A Brief Synthesis of Salesforce OmniStudio

Introduction to OmniStudio  

With the help of OmniStudio, low-code developers may create unique applications for companies fast and simply. It facilitates the development of intricate, sector-specific Salesforce experiences more easily. It is an all-in-one platform with a variety of tools and capabilities to assist companies in creating and implementing unique applications without requiring deep technical expertise.  

OmniStudio was incorporated into Einstein Automate, which combines Salesforce automation features across Salesforce, Einstein, MuleSoft, Industries, and AppExchange to provide an end-to-end workflow platform, when Salesforce acquired Vlocity in 2020. 

The drag-and-drop interface of OmniStudio, which lets users create apps by just dragging and dropping components onto a canvas, is one of its primary features. This facilitates the quick and simple creation of bespoke applications by users with little to no coding skills. Additionally, OmniStudio provides a selection of pre-made components and templates for application development. Forms, tables, and charts are examples of these components that can be changed to meet the company's demands.  

A set of digital engagement tools called OmniStudio makes it easier to create intricate, sector-specific Salesforce experiences. These configuration-first tools combine the UI and style flexibility of Lightning Web Components to allow designers to create a guided brand experience that resembles a flow. Using drag-and-drop ETL (extract, transform, load) capabilities, administrators and developers may also include data from Salesforce and other enterprise systems into these experiences. For organizations searching for low-code solutions to develop slick and captivating user experiences on the platform, this might be a game-changer.  

How do Salesforce and OmniStudio compare?  

Similar to the Salesforce platform, OmniStudio's architecture is modular and makes use of the microservices architecture style, which enables services to function together effortlessly. This design encourages scalability, agility, and effective deployments. Drag-and-drop configuration of its user interface layer allows OmniStudio to facilitate the building of digital experiences. Similar to Dynamic Forms and Screen Flows, it provides features like FlexCards and OmniScripts that improve and personalize user interfaces.  

OmniStudio offers a service management layer that extends beyond the user interface and facilitates data interaction and business logic implementation. By merging data from external sources with Salesforce, it dismantles conventional data silos. OmniStudio contains tools called DataRaptors and Integration Procedures, which are similar to Autolaunched Flows but replace custom code and enable quick interfaces with third-party data and APIs. When using Integration Procedures instead of custom Apex code, development time can be greatly decreased. 

Architecture Salesforce OmniStudio of OmniStudio: 

The User Interface, FlexCards, and OmniScript for guided processes—which include data tools like DataRaptor and Integration Procedures—were discussed in this presentation. OmniStudio's component set is organized into multiple tiers.  

• Digital Experience  
• Service Management  
• Developer Experience 

The OmniStudio Part

OmniStudio is made up of four primary parts.  

Flex Cards: 

With FlexCards, your clients may quickly access relevant tasks and information. By compiling all the relevant data for a particular transaction in one location, these components can offer simple starting and finishing points for consumer transactions.   

Designers may style data from numerous sources and create layouts for usage on any device or channel by utilizing the drag-and-drop builder. Because FlexCards are repetitive, you can arrange a sequence of styled cards that consistently display various data records. Additionally, FlexCards can be embedded into OmniScripts to run subprocesses for users as they navigate the steps or to give contextual information.   

Some great applications for FlexCards include:  

• Presenting an insurance customer's policy details along with options to Pay Premiums, Change Coverage, or File a Claim.  
• Presenting a comparison table of medical insurance to the user so they can choose one during a conversation.  
• Displaying the seven-day prediction together with other meteorological data. 

OmniScripts:  

A guided experience that leads consumers through intricate business procedures is called an OmniScript. Application builders can create flawless client experiences across sectors with its drag-and-drop editor.  

It distinguishes itself from flows by providing additional style possibilities and flexibility, resulting in a more contemporary, branded appearance and feel. Designers can construct their scripts using a variety of elements from within an OmniScript. Designers are able to:  

• Call functions like emailing someone and storing info.  
• Present text and graphics to improve the user interface.  
• Utilizing pre-configured functions, carry out calculations and display conditional messages and mistakes.  
• Utilizing inputs, record important information about the experience.  
• Use additional OmniScripts to build workflows that are reusable and modular.  

Here are some fantastic applications for OmniScripts:  

• Lead the public through the application process.  
• Lead clients through a sales process, like choosing an insurance plan.  
• Lead consumers through the process of self-service.  

DataRaptors: 

With a declarative mapping tool called a DataRaptor, you can read, edit, and modify data in Salesforce. Admins may save and show data with it without writing any Apex code. The primary method of manipulating data in OmniStudio is using DataRaptors.   

Four categories of dataraptors exist:  

• Quickly extracts data from a single Salesforce object using “Turbo Extract”.  
• Retrieving data from one or more Salesforce Objects using “Extract”.  
• Saving data to one or more Salesforce Objects using “Load”.  
• Modifies data obtained from outside sources or Salesforce using “Transform”.    

Although its primary format is JSON, DataRaptors can also handle XML and Custom Schemas. Additionally, they can use formulas and functions exclusive to OmniStudio to increase flexibility in data transformation.

Integration Procedures: 

The processes needed to read and change data from external applications, such as Salesforce, are called integration procedures. Designers may create intricate data transformations using these server-side apps without having to write any code.   

Data can be sent via integration procedures to external sources like email, DocuSign, and APIs as well as internal sources like FlexCards, OmniScripts, and SObjects. Compared to its Apex counterparts, Integration Procedures are quicker to design and easier to maintain because they are created through configuration.  

When coupled, these technologies' distinct features improve your user processes beyond what flows could accomplish on their own. There's never been a better moment to learn OmniStudio than now, as Salesforce keeps adding new features!  

Developer Experience: 

The developer experience tools are listed below.  

1. The IDX Build Tool  

An automation tool for the command line that migrates and packages OmniStudio Datapacks in a format compatible with source control.   

2. IDX Workbench  

Simplify Dev Ops by facilitating source control update sharing. Developers can move Data packs and Salesforce metadata between organizations or from one organization to a git repository with this desktop application.    

In summary 

OmniStudio is a robust platform that provides a variety of tools and capabilities to assist companies in creating unique apps. There are some significant variances as well as some parallels to conventional Salesforce capabilities. A low-code development environment called OmniStudio gives application designers greater freedom. Salesforce organizations can save money, simplify maintenance, and develop projects more quickly and efficiently by utilizing OmniStudio instead of bespoke code and Lightning Web Components (LWC). Prior to using custom code, it's a great substitute, especially for situations involving unique requirements.  

Sign up here to create your developer organization with OmniStudio enabled.