Make the system decisions before they become expensive changes.
A staffing workflow can cross Salesforce, an ATS, payroll, documents and several teams. Architecture work clarifies what belongs where, which information must travel, and how the process behaves when something goes wrong.
Worker details exist in both the ATS and Salesforce. A placement changes in one system while a downstream process uses the other. The first decision is which system owns each field and event—not which integration tool to buy.
Example: Salesforce, ATS and payroll responsibilities
Salesforce
Commercial activity
Client and assignment references → ATS
ATS
Recruiting records
Reviewed worker and assignment references → payroll
Payroll
Pay calculations
Reconciliation exceptions → operations owner
A worked decision
Choose the handoff the operation can support.
Example: a weekly payroll handoff
Question
Where should a reviewed time submission be handed off?
Decision
Keep review in Salesforce and introduce a controlled, versioned export of approved submissions for the existing payroll import. Record batch identity, export time and reconciliation outcome.
Why this option
The weekly cadence does not require live synchronization. This preserves the current payroll boundary while making the handoff and unresolved exceptions visible.
Tradeoffs
A named operator still imports and reconciles each batch. Export access and retained files require explicit controls; amended submissions need a correction process.
Read the assumptions, alternatives and checks
Assumptions
A small agency reviews weekly submissions in Salesforce. Its payroll system accepts an approved file import. The finance owner permits only reviewed records and can reconcile the weekly batch.
Alternatives considered
Continuing an untracked spreadsheet handoff keeps ambiguity. A supported connector could reduce manual effort but adds license and operating dependencies. A custom live integration adds failure handling and maintenance beyond the stated freshness need.
Acceptance evidence
Rehearse an ordinary batch, a rejected row, a corrected submission and a repeated import with fictional data. Confirm totals, identifiers, allowed recipients and recovery without duplicate payroll effects.
Revisit when
Volume exceeds operator capacity, faster updates become necessary, the payroll interface changes, or reconciliation cannot reliably resolve corrections.
What you receive
A decision your team can act on.
A workflow and data-boundary map with explicit sources of truth
Decision records explaining options, constraints and the chosen approach
A phased recommendation with dependencies and acceptance criteria
What we need from your team
A current process walkthrough, system inventory and representative exceptions
Existing object relationships, automation and integration responsibilities
Operational and technical owners who can resolve competing requirements
We agree priorities, access and acceptance with your team before making changes.
What decision is holding the work up?
Tell us which systems are involved and the choice your team cannot yet make. Leave sensitive records and credentials out of the inquiry.