Troubleshooting Salesforce performance and optimizing system efficiency requires a systematic approach that addresses technical, configuration, and infrastructure factors. Performance bottlenecks often stem from network latency, inefficient customizations, unoptimized data models, or excessive technical debt. The most effective strategies combine diagnostic tools like Salesforce Optimizer and Performance Assistant with proactive maintenance practices such as regular audits, code optimization, and workflow streamlining.

Key findings from the sources include:

• Diagnostic tools like Salesforce Optimizer, Lightning Inspector, and Performance Test are essential for identifying slow components and unused features [1][3][5].
• Common performance killers include unoptimized SOQL queries, excessive customizations, and legacy workflows that create technical debt [2][5][8].
• Network and infrastructure issues (bandwidth, latency, and device compatibility) account for up to 50% of performance problems in Lightning Experience [1][4].
• Proactive measures such as routine data cleanup, governor limit management, and flow architecture reviews prevent long-term degradation [3][10].

Salesforce Performance Troubleshooting and Optimization

Diagnostic Tools and Initial Assessment

Before implementing fixes, accurately diagnose performance issues using Salesforce’s built-in and third-party tools. The Salesforce Optimizer tool scans your org for unused features, inefficient configurations, and potential bottlenecks, providing a prioritized list of action items. As noted in multiple sources, this should be the first step when addressing slowdowns [2][5][6]. The Performance Test (accessed via /speedtest.jsp) measures page load times and network latency, while the Performance Assistant in Setup offers real-time insights into component-level delays [1][3].

For deeper analysis, consider these tools and techniques:

• Salesforce Optimizer: Identifies unused fields, redundant workflows, and inefficient Apex code. Run it monthly to track performance trends [2].
• Lightning Inspector (Chrome Extension): Debugs Lightning component performance by analyzing render times and server calls [5].
• Org Health Check: Flags security and performance risks, such as unoptimized sharing rules or excessive API calls [5].
• Third-party monitoring tools: Obkio and other APM (Application Performance Monitoring) solutions provide real-time network latency and bandwidth usage data, critical for diagnosing infrastructure-related slowdowns [4].

A Reddit thread highlights a practical workflow: "Run SF Optimizer, check load times of the slowest record pages, then review managed packages for conflicts" [6]. This approach ensures you address both system-level and customization-related issues.

Code and Data Optimization Strategies

Inefficient code and poorly managed data are leading causes of Salesforce slowdowns. SOQL queries, triggers, and flows that don’t adhere to governor limits or best practices can cripple performance, especially in large orgs. Sources emphasize three critical areas for optimization:

1. Query and Index Optimization - Reduce SOQL queries by consolidating multiple calls into single, selective queries. For example, use WHERE clauses to filter records client-side rather than retrieving entire datasets [2]. - Create custom indexes on frequently queried fields (e.g., Account.Name or Opportunity.CloseDate) to speed up searches. Note that Salesforce automatically indexes primary keys and foreign keys, but custom indexes may be needed for high-traffic fields [2]. - Avoid SELECT * queries; explicitly list only the fields required for the operation [9].

1. Apex and Flow Efficiency - Apex triggers: Bulkify triggers to handle up to 200 records per transaction. Non-bulkified triggers cause governor limit errors and timeouts [7]. - Flow architecture: Use Analytics 360 to scan for overly complex flows (e.g., those with >50 elements or nested loops). Prioritize asynchronous logic for non-critical operations to reduce blocking [10]. - Example: Replace synchronous record-triggered flows with queueable or future methods where possible [10]. - Error handling: Implement granular error handling in flows to avoid full-process failures. Log errors to custom objects for debugging rather than using email alerts, which add latency [10].

1. Data Management - Archive or delete unused records to reduce database bloat. Use Salesforce’s Big Objects or external storage for historical data [3]. - Regularly clean up duplicate records using tools like Salesforce Duplicate Management or third-party deduplication apps [8]. - Monitor storage usage via Setup > Storage Usage to avoid hitting limits, which can throttle performance [3].

Governor Limits and Technical Debt

• Salesforce enforces governor limits (e.g., 100 SOQL queries per transaction) to ensure multi-tenant efficiency. Exceeding these limits causes failures or slowdowns [2].
• Technical debt—such as legacy workflows, unused fields, or unoptimized validation rules—accumulates over time. Audit your org quarterly to remove deprecated components [5][8].
• Example: Replace old workflow rules with Process Builders or Flows, which are more efficient [5].

Network and Infrastructure Considerations

Network latency and device limitations account for a significant portion of performance issues, particularly in Lightning Experience. Salesforce’s technical requirements specify minimum bandwidth (10 Mbps) and supported browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari) for optimal performance [1]. However, real-world conditions often fall short.

Key Infrastructure Checks:

• Network latency: Use the Salesforce Performance Test to measure round-trip times. Latency >200ms indicates potential issues with ISP or VPN configurations [1].
• Browser and device compatibility: Lightning Experience requires modern browsers with WebAssembly support. Disable browser extensions (e.g., ad blockers) that may interfere with Salesforce scripts [1][9].
• Bandwidth throttling: During peak hours, monitor bandwidth usage via tools like Obkio. Compress large files (e.g., reports, dashboards) before sharing [4].
• CDN and caching: Enable Salesforce CDN (Content Delivery Network) to cache static resources (e.g., images, JavaScript) closer to users, reducing load times [1].

Mobile Optimization:

• Test Visualforce pages and Lightning components on real mobile devices, not just emulators. Mobile networks (3G/4G) may introduce additional latency [9].
• Minify JavaScript and CSS in custom components to reduce payload size. Avoid iframes, which slow rendering [9].

Multi-Tenant Architecture Challenges Salesforce’s shared infrastructure means your org’s performance can be affected by platform-wide issues. Check status.salesforce.com for outages or degraded services before troubleshooting locally [9]. If the issue is isolated to your org, focus on:

• Customizations: Heavy UI customizations (e.g., complex Lightning pages with multiple components) increase load times. Simplify layouts by removing unused components [3].
• Integrations: API-heavy integrations (e.g., ERP or marketing tools) can strain resources. Schedule bulk API calls during off-peak hours and use Bulk API 2.0 for large data transfers [3].