MuleSoft can revolutionise your business, helping to build a cohesive customer experience and efficient workplace. However, the platform comes with a learning curve you need to prepare for in order to gain maximum use from the programme. MuleSoft relies on your team executing a strong strategic vision as much as it does good data.
If you’re looking for ways to implement MuleSoft in your organisation without breaking the bank, read on. We’ll walk you through five MuleSoft best practices straight from a MuleSoft partner to help you save time and stress. In this article, we’ll cover:
- Thinking of ‘data’ as a long-term commitment
- Streamlining data requests with DataGraph
- Simplifying your project development with MuleSoft Composer
- Using Runtime Fabric for cloud computing
- Leveraging Customer 360 for more business insight
Our recommendations for MuleSoft best practices
1) Thinking of ‘data’ as a long-term commitment
MuleSoft relies on efficient and tidy data to integrate systems. Unfortunately, these requirements don’t stop once your shiny new system launches.
For example, when a customer’s life cycle ends, their data remains on your system, leaving an additional burden on your IT infrastructure until it’s removed. Similarly, temporary strategy changes (like sales or product diversification) can introduce excess data fields that become obsolete with time.
That’s why our first MuleSoft best practice tip is to establish a comprehensive data management strategy that takes a long-term view of how you’ll use MuleSoft. Aim to maintain a lean and functional database, and master each function of MuleSoft so processes run flawlessly from end-to-end. We recommend that you regularly audit your systems so programmes carry all the data they should, and not a byte more.
With a solid data management strategy, the foundations of your MuleSoft implementation are set to pay continual dividends for future projects.
2) Streamlining data requests with DataGraph
Beyond managing your data effectively, our second best practice tip is to stay up to date with software releases. DataGraph is a new MuleSoft feature launched in 2021 and is available on the Anypoint platform.
DataGraph allows MuleSoft developers to better optimise data discovery, access and transfers across multiple APIs using a single GraphQL command — eliminating repetitive request tasks. DataGraph is a crucial time-saving tool that means your developers can do away with repetitive tasks and multiple API requests and unify your application network under a simple schema.
3) Simplifying your project development with MuleSoft Composer
Our third MuleSoft best practice is identifying ways to simplify your project development processes using MuleSoft Composer.
MuleSoft Composer is a time-saving tool for IT teams and small businesses that removes the need to code altogether. Using Composer, you can integrate apps and data without having to hit a single key.
You start by setting up new workflows that outline the processes you want to automate or integrate. Then, in just a few clicks, you can convert the logic paths into a fully-fledged programme by accessing ready-to-use APIs (application programming interfaces). Best of all, MuleSoft Composer ensures you still use optimised and secure tools for the job.
MuleSoft Composer for Salesforce is available via the Salesforce UI and is coming to the Anypoint Platform in the coming months. Composer is currently available for Netsuite, Workday, Google Sheets, and Slack with further connections launching for Zuora, Stripe, Gmail and more soon.
4) Using Runtime Fabric for cloud computing
Cloud computing allows businesses to work flexibly and scale easily, but it’s not a silver bullet for every problem. Businesses can retain more control over their security by keeping data in-house. That’s why our fourth MuleSoft best practice is using Anypoint Runtime Fabric to modernise your IT infrastructure.
Anypoint Runtime Fabric is replacing the Anypoint platform’s current architecture, so you must prepare to update your IT infrastructure soon. Runtime Fabric allows you to integrate on-site data centres with public or private cloud providers so you can share data across your organisation more strategically. With Runtime fabric, you can help staff work remotely, link operations across multiple sites and improve your customer experience.
5) Leveraging Customer 360 for more business insight
MuleSoft is a powerful tool that can modernise your IT equipment and help you remove bottlenecks across your business, but MuleSoft works best with other Salesforce solutions. That’s why our final MuleSoft best practice is to unleash the full potential of MuleSoft in your organisation.
Salesforce is the world’s leading CRM platform, offering businesses a complete view of their customers and their needs. MuleSoft accelerates your Customer 360 view with every additional integration, acting as the bridge to the entire Salesforce ecosystem.
With every department able to communicate better via MuleSoft APIs, your business can gain new insights into your customers, break down time-consuming information silos and pursue more valuable opportunities. Instead, you can focus on building a more efficient team, data-driven strategy and impactful customer experience.
Be ready for 2022 with our MuleSoft best practices
MuleSoft’s API approach enables you to use scalable and secure tools for businesses to integrate their departments and data, but you must keep up to date with the platform as it evolves.
MuleSoft gives you a growing collection of features to manage your business under one system and break down barriers to your growth. Yet, its full power comes from a strong business vision and intelligent usage.
We’ve run down five of our top picks for MuleSoft best practices to help you implement the full capabilities of MuleSoft in your business, from removing the need for code to strategically integrating with the cloud. Consider where you can apply them in your business and enter 2022’s business world leveraging data and enhanced connectivity.
Go even further with a MuleSoft partner
makepositive is a recognised MuleSoft partner with a dedicated team of platform experts. Whether you’re looking to keep up to date with the latest features or uncover new areas to integrate your business, makepositive can help you implement MuleSoft with custom solutions and specialist advice.
Get in touch with us at [email protected] and learn where MuleSoft and other Salesforce solutions can take your business into 2022.
