Salesforce Orion Connect Admin Guide ⸺ Overview
Orion Connect bridges Orion portfolio data with Salesforce, serving over 2,400 accounts. This guide details setup, synchronization, billing, and advanced administration features for optimal integration.
Orion Connect represents a powerful integration between Orion Advisor Services’ portfolio accounting and Salesforce’s leading cloud platform. Initially launched on the Salesforce AppExchange three years ago, it has rapidly grown to support over 200 firms and more than 2,400 individual advisor accounts. This application isn’t merely a data transfer tool; it’s a strategic enabler designed to streamline workflows and enhance client relationship management.
The core philosophy behind Orion Connect is to shift advisors’ focus from administrative burdens to client engagement. By seamlessly synchronizing critical portfolio data – including holdings, performance, and billing information – between Orion and Salesforce, advisors gain a holistic view of their clients’ financial lives. This integration facilitates more informed conversations, personalized advice, and ultimately, stronger client relationships. Recent updates have significantly expanded its capabilities, introducing features like enhanced billing options and granular asset-level synchronization.
What is Orion Connect?
Orion Connect is the underlying application facilitating a bi-directional data flow between Orion Advisor Services and Salesforce, specifically Financial Services Cloud and Sales Cloud. It’s a connected app within the Salesforce ecosystem, enabling advisors to leverage portfolio data directly within their CRM environment. This isn’t a simple export/import process; it’s a real-time synchronization, ensuring data consistency across both platforms.
Functionally, Orion Connect allows for mapping Orion data to flexible fields within Salesforce, including custom objects and workflows. This adaptability is key, as firms can tailor the integration to their specific needs and processes. The integration supports not only core portfolio information but also expanded billing capabilities and detailed asset-level synchronization. It aims to eliminate manual data entry, reduce errors, and provide a 360-degree client view, ultimately boosting operational efficiency and advisor productivity.
Benefits of Integrating Orion with Salesforce
Integrating Orion with Salesforce via Orion Connect delivers substantial advantages for financial advisory firms. Primarily, it fosters a unified client view, consolidating portfolio data with CRM information, eliminating data silos and improving relationship management. This integration streamlines workflows by automating data transfer, reducing manual entry, and minimizing the risk of errors;
Furthermore, the two-way data synchronization ensures data consistency between systems, providing advisors with real-time insights. Expanded billing capabilities within Orion Connect simplify invoice generation and payment processing. Asset-level synchronization offers granular portfolio visibility within Salesforce. Ultimately, this integration shifts focus from administrative tasks to client advice, enhancing advisor productivity and client service, and driving business growth through improved operational efficiency.
Setting Up the Integration
Orion Connect setup involves configuring both Salesforce and Orion, ensuring proper user permissions, and establishing a secure connection for seamless data flow.
Prerequisites for Integration
Before initiating the Orion and Salesforce integration with Orion Connect, several prerequisites must be met to ensure a smooth and successful implementation. Firstly, a valid and active Orion account is essential, alongside an existing Salesforce organization with administrative privileges.
Secondly, confirm your Salesforce edition supports custom app installation, as Orion Connect is available on the Salesforce AppExchange. Ensure you have the necessary permissions to install packages and configure connected apps within your Salesforce environment.
Thirdly, understand the user licensing model; Orion Connect incurs a per-user monthly fee (approximately $15 as of 2012), so budget accordingly. Finally, familiarize yourself with Salesforce data mapping concepts, as you’ll need to define how Orion data fields correspond to Salesforce fields for effective synchronization.
Step 1: Salesforce Setup
The initial phase of integration involves configuring your Salesforce environment. Begin by navigating to the Salesforce AppExchange and searching for “Orion Connect”. Install the package, carefully reviewing and granting the requested permissions.
Next, create a dedicated Connected App within Salesforce setup. This app will facilitate the secure communication between Orion and Salesforce. Configure the OAuth settings, specifying the callback URL provided during the Orion Connect configuration process.
Define appropriate user profiles and permission sets to control access to Orion data within Salesforce. Ensure users requiring access have the necessary permissions to view and modify relevant objects. Finally, prepare custom fields in Salesforce to accommodate data synchronization from Orion, enabling a two-way data flow.
Step 2: Orion Connect Configuration
With Salesforce prepared, shift focus to configuring Orion Connect itself. Log into your Orion account with administrative privileges and access the Orion Connect settings. Initiate the connection to Salesforce by providing the Consumer Key and Secret generated during the Connected App creation in Salesforce.
Authorize Orion Connect to access your Salesforce organization. This step establishes the secure link for data exchange. Define the synchronization schedule, determining the frequency of data updates between the two platforms – real-time synchronization is a key feature.
Carefully map Orion data fields to corresponding fields in Salesforce. This mapping dictates how information like assets, portfolios, and client details are transferred. Test the connection and data synchronization to ensure accuracy before fully deploying the integration.
User Permissions and Profiles
Proper user access is crucial for a secure and efficient Orion Connect integration. Within Salesforce, create or modify profiles to grant specific permissions related to Orion data. Users requiring access to portfolio information and client details need appropriate read and write permissions.
Assign a dedicated Orion Connect permission set to relevant profiles. This set should control access to custom objects and fields created for the integration. Consider a least-privilege approach, granting only the necessary permissions to each user role.
Ensure users have the necessary licenses for both Salesforce and Orion Connect; a per-user monthly fee of $15 applies for Orion Connect access. Regularly review user permissions to maintain data security and compliance.
Data Synchronization
Orion Connect enables two-way, real-time data synchronization between Orion and Salesforce, including asset-level details, mapped to flexible Salesforce fields and workflows.
Two-Way Data Sync Capabilities
Orion Connect’s core strength lies in its robust two-way data synchronization functionality. This means changes made within Orion are automatically reflected in Salesforce, and vice versa, ensuring data consistency across both platforms. This capability extends beyond basic information, allowing for synchronization of detailed portfolio holdings and client data.
The two-way sync isn’t simply a one-time transfer; it’s a continuous process, updating fields in real-time. This eliminates the need for manual data entry and reduces the risk of errors. Furthermore, the integration allows data from Orion Connect to be mapped to flexible fields within Salesforce, accommodating custom objects, data fields, and pre-existing workflows. This adaptability is crucial for firms with unique Salesforce configurations.
This bidirectional flow streamlines operations, providing advisors with a holistic view of client relationships and financial information directly within their Salesforce environment. It fosters better collaboration and informed decision-making.
Mapping Orion Data to Salesforce Fields
Successfully integrating Orion and Salesforce hinges on accurately mapping data fields between the two systems. Orion Connect provides the flexibility to connect Orion data points to both standard and custom fields within Salesforce. This ensures relevant information flows seamlessly, tailored to your firm’s specific needs and workflows.
Administrators can define these mappings through the Orion Connect configuration interface. The process involves selecting the Orion data element (e.g., account number, asset allocation) and associating it with the corresponding Salesforce field. This mapping isn’t limited to simple one-to-one correlations; complex transformations and calculations can be applied during the synchronization process.
Careful planning is essential during this stage. Consider your reporting requirements and how data will be utilized within Salesforce to optimize the mapping configuration for maximum efficiency and insight.
Asset Level Synchronization
Orion Connect’s asset-level synchronization feature provides granular detail, extending beyond basic account information. This capability allows for the transfer of individual security holdings, including ticker symbols, quantities, and market values, directly into Salesforce. This detailed data empowers advisors with a comprehensive view of client portfolios within their CRM.
Implementing asset-level sync requires careful consideration of data volume and potential performance impacts. Administrators can configure the synchronization frequency and select specific asset classes to include, optimizing the process for their firm’s needs. This granular control ensures that Salesforce remains responsive while providing valuable portfolio insights.
This feature is particularly beneficial for advisors focused on providing highly personalized investment advice and proactive client service, enabling them to quickly identify opportunities and address potential concerns.
Real-Time Data Updates
Orion Connect facilitates a two-way synchronization process, ensuring data consistency between Orion and Salesforce with near real-time updates. Changes made in either system are promptly reflected in the other, eliminating data silos and reducing the risk of outdated information.
This responsiveness is crucial for advisors needing immediate access to the most current portfolio data during client interactions. The system leverages APIs to establish a continuous data flow, minimizing latency and maximizing efficiency. Administrators can monitor synchronization logs to verify data transfer and identify any potential issues.
Real-time updates extend to various data points, including portfolio valuations, transactions, and client demographic information, providing a holistic and accurate client profile within Salesforce.
Billing and Payment Features
Orion Connect expands billing capabilities within Salesforce, enabling streamlined invoice generation and payment processing directly linked to client portfolio data.
Expanded Billing Capabilities
Orion Connect significantly enhances billing functionalities within the Salesforce ecosystem. This integration moves beyond simple portfolio reporting, offering advisors a comprehensive solution for managing client invoices and associated payments. The system allows for the creation of detailed, accurate bills directly reflecting Orion’s portfolio accounting data.
Key features include customizable invoice templates, automated billing schedules, and the ability to apply fees and charges with precision. Advisors can leverage these tools to generate invoices based on various criteria, such as advisory fees, transaction charges, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, Orion Connect facilitates the tracking of payment statuses, providing a clear overview of outstanding balances and completed transactions.
This expanded functionality reduces manual effort, minimizes billing errors, and improves the overall client experience. By centralizing billing processes within Salesforce, advisors gain greater control and visibility into their revenue streams, ultimately contributing to increased efficiency and profitability.
Integrating Billing Data with Salesforce
Orion Connect seamlessly integrates crucial billing data directly into Salesforce, creating a unified view of client relationships and financial activity. This synchronization allows advisors to access detailed billing information – invoices, payments, and outstanding balances – directly within the Salesforce interface, eliminating the need to switch between systems.
The integration leverages custom objects and flexible fields within Salesforce, enabling advisors to map Orion-synced data to specific client records and workflows. This customization ensures that billing information is presented in a contextually relevant manner, facilitating informed decision-making and personalized client interactions. Automated workflows can be established to trigger actions based on billing events, such as sending payment reminders or updating client statuses.
This streamlined data flow enhances operational efficiency, reduces administrative overhead, and provides a more holistic understanding of each client’s financial profile within Salesforce.
Advanced Administration
Orion Connect offers tools for troubleshooting, monitoring synchronization performance, and staying current with update features, ensuring a stable and optimized integration with Salesforce.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Synchronization Errors: Regularly monitor the synchronization logs within Orion Connect for any failed updates. Common causes include API limitations from Salesforce, data mapping discrepancies, or network connectivity issues. Verify field mappings are accurate and that required fields in Salesforce are populated.
Data Discrepancies: If data appears inconsistent between Orion and Salesforce, investigate the synchronization history to pinpoint the last successful sync. Examine individual records for conflicting data and manually reconcile if necessary. Ensure user permissions allow access to relevant data in both systems.
Performance Issues: Slow synchronization speeds can often be attributed to large data volumes or complex workflows. Optimize data mappings and consider scheduling synchronization during off-peak hours; Contact Orion support if performance issues persist.
Connection Problems: Verify the Connected App configuration in Salesforce and ensure the Orion Connect user has the necessary permissions. Check firewall settings and network connectivity between the two platforms.
Monitoring Synchronization Performance
Regularly review synchronization logs within Orion Connect to track the number of records synced, errors encountered, and overall processing time. Establish baseline performance metrics to identify deviations and potential bottlenecks. Utilize Salesforce’s API monitoring tools to assess API usage and limits.
Key metrics to observe include synchronization frequency, average sync time per record, and the number of failed synchronization attempts; Proactive monitoring allows for early detection of issues before they impact data accuracy or user experience. Schedule automated reports to deliver performance data directly to administrators.
Consider the impact of data volume and complexity on synchronization speed. Large datasets or intricate workflows may require optimization or scheduled synchronization during off-peak hours. Analyze synchronization patterns to identify opportunities for improvement.
Utilize dashboards to visualize key performance indicators (KPIs) and track trends over time, enabling data-driven decision-making regarding integration performance.
Orion Connect Update Features
Recent Orion Connect updates have significantly expanded functionality, including twelve new features alongside the core integration. A key enhancement is asset level synchronization, providing granular data transfer between Orion and Salesforce. This allows for detailed portfolio views within Salesforce.
Expanded billing capabilities streamline invoice generation and payment processing, directly integrated with Salesforce workflows. Data mapping improvements now support flexible fields, enabling synchronization with custom objects and workflows created within Salesforce. This two-way sync ensures real-time data consistency.
The application, available on the Salesforce AppExchange for three years, continues to evolve based on user feedback. Updates focus on enhancing operational efficiency and providing advisors with a more holistic client view. Stay informed about new releases through Orion’s release notes and documentation.
Future updates are expected to further refine data synchronization and introduce new automation features.
Cost and Licensing
Orion Connect incurs a $15 monthly fee per user for existing Salesforce platform users. New users face options for platform adoption and associated costs.
Orion Connect Pricing Model
The Orion Connect pricing structure is primarily a per-user, per-month subscription model, designed for scalability and accessibility for financial advisory firms of varying sizes. Currently, existing users of either the Salesforce Force.com platform or SalesCloud enterprise CRM can integrate Orion’s portfolio functions by adding Orion Connect for a flat rate of $15 per user each month.
This straightforward pricing allows firms to easily budget for the integration and adjust their subscription based on the number of advisors requiring access to the synchronized data. For firms not currently utilizing a Salesforce platform, the overall cost will include the Orion Connect subscription plus the costs associated with adopting and maintaining a Salesforce solution. Orion offers guidance and support to help firms navigate these platform adoption options, ensuring a cost-effective and efficient integration process.
It’s important to note that pricing may be subject to change, and firms should consult with Orion directly for the most up-to-date pricing information and potential volume discounts.
User Fees
Orion Connect operates on a transparent user-based fee structure, simplifying budget planning for financial advisory firms. As of recent reports, the standard user fee is $15 per user, per month. This fee grants each designated user access to the full suite of integration features, including real-time data synchronization between Orion and Salesforce.
This consistent monthly cost allows firms to accurately forecast expenses related to the integration. The fee covers ongoing maintenance, updates, and support for the Orion Connect application within the Salesforce ecosystem. It’s crucial to remember this fee is in addition to any existing Salesforce licensing costs.
Firms should verify current pricing directly with Orion, as potential volume discounts or customized pricing arrangements may be available depending on the size and specific needs of the organization. Understanding these user fees is essential for a successful and financially sound Orion and Salesforce integration.