Freelance · Client side
Freelance Salesforce Architect for manufacturers
I am Fabian Kramer, a freelance Salesforce Enterprise Architect based in Cologne. I work for manufacturers on the client side: I prepare architecture decisions, set standards that apply to every implementation partner and review what gets built. The contracting party is my company FK Solution Design GmbH, billed monthly by effort.
- Client side only
- No delivery to sell
- German and English
- 8years of Salesforce
- 20+enterprise projects
- 25 · 8certifications · Architect
- DE · ENproject languages
Typical occasions
When a freelance architect pays off
An architect on the client side pays off where a partner would decide on something it earns from, or where several partners build on the same org.
Several partners on one org
Each partner builds by its own rules until automations block each other. I set up standards and an object ownership matrix that apply to all of them.
Partner governance →A decision before signing
Industry cloud or custom build, Field Service or not: I weigh the benefit against licence and follow-up costs before anyone commits.
Salesforce architecture →Licences nobody needs
Full licences are offered by default although many users do not need them. That can easily add up to six figures per year.
Make or buy and licences →Salesforce and SAP
Salesforce is never the only system. I define which system leads for customers, prices and orders and what the interfaces look like.
Integration →Releases nobody oversees
I build pipelines on GitLab, Azure DevOps, GitHub or Bitbucket, in the client’s repository, so a change of partner stays possible.
DevOps and releases →Steering a nearshore team
Teams of up to eight developers in Eastern Europe or India, with clear standards and reviews, so quality does not depend on single people.
Programme management and nearshore →
Positioning
Client-side architect or implementation partner?
Both have their place. In larger programmes they work together: the partner builds, I make sure it builds by the client’s rules.
| Positioning | Freelance architect | Implementation partner |
|---|---|---|
| Works for | the client only | the client and its own business |
| Earns from | effort for architecture and steering | the size of the delivery |
| Delivers | target picture, standards, decisions, reviews | delivery, tests, run |
| Capacity | one person | a team that can grow |
| Contract | time and materials | fixed price, deliverable or time and materials |
When which fits, in detail: Salesforce freelancer or consultancy
And how to choose the partner: How to choose a Salesforce implementation partner
Results
What you actually get
- Target picture and decision logWhich clouds, which systems lead, and why. Every decision with its reasoning on record.
- Data modelObjects, relationships and the question which data comes from the ERP.
- Standards for every partnerNaming conventions, one automation per object, test coverage and the object ownership matrix.
- ReviewsDesigns and pull requests before they go to production.
- ROI and licence calculationCalculated for the long term, with maintenance and follow-up costs, as the basis for negotiation.
- HandoverReviews and the CoE call go to an internal colleague once the process runs stable.
From my practice
My largest programme
- 5partners
- 30+developers
- 8streams
- ~3months to the standards
Five implementation partners built on the same org with more than 30 developers in eight streams. The standards for it took about three months: 80 percent were in place after the first round, the edge cases came in step by step. Later, changes were presented with lead time in the technical CoE call every two weeks, until new edge cases had almost disappeared.
Working together
How we start
- 01
30 minutes
You describe the situation, I tell you honestly whether I am the right person.
- 02
Scope
Role, duration, utilisation, start and on-site share.
- 03
Offer
A rate for exactly this role, contract with FK Solution Design GmbH.
- 04
Start
First the current state and the target picture, then standards and reviews.
Terms
By effort
Hourly or daily rate depending on role, duration and on-site share, billed monthly with a timesheet.
On site and remote
I am happy to work on site at the client. Travel belongs in the calculation.
Also through recruiters
Many projects run through staffing agencies. How I work with recruiters
Frequently asked questions
What does a freelance Salesforce architect do?
He works on the client’s side: he prepares architecture decisions and documents them, sets standards for every implementation partner and reviews designs and pull requests. The partners deliver the implementation itself.
What does a freelance Salesforce architect cost?
I quote an hourly or daily rate per request, depending on role, duration and on-site share. Billing is monthly by effort through FK Solution Design GmbH. There is no price list for every case.
Does a freelance architect replace the implementation partner?
No. For the delivery you need a team that builds, tests and runs. The architect on the client side makes sure that team builds by your rules and that you take the decisions.
Which companies and clouds do you work for?
For manufacturers in production, service, after-sales and B2B sales. Focus areas are Sales and Service Cloud, Field Service, Experience Cloud, Manufacturing Cloud, CPQ, B2B Commerce and integration with SAP.
Can I hire you through a staffing agency?
Yes. Many of my projects run through recruiters. How I work with them is on the page for recruiters.
Contact
Is someone on your side missing in your programme?
Briefly describe the situation: how many partners, which clouds, which decision is coming up. Then I tell you whether and how I can help.
Book a call (opens Microsoft Bookings in a new tab)Pick a slot in my calendar via Microsoft Bookings. Prefer to write? Use the form and I’ll get back to you.
Rather talk right away? +49 221 98656758