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
- Don’t rush—phased is better
- Train extensively before rollout
- Enable side-by-side access initially
- Celebrate early adopters
- Monitor and address issues quickly
- Keep Classic available during transition
- Focus on benefits, not features
- 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.
