[SOLVED] Einstein Activity Capture Contact Sync Issues

Explore common sync issues, setup challenges, and easy fixes for better data integration.

3 min read
Updated: March 27, 2025
Sam Brashears
Written by
Sam Brashears
Einstein Activity Capture Workflow
Source: Salesforce

Introduction

Salesforce admins face challenges when linking Outlook contacts with Salesforce. Einstein Activity Capture promises ease but can be tricky to set up. Differences in licensing, permissions, and syncing can cause frustration. This guide explains the key issues and walks through practical steps to improve the integration.

Real-world Experience

Let's dive into a real-life example that highlights these challenges:

I've been trying to sync my Outlook contacts with Salesforce using Einstein Activity Capture, but the process is confusing and the sync doesn't work as expected.

— Trailblazer Community Member
source

This example shows a common problem where many users struggle to set up a smooth sync, leading to data gaps and extra work.

Einstein Activity Capture Solution

In many cases, the solution starts with double-checking settings and permissions. A common fix is to review licensing, adjust permission sets, and verify the connection between Outlook and Salesforce. Often, small misconfigurations lead to big headaches. Below are the steps needed to resolve this issue:

1

Review Licensing and Permissions

Ensure that every Salesforce user has the proper Einstein Activity Capture license. Check in Setup under Users > Permission Sets to confirm that all required permissions are active.

2

Verify Outlook Integration Settings

Open the Outlook add-in and confirm that it is enabled and correctly connected to Salesforce. Follow the guided prompts within Outlook to make sure the integration is active.

3

Test the Sync Process

Send a test email or update a contact in Outlook. Then check Salesforce to see if the contact record is updated properly. This step helps pinpoint where the breakdown occurs.

4

Monitor and Review Sync Logs

In Salesforce, navigate to the Einstein Activity Capture settings and review the sync logs. Look for errors or delays to identify further tweaks or adjustments.

Limitations to Consider

While these steps can fix many sync issues, Einstein Activity Capture still has limits. Users may experience delays during heavy use. Also, error alerts can be vague, making troubleshooting tougher over time.

Alternative Solution

It can be really frustrating when Einstein Activity Capture doesn't sync your contacts, emails, or calendar events as expected. DryMerge is a solid alternative that can help you avoid these issues. DryMerge is an AI-native app that connects directly with your Salesforce and your email accounts. It keeps your records updated by syncing emails, calendar events, and even reading key details from attachments. For example, if you've been dealing with delays or duplicate entries, DryMerge makes sure that your records in Salesforce reflect the most accurate and current information. Its AI capabilities help pick out the important details you need to stay on track.

EAC vs. DryMerge Comparison

Feature Einstein Activity Capture DryMerge
Custom Object Sync
Automatic sync to custom objects isn't supported
Emails, calendar events, and anything else can be synced to your custom objects in Salesforce
Email Attachments
Attachments are not captured or saved to Salesforce
Email attachments are captured and saved in Salesforce however you need
Multiple Email Accounts
Cannot connect to both Gmail and Outlook simultaneously
Connects to both Gmail and Outlook simultaneously
Unstructured Data Processing
Limited ability to extract and organize meaningful data from unstructured email content
AI processing of unstructured email content to extract key details and create structured records
Data Enrichment
Basic activity logging with minimal data enrichment capabilities
Intelligent enrichment that pulls contact details, action items, and key insights from communication data

By addressing these key limitations of Einstein Activity Capture, DryMerge offers a comprehensive solution that empowers your team with superior data handling capabilities. From intelligent processing of unstructured data to advanced enrichment features, DryMerge transforms your communication data into actionable insights while providing the flexibility to work with custom objects and multiple email accounts.

Tired of Einstein Activity Capture issues?

We'd love to show you how DryMerge handles emails, calendar events, and unstructured data extraction more reliably and accurately than Einstein Activity Capture.

Frequently Asked Questions