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Many buyers hear “Salesforce implementation” and “Salesforce development” used as if they meant the same thing. They overlap, but they describe different parts of the journey. Implementation gets the platform configured and live. Development is the work of extending, connecting and improving it as your business changes. Understanding the difference helps you plan what you are really signing up for over the long term.
From Setup to Ongoing Support: The Service Scope
| Stage | Purpose | Typical Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Implementation | Get the platform configured, populated and live | Discovery, design, configuration, data migration, basic integration, testing, training, go-live |
| Development | Extend the platform to meet needs that standard features do not cover | Custom apps, Apex code, Lightning components, complex automation, integrations, reports and dashboards, performance work |
| Managed services | Keep the system healthy and improving day to day | Administration, user support, release management, monitoring, small enhancements, health checks |
What Development Services Usually Include
- Custom application development: purpose-built apps and objects for processes unique to your business.
- Apex and Lightning development: custom logic, triggers and user interface components.
- Integration development: connecting Salesforce with ERP, finance, marketing, support and other systems through APIs.
- Automation: flows, approvals and notifications that reduce manual work.
- Data engineering: migrations, cleansing, synchronisation and data quality rules.
- Reports and dashboards: analytics tailored to how leaders and teams measure performance.
- Testing and deployment: code review, automated tests and controlled releases.
Where Development Continues After Go-Live
Go-live is rarely the end of development. Users ask for new fields, better reports and simpler workflows. Business changes such as new products, pricing, teams or regulations require updates. Salesforce itself releases new features several times a year, and some of them are worth adopting. A steady backlog of enhancements is normal and healthy, and it is a sign that the system is being used.
How Development Is Commonly Priced
| Model | How It Works | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed price | A set fee for a clearly defined scope | Well-defined projects with stable requirements |
| Time and materials | Billing based on effort spent | Evolving requirements and exploratory work |
| Dedicated team or retainer | A reserved team or monthly block of capacity | Continuous improvement and predictable budgeting |
The Handoff to Managed Services
Once the main build is complete, many organisations move to managed services so they do not need a full in-house team. This typically covers administration, user support, small changes, monitoring and periodic reviews. Ask at the outset how the handoff will work, what documentation you will receive and how knowledge is preserved, so the long-term arrangement is clear before the project begins.
Questions to Ask Before You Commit
- Which development activities are included in the initial price, and which are separate?
- How are enhancements requested, prioritised and approved?
- Who owns the code, documentation and configuration?
- How will you ensure the system stays maintainable as it grows?
Folio3’s Approach
Folio3 offers Salesforce development services covering Apex, Lightning Web Components and testing, alongside Salesforce app development for custom applications and integrations. Initial delivery is handled through implementation services, with managed services for continuing support.
People Also Ask
- What is the difference between Salesforce implementation and Salesforce development?
- What ongoing development work is needed after Salesforce go-live?
- How are Salesforce development services priced?
- What are Salesforce managed services and how do they differ from development?
- What does ‘Salesforce CRM development services’ actually include beyond the initial setup? I want to know what we’re signing up for long-term.
Ready to extend your CRM beyond the basics? Explore Folio3 Salesforce development services for custom features, integrations and ongoing enhancements.
