Salesforce Blockchain is a low-code platform built on blockchain technology, helping businesses create and manage secure networks.
Industries like supply chain, healthcare, real estate, and finance depend on technology to protect sensitive information, from patient records to financial transactions. Blockchain safeguards these business processes, making them easy to manage while reinforcing trust and transparency across all interactions.
What makes Salesforce Blockchain unique is its integration with Salesforce customer relationship management (CRM), which allows companies to share and update existing customer data easily.
What is Salesforce Blockchain?
Salesforce Blockchain combines its CRM with blockchain technology, letting businesses securely share data among users and making it highly resistant to tampering. It creates a trusted system where any updates are confirmed by everyone involved.
The goal is to make collaboration between companies and departments simple and secure. By bringing blockchain into Salesforce, it helps with tasks like sharing data, managing contracts, and tracking supply chains, so everyone can trust the information being shared.
Key components of Salesforce Blockchain
Here are the main components of Salesforce Blockchain:
- Blockchain Builder: A simple interface that helps companies create blockchain apps without needing to code. For example, your business can easily track your product supply chain with a custom app.
- Blockchain Connect: Enables you to securely share data across departments and link it to Salesforce’s tools for customer management.
- Blockchain Engage: Provides options to invite participants, like suppliers or retailers, into the blockchain network, so everyone can share and update information as needed.
For businesses needing advanced solutions and more customization, our Salesforce development services can help build custom applications that fit your unique business needs.
How Salesforce Blockchain differs from other blockchain platforms
Below is a table comparing Salesforce Blockchain technology to other popular platforms like Ethereum and Hyperledger:
| Feature | Salesforce Blockchain | Ethereum | Hyperledger |
| Development | No-code/low-code interface to build custom apps | Requires coding | Requires coding |
| Integration | Smooth integration with Salesforce CRM | Limited integration options with other platforms | Needs custom integration for CRM systems |
| Primary Focus | Business management and CRM integration | Smart contracts (automated agreements) | Blockchain solutions for enterprises |
| Consensus Mechanism | Proof of Authority or other customized options | Proof of Work | Varies by framework |
Use cases for Salesforce Blockchain
Salesforce Blockchain helps businesses in multiple industries to securely track products, manage contracts, and share sensitive information like patient records. It brings transparency and trust to processes involving multiple parties, making it easier for the right people to access and share information.
Supply chain management
Salesforce Blockchain simplifies the process of tracking products as they move through the supply chain. For example, you can trace exactly where a piece of fruit came from using its record-keeping features. It’s also helpful for verifying authenticity.
It’s also useful for meeting regulations. If you’re shipping chemicals with strict safety rules, you can show proof that every step was followed, thanks to the secure records on the blockchain.
Financial services
Salesforce Blockchain makes financial transactions simpler and more secure. For cross-border payments, users can transfer money directly, which reduces the need for a bank and speeds up the process.
With smart contracts, loans can be approved automatically once the right documents are submitted, simplifying the whole process.
Banks can also use digital identity verification to instantly confirm a customer’s identity, like checking a passport stored on the blockchain, without needing to ask for documents again, saving time and hassle.
Healthcare
Salesforce Blockchain helps healthcare organizations securely transfer patient information. For example, a clinic can quickly access a new patient’s medical records through a secure blockchain, making data sharing accurate and confidential.
When hiring a new doctor, blockchain can verify their licenses and certifications, speeding up the hiring process. It also helps with drug traceability, allowing pharmacies to track where medications come from, making sure they’re real and safe for patients, and following all necessary regulations to avoid counterfeit drugs.
Real estate and property management
Property transactions can be managed securely with Salesforce Blockchain using blockchain technology and smart contracts. For example, financial records can be updated automatically once rent is paid. It also helps prevent fraud by securely storing ownership history and legal claims, so nothing can be altered.
Everyone involved—buyers, sellers, agents, and lawyers—can see the same transaction history, giving them clear, accurate information and making the whole process more transparent and trustworthy.
Building blockchain networks with Salesforce Blockchain
Salesforce Blockchain’s low-code interface makes it easy to build a customized blockchain platform. You can create and maintain blockchain networks, set up smart contracts, and add participants to help manage and monitor everything. Integrating blockchain technology helps protect your data and creates trust within your business, keeping things simple and transparent.
Setting up a blockchain network
To begin, search for “Blockchain Builder” in Salesforce and click “New Network.” After naming your network, choose between a private network (invite-only) or a public one (open to all).
Next, configure the blockchain ledger, where all data changes are tracked and accessible. Decide what information to track, like contract agreements or transactions, and set permissions to control who can view or update this data.
While Salesforce Blockchain’s low-code interface makes setup simple, it may help to hire a blockchain developer for advanced configurations.
Creating smart contracts
To create a smart contract, go to the “Smart Contracts” section in Blockchain Builder. Here, you can set up specific rules and conditions for the contract. For example, you might create a rule where funds are only released once goods have been successfully delivered. Once those conditions are fulfilled, the contract automatically executes without manual intervention.
Smart contracts are useful for handling approvals, making payments, or verifying important documents, helping to simplify and automate business processes.
Inviting and managing network participants
After you’ve deployed your Salesforce Blockchain network, you’ll need to give participants access by sending them a URL through the “Blockchain Engage” tool or via email.
You can customize permissions for each participant based on their role. For example, if you invite a supplier, you might allow them to update shipping data while keeping financial records private.
Integration of Salesforce Blockchain with CRM data
Salesforce allows you to integrate blockchain data with its CRM, creating a central hub for all activities, helping your team work more efficiently.
Whether it’s sales, marketing, or customer support, everything is on one platform. Automated workflows help cut down on manual tasks, so your team always has up-to-date information without extra effort. This makes day-to-day operations smoother and more connected.
Synchronizing blockchain data with Salesforce
Connecting blockchain information to Salesforce gives you a clear, updated view of your transactions and supply chain. Navigate to the Salesforce Blockchain Connect menu to sync the following information:
- Contacts: Connect customer details, like identity verification, to their Salesforce profiles.
- Accounts: Sync transaction histories, milestones, and approvals tied to each account.
- Opportunities: Link data from potential sales or leads to help simplify your workflow.
This real-time data sharing lets you quickly view or update transactions, with changes showing up instantly in Salesforce.
Automating workflows with blockchain data
- To set up automations, start by clicking “Setup” in Salesforce and searching for “Workflow Rules.” Choose the data you want to automate, such as contracts, and begin building your workflow.
- Next, define what actions you want to trigger. For example, you can automatically send user alerts to notify your team when a payment is received. You can also set up a workflow to initiate a contract renewal process when a contract is about to expire, helping you stay on top of important deadlines.
- Once your workflow is ready, run a few test transactions to make sure everything’s working as expected. After that, deploy the automation and let it streamline your processes effortlessly.
Real-time dashboards and reporting
You can set up real-time dashboards in Salesforce to keep your team updated with data automatically, making it easier to stay organized and make quick decisions. Here are a few examples:
- Supply Chain Management: Track when products are delivered and current inventory levels, so your team always knows what’s going on without chasing updates.
- Financial Transactions: See pending approvals and when transactions are completed, letting your team stay on top of things without constantly checking records.
- Participant Engagement: Track who’s interacting with the system and spot areas where things might need more attention or updates.
Security and trust in Salesforce Blockchain
Salesforce Blockchain uses advanced blockchain technology security measures to protect confidential data across different industries. It keeps information safe by only allowing certain trusted users to edit or validate transactions. This way, businesses can confidently share and manage critical information without worrying about unauthorized access.
Immutable data records
Salesforce Blockchain keeps data safe by making records unchangeable once they’re stored. You can add new information, but what’s already in the system stays locked in place.
In finance, this means transaction histories and loan agreements are protected from tampering. In healthcare, patient records like medical histories stay accurate, meeting strict data security standards.
Consensus mechanisms and network governance
In Salesforce Blockchain, the consensus mechanism allows participants to approve new updates, making sure the data stays accurate and trustworthy. Network governance defines how decisions are made—some participants have roles to add or validate records, while others might only have viewing rights.
For instance, using Proof of Authority, a select group of trusted participants handles transaction approvals. Alternatively, a voting system can be used, where everyone in the network gets to vote on proposed changes, helping keep the process fair and transparent for all.
Data encryption and access control
In Salesforce Blockchain, data is encrypted to keep sensitive information, like personal records or payments, safe from unauthorized access. Administrators can set role-based permissions, deciding who can view or edit specific records.
The blockchain also uses a hashing algorithm, which acts like a digital fingerprint. If any part of the data is altered, the change is flagged, signaling possible tampering. Digital signatures are used to verify the authenticity of each transaction, adding extra data security.
Best practices for implementing Salesforce Blockchain
To implement Salesforce Blockchain in your organization, you’ll need to align it with your business goals, test the blockchain platform, and set up regular monitoring to keep track of its performance. This way, you’ll know if it adds real value to your operations.
Aligning blockchain goals with business objectives
Aligning your business goals with Salesforce Blockchain’s functionality helps address core challenges and adds real value to your organization.
For example, a sustainable fashion company that needs to prove its materials are ethically sourced can use Salesforce Blockchain to create permanent records showing where every material came from. This transparency builds trust with customers and partners, making the technology work toward the company’s mission.
Collaborating with external stakeholders
Effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders—like suppliers, regulators, and partners—help keep everything running smoothly and avoid unnecessary confusion. It’s important to set clear rules for participation, define roles, and establish how data will be shared.
For instance, in a food supply chain, farmers and distributors need to work together to track crop origins and shipping records. This kind of collaboration reduces delays and errors, making sure everyone is on the same page throughout the process.
Testing and validating the blockchain network
Before rolling out your Salesforce Blockchain network, it’s smart to do a test run with a small group to catch any potential issues early. Here’s what you should focus on:
- Run Simulations: Test transactions under different conditions to see how the system handles real-world scenarios.
- Perform Audits: Regularly check blockchain records to identify any issues with data handling or security.
- Validate Smart Contracts: Test smart contracts with sample data to make sure they work as expected and trigger correctly.
Monitoring and optimizing blockchain performance
Frequent monitoring of your Salesforce Blockchain keeps everything running smoothly. Focus on a few key areas, like transaction times, data accuracy, and who’s participating. For instance, you can:
- Use a line graph to see how long transactions are taking and resolve bottlenecks.
- Create a bar chart to show how often each stakeholder is updating or validating data, so you know who’s active.
- Set up your dashboard to flag any unusual changes in the blockchain records, which will help you identify potential issues early.
The future of Salesforce Blockchain
Businesses are turning to Salesforce Blockchain to solve tough challenges and improve collaboration across different regions. Blockchain technology has the potential to change the future of industries like healthcare and finance by making it easier to share data and streamline operations.
Expanding industry use cases
Salesforce Blockchain has the potential to open up new opportunities across different industries. In decentralized finance (DeFi), it could simplify loan approvals or asset management through smart contracts, making financial processes more efficient.
For IoT device tracking, Salesforce Blockchain could securely log data and usage, helping industries like logistics and healthcare manage connected devices. When it comes to sustainability, businesses could use blockchain to track and verify eco-friendly practices, giving consumers a transparent look at how products are made from start to finish.
Integration with AI and predictive analytics
Integrating AI with Salesforce Blockchain can give businesses valuable insights to improve how they operate. In finance, AI can catch unusual transactions and quickly alert companies to possible fraud.
For supply chain management, AI might analyze shipping times and supplier performance, helping reduce delays and manage risks more effectively.
When it comes to market trends, predictive analytics can look at patterns in consumer behavior, allowing businesses to make smarter choices about launching new products or expanding their reach.
Scaling blockchain networks for global collaboration
As blockchain becomes more popular, global businesses can use it to improve how they work. Salesforce Blockchain helps industries like healthcare and finance collaborate across borders, allowing manufacturers and distributors worldwide to track goods and medical records more easily.
With cross-chain interoperability, separate blockchain networks can share data. For instance, a financial blockchain might communicate with a logistics blockchain to finalize a loan based on verified shipping information. This makes it easier for businesses to work together across industries and regions.
Conclusion
Salesforce Blockchain adds real value to your business by providing a simple, secure way to store sensitive information. It helps automate tasks and keeps your data up-to-date, making your operations run smoothly. Best of all, its low-code setup makes it easy to implement, no matter your technical background.
FAQs
What is Salesforce Blockchain?
Salesforce Blockchain is a low-code platform that securely stores and shares data in multiple industries. It allows users to update transactions, documentation, statuses, and more in a controlled and secure environment.
How does Salesforce Blockchain benefit businesses?
Salesforce Blockchain drives quick, efficient, and automated processes, such as smart contracts for tasks like automatic loan approvals. It brings transparency by letting everyone see and verify the data through permissions and validation methods. By securely recording all transactions, it builds trust and reduces the risk of fraud.
Can Salesforce Blockchain integrate with existing CRM data?
Yes, Salesforce Blockchain connects your Salesforce CRM data on a secure network. It automates everyday tasks, like updating records, and keeps everything synced in real-time. This way, you’ll instantly notice changes in contact details or shipping info without having to update them manually.
How does Salesforce Blockchain handle data security?
Salesforce Blockchain encrypts your information so only the right people can access it. With access control, you can also set who can see, update, or share data. In addition, with trust mechanisms like hashing algorithms, you’re notified if anything changes, keeping your data safe.
What are some common use cases for Salesforce Blockchain?
Common uses for Salesforce Blockchain spans multiple industries:
- Supply Chain: You can follow products from sourcing to delivery, helping to catch errors, prevent fraud, and avoid delays.
- Healthcare: Safely store and share patient information between providers while keeping privacy intact.
- Financial Services: Automate contracts like cross-border payments, making transactions quicker and easier to manage.
How can I invite external partners to join my blockchain network?
Navigate to Blockchain Engage to send an email invitation with a link to connect partners to the network. Once they accept, you can set permissions to control what data they can view, edit, or share.
What is the difference between Salesforce Blockchain and other blockchain platforms?
One key difference between Salesforce Blockchain and other platforms is its low-code setup—you don’t need to be a tech expert to use most of its features. It also connects easily with Salesforce CRM, so you can bring in your existing customer data and workflows. This is helpful for businesses already using Salesforce.
