Building Visual Deployment Pipelines with Snapshot

Introduction

Snapshot is a robust tool that enables Salesforce Administrators and developers to visually manage deployment pipelines. With its user-friendly interface, users can efficiently move metadata, divide organizations, automate snapshots, and create reports. Snapshot also features a Workspace Manager that helps in creating and managing multiple workspaces.

Setting Up Deployment Pipelines

Moving Metadata Between Sandboxes

1. Open Snapshot and navigate to the visual deployment pipeline interface.
2. Identify the sandbox from which you want to move metadata. This is your source sandbox.
3. Identify the User Testing Organization (org) where you want to move the metadata. This is your destination.
4. Click on the source sandbox and draw a deployment arrow to connect it to the destination User Testing org.
   • This establishes a link for metadata deployment between the two.

Merging Metadata from Multiple Sandboxes

1. If there are elements in multiple sandboxes that you want to deploy to the User Testing org, connect them using deployment arrows.
2. The deployment tools are available on the arrow, while reporting tools can be found on the item.

Dividing an Organization into Two Parts

1. To split an org into two, connect the source org with two different destination orgs using deployment arrows.
2. This will allow you to divide the metadata and other elements between the two destination orgs.

Automated Snapshots and Reporting

1. To set up automated snapshots for reporting, create a new snapshot.
2. Configure the schedule for automation as per your requirements (e.g., monthly).
3. The visual metaphor of the pipeline simplifies the setup, making it intuitive and easy to use.

Workspace Manager

1. The Workspace Manager is a feature in Snapshot that allows you to create and switch between multiple workspaces effortlessly.
2. To create a new workspace, navigate to Workspace Manager and select the option to create a new workspace.
3. You can also import and export workspaces, enabling you to share them with your team members.
   • For instance, an administrator might have a complex workspace for managing metadata, while a developer might have a simpler workspace focusing on code development.

Conclusion

Snapshot is a powerful tool that streamlines the process of Salesforce administration by providing an intuitive visual interface for managing deployment pipelines. Its ability to move metadata, automate snapshots, and create custom workspaces makes it an indispensable tool for Salesforce administrators and developers.