Salesforce Lightning Migration: Complete Strategy Guide

Migrate from Classic to Lightning successfully with minimal business disruption.

Why Migrate

Performance: Faster page loads, modern UI components Features: Lightning only features (Einstein AI, dynamic forms, path) Support: Classic end-of-support approaching Mobile: Better responsive design Productivity: Streamlined workflows, split view, utility bar

Pre-Migration Assessment

Readiness Check: Run Lightning Experience Readiness Report in Setup Customizations: Identify Visualforce pages, custom buttons, JavaScript buttons Third-Party Apps: Verify AppExchange compatibility User Profiles: Map user types to Lightning features Training Needs: Assess skill gaps

Migration Phases

Phase 1: Planning (Weeks 1-4)

• Form migration team
• Run readiness assessment
• Inventory customizations
• Create migration timeline
• Develop communication plan

Phase 2: Sandbox Testing (Weeks 5-8)

• Enable Lightning in sandbox
• Test critical workflows
• Identify incompatibilities
• Rebuild custom components
• Update Visualforce pages

Phase 3: Pilot Program (Weeks 9-12)

• Select power users for pilot
• Enable Lightning for pilot group
• Gather feedback
• Refine configurations
• Create FAQs and documentation

Phase 4: Phased Rollout (Weeks 13-24)

• Roll out by department/team
• Provide hands-on training
• Monitor adoption metrics
• Address issues quickly
• Celebrate quick wins

Phase 5: Full Deployment

• Migrate remaining users
• Disable Classic (when ready)
• Continuous optimization
• Advanced feature adoption

Technical Considerations

Lightning Components:

• Convert Visualforce to Lightning Web Components
• Rebuild JavaScript buttons as Lightning Actions
• Update custom pages for Lightning

Page Layouts:

• Optimize for split view
• Enable dynamic forms
• Configure Lightning pages

Reports & Dashboards:

• Rebuild dashboards in Lightning
• Leverage Einstein Analytics
• Configure list views

Automation:

• Review Process Builder vs Flow
• Update hardcoded references
• Test automation thoroughly

Training Strategy

Role-Based Training:

• Sales users: Pipeline management, opportunities
• Service users: Case management, console
• Admins: Setup, customization differences
• Executives: Reporting and dashboards

Training Methods:

• Live instructor-led sessions
• Video tutorials and recordings
• Trailhead modules assignment
• Quick reference guides
• Office hours and Q&A

Change Management

Communication:

• Executive sponsorship messaging
• Regular updates to all users
• Highlight benefits specific to roles
• Address concerns proactively

Support Structure:

• Lightning champions network
• Help desk extension
• Migration microsite
• Feedback channels

Adoption Tracking:

• Usage metrics by user/team
• Feature adoption rates
• Support ticket trends
• User satisfaction surveys

Common Challenges

JavaScript Buttons: Rebuild as Lightning Actions or Quick Actions Visualforce: Modernize or wrap in Lightning Console Customizations: Reconfigure for Lightning Console Home Page Layouts: Redesign Lightning Home pages User Resistance: Address through training and champions

Lightning-Specific Features to Highlight

Path: Guide users through sales stages Kanban View: Visual pipeline management Dynamic Forms: Show/hide fields by criteria Einstein AI: Predictive lead scoring, opportunity insights Utility Bar: Persistent tools (notes, calculator) Split View: Multiple records simultaneously Activity Timeline: Chronological activity view

Performance Optimization

Lightning Pages:

• Limit components per page
• Use lazy loading
• Optimize SOQL queries
• Cache when appropriate

Custom Code:

• Review Apex performance
• Optimize triggers
• Use platform cache
• Monitor governor limits

Rollback Planning

Considerations:

• Enable switch back to Classic option
• Document rollback triggers
• Maintain Classic access during transition
• Plan for hybrid period

Success Metrics

Adoption: % users primarily in Lightning, daily active users Performance: Page load times, task completion speed Satisfaction: User surveys, NPS scores Business Impact: Time to close deals, case resolution time

Post-Migration

Continuous Improvement:

• Lightning experience dashboards
• Feature adoption campaigns
• Advanced training sessions
• Optimization reviews

Lightning-Only Features:

• Einstein features
• Flow orchestration
• Dynamic interactions
• Advanced reporting

Timeline

Small Org (under 50 users): 3-4 months Medium Org (50-500 users): 6-9 months Large Org (500+ users): 9-18 months

Budget Considerations

• Training costs
• Consultant fees (if needed)
• Component redevelopment
• Testing time
• Temporary productivity dip

Best Practices

1. Don’t rush—phased is better
2. Train extensively before rollout
3. Enable side-by-side access initially
4. Celebrate early adopters
5. Monitor and address issues quickly
6. Keep Classic available during transition
7. Focus on benefits, not features
8. Gather continuous feedback

Bottom Line

Lightning migration is inevitable. Success requires careful planning, extensive training, phased rollout, and strong change management. Start early, test thoroughly, and prioritize user adoption.