Getting Started with Salesforce OmniStudio

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Setting up your Salesforce Org
• Installation and Availability of OmniStudio
• Learning Resources: Trailhead
• Tips for Success
• Community Support
• Conclusion
• Bonus Content

Introduction

Salesforce OmniStudio is a powerful suite of tools designed to supercharge your organization’s digital transformation. If you’ve completed Trailhead courses and are ready to take the next step, this guide will help you get started with OmniStudio and understand how it can transform your Salesforce implementation. For more on advancing your Salesforce career, see our guide on the importance of Salesforce certifications.

What is OmniStudio?

Salesforce OmniStudio (formerly Vlocity) is a powerful low-code development platform that enables organizations to build guided, dynamic user experiences, automate complex business processes, and seamlessly integrate data across systems. It’s part of Salesforce Industries and provides industry-specific solutions for vertical markets including Financial Services, Healthcare, Insurance, Communications, Media, Energy, and Utilities.

OmniStudio is particularly powerful because it allows you to create sophisticated, multi-step processes without extensive coding. Whether you’re building customer onboarding flows, service processes, or complex data transformation workflows, OmniStudio provides the tools to make it happen quickly and efficiently.

Key Components of OmniStudio

OmniStudio consists of several powerful components that work together:

• OmniScripts: Customizable, guided interactions that lead users through complex processes step-by-step. These can be built for Lightning Experience, Visualforce, or as standalone web experiences.

• FlexCards: Dynamic, contextual information displays that pull data from multiple sources and present it in a unified, personalized interface. Perfect for dashboards, summaries, and data-rich views.

• DataRaptors: Data transformation tools that extract, transform, and load (ETL) data between Salesforce and external systems. They handle complex data mapping and transformation logic.

• Integration Procedures: Server-side procedures that execute multiple actions (data retrieval, updates, calculations) in a single server call, dramatically improving performance and reducing round trips.

• Calculation Procedures: Reusable calculation engines that perform complex business logic and computations.

• Element Framework: A component library that provides pre-built UI elements for building OmniScripts and FlexCards.

Setting up your Salesforce Org

Before you dive into OmniStudio, you need to set up your Salesforce Org. Follow these steps:

1. Sign up for a free developer account on the Salesforce website.
2. Access your new Org through Salesforce’s login portal.
3. Familiarize yourself with the interface by exploring the pre-installed apps, layouts, and reports in your Org.
4. Review your business needs and plan how you’ll customize your Org accordingly.

Installation and Availability of OmniStudio

With your Salesforce Org set up and ready, it’s time to get OmniStudio. However, it’s important to understand how OmniStudio is available in different contexts:

OmniStudio in Financial Services Cloud (FSC)

One of the most important things to know about OmniStudio is that it’s included with Salesforce Financial Services Cloud (FSC). If your organization has FSC licenses, OmniStudio is already available in your org - no separate installation required! This makes it incredibly powerful for financial institutions looking to:

• Streamline Client Onboarding: Build guided, step-by-step processes that simplify the collection of client information, ensuring compliance and reducing manual errors. Create intuitive application flows for new accounts, loans, or investment products.

• Automate Service Processes: Utilize OmniStudio’s Service Process Studio to build end-to-end service workflows with minimal coding. Handle complex scenarios like account changes, dispute resolution, or product recommendations.

• Enhance Data Integration: Connect disparate systems and data sources, creating a unified view of client information that supports personalized service delivery. Integrate with core banking systems, wealth management platforms, or third-party data providers.

• Create Personalized Client Experiences: Use FlexCards to display contextual information from multiple sources, showing advisors a complete view of their clients’ financial situation, recent interactions, and recommended next steps.

Financial Services Cloud with OmniStudio enables institutions to accelerate time-to-market for new digital services, simplify complex processes, and provide a modern, engaging experience for both advisors and clients.

OmniStudio in Other Industry Clouds

OmniStudio is also included in other Salesforce Industry Cloud solutions:

• Health Cloud: Build patient onboarding flows, care plan creation, and service workflows
• Insurance Cloud: Create quote and bind processes, claims workflows, and policy management
• Communications Cloud: Design service activation flows, order management, and customer service processes
• Media Cloud: Build content management workflows and subscriber experiences
• Energy & Utilities Cloud: Create service order processes and customer self-service experiences

Standalone OmniStudio Installation

If you don’t have an Industry Cloud license, you can still install OmniStudio as a standalone package:

1. Head to the Salesforce AppExchange and search for ‘OmniStudio’.
2. Choose the Salesforce OmniStudio package that meets your business needs.
3. Click ‘Get It Now’ and follow the installation process to integrate OmniStudio into your Org.
4. Upon completion, OmniStudio will materialize in your Org’s App Launcher.

Note: OmniStudio requires specific Salesforce edition requirements and may have additional licensing considerations. Check with your Salesforce account executive to understand the best path for your organization.

Learning Resources: Trailhead

Trailhead offers comprehensive courses to build your expertise with OmniStudio. Here are excellent resources to get started:

1. Get to Know OmniStudio
2. Build Guided Experiences with OmniStudio
3. Salesforce Industries (formerly OmniStudio, formerly Vlocity) Quick Look

Real-World Use Cases and Applications

OmniStudio shines in scenarios that require complex, multi-step processes with data integration. Here are some powerful use cases:

Financial Services Use Cases

• Account Opening: Create a guided flow that collects all required information, performs KYC checks, integrates with core banking systems, and provides real-time status updates.

• Loan Application Processing: Build a comprehensive loan application process that guides applicants through qualification, document collection, credit checks, and approval workflows.

• Wealth Management Onboarding: Design personalized onboarding experiences for new clients, collecting investment preferences, risk profiles, and financial goals while integrating with portfolio management systems.

• Advisor Dashboards: Use FlexCards to create comprehensive advisor views showing client portfolios, recent transactions, opportunities, and recommended actions.

Healthcare Use Cases

• Patient Onboarding: Streamline patient registration with guided forms that collect medical history, insurance information, and consent forms.

• Care Plan Creation: Build workflows that help care coordinators create personalized care plans based on patient conditions, preferences, and available resources.

• Prior Authorization: Automate the complex process of obtaining insurance prior authorizations for procedures and medications.

Insurance Use Cases

• Quote and Bind: Create seamless quote-to-bind processes that guide agents through product selection, risk assessment, pricing, and policy issuance.

• Claims Processing: Build guided workflows for claims intake, investigation, assessment, and settlement.

• Policy Management: Design self-service experiences for policyholders to make changes, view coverage, and manage their policies.

General Business Use Cases

• Complex Data Entry: Replace lengthy forms with guided, step-by-step processes that validate data in real-time and provide contextual help.

• Multi-System Integration: Connect Salesforce with external systems, transforming and syncing data seamlessly.

• Service Processes: Build end-to-end service workflows that guide agents through resolution steps, integrate with knowledge bases, and update multiple systems.

Tips for Success

As you get started with Salesforce OmniStudio, here are some best practices to help you succeed:

1. Prioritize your goals: Clearly identify the objectives your organization aims to achieve through Salesforce OmniStudio, guiding your efforts toward success. Start with high-impact, high-visibility processes.

2. Plan ahead: Create a timeline and a high-level roadmap for achieving each phase of your OmniStudio implementation. Consider data requirements, integration points, and user experience from the start.

3. Start with OmniScripts: If you’re new to OmniStudio, begin with OmniScripts. They’re the most intuitive component and provide immediate value. Once comfortable, expand to FlexCards and DataRaptors.

4. Leverage Templates: OmniStudio comes with industry-specific templates. Start with these and customize rather than building from scratch.

5. Test rigorously: Continuously prod the changes you make in your Org throughout the deployment process to validate functionality and ensure universal compatibility. Test with real data and real users.

6. Involve stakeholders: Engulf stakeholders, from employees to customers, in the design process of new features and workflows in OmniStudio. Their input is invaluable for creating user-friendly experiences.

7. Think Mobile-First: OmniScripts can be built for mobile experiences. Consider how your processes will work on phones and tablets, not just desktops.

8. Optimize Performance: Use Integration Procedures to batch operations and reduce server round trips. Monitor performance and optimize DataRaptors for large data volumes.

9. Document Everything: OmniStudio processes can become complex. Document your OmniScripts, DataRaptors, and Integration Procedures for future maintenance and team knowledge sharing.

10. Version Control: Use Salesforce’s built-in version control for OmniStudio components. This allows you to track changes, roll back if needed, and maintain multiple versions for different environments.

Community Support

OmniStudio’s strength comes from the incredible Salesforce community. Connect with other OmniStudio users by engaging in:

1. Salesforce User Groups: Attend meetings and events to connect with fellow OmniStudio users.
2. Salesforce online forums: Share your experiences, ask questions, and learn from the community on platforms such as the Trailblazer Community.
3. Salesforce conferences: Learn, network, and discover the latest OmniStudio advancements at events like Dreamforce and TrailheaDX.

Understanding OmniStudio Licensing and Availability

Before diving in, it’s crucial to understand how OmniStudio is licensed:

• Industry Cloud Inclusion: If you have Financial Services Cloud, Health Cloud, Insurance Cloud, Communications Cloud, Media Cloud, or Energy & Utilities Cloud, OmniStudio is included with your licenses.

• Standalone Licensing: OmniStudio can also be purchased as a standalone product for organizations that need its capabilities but don’t require a full Industry Cloud solution.

• Developer Edition: You can get OmniStudio in a Developer Edition org for learning and development purposes.

• Trial Orgs: Salesforce often provides trial orgs with OmniStudio pre-installed for evaluation purposes.

Key Takeaway: If you’re working with Financial Services Cloud or another Industry Cloud, check if OmniStudio is already available before attempting to install it separately. This can save time and ensure you’re using the correct version for your industry.

Getting Started: Your First OmniScript

Once OmniStudio is available in your org, here’s a quick path to creating your first OmniScript:

1. Navigate to OmniStudio: In App Launcher, search for “OmniStudio” and open the OmniStudio app.

2. Create an OmniScript: Click “OmniScripts” in the left navigation, then “New OmniScript.”

3. Choose a Type: Select the type (Lightning Web Component, Visualforce, or Standalone) and a template if available.

4. Build Your Flow: Use the drag-and-drop interface to add elements like text blocks, input fields, and actions.

5. Configure Elements: Set properties for each element, including validation rules, conditional logic, and data mapping.

6. Test: Use the preview functionality to test your OmniScript before deploying.

7. Deploy: Activate your OmniScript and add it to a Lightning page or Visualforce page.

Start simple - create a basic form that collects information and saves it to Salesforce. Once comfortable, add more complex features like conditional branching, data lookups, and integrations.

Common Challenges and Solutions

As you work with OmniStudio, you may encounter these common challenges:

• Performance Issues: Large OmniScripts or complex DataRaptors can be slow. Solution: Break complex processes into smaller OmniScripts, use Integration Procedures to batch operations, and optimize DataRaptor queries.

• Data Mapping Complexity: Mapping data between systems can be confusing. Solution: Start with simple mappings, use DataRaptor Transform types for complex transformations, and document your mappings thoroughly.

• Version Management: Keeping track of changes across environments can be difficult. Solution: Use Salesforce’s change sets or DevOps tools, maintain clear naming conventions, and document version changes.

• User Experience: Creating intuitive flows isn’t always straightforward. Solution: Involve end users in design, test with real scenarios, and iterate based on feedback.

Conclusion

Getting started with Salesforce OmniStudio is an exciting step in any professional’s career. This guide is designed to help you on your journey, focusing on setting up your Salesforce Org, understanding how OmniStudio is available (especially in Financial Services Cloud), installing OmniStudio when needed, leveraging Trailhead’s resources, and following best practices.

Remember: If you have Financial Services Cloud or another Industry Cloud, OmniStudio is likely already available in your org - no installation needed! This powerful platform can transform how you build processes, integrate systems, and create user experiences.

By actively engaging in the Salesforce community, starting with simple projects, and staying relentless in your quest for knowledge, you’ll undoubtedly reach for the stars and harness the full power of OmniStudio in no time. Whether you’re building client onboarding flows in FSC, patient care processes in Health Cloud, or complex service workflows, OmniStudio provides the tools to make it happen.

May the Salesforce be with you!

Bonus Content

If you want to quickly get up to speed with Salesforce OmniStudio I suggest watching the video below from my friend Amit at Apex Hours. This Salesforce MVP will help guide you into the world of OmniStudio, how to get the most of it and what it can do for your business - including how to configure it.