Efficient construction relies on seamless project management. In a conversation with Dan Mauney, Senior Developer at The Hunley Group, we’ll examine how integrating Salesforce with Deltek streamlines construction projects. The main challenge, disparate systems causing manual data entry, is solved by this integration, providing real-time data for up-to-the-minute decision making.
Conversation with Salesforce and Deltek
Cesar Castro: Hi Dan, thanks for agreeing to share your perspective. Let’s start with an overview of Hunley and your role there.
Dan Mauney: Thanks, Cesar. Hunley is a consulting firm that helps construction and building products companies drive digital transformation. We offer customized services including Salesforce implementation, integration, managed services, data migration, application development, and process strategy to deliver scalable, real-world solutions for our clients.
I’m a Senior Developer at Hunley, and I specialize in building integrations across the Salesforce ecosystem. My work helps construction and manufacturing firms streamline operations through intelligent automation and real-time data synchronization.
Cesar Castro: Thanks for that introduction. Let’s talk about why integration between Salesforce and Deltek is crucial for construction projects.
Dan Mauney: Integration between Salesforce and Deltek is crucial because construction projects are inherently complex, involving numerous moving parts, strict timelines, and a need for teams to stay synchronized. When Salesforce, used for client relationships and sales tracking, and Deltek, which manages financial and operational aspects, operate separately, several inefficiencies arise:
- Manual data entry: Repetitive manual data entry consumes valuable time
- Inconsistent data: Misaligned numbers or outdated project details can lead to costly errors and miscommunications
- Limited visibility: Teams working in separate systems lack a complete picture, hindering effective project and resource management. By integrating these systems, these roadblocks are eliminated, allowing information to flow seamlessly and providing teams with real-time access to the latest data, enabling quick and accurate actions.
Cesar Castro: How is the integration between Salesforce and Deltek technically achieved?
Dan Mauney: Integration between Salesforce and Deltek is primarily achieved using MuleSoft, which facilitates communication through APIs. Key technical aspects include:
- Configuration and APIs: REST and SOAP APIs are used to facilitate data exchange between the two systems
- Custom logic: MuleSoft’s flow designer allows developers to map fields, transform data, and handle errors
- API governance and monitoring: Robust API governance, often with tools like MuleSoft Anypoint Platform, is critical. This platform can monitor API traffic, ensure Service Level Agreement (SLA) adherence, and secure endpoints against unauthorized access, adding reliability and scalability for high-demand construction environments
- Mapping and syncing key objects: MuleSoft facilitates the mapping and syncing of key objects, such as triggering Deltek to create a corresponding project when a Salesforce Opportunity is closed, syncing related project objects in Salesforce with Deltek, and linking client data (contacts and accounts) between the two systems.
- Error handling: MuleSoft also enables efficient handling of large or delayed data through smart processing and retry mechanisms, ensuring critical updates like budgets or timelines are processed reliably even during disruptions. This integration is also shown to seamlessly sync client address data and integrate with Deltek’s billing API.
Cesar Castro: What are some key construction use cases and their benefits from integrating Salesforce and Deltek?
Dan Mauney: Integration drives several key construction use cases and benefits:
- Linking project IDs for seamless data flow: Every project created in Salesforce is automatically linked to a unique ID in Deltek. This ensures that all updates (regarding timelines, budgets, or team assignments) sync instantly between both systems, eliminating the need for manual verification
- Automating project creation across platforms: When a project is marked as “won” in Salesforce, the integration automatically triggers Deltek to create the corresponding project with all essential details, such as budgets, phases, and assigned team members. This automation saves time and prevents errors common with manual data entry
- Reflecting Salesforce updates across systems: Any update in Salesforce, whether it’s a new contact, updated timeline, or a shift in project status, automatically syncs with Deltek. This ensures all teams consistently work with the most current information
- Connecting multiple systems: Experience, Process, and System APIs connect Salesforce, Deltek, and other systems, bridging data for efficient project execution
Cesar Castro: What specific advantages does a construction firm gain by integrating Salesforce and Deltek?
Dan Mauney: Integrating Salesforce with Deltek provides several distinct advantages for a construction firm:
- Smarter collaboration: Real-time synchronization ensures that all team members, from field teams to project managers, always have access to the most up-to-date project information
- Time savings: Automation eliminates repetitive, manual tasks, freeing up teams to concentrate on delivering quality projects, solving problems, and fostering strong client relationships
- Data-driven decisions: With consolidated and accurate data readily available, leaders can make informed decisions concerning resource allocation, client communications, and quickly adjust to challenges
Cesar Castro: What is the long-term impact of integrating Salesforce and Deltek for construction companies?
Dan Mauney: Integrating Salesforce with Deltek is not just about solving immediate challenges; it positions a company for sustainable, long-term growth. When these systems operate as a unified entity, the entire team also works in unison. This leads to projects being delivered on time, within budget, and with complete confidence. Hunley can assist with this integration. We have worked with many Salesforce and MuleSoft clients in this area.
Thank you, Dan, for explaining the transformative power of Salesforce and Deltek integration in construction project management.
Transformative benefits of integrating Salesforce and Deltek
Here are three key takeaways from our discussion:
- Enhanced visibility: Integrating Salesforce and Deltek eliminates data silos and manual entry, providing seamless information flow and real-time data for effective project management.
- Significant time savings: Automation, such as triggering Deltek project creation from Salesforce opportunities, eliminates repetitive tasks, freeing teams to focus on delivering quality projects and building client relationships.
- Sustainable, data-driven growth: Consolidating accurate data enables leaders to make informed decisions, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and with confidence, leading to long-term success
