Context of the Requirement:Universal Containers wants to pull in real-time order status data from an external ERP system into an LLM prompt.
Data Grounding in LLM Prompts:Data grounding ensures the Large Language Model has access to the most current and relevant information. In Salesforce, one recommended approach is to use External Objects (via Salesforce Connect) when data resides outside of Salesforce.
Why External Object Record Merge Fields:
External Objects appear much like standard or custom objects but map to tables in external systems.
You can reference fields from these External Objects in merge fields, allowing real-time data retrieval from the external ERP system without storing that data natively in Salesforce.
This is a simpler “point-and-reference” approach compared to coding custom Apex or configuring external services for direct prompt embedding.
Why Not External Services Merge Fields or Apex Merge Fields:
External Services Merge Fields typically leverage flows or external service definitions. While feasible, it is more about orchestrating or invoking external services for automation (e.g., Flow). It’s not the standard approach for seamlessly referencing external record data in prompt merges.
Apex Merge Fields would imply custom Apex code controlling the prompt insertion. While possible, it’s less “clicks not code” friendly and is not the default method for referencing typical record data.
References and Study Resources:
Salesforce Help & Training → Salesforce Connect and External Objects
Salesforce Trailhead → “Integrate External Data with Salesforce Connect”
Salesforce Agentforce Specialist Study Resources (documentation regarding how to ground LLM prompts using External Objects)
