Admin Basics
Every organization using Salesforce and GoldFinch should appoint an Administrator. This person typically has more access than other users and acts as the gatekeeper for internal requests. The Admin is usually both a Salesforce and GoldFinch super user, often also serving as the project lead for the GoldFinch implementation.
Salesforce is a powerful and flexible platform, but this section will focus on key Administrative features relevant to GoldFinch implementations. As a Salesforce Admin, we recommend utilizing the vast resources available in Salesforce Help Documentation and the Salesforce Trailblazer Community, where professionals share knowledge and collaborate daily.
If you're working with an Implementation Specialist, your training may cover some of the administrative topics included in this section.
Key Terminology
Org
An Org refers to the Salesforce site where you and your colleagues log in using your username and password. This also includes Sandboxes, which are considered Orgs, each with a unique ID.
Live Org
Your Live Org is the environment you use to manage your business. This is where real-time data is maintained. It is crucial to keep your data accurate in this environment.
Sandbox Org
A Sandbox Org is a copy of your Live Org, used for developing or testing new features. You can safely add and remove data from the Sandbox since it is isolated from your live data.
Sandbox Name
Each Sandbox is assigned a name. During the GoldFinch implementation, common Sandbox names include "design" and "uat" (User Acceptance Testing).
Live Login
To log into your Live Org, use:
https://login.salesforce.com with your live username and password.
Sandbox Login
To log into a Sandbox Org, use:
https://test.salesforce.com , followed by your live username and the Sandbox name (e.g., tom@goldfinch.com.design). Your initial Sandbox password will be the same as your live password, but they may differ based on password policies.
App Launcher
The App Launcher is a small grid icon in the upper left corner of Salesforce, where you can access all available apps and objects.
App
An App is a set of tabs in Salesforce that help you quickly navigate areas of the system. Salesforce provides default apps, GoldFinch offers its own apps, and you can also create custom apps.
Setup
You can access Setup by clicking the gear icon in the upper right-hand corner. This opens the Salesforce Setup Home Page, which contains various administrative options. We recommend consulting with your Implementation Specialist before modifying settings.
Object Designer
Within Salesforce Setup, the Object Designer tab allows you to view and edit all objects in the system.
Package
GoldFinch is delivered as a Managed Package installed in your Org. This bundle includes objects and functionality designed for easy deployment. You can view installed packages by searching "Installed Packages" in Quick Find within Setup. Note that since GoldFinch is a managed package, certain areas are restricted for viewing and editing.
By familiarizing yourself with these concepts and using the resources available, you’ll be well-equipped to manage your GoldFinch implementation and ongoing operations within Salesforce.