Key Differences Between Salesforce Lightning and Classic Experience
Salesforce is a widely used CRM platform that helps businesses manage sales, marketing, and customer service in one place. Over time, Salesforce has evolved – with one of the biggest changes being the introduction of Lightning Experience. While Salesforce Classic remains available, most businesses are making the transition to Lightning to take advantage of its newer features. In this blog, we’ll explore the key differences between Salesforce Lightning and Classic Experience to help you decide which version fits your needs.
1. User Interface and Design
Salesforce Classic:
- The Classic interface has a more traditional, text-heavy layout that can feel cluttered.
- It uses a tab-based navigation system, which can be less intuitive for new users.
Salesforce Lightning:
- Lightning Experience features a modern, visually appealing interface with a focus on usability.
- It uses a more dynamic, app-based navigation system, making it easier to use.
- Lightning components allow for a more customizable and interactive user experience.
2. Productivity Features
Salesforce Classic:
- Limited to standard features, with fewer tools designed to improve productivity.
- Users rely heavily on Visualforce pages for custom functionality.
Salesforce Lightning:
- Includes productivity-boosting features such as Kanban boards for opportunity management, Path for sales processes, and enhanced calendar functionalities.
- Lightning App Builder allows users to create custom pages and layouts without needing extensive coding knowledge.
- Dynamic pages and components adapt to different user roles and profiles, providing a personalized experience.
3. Mobile Experience
Salesforce Classic:
- The Classic interface is not optimized for mobile devices.
- Users typically rely on the Salesforce1 mobile app for mobile access, which has limitations compared to the desktop version.
Salesforce Lightning:
- Lightning Experience is designed with a mobile-first approach, making it easy to switch between desktop and mobile.
- The Salesforce mobile app offers a consistent experience with the desktop version, including access to custom Lightning components.
4. Reports and Dashboards
Salesforce Classic:
- Reports and dashboards in Classic are functional but lack the advanced features available in Lightning.
- Creating more visual or interactive dashboards can be more difficult.
Salesforce Lightning:
- Lightning provides enhanced reporting and dashboard capabilities, including more chart types, interactive filters, and the ability to create dynamic dashboards.
- Users can easily customize reports and dashboards to display real-time data and insights.
5. AppExchange and Third-Party Integrations
Salesforce Classic:
- Classic supports AppExchange apps and third-party integrations, but some newer apps are designed exclusively for Lightning.
- Limited capabilities for integrating advanced functionalities without custom development.
Salesforce Lightning:
- Lightning Experience is fully compatible with the latest AppExchange apps and third-party integrations.
- Many new apps and features are developed with Lightning in mind, offering better performance and integration capabilities.
6. Customization and Development
Salesforce Classic:
- Customization in Classic often requires extensive use of Visualforce and Apex code.
- Limited to traditional development methods, which can take more time and effort.
Salesforce Lightning:
- Lightning offers a range of low-code and no-code customization options, including the Lightning App Builder and Lightning Flow.
- Developers can still use Apex and Visualforce, but Lightning Web Components (LWC) provide a modern framework for building custom functionality.
- Enhanced development tools streamline the process of creating and deploying custom apps.
7. Future Updates and Support
Salesforce Classic:
- Salesforce continues to support Classic but focuses new feature development on Lightning Experience.
- Businesses using Classic may miss out on newer features and updates.
Salesforce Lightning:
- Salesforce prioritizes updates and new features for Lightning Experience.
- Businesses using Lightning benefit from regular enhancements, improved security, and the latest technological advancements.
Transitioning to Salesforce Lightning
Salesforce Lightning offers a more modern interface with features that improve productivity, customization, and mobile use. While Salesforce Classic remains a viable option, especially for businesses with extensive customizations or a preference for the traditional layout, the future of Salesforce lies with Lightning. Transitioning to Lightning Experience can provide your business with the tools and capabilities needed to stay competitive and maximize the value of your Salesforce investment.
If you’re considering making the switch to Salesforce Lightning, our team of experts can help you navigate the transition smoothly and ensure you take full advantage of the new features. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your Salesforce journey.