How to Set up Single Sign-on in Salesforce

Are you tired of scribbling down yet another login ID and password? Switch to Single Sign-On (SSO) in Salesforce, allowing you to access numerous applications with just a single login credential.

You can eliminate the task of having to log in to each system separately. Thanks to the SSO, your system can trust another system and authorize log-in automatically. Salesforce allows OpenID Connect and SSO with Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML). 

This guide aims to provide you with the simplest steps to configure Single Sign-on in Salesforce. Scroll down to read more!

Get to Know Single Sign-On (SSO) Better

Single Sign-On (SSO) is a centralized authentication technique that enables you to access various platforms using a single set of login credentials. SSO sign-up eliminates the need of having to remember different usernames and passwords for each website or service you use within a company.

Single Sign-On is an effective solution for enterprises seeking to improve security, user experience, and productivity by streamlining authentication across numerous apps and services.

An SSO service creates an authentication token each time a user logs in, allowing the service to remember that the user has been confirmed. The user is granted access to the app after the SSO service sends the user’s authentication token to it. If the user has yet to log in, the SSO service will prompt them to do so.

Why Implement SSO in Salesforce

Having understood SSO better, let us understand why is it important to implement SSO in Salesforce:

1. Enhanced User Experience

Single Sign-On allows a user to access multiple platforms with a single set of login credentials. Users can indulge themselves with the simple login process and the elimination of having to remember multiple IDs and passwords.

2. Enhanced Security

SSO weakens the chances of your password being compromised as the whole login process is centralized. The Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) provides an additional level of security, resulting in a stronger sense of security and safety.

3. Simplifies Administration

Implementation of SSO in Salesforce allows users to manage everything centrally. For instance, when an employee leaves or joins an organization, the admin can update their access using SSO in Salesforce, instead of running from one platform to another.

4. Increases Productivity

Successful SSO implementation in Salesforce saves you time by eliminating the hassle of logging into multiple platforms. Boost your productivity by seamlessly accessing different platforms and carrying out your tasks without any hassle.

5. Cost Efficient

When you set up single sign-on in Salesforce, you save on IT-related costs. You will not have to deal with the stress of account management and password resets, hence, saving both your time and resources. 

Steps to Set Up Single Sign-On in Salesforce

Follow the steps mentioned below and seamlessly set up SSO in Salesforce:

Step 1: Gather SAML Information and Assertion Parameters

The first step requires you to gather information from your identity provider. The identity provider is the system that authorizes the login.

You will need to gather information like:

• Attribute name
• Attribute URI
• Issuer ID
• Name ID
• SAML user ID type and location
• Authentication certificate
• A request signing certificate

Step 2: Enable SAML

Once you have all the information ready, head on to the ‘Setup’ page in Salesforce.

• Type in Single Sign-on and select the ‘Single Sign-On Settings’ option that pops up.
• Click on the ‘Edit’ option and tick the check box next to the ‘SAML Enabled’ option.

Step 3: Create a SAML Single Sign-On 

Once the SAML is enabled, click on the ‘New’ option at the bottom of the page.

Step 4: Enter the Required Data

The newly displayed page consists of various fields related to SSO like name, issuer, SAML identity type, SAML identity location, service provider initiated request binding, identity provider login URL, custom logout URL, and custom error URL.

• Enter the correct information, upload an identity provider certificate, and a request signing certificate.
• Once you are satisfied with the information, click the ‘Save’ button at the top of the page.

Step 5: Share Your SAML SSO 

• Once the details have been saved, Salesforce will generate SAML endpoints for you to connect to both experience cloud sites and organizations.
• Go to the ‘Setup’ page in Salesforce and click on the ‘My Domain’ option under ‘Company Settings’ on the left panel of the page. 

• Click on the ‘Edit’ option under Authentication Configuration and select the recently generated SSO option for login.

Multiple Platforms, One Password

Organizations may improve user experience, bolster security, and expedite access control by using Single Sign-On in Salesforce.

By implementing optimal setup and best practices, SSO enables enterprises to optimize the return on their Salesforce investment and guarantees a safe and seamless user authentication process. 

Watch this space for additional ideas and best practices on maximizing your Salesforce setup for modern-day success!