Testing Salesforce objects and fields is essential to make sure the CRM system works as intended, In Salesforce, fields in records store some business data as per data types, similarly standard and custom objects hold important business data inlcuing fields data. Verifying these elements ensures data accuracy, functionality, and user experience regardless of whether you are an automation expert or a manual tester.
Let’s dive into how to effectively test Salesforce objects and fields.
1. Understand the Business Requirements First
Get the business requirements and go through them before beginning any tests. The documents specify the required fields to include in the objects, such as Accounts, Contacts, and Opportunities.You have to be aware of:
- Which objects are standard vs. custom
- Which fields are required, read-only, or have default values
- Validation rules, field-level security, and workflows related to the fields
Your test cases are based on this knowledge.
2. Create a Field Inventory
List every item and field that is a part of the procedure first. Salesforce offers tools such as Schema Builder and Object Manager to facilitate the simple extraction of this data.
Use this list to:
- Verify data types (e.g., text, number, picklist)
- Identify field-level security settings
- Check dependencies between fields (e.g., controlling vs. dependent picklists)
This stage guarantees that nothing gets overlooked during the validation process.
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3. Validate Field Properties
In Salesforce, security is crucial. You need to make sure that fields:
- Only the appropriate profiles and permission sets can see them.
- Depending on user roles, it can be read or updated.
- When necessary, they are hidden from unauthorized users.
Check the visibility and editability of the fields by logging in with different test user accounts.
4. Create and Update Records
Use the Salesforce UI to manually create records, or use Data Loader to import example data. Verify if:
- Mandatory fields enforce data entry.
- Fields accept correct forms.
- Picklists display expected values.
- The default values appears as intended.
- Lookup fields link to the appropriate item.
Update current documentation and verify that automation, such as process flows and validation rules, working as expected.
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5. Test Validation Rules and Automation
Entering invalid data will cause each validation rule to be triggered. Verify:
- The appropriate error notice appears.
- When required, the rule prevents the user to save the record
Additionally, test Apex Triggers, Workflows, Process Builder, and Flows that automatically change fields. Verify that:
- Field updates occur when triggered.
- The system does not modify unintended fields.
6. Verify Relationships Between Objects
Salesforce supports lookup and master-detail relationships between objects. Verify that:
- Accurate value calculations are made via roll-up summary fields.
- Related lists show up correctly.
- Accurate value calculations are made via roll-up summary fields.
7. Check Reporting Compatibility
Verify that fields show up accurately in dashboards and reports. Verify that you use the appropriate fields in the filters, groupings, and summary metrics. This becomes especially crucial after you add custom fields.
8. Use Automation Tools for Efficiency
Use resources such as:
- Salesforce Inspector for fast access to metadata.
- To verify backend data, use Workbench or SOQL queries.
- To quickly do repeated validations, use test automation technologies (such as Selenium, Provar, and Testim).
Best Practices
- Always use test data in a sandbox environment.
- Cover positive, negative, and boundary test cases.
- Keep test cases up to date with changes in field configurations.
- Run regression tests after every deployment or release.
Conclusion
Testers must thoroughly understand business logic, data structures, and security permissions to test Salesforce objects and fields. You can make sure your Salesforce organization provides accurate results and a flawless experience by automating the validation of each field’s behavior, access level, and interaction. A thorough, systematic testing approach improves platform performance and user trust while avoiding future problems.
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