Project Name
How Ksolves Enabled Salesforce Canvas Integration for a Node.js-Based Analytics Platform
A fast-growing analytics company offering a Node.js-based forecasting platform approached us to embed their web application directly into Salesforce. Their enterprise users relied heavily on Salesforce and found it inconvenient to switch platforms for data analysis.
The client needed a seamless integration that supported OAuth 2.0, worked with Lightning Web Components (LWC), and could be packaged for AppExchange. Our goal was to connect both platforms with a focus on user experience, security, and scalability.
The integration needed to overcome technical roadblocks related to secure authentication and embedding third-party content inside Salesforce. Maintaining a smooth user experience while ensuring compliance with AppExchange packaging standards was also critical.
- OAuth 2.0 Compatibility: The client’s authentication flow used OAuth 2.0, which introduced complexities when integrating with Salesforce Lightning Web Components (LWC), particularly around token handling and secure redirection.
- CORS & Iframe Restrictions: Standard LWC-based embedding methods triggered Cross-Origin Resource Sharing (CORS) errors and iframe sandboxing limitations, preventing the external platform from functioning smoothly within the Salesforce UI.
- User Workflow Disruption: Users were forced to switch between Salesforce and the external app, leading to productivity loss and poor user experience.
- AppExchange Scalability Requirements: To future-proof the solution and reach a broader audience, the integration needed to meet Salesforce’s packaging and compliance standards for listing on AppExchange.
To overcome these challenges, we implemented a Salesforce Canvas App-based strategy that enabled secure, scalable, and seamless integration:
- Canvas App-Based Embedding: Instead of initiating the external OAuth flow within LWC, we leveraged Salesforce Canvas to embed the application directly. This bypassed CORS limitations and provided a secure, native-like experience.
- Custom LWC Interface: A custom Lightning Web Component interface was designed to act as a container for the Canvas app, providing users with a unified and intuitive preview environment within Salesforce.
- OAuth Flow Optimization: We worked closely with the client’s engineering team to adapt their Node.js platform for Canvas-specific OAuth 2.0 handling, including Proof Key for Code Exchange (PKCE) to enhance security.
- Managed Package Development: The entire solution was packaged as a managed Salesforce app, making deployment seamless for any Salesforce org and ensuring compliance with AppExchange security and distribution requirements.
- Successful AppExchange Listing: Post-deployment, the app was successfully listed on Salesforce AppExchange, allowing the client to scale the embedded experience across multiple Salesforce customers.
The solution enabled Salesforce users to interact with the client’s analytics platform without leaving their CRM, improving workflow efficiency and reducing context switching.
- Streamlined User Workflow: Users can now access the analytics platform directly from within Salesforce, significantly improving efficiency and reducing app-switching friction.
- Secure, Seamless Authentication: The PKCE-enabled OAuth 2.0 flow within Canvas ensures a smooth and secure sign-in experience aligned with enterprise security standards.
- App Scalability via AppExchange: The managed package and AppExchange listing allow the client to roll out their solution quickly to new customers with minimal configuration.
- Reduced Developer Overhead: With Canvas handling the core embedding and auth processes, future maintenance and integration complexity were drastically reduced for both the client and their customers.
This project showcases the power of Salesforce Canvas Apps combined with collaborative backend engineering. By embedding the client’s Node.js application securely into Salesforce and packaging it for AppExchange, Ksolves delivered a user-centric, scalable solution that empowers sales teams with real-time analytics, without leaving the Salesforce workspace.
Looking to Elevate Your SaaS Offering with Seamless Salesforce Integration?
