Salesforce Data Lifecycle Management: 5 Takeaways for a Leaner, Meaner Org

With data flowing faster and more abundantly through Salesforce than ever, having a Data Lifecycle Management (DLM) strategy isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential. Our new guide, Salesforce Data Roadmap: Optimizing Data at Every Stage in its Journey, goes deep into this process, but here’s a look at some of the top takeaways on managing your Salesforce data more effectively.

1. Data Lifecycle Management (DLM) is a Growth Enabler

A sound DLM strategy supports business growth by ensuring data is efficiently managed, accessible, and compliant, enabling better decision-making, reducing costs, and unlocking insights that drive innovation and scalability. Conversely, when data isn’t effectively managed, your organization may face challenges like:

• Reduced Efficiency: Data bloat and poor structure slow down operations and make it difficult for teams to access what they need.
• Higher Costs: Unmanaged data increases storage expenses and compliance risks, with non-compliance fines averaging $5.9 million per event.
• Lost Opportunities: Scattered, inaccessible data limits customer understanding, ultimately holding back growth.

2. Each Stage of the Data Lifecycle Is Important

An effective DLM approach has four critical stages that, when managed well, support everything from daily operations to AI initiatives.

• Storage: At this stage, your focus should be on minimizing data loss and maintaining data integrity. 
• Usage: Ensure the right people can access the right data at the right time. Following best practices, like “least privilege” access, safeguards productivity while reducing security risks. 
• Archival: As data ages, it may no longer need to be active but can still provide value in storage. Archiving this data frees up system resources, reduces costs, and maintains compliance. 
• Destruction: Purge data that no longer serves the business. This step reduces storage clutter, lowers compliance risks, and keeps your datasets “lean” for AI models to work more efficiently.

3. Patchwork DLM Can be Risky

Many companies take an ad hoc approach to data management, adding solutions as problems arise. But piecing together a strategy often leads to fragmented data, inconsistent protection, and costly compliance issues. A unified, proactive DLM strategy sets a strong foundation for data security and business insights, so start with a cohesive plan that addresses each lifecycle stage from the beginning.

4. DLM Can Support AI Initiatives

From ensuring data availability and quality to keeping data lean and relevant, each DLM stage plays a role in AI effectiveness. For AI models like Agentforce to generate accurate, actionable insights, they need clean, well-organized datasets and access to historical data trends. That’s why prioritizing DLM today will pay off for organizations looking to leverage AI to its fullest potential tomorrow.

5.  Invest in Technology and Partnerships that Support Each DLM Stage

Implementing effective DLM requires more than just policies—it requires the right tools. Look for solutions and vendors that help you protect, manage, and activate your Salesforce data across each stage of its lifecycle in order to maximize your investment in the platform. 

Ready to Optimize Your Salesforce Data Strategy?

When it comes to partners, look no further than Own and Coastal to help you unlock the full potential of your Salesforce data. Start by aligning technology and stakeholders with Coastal’s True North Roadmap—a strategic plan designed to drive meaningful business outcomes. Then, explore how Own’s lifecycle management solution optimizes your Salesforce data at every stage of its lifecycle.

By partnering with Own and Coastal, your organization can get the most out of your Salesforce investment while making sure your data is resilient, scalable, and ready for whatever business needs arise. Whether it’s reducing storage costs, supporting compliance, or preparing data for AI—effective DLM can transform your Salesforce data into a strategic asset that drives growth.

Download Salesforce Data Roadmap: Optimizing Data at Every Stage in its Journey to learn more.