Data modelling in Salesforce is all about structuring your data so the platform can store, process, and relate information efficiently. It’s like creating the blueprint of a building before construction—without a clear model, everything becomes confusing and unstable. Salesforce uses a relational data model that connects objects together to help businesses organize customer data, sales processes, and workflows.

Ever wondered why some Salesforce setups feel messy while others run smoothly? The secret lies in strong data modelling. A well-built model helps:

• Improve CRM performance

• Reduce duplicate data

• Simplify automation and reporting

• Support scalability as business needs grow

In short, solid data modelling ensures Salesforce works FOR you—not against you.

These are like tables in a database. They hold your data. Salesforce provides many out of the box but you can create your own too.

Fields are the columns inside objects. For example, a “Contact” object may have fields like First Name, Email, and Phone.

Each row inside an object is a record. One customer = one record.

Relationships connect objects so the system can understand how records relate to one another.

These come with Salesforce by default. Examples include:

• Account

• Contact

• Opportunity

• Lead

These are objects you create when you need additional data storage that standard objects cannot handle. Example: A "Student" object for an education platform.

This creates a loose association between objects. It’s optional and non-dependent.

This creates a tight dependency. If the parent record is deleted, child records get deleted too.

Salesforce uses a third object (junction object) to connect two objects together in a many-to-many way.

Schema Builder is a visual tool inside Salesforce that allows you to see and design your data model graphically.

• Easy to visualize object connections

• Helps you spot unnecessary fields

• Perfect for collaboration and planning

It shows all objects, fields, and relationships, making it easy to understand the big picture of your CRM setup.

They’re optimized and come with built-in Salesforce features.

Fields like “Start_Date__c” are much better than “SD__c”.

Too many fields slow down reporting and clutter your CRM.

Think long-term. Will this relationship support future needs?

Sales Cloud connects:

• Account → Contact

• Account → Opportunity

• Opportunity → Products

This flow helps you track everything from lead to deal closure.

Service Cloud includes:

• Cases

• Solutions

• Contact

• Knowledge Articles

This model supports customer support operations.

ERDs visually map the flow and structure of data. Teams rely on them to maintain clarity.

They prevent misunderstandings and help developers, admins, and analysts stay aligned.

Custom objects everywhere? That’s a quick way to ruin your CRM structure.

Mixing Master-Detail and Lookup relationships without strategy can break automation and reporting.

A perfect data model still fails if the wrong people see the wrong data.

Built directly into Salesforce.

Perfect for developers managing metadata.

Lucidchart, Draw.io, and ERD tools help create clear diagrams.

Controls which users can view or edit specific fields.

Define how data is shared across departments.

Great data modelling isn’t just technical—it’s strategic. When done right, Salesforce becomes easier to use, more efficient, and more valuable. Whether you're building a small CRM setup or a multi-cloud enterprise system, your data model is the backbone of your success.

Data modelling in Salesforce plays a crucial role in organizing and connecting data across the platform. By understanding objects, fields, relationships, and best practices, you can build a scalable CRM architecture that grows with your business. A strong data model ensures clean data, smooth workflows, accurate reports, and a seamless user experience.

It’s the process of defining and designing how data is structured, stored, and related within Salesforce.

Schema Builder, Lucidchart, Draw.io, and VS Code with SFDX.

They connect objects together so data becomes meaningful and reportable.

Standard objects come built into Salesforce; custom objects are created to meet unique business needs.

Try using standard objects first, plan relationships carefully, and keep fields simple.