When it comes to integrating Salesforce with other platforms—whether it's your ERP, EHR, data lake, or proprietary backend—you’ll face a pivotal decision: build a custom integration tailored to your unique needs or purchase a pre-built connector from an iPaaS (Integration Platform as a Service) provider like MuleSoft, Boomi, or Workato.
While iPaaS solutions offer speed and scalability, they aren't always the best fit, especially for organizations that value tight control, lower long-term costs, and flexibility. Let’s break down when and why building your own custom Salesforce integration might be the smarter move.
Custom integrations give your dev team full control over how data flows between systems. You can optimize for exactly how your business operates, down to the field level, without trying to shoehorn your needs into a one-size-fits-all platform.
iPaaS tools often abstract these details or make them cumbersome to implement.
While iPaaS platforms promote themselves as “no-code” or “low-code,” their subscription fees add up, especially as your volume or number of connectors grows. Most charge per connector, per transaction, or per environment.
With a custom-built integration:
Over time, the ROI on a tailored integration often outpaces the convenience of plug-and-play.
For industries like healthcare, finance, and government, data compliance isn’t optional. Custom integrations allow you to:
An iPaaS provider may comply with general standards (e.g., SOC 2, HIPAA), but you’re still trusting them with your sensitive data and hoping their platform fits your legal obligations.
Custom integrations live in your codebase. That means:
If something breaks, you don’t have to decipher an abstracted UI or file a support ticket. You can diagnose and fix it directly.
Building your own integration keeps you in charge of your tech stack. You’re not tied to the roadmap or availability of a third-party provider. You decide:
This agility is especially important for companies going through rapid change, mergers, or platform migrations.
Of course, there are times when iPaaS platforms shine:
But if you're integrating Salesforce as part of a strategic system that’s central to your business model, especially with proprietary workflows or compliance requirements, custom development is often the best long-term play.
MuleSoft and other iPaaS tools are powerful. But they’re not magic. If your Salesforce integration is mission-critical, high-volume, or compliance-sensitive, a custom solution gives you the flexibility, security, and performance that off-the-shelf platforms struggle to match.
Want help deciding which route is right for your business? Let’s talk.