Advanced DataSource
Last updated
Last updated
The Advanced DataSource allows you to retrieve and display data from external servers alongside Salesforce data. By leveraging custom Apex Classes or Flows to fetch data, this feature offers greater flexibility and diverse data access compared to internal DataSources. It enables the integration of Salesforce data with external systems, providing a unified view in the List while supporting complex business logic and data transformations.
For instance, if you want to display real-time inventory data from an external server, you can write a REST API call in an Apex Class and specify it as the Advanced DataSource, enabling the data to be displayed in the List.
Multiple DataSources can be configured and used simultaneously.
What is Key?
A Key is a common field used to merge data from the DataSource into the List. It ensures proper integration by linking data from the external DataSource with the List records.
Apex Class Advanced DataSource Setup
To configure an Advanced DataSource with an Apex Class, you must first create the Apex Class. Implement the SBLD.DataSourceService.Fetchable interface provided by the SmallBuilder Lists package in the Apex Class you want to use.
Learn more about writing Apex Classes >
Search for and select the target Apex Class.
Configure the following attributes:
1
Active
Enable the DataSource. If not activated, it will not function during List configuration.
2
Description
Add a description for the DataSource.
3
Key Field
Select a field in the Listβs object that shares a common value with the key set in the Apex Class.
βοΈ
4
Parameters
If the Apex Class requires field values from the Listβs object, select and map those fields to be passed as parameters to the Apex Class.
βοΈ
Search for and select the target Flow.
Configure the following attributes:
1
Active
Enable the DataSource. If not activated, it will not function during List configuration.
2
Description
Add a description for the DataSource.
3
Input Variable
βοΈ
4
Output Variable
βοΈ
5
Key Field
Select a field in the Listβs object that shares a common value with the output variableβs field in the Flow.
βοΈ
Click the button to add a DataSource.
Click the button to add a DataSource.
Select variables to pass data to the Flow. This step is optional if no parameters are needed. π‘ The options displayed are the input variables (marked as βAvailable for inputβ) defined in the Flow.
Select variables to retrieve data from the Flowβs result. π‘ The options displayed are the output variables (marked as βAvailable for outputβ) defined in the Flow.
