Difference Between Salesforce Lightning vs Classic

In the realm of customer relationship management (CRM) software, Salesforce stands tall as one of the most prominent and widely-used platforms. It offers a range of features to businesses and organizations, helping them streamline their sales, marketing, and customer service processes. However, within Salesforce, there are two distinct user interfaces that users can choose from: Salesforce Lightning and Salesforce Classic. In this article, we’ll delve into the key differences between these two interfaces to help you make an informed choice for your CRM needs.

Understanding the Basics

Salesforce Classic: The Veteran Interface

Salesforce Classic, often referred to simply as “Classic,” was the original user interface introduced by Salesforce. It served as the foundation for CRM operations for many years, and countless organizations have relied on it to manage their customer data, sales, and service processes.

Salesforce Lightning: The Modern Alternative

Salesforce Lightning, on the other hand, represents the modern face of Salesforce. It was introduced as an enhanced and more intuitive user interface, designed to improve user experience and efficiency. Lightning aims to provide users with a faster, smarter, and more visually appealing way to interact with Salesforce.

User Interface and Design

Classic: Familiarity and Simplicity

One of the most notable characteristics of Salesforce Classic is its familiarity. Users who have been with Salesforce for a while find Classic’s interface comfortable and straightforward. Its design is functional, with a standard tab-based layout that has been a hallmark of Salesforce for years.

Lightning: A Modern Look and Feel

Salesforce Lightning introduces a fresh design that’s in line with modern web interfaces. Its dashboard-style homepage provides an at-a-glance view of critical information, and the navigation is more intuitive with customizable components. The user experience in Lightning is visually appealing and aimed at enhancing productivity.

Customization and Flexibility

Classic: Limited Customization

While Salesforce Classic offers a degree of customization, it’s somewhat limited compared to Lightning. Customizing page layouts and creating custom fields can be a bit more complex, making it less flexible for businesses with unique requirements.

Lightning: Enhanced Customization

Salesforce Lightning takes customization to a whole new level. It allows for drag-and-drop customization of pages and dashboards, making it easier to adapt Salesforce to specific business needs. The App Builder tool in Lightning empowers users to create custom apps without extensive coding knowledge.

Performance and Speed

Classic: Slower Load Times

Classic can sometimes suffer from slower load times, especially when dealing with large datasets or complex customizations. This can impact user efficiency and overall productivity.

Lightning: Improved Performance

Lightning boasts significant performance improvements, offering faster load times and smoother user interactions. This is particularly advantageous for businesses that require real-time data updates and quick access to information.

Mobile Experience

Classic: Limited Mobile Functionality

Salesforce Classic has limited mobile functionality, making it less suitable for users who need to access CRM data on the go. It lacks the responsive design and mobile-specific features found in Lightning.

Lightning: Mobile-First Approach

Salesforce Lightning is designed with mobile users in mind. Its responsive design ensures a seamless experience on various devices, and the Salesforce mobile app provides comprehensive access to CRM data, enabling users to stay productive while away from their desks.

Integrations and AppExchange

Classic: Established Integrations

Salesforce Classic has a robust ecosystem of integrations and third-party apps available through the AppExchange. Many businesses have relied on these integrations to extend the capabilities of Classic.

Lightning: Growing Ecosystem

Lightning is rapidly expanding its ecosystem, with more third-party apps and integrations becoming Lightning-ready. While Classic’s offerings are extensive, Lightning is catching up and becoming a strong contender in this aspect.

Conclusion

In the battle of Salesforce Lightning vs. Classic, the choice ultimately depends on your organization’s specific needs and preferences. Salesforce Classic offers a familiar, stable environment that has served businesses well for years. On the other hand, Salesforce Lightning represents the future, with its modern design, enhanced customization options, improved performance, and mobile-first approach.

Before making a decision, carefully consider your current workflow, customization requirements, and the importance of mobile access. You may even find that a combination of both interfaces, known as “Lightning Experience with Classic,” best suits your organization’s unique needs.

At Manras, we understand the importance of harnessing the full potential of Salesforce Lightning for your business. As a Platinum Salesforce Partner, we specialize in providing top-notch Salesforce Lightning services tailored to your unique needs. Our experts will guide you seamlessly through the transition, ensuring a smooth shift from Classic to the modern, powerful Lightning Experience.