Terry’s Tips: Salesforce 2019 Winter Release Highlights You Will Love

The Salesforce Winter ‘19 Release is here! Have you had a chance to try out its new features? I have and am excited to share with you my favorite highlights. These help you work better and smarter.

1. Enhancements to JavaScript Buttons in the Lightning Experience Configuration Converter

Back in the days of the Classic interface, we used to use URL hacking, or JavaScript Buttons to automate things like Pre-populate field when creating new records. When Lightning came, we lost this ability. Lightning Actions filled some of the gap but not quite all. With the Winter ’19 Release, this converter creates code in a Lightning friendly and security approved way.  Go to:  https://lightning-configuration.salesforce.com/ to get started.

2. Change Your View With Display Density Settings

Now you can view more information even on smaller screens.  When Winter ’19 goes live, users now have a choice between a “Comfy” or “Compact” settings. The latter is able to fit 30% more fields for each page and looks similar to Classic format, allowing users to see more information at a glance. Go to: https://goo.gl/nUzwCN to know which editions this option is available in.

3. Find the Data You Need in a Jiffy With List View Search

Need to find a key piece of data pronto? Now it’s easier with the addition of the List View Search Bar. Boost productivity even further by using the keyboard shortcut g+f to select the search bar. Note that certain fields such as formula fields, lookup fields and picklists aren’t searchable. You will know which ones aren’t searchable through the tooltip that appears when you select the search bar.  Read through this article to know more: https://goo.gl/4iML5A

4. Clean Your Slate with the Close All Tabs Keyboard Shortcut

If you’re using the Console view, it’s easy to end up with lots of tabs as you open new records.  Now you have an easy way to close them.  The Shift+w keyboard shortcut is a simple but very helpful addition to the Salesforce Winter ’19 Release.  The screen below will appear for you to confirm your intent. It will help you work more efficiently and clear the clutter from your digital workspace. See here: https://goo.gl/4iML5A

5. Include Reminders with Task Quick Actions

This felt like a big miss when Lightning was introduced but they have now added this important functionality. This new feature allows us to once again make sure our users never forget important tasks!  This is simple to implement.  Go to Setup and use the Quick Search to open Global Actions.  Click the Layout link next to New Tasks and then drag the Set Reminder field to the layout.  Save the layout and you’re done.  Reminders will now be available for users to set. See it in action: https://goo.gl/zaUzhg

6. Edit Joined Reports with Lightning Report Builder (Beta)

It has taken a while to catch up with Lightning, but from Winter ’19 it’s now possible to fully view and edit Joined Reports with the Lightning report builder and with more run page functionality. BUT, you must first enable this feature.  Go to Setup and in the Quick Find, search for and select Reports and Dashboard Settings.  Check the Enable Lightning Joined Reports (Beta) checkbox, and then click Save.  Note: this does not mean you can create Joined Reports in Lightning.  Hopefully we’ll get that feature soon. More details here: https://goo.gl/gECZH2

7. Add Up to 50 Values to Each Dashboard Filter

Dashboards shine the light on business data. Previously, the system only allowed 10 distinct values to a dashboard filter, which was pretty limiting. With the new release you can now add a maximum of 50 distinct values to each dashboard filter. For example, you could filter data by all 50 states, a huge boost for companies! See it in action here: https://goo.gl/7dgRnK

8. Set Decimal Precision in Dashboard Charts and Tables

It may be a simple fix, but getting the wrong decimal placement could be a source of confusion or worse, invalidate your data. Because 15.11 is more than 15 and the difference between 50%, 50.1%, and 50.10001% can sometimes matter. More information at: https://goo.gl/rTid3A

9. Flow Screen Component: More Input Types and Dependent Picklists

New screen components provide more options and control over data input when building a Flow. Capture more specific inputs such as telephone numbers, addresses and names, and build on the advantage of your organization’s field dependencies to display Dependent Picklists.  Here’s a list of the new options:

• Display Dependent Picklist fields
• Name field
• Toggle on/off switch
• Numeric slider
• Email field
• Phone number field
• URL field

Know more about each option here: https://goo.gl/Ey97em

10. Check a Field’s References Before You Edit It (Pilot)

This feature lets you know the potential impact of changes to fields by allowing you to see where it’s being used, such as in a formula or report. You can also let others who use the field know of changes to a formula or another context. One downside to this feature, is that it’s in Pilot which means you have to contact Salesforce Support to request it.  Once enabled, you’ll see a “Where is this used?” button on your custom field screens.

See it in action here: https://goo.gl/eVCPvX

As you can see, the new functionalities are aimed at delivering more connected customer experiences to help your teams build better relationships. Can’t wait for you to dive in to the new features from the Salesforce Winter ’19 Release!

Here’s to your continued success in managing and growing your organization using the world’s No. 1 CRM.

Do you have your own favorite new features from the Winter ’19 Release? Let’s hear it in the comments!