Why use Salesforce data model diagrams to design external integrations?
Integrating Salesforce with external systems—whether Jira, an ERP, or a customer data platform—requires more than knowing which objects to sync. It demands a deep understanding of the schema: how objects relate, which fields are required, and where customizations diverge from standard Salesforce patterns.
Without that clarity, integration designs are risky. You may sync data in the wrong sequence, miss mandatory fields, or fail to see how one object depends on another—causing errors and fragmented records.
Elements.cloud helps you visualize and explore your Salesforce schema in minutes by generating capability-specific data model diagrams. These diagrams let architects confidently plan data mappings, API sequences, and field-level requirements, all grounded in live Org metadata.
When to use this?
Use this guide when:
Planning an external integration (e.g. Jira, SAP, NetSuite, HubSpot)
Mapping fields and relationships for ETL, middleware, or direct API interactions
Troubleshooting failed syncs due to schema mismatches
Documenting schema structure for developers or data teams
Prerequisites
Before you start, make sure:
Your Salesforce Org is connected to Elements.
You are a space editor.
You are a manager or editor on at least one of the connected Salesforce metadata dictionaries.
Data Model Generation is currently available in closed beta to the customers who have pre-registered for access.
We are planning GA release in May, subject to feedback from beta customers.
Perform integration design using data model diagrams
Step 1: Understand the integration requirement
Before generating anything, clarify what data you plan to integrate and why. This shapes the scope of the diagram you’ll generate.
Ask:
What’s the business capability being supported by this integration?
What Salesforce records are involved? Created, read, updated, or deleted?
What’s the source or target system, and how will it interact?
Example scenario: You want to sync issue tracking data between Jira and Salesforce. In Jira, the key entities are epics, stories, bugs, and tasks. In Salesforce, these are often tracked via Case, Work Order, Task, but there is possibility of custom and managed objects of which you are unaware of.
Step 2: Generate the schema diagram for your capability
Use Elements’ data model generation to focus the diagram on your integration area.
Prompt example for the Jira–Salesforce use case:
“How do we manage work and customer issues across projects?”
This phrasing helps Elements select relevant objects like Case, Task, WorkOrder, and any custom ticketing structures like Bug__c or Epic__c.
Name the diagram accordingly (e.g. “Jira Integration Schema – April 2025”) and proceed to generate.
Step 3: Interpret object relationships to plan integration logic
Once the diagram is generated, shift into integration design mode. Each relationship line helps you determine:
Sequence of API calls or ETL steps
Mandatory dependencies that require pre-inserts
Which object serves as the parent in data hierarchy
Use the diagram to:
Identify lookups and master-detail relationships:
E.g.,
Task→Case,Case→AccountThis implies
Accountmust exist beforeCase, which must exist beforeTask
Discover custom relationships like
Bug__c→Epic__cthat mirror Jira hierarchy
Hover on fields to view population rate—helps assess if fields are optional or core
Click object cards to open the metadata dictionary, where you can:
View all fields and their types
Identify required fields
See field-level limits (lengths, picklists)
Check real usage and data volumes
Example Insight: If Bug__c is a custom object with a required lookup to Epic__c, then during integration:
You must ensure Epics are synced before Bugs
Bugs without valid Epics will cause insert errors
Field mapping must include the
Epic__creference field
Step 4: Document the integration design and next steps
Add sticky notes to flag constraints, priorities, or design decisions
Raise user stories directly from object cards for mapping or logic tasks
Use metadata dictionary views to create field-level mapping specs
Share the diagram with integration or developer teams for alignment
Summary
A well-defined integration starts with a well-understood schema. Elements.cloud data model diagrams turn Org complexity into clarity—helping you design safe, efficient, and robust integrations grounded in real metadata.
By starting with the business capability and using the diagram to understand object dependencies, you can map, sequence, and execute integrations with confidence.