Navigate the Plans Tab in Designer
Learning Objectives
After completing this unit, you’ll be able to:
- Describe the core functionalities of the Plans tab in Salesforce Spiff Designer.
- Organize plans in Salesforce Spiff Designer.
Now that you know how to create plans and assign users, let’s explore the core functionalities of the Plans tab in Spiff Designer. The Plans tab is the primary place to manage commission plans. It allows you to efficiently organize and oversee all related components.
Manage and Archive Plans
The Plans tab panel provides a comprehensive overview of all created entities, such as Plans, Worksheets, Datasheets, Lookup Tables, Range Tables, Quota Tables, and Folders. A distinct icon and color accompany each element, so you can find what you need quickly.
From the panel menu you can perform the following actions.
Create new elements: Use the three-dot-menu next to the search bar to create new plans, worksheets, datasheets, lookup tables, quota tables, and folders.
Manage plan elements: Click the three dots next to an existing plan to create new elements within the plan (for example, worksheets, datasheets, and so on), and rename, copy, or delete the plan.
Archive plans: The Plans tab in Designer includes an option to archive plans, which helps you manage and remove outdated or unused plans. We cover the archiving process and its implications in more detail in later units.
Deleting Plans
While Salesforce Spiff allows you to delete a plan, we recommend using effective dating and archiving for plans instead, as it provides better control over plan versions without losing historical data.
To delete a plan from Salesforce Spiff:
- Select the three-dot icon
next to the plan.
- Click Delete Plan.
Keep in mind that deleting a plan doesn't remove its associated payout rules. These rules remain available in the system for future use, preserving their original payout amounts.
Plans and Components
Salesforce Spiff Designer provides flexibility in how you structure and organize your plans and associated components.
Organize Plans
The Plans tab lists groups of sales representatives who are compensated in a similar way. Each plan can contain multiple rules, which define specific types of commission payouts, as well as other components such as datasheets, worksheets, quota tables, and more. Without proper organization, managing these elements can quickly become overwhelming.
Organize Components
For each plan, you can create folders to organize related rules and their components. Within each folder, you can group related datasheets, worksheets, or tables for easy access.
If you need to move an element, Designer allows you to simply drag it to the desired location. Components like quota tables, which are used across multiple plans, can be placed outside a specific folder structure for broader use.
Customize Your Structure
The top-level folder structure also enables you to manage elements not tied to specific plans. You can create folders for various purposes, such as archiving old plans, managing hidden rules, or storing common worksheets and datasheets. This approach ensures consistency and efficiency across multiple plans, allowing you to maintain a structured and customizable environment that suits your workflow.
Flexible Organization
Designer is designed to accommodate your specific organizational preferences. Whether you follow the structure outlined here or create a unique system, using folders and clear naming conventions help maintain an orderly and intuitive workspace for your users.
In the next unit, you learn how to use the Plans page to enhance your plan management.