What is Geocoding? 

Geocoding in Salesforce is the process of assigning latitude and longitude coordinates to chosen records within the system. When geocoding is enabled, the system attempts to match addresses to geographic coordinates. Salesforce can automatically add geocodes to your accounts, contacts, and leads via data integration rules. Ascendix Search extends this functionality to custom objects using Google APIs. 

Enable Geocoding for Selected Objects 

Before activating geocoding settings, follow these steps: 

1. Go to Object Manager.
2. Select the objects that need to be geocoded. 

      3. Check the box next to the Geocode button for each object. 

      4. Click the Geocode button. 

      5. From the dropdown menu, map fields accordingly. 

      6. Click Ok button to save your configurations. 

Geocoding Settings and Explanations 

Enable Geocoding – enables Geocoding feature in Ascendix Search. Move the slider on the right side to activate this functionality. 

Google Maps Geocoding API Key – it is required to integrate geocoding functionality in your organization. This key allows the system to fetch geolocation data for records. Users must obtain and enter a valid API key in the configuration panel. 

Get a Key – this button provides a direct link to obtain a Google Maps API key. Clicking this button redirects users to Google’s API management portal, where you can generate and configure an API key for use in your organization. 

Notify on Errors – this field allows users to specify an email address to receive notifications in case of geocoding failures. If an issue occurs during the geocoding process, such as an invalid API key or exceeded quota, an error message will be sent to the designated email address. 

Enable Updating Geocode of Existing Records - this setting ensures that records with existing geolocation data can be updated if changes are detected. When enabled, the system automatically refreshes geocode values for records based on modifications or corrections. 

Daily Update Limit - defines the maximum number of records that can be processed for geolocation updates within a 24-hour period. This limit ensures system stability and prevents overload by controlling the number of processed records. The system will process records up to the defined daily limit. If the number of records exceeds the limit, the remaining records will be queued for processing on subsequent days. 

Reset Execution Timestamp - resets the system’s memory of the last job execution time. This allows a fresh job run, processing all relevant records as if it were the first execution. By default, the system only processes records modified or created after the last execution. If older records need to be reprocessed, this button must be used before scheduling a new job. Resetting the timestamp ensures that all records (not just newly added or modified ones) are considered. 

Execution steps:

1. Click Reset Execution Timestamp to clear the last execution timestamp. 
2. Click Set a Scheduled Job to start a fresh processing cycle. 
3. Click Save button to save changes. 

Set a Scheduled Job - is used to initiate a background process (job) that updates records based on specified criteria. It processes records that need updates (e.g., adding geolocation data to records without it). It considers only new or modified records since the last execution. The process follows the configured batch limit (e.g., if the batch limit is 10,000, it processes 10,000 records per execution cycle). The system automatically schedules subsequent runs if necessary, until all records are processed. 

Steps to Use: 

1. Ensure the required configurations (e.g., enabling geolocation for properties) are set. 
2. Enter the batch limit in the configuration panel. 
3. Click Save to store settings. 
4. Click Set a Scheduled Job to start processing.