Compare the Admin and Business Analyst Roles
Learning Objectives
After completing this unit, you’ll be able to:
- Describe the Salesforce admin role.
- Describe the Salesforce business analyst role.
- Explain how the two roles are different.
Introduction
Maybe you’ve heard that Salesforce admins and Salesforce business analysts perform some of the same tasks. Or you’ve heard that in some cases, a company doesn’t have a dedicated business analyst and the admin takes on business analysis as a job function. There are multiple configurations of the two roles. So what’s the difference between them? Let’s look at them side by side to find out.
Discover Salesforce Administration
Salesforce administration is an operational role. Salesforce admins work with stakeholders to define optimal processes and customize the Salesforce Platform. They help their company’s users get the most out of Salesforce by making the platform work for the business’s unique needs. They bring innovation to life—automating business processes, creating reports and dashboards, training users, and staying on top of platform updates.
Discover Salesforce Business Analysis
Salesforce business analysis is a project-based, business-improvement role. Business analysts help businesses improve processes and efficiency in Salesforce by eliciting, documenting, and analyzing requirements around business challenges. Then they produce data-driven solutions. Think of the business analyst like an interpreter. They’re the go-to person when it comes to communication between IT and business stakeholders. Business analysts make sure everyone involved works together to achieve the best results.
Learn How the Roles Are Different
Now that you know a bit about each role, let’s compare them.
Role Type
Salesforce admin |
Salesforce business analyst |
Operational |
Project-based |
Role Summary
Salesforce admin |
Salesforce business analyst |
Admins set up users, security measures, and processes, and they maintain data on the Salesforce Platform. They are the Salesforce experts within the organization. |
Business analysts use data to plan and oversee Salesforce projects. They apply their knowledge of Salesforce capabilities and limitations to guide the business to the best solutions. And they act as interpreters between IT and business stakeholders. |
Key Tasks
Salesforce admin |
Salesforce business analyst |
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Required Skills
Salesforce admin |
Salesforce business analyst |
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Key Qualities
Salesforce admin |
Salesforce business analyst |
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Learn More About Each Role
If you’re wondering what a career as an admin or business analyst looks like, check out the Salesforce Administrator Careers page and the Salesforce Business Analyst Careers page. These pages are a good place to learn more about both roles. Also, check out the Salesforce Administrator certification, which is essential to becoming a successful admin or business analyst.