Introduction to HubSpot Salesforce Integration Sync Errors
You’ve set up your HubSpot Salesforce integration, selected your sync triggers, and are ready to go. But what happens next?
While the HubSpot Salesforce integration typically operates smoothly, occasional issues can arise. One of the most common challenges users face is sync errors—when field values or types prevent records from properly synchronizing between HubSpot and Salesforce.
Many organizations encounter these issues and disregard them, either due to uncertainty about how to address sync errors or a misconception that they aren’t significant. However, even a single sync issue can prevent numerous records from properly synchronizing between platforms, potentially hampering team performance and negatively impacting user experience.
Fortunately, there are only 8 types of sync errors in the HubSpot Salesforce integration. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll examine each type and provide solutions for resolving them effectively.
The 8 Types of HubSpot Salesforce Integration Sync Errors
1. Association Sync Errors
Association sync errors occur when a Salesforce record attempts to sync with a record that hasn’t yet synchronized to HubSpot, or when the record being associated has reached HubSpot’s association limit.
For example, if a contact associated with an account in Salesforce encounters synchronization issues because the Salesforce record isn’t syncing through to HubSpot, you can resolve this by performing a force sync.
If you’re encountering the second scenario—hitting HubSpot’s association limit—you’re likely using custom objects, which have lower record limits in HubSpot compared to Salesforce.
2. Custom Code Errors
Custom code errors result from automations, Apex triggers, flows, or validation rules in Salesforce. Resolving these typically requires assistance from your Salesforce administrator.
The most frequent custom code error is a Salesforce validation rule requiring a value for a specific field.
3. Duplicate Errors
While duplicate data represents one of the most significant challenges when synchronizing HubSpot and Salesforce, not all duplicate data causes synchronization errors.
Duplicate records increase your record volume, potentially raising costs and affecting reporting accuracy, but they don’t necessarily disrupt data synchronization between platforms.
However, duplicate records can cause sync errors that prevent data flow between platforms because HubSpot and Salesforce have different record requirements. For instance, Salesforce permits multiple leads with identical email addresses, while HubSpot creates just one contact per email address. In such scenarios, HubSpot only maintains the most recently updated record from Salesforce.
4. Permission Sync Errors
Unlike errors resulting from problematic data, permission sync errors occur when users lack necessary permissions to access fields or objects in Salesforce.
Another common scenario involves mismatches between record owners in Salesforce and HubSpot. While Salesforce allows inactive users (such as former employees) to remain as owners, HubSpot doesn’t synchronize with inactive users. Consequently, you’ll need to reassign accounts, contacts, and leads previously owned by departed team members.
5. Picklist Errors
This represents the most common sync error type in the HubSpot Salesforce integration. Picklist errors happen when field values differ between HubSpot and Salesforce. You might encounter mismatched picklist values between systems, a picklist that has reached its value limit, or invalid values.
6. Property Mapping Errors
Several factors can cause property mapping errors:
- Mismatched or incompatible property and field types between HubSpot and Salesforce
- Properties or fields that no longer exist
- Salesforce reference fields that still need creation before syncing to HubSpot
7. Property Value Errors
These errors occur when property values are incompatible with the integration or invalid. A typical example is contact ownership assigned to a queue in Salesforce, which HubSpot doesn’t support.
Another common instance involves invalid email addresses in records.
8. Other Sync Errors
“Other sync errors” serves as a catchall category for synchronization issues that don’t fit the previous classifications. Resolving these often requires assistance from your Salesforce administrator.
These errors typically relate to customizations within your Salesforce account for which HubSpot lacks standardized solutions.
How to Resolve HubSpot Salesforce Integration Sync Errors
Understanding error types is helpful, but knowing how to address them is crucial.
The first step in preventing and detecting issues promptly is configuring your sync error notifications. To do this:
- Navigate to the Marketplace icon in your HubSpot account
- Select “Connected apps” from the Manage menu
- Choose Salesforce
- Visit the “Sync health” tab
Under “Sync errors,” you’ll find options to manage notifications, with choices between instant, daily, or weekly alerts about synchronization issues. For optimal monitoring, daily check-ins are recommended to prevent problems from escalating.
The Sync health tab displays the eight types of sync errors you might encounter, indicating how many errors each type has generated and how many records are affected. Each error type presents information specific to its case. To address individual errors, click on the respective card and follow the provided instructions before re-synchronizing.
For comprehensive understanding, consider exploring specialized training that includes dedicated modules on identifying and addressing all eight types of HubSpot Salesforce sync errors, equipping your team with the tools needed for successful integration management.