Tracking API usage in Salesforce is a cornerstone of effective system management. By monitoring API consumption, organizations can ensure optimal performance, identify potential bottlenecks, and fully harness the platform’s capabilities to drive productivity and cost-efficiency.

This guide dives into the step-by-step process of monitoring API activity, emphasizing its critical role in resource allocation, security compliance, and operational scalability. We’ll explore actionable strategies to interpret usage data, implement best practices, and leverage insights to streamline workflows and avoid overage limits.

Let’s explore how to master this essential practice and transform raw data into strategic advantages.

What is Managing API Calls in Salesforce?

In Salesforce, API calls are requests sent to Salesforce servers to execute operations such as data retrieval, creation, or updates. These calls act as a bridge between Salesforce and external systems, enabling seamless integration and functionality.

High API call volumes can substantially affect Salesforce instance performance. Unmonitored or excessive API consumption may result in resource bottlenecks, slower response times, and potential disruptions to critical workflows.

By monitoring and analyzing API usage, administrators can proactively manage system resources, optimize performance, and prevent operational issues before they escalate.

How to Generate API Usage Reports in Salesforce: A 5-Step Guide

Tracking API usage in Salesforce is critical for maintaining system health and optimizing performance. While the simplest method involves checking recent activity in Lightning (24-hour coverage), detailed analysis requires switching to Salesforce Classic for 7-day reports. 

These insights help identify call patterns, frequency, and types to preempt bottlenecks. 

Below is a structured approach to generating API usage reports and enhancing monitoring capabilities:

Step 1: Navigate to Setup

Sign in to your Salesforce account, then click the Gear icon in the top-right corner to open the Setup menu.

Step 2: Navigate to System Overview

Go to the "Home" section in Setup, type "System Overview" in the search bar, and select it. This opens a dashboard showcasing essential metrics, including API usage data.

Step 3: View API Requests from the Past 24 Hours

The "System Overview" page shows various metrics, including the "API Usage" section, which offers a detailed summary of API requests made in the past 24 hours.

Step 4: Review API Usage Data for the Last 7 Days

To access API usage data for a period longer than 24 hours, switch to Salesforce Classic. This allows you to view the API Usage Report, which provides details on API calls made over the past seven days. To switch, click your profile avatar in the top-right corner and choose “Switch to Salesforce Classic” from the dropdown menu.

Step 5: Open API Usage Reports

In Salesforce Classic, click the “Reports” tab on the left sidebar, then locate and open the “Administrative Reports” folder.

Once the "Administrative Reports" folder opens, locate the "API Usage Last 7 Days" report in the list. Click on it to access a detailed overview of API calls made during the past week.

Best Practices for Optimizing Salesforce Performance

Optimizing Salesforce performance requires strategic API monitoring and consumption reduction. Below are actionable strategies to enhance efficiency:

1. Adopt Batch Processing : Bundle operations into batches instead of individual API calls to minimize consumption and improve efficiency.

2. Utilize Data Compression : Compress API payloads using techniques like gzip to reduce data transfer size and optimize bandwidth usage.

3. Enable API Throttling : Limit request rates per source to prevent system overload and ensure equitable resource distribution.

4. Audit Integration Designs: Regularly review integrations to eliminate redundant API calls and align workflows with current business needs.

Conclusion

Monitoring API usage transcends technical oversight—it’s a strategic necessity for maintaining Salesforce instance health and operational efficiency. But what if you could optimize functionality and reduce API consumption?

Superjoin integrates seamlessly with Salesforce, offering more than just monitoring: it revolutionizes data management by consolidating workflows into a unified platform. Replace multiple APIs with a single streamlined solution to minimize complexity and maximize performance.

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