Features: Classic lacks Salesforce Lightning’s modern features, such as the Lightning App Builder, AI-powered tools, and advanced reporting options.
Conclusion
Both Salesforce Lightning and Salesforce Classic offer unique benefits and features. The choice between the two depends on your organization’s needs, size, and resources. If you’re looking for a more modern, customizable, and feature-rich CRM solution, Salesforce Lightning is the way to go. However, if you’re looking for a simpler, more budget-friendly option and your business doesn’t require advanced features, Salesforce Classic may be sufficient.
As Salesforce continues to evolve, adopting Lightning seems like a smart long-term decision for businesses that want to stay competitive and embrace the future of CRM technology.
FAQs
Is Salesforce Lightning better than Salesforce Classic?
Yes, Salesforce Lightning offers more modern features, better customization, and advanced tools compared to Salesforce Classic. However, the best choice depends on your business needs.
Can I switch from Salesforce Classic to Lightning?
Yes, Salesforce allows users to switch from Classic to Lightning. It’s recommended to consult with a Salesforce administrator or expert to ensure a smooth transition.
Does Salesforce Classic still receive updates?
While Salesforce Classic is still supported, Salesforce is gradually shifting its focus to Lightning, and some features may no longer be available in Classic in the future.
Which interface is better for mobile?
Salesforce Lightning is fully optimized for mobile, whereas Salesforce Classic is not as responsive or user-friendly on mobile devices.
Can I integrate third-party apps in Salesforce Classic?
Salesforce Classic has limited integration capabilities compared to Salesforce Lightning, which offers broader support for third-party applications.
