“The time span we define in the planning stage accordingly defines the time to be invested in the deployment phases and its associated schedule,” notes Gupta. In the first stage, Manras gets the Salesforce system ready for production environment by creating or adding users, loading client data into the system, and training the users. Before loading production data, all users are loaded manually, one at a time, or using data loader functionality. Enough time is scheduled to map and test the data, since the transition of the loaded data becomes easier if the data-load is as close to deployment as possible. The data import occurs in a series of steps— planning data import, preparing data, testing the import, executing the import, and finally validating the data. As the data gets loaded, Manras, simultaneously, extracts a subset of the data and utilizes it to train the end-users. The training process gets the users well-acquainted with the support process. “We also schedule regular support sessions for the first week or two; that’s when users stumble upon most queries.”

To put his firm’s Salesforce expertise in a clearer perspective, Gupta cites an instance where Manras had developed a Google Docs-integrated Salesforce Applications, for an U.S.-based food catering firm, Anoush Catering. Maintainance of clients-data using Google Sheets was being a tedious and time-consuming process for the catering firm. In addition, as the volume of data escalated with increasing customer engagement, Google Docs was frequently failing to be responsive. The solution developed by Manras not only turned out to be time efficient for Anoush Catering but also served a variety of other purposes. The solution came with an in-built, mobile-friendly calendar for users to update and track upcoming events. Moreover, Manras also incorporated a Menu Wizard and Booking Wizard within the application, turning it into a comprehensive platform for its client to perform all their activities using a single system.

To further its strengths to help clients tap the maximum potential of Salesforce, Manras strives to explore newer technologies and opportunities that sprout in the industry. “Apart from the technology areas, we are also constantly supporting women empowerment. The ratio of female employees over male, in our company is 60:40,” concludes Gupta.