Configure Salesforce user permissions
Learn how to help customers set up and troubleshoot user permissions in Salesforce, including profiles, permission sets, and field-level security.
Who is this for?
This guide is designed for Customer Support Agents helping end-users troubleshoot access issues within Salesforce.
Step-by-Step Guide
Key Terms Defined (Dictionary)
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Profile | Defines the baseline permissions and access settings for a user. Every user has one profile. |
| Permission Set | A collection of settings and permissions that give users access to various tools and functions. Used to extend profile permissions. |
| Field-Level Security (FLS) | Controls whether a user can see, edit, or delete the value for a particular field on an object. |
| Sharing Rules | Automated rules that grant access to records users typically usually do not have access to. |
| CRUD Permissions | Stands for Create, Read, Update, Delete - the four basic operations users can perform on Salesforce objects. |
| Object | A database table in Salesforce that stores a specific type of information (e.g., Accounts, Contacts, Opportunities). |
Common Pitfalls & Troubleshooting
- Profile vs. Permission Set Confusion: Remember that Profiles are restrictive (baseline), while Permission Sets are additive. You cannot restrict access with a Permission Set, only grant more.
- Caching Issues: Always ask the user to clear their cache or log out/in if a permission change doesn't seem to take effect immediately.
- Login as User: Use the "Login as User" feature (if enabled) to see exactly what the user sees, which is the fastest way to verify field-level security issues.
Why Users Choose Salesforce Permissions
Salesforce's layered permission system enables precise access control that scales with security and compliance requirements. Support teams can resolve most access issues within 15-20 minutes by systematically checking each permission layer. The "Login as User" feature allows agents to verify permissions from the user's perspective, eliminating guesswork and ensuring accurate troubleshooting.
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