Publish date:

• 4th January, 2024

In the detailed journey of transforming business visions into hardcore and tangible solutions, Salesforce Business Analysts in Salesforce companies have to assemble a series of documents. These documents are more than paperwork; they are the glue that binds the tapestry of successful projects. From the start of a business idea to the ultimate go-live moment, let's explore the diverse documents that a Salesforce Business Analyst working in Salesforce companies crafts along the journey.

1. Proposal: Charting the Course

The journey starts with a proposal—a roadmap that guides everyone who is a stakeholder. This document articulates the project's essence, defining its scope, objectives, and expected outcomes. It lays the foundation for client engagement and includes:

• Executive Summary: A summary of the project's purpose and goals.
• Scope Definition: It lists the boundaries & focus areas of the project.
• Methodology: It contains the approach & techniques that will be employed.
• Timeline and Deliverables: Outlining the project schedule and expected outcomes.

2. Project Kickoff Document: Starting the journey

The Project Kickoff document is a ceremonial launchpad, syncing stakeholders and teams with a shared vision. It includes:

• Project Objectives: Reinforcing the business objectives to be achieved by the project. Must be defined right in the beginning.
• Stakeholder Roles and Responsibilities: Defining the roles of each stakeholder and their responsibilities.
• Communication Plan: Determines the channels and frequency of communication.
• Project Schedule: Providing a high-level overview of the project timeline.

3. Pre-Business Requirement Gathering: Setting the Stage

Before beginning the process of gathering detailed requirements, Salesforce Business Analysts employed with Salesforce companies start the Pre-Business Requirement Gathering phase. This initial stage includes understanding the business landscape and laying a foundation for robust requirement gathering. The document includes:

• Stakeholder Analysis: Profiling key stakeholders and comprehending their interests.
• Business Context: Describing the industry, market trends, and challenges.
• Current State Analysis: Reviewing existing processes, systems, and pain points.
• Business Objectives and Constraints: Clearly articulating project goals and limitations.

4. Business Requirement Gathering Agenda: Orchestrating Collaboration

This document contains the structure & topics to be covered in the Business Requirement Gathering sessions. It includes:

• Agenda Overview: A schedule detailing the sequence of discussions and activities.
• Session Objectives: Clearly defining the objectives for each segment of the gathering.
• Attendee List: Identifying the stakeholders and their roles.

5. Business Requirement Document/Functional Scope Document: Blueprint for Success

The Business Requirement Document (BRD) or Functional Scope Document encompasses the functional and non-functional aspects of the project. It covers:

• Functional Requirements: Detailing features and functionalities expected from the solution.
• Non-Functional Requirements: Detailing the performance, security, and usability criteria.
• Use Cases and Scenarios: Presentation of different successful real-world scenarios to illustrate system interactions.
• Assumptions and Constraints: Listing any assumptions and project constraints.

6. Project Plan: The blueprint to Triumph

The Project Plan is the project manager's go-to manual, providing a detailed roadmap for project execution. It contains:

• Task Breakdown: Breaking down the project into manageable tasks.
• Timeline: It lists the start and end dates for each task.
• Resource Allocation: Project members are listed with tasks and schedules.
• Milestones: Listing important achievements and deadlines.

7. Delay Sheet and Delay Change Request: Managing Hurdles

In the complexity of project management, delays do happen for many reasons. The Delay Sheet tracks and documents these delays, while the Delay Change Request suggests changes to the project schedule.

8. User Application Testing (Sandbox): Testing the Waters

Before showcasing the work to end-users, User Application Testing in a sandbox environment affirms that the system meets the criteria and user expectations.

9. User Application Testing Sign Off: Green Light for Launch

This document signifies that the User Application Testing phase is successfully completed, and the system is ready for the next stage.

10. User Training and Admin Training Plan: Empowering Users

These plans list the training programs for end-users and administrators, paving the way for a smooth transition to the new system.

11. User Training Sign Off: Endorsement of Competence

This document states that users have completed their training and are now system ready.

12. Go Live Document: Countdown to Launch

The Go Live Document lists the final steps and checks before the system / org is officially released into the production environment.

13. Detailed User Manual: A Guide to Navigate

A detailed knowledge resource for end-users, the User Manual lists step-by-step instructions on system usage.

14. Minutes of Meetings 

The minutes of a meeting are also a vital document. It is a summary of conversations, meeting minutes play an important role in ensuring that discussions, actions, and outcomes are not lost after the meetings end. Minutes of meetings have a stellar role throughout the business process.

The minutes of the meeting contain:

• Meeting Details: Date, time, and location of the meeting.
• Attendees: A list of participants, including those present and absent.
• Agenda Items: An outline of the topics discussed during the meeting.
• Discussion Points: Key points and details of the discussions, including any challenges raised or questions asked.
• Decisions Made: A clear record of decisions reached during the meeting, specifying who made the decision and any supporting information.
• Action items: Detailed action items, including tasks, responsibilities, and deadlines.
• Open Issues: Any issues or questions that were raised during the meeting but require further discussion or resolution.
• Next Steps: Outline the planned actions and steps to be taken before the next meeting.

In the hands of a skilled and experienced Salesforce Business Analyst in Salesforce companies, this medley of documents becomes a powerful tool, weaving the complexities of project management and resulting in a smooth journey from concept to reality. These documents list requirements and plans as well as serve as a testament to the detailed skillset of a Salesforce Business Analyst and Salesforce companies. Each document is a part of the grand picture and vision —a story of collaboration, innovation, and successful project delivery.