Continuing from our previous video, we discuss the process (and possible complications) of moving from Classic to Lightning.
So, as previously discussed, one of the big differences between Classic and Lightning is the fact that it loads pages asynchronously—which is just a fancy way of saying that it doesn’t switch between pages when you click buttons. This new user interface paradigm only loads information as you need that information, which makes it much faster and more efficient, hence the name “lightning.”
And Lightning isn’t just a pretty, slick new user interface. It also expands the capabilities of the system, giving it new, more powerful functionality.
Some considerations we tell our clients to watch out for when making the switch:
- While Visualforce pages still work, they may need to be tweaked to make the user experience more seamless. (Pro tip: we can help you with that.)
- JavaScript custom buttons will need to be retooled using Lightning Actions, a Screen Flow, or you can even use a Visualforce page. The long and short of it is, they’ve deprecated that method.
- If you’ve been using AppExchange packages—especially older ones—you need to check for compatibility before the switch. The best way to do this is to go to the AppExchange and find the public listing for your app. If you see a little lightning bolt next to it, that means it has been tested and works with Lightning. Fair warning though: that doesn’t mean it will be 100% seamless when you switch, so keep an eye out for wonkiness with those apps. Remember, the Sandbox is your friend.
- Moving to Lightning can be a big change for your users. It’s critical that you give them the proper advanced warning, and followup training to ensure your organization has made a successful transition. Sometimes nothing is scarier than change, but it is in your power to assuage that concern by heading it off at the pass.
- One thing we recommend is to create a pilot program where you give a set of super users and novices access to test Lightning before a larger rollout. We promise that they’ll break everything that can be broken.
As we said in our previous article, we do recommend the move, but make sure you’re doing it in a way that guarantees the success for the largest number of people in your organization.
And as always, if you’d like an evaluation of any of your systems (Salesforce or otherwise), we’re here for you.
