Custom object

Kernel pairs all data for all accounts in a custom object that mirrors the account, allowing you to access all insights immediately.

Creating a digital twin of your CRM

Kernel integrates with Salesforce to keep your account data clean, enriched, and up-to-date.

You can choose whether Kernel syncs directly into your Salesforce Account records or into a dedicated custom object (KernelAccount__c) that Kernel manages.

For the Custom objects, Kernel provides an unlocked package, which provides the Kernel object and associated Custom fields out of the box.

See Salesforce integration for general information about Kernel's Salesforce integration.

By default, Kernel recommends the custom object approach, as it ensures Kernel owns the enrichment and cleaning process while maintaining a 1:1 mapping between your Accounts and Kernel-managed objects. This provides maximum flexibility and minimizes risk to your production Salesforce data.

For Corporate hierarchies we also create KernelAccount__c records that you can turn into objects and link together. This way, you can have full hierarchy coverage while ensuring your CRM is clean.

Custom Object

When enabled, Kernel creates and maintains a custom object in your Salesforce org with the following properties:

• Object Name: KernelAccount__c

• Relationship: Each KernelAccount__c record is linked 1:1 with a Salesforce Account via a reference field (Account__c).

• Data Stored:

  • All account attributes are copied to the record.

  • All Kernel-enriched fields (hierarchies, cleaned attributes, deduplication tags) are written here.

• Deduplication Support: Duplicate groups are identified via Kernel_duplicate_group__c

• Hierarchy Modeling: Parent/child account links are maintained within KernelAccount__c

Hierarchy Handling

Kernel builds and maintains account hierarchies inside KernelAccount__c.

• Missing parent or child nodes can be automatically created and synced as records of KernelAccount__c. You can choose how to then create those in turn inside your CRM as accounts.

Cleaning and Deduplication

• Cleaning data is stored in KernelAccount__c.

• Duplicate groups are flagged so your team can merge or review them.

• Customers with merge permissions can take action directly in Salesforce.

• Alternatively, Kernel can provide merge lists for manual processing.

Configuration Options

• Default Mode: Sync to KernelAccount__c (recommended).

• Direct Mode: Write directly into Salesforce Accounts (optional, configurable).

• Future Extensions: Leads can be supported through a similar custom object (KernelLead__c).

Benefits of the Custom Object Approach

• Safe: Keeps Kernel enrichment separate from your core Account records.

• Flexible: Configure whether to use Accounts or custom objects per your needs.

• Transparent: Clear audit trail of which fields came from Kernel vs. Salesforce