Definition
A Permission Set License (PSL) in Salesforce is a supplemental license that grants a user access to features, objects, or permissions not included in their base User License. Unlike a User License (which every user must have), Permission Set Licenses are optional and are assigned only when users need access to specific gated functionality. For example, the 'CRM Analytics Plus Permission Set License' enables Einstein Analytics features, and the 'Identity Connect Permission Set License' enables identity management capabilities. Administrators assign PSLs to users from Setup, and once assigned, the related permissions can be granted through Permission Sets.
Real-World Example
When an admin at Redwood Financial needs to streamline operations, they turn to Permission Set License to ensure the Salesforce org runs smoothly and securely. They configure Permission Set License during a scheduled maintenance window, test it in a sandbox first, and then deploy to production. The result is tighter security and a more streamlined experience for all 200 users in the org.
Why Permission Set License Matters
A Permission Set License (PSL) in Salesforce is a supplemental license that grants a user access to features, objects, or permissions not included in their base User License. Unlike a User License (which every user must have), Permission Set Licenses are optional and are assigned only when users need access to specific gated functionality. For example, the 'CRM Analytics Plus Permission Set License' enables Einstein Analytics features, and the 'Identity Connect Permission Set License' enables identity management capabilities.
Administrators assign PSLs to users from Setup, and once assigned, the related permissions can be granted through Permission Sets. The PSL itself doesn't grant the actual permissions; it just makes them available to be granted. This two-step model lets organizations purchase PSLs for the users who need specific features while keeping baseline user licenses simpler. Mature orgs track PSL assignments alongside permission set assignments to maintain clear access governance.
How Organizations Use Permission Set License
- •Apex Analytics — Assigns CRM Analytics Plus Permission Set Licenses to users who need access to Einstein Analytics features.
- •NovaScale — Tracks PSL assignments and permission set memberships together for unified access governance.
- •TerraForm Tech — Audits PSL assignments quarterly to ensure they match current user needs and licensing.