For secure data handling, which option is preferable for validating customer orders stored in an ERP system?

Leveraging real-time API calls for verification before displaying data in Salesforce is preferable for validating customer orders stored in an ERP system because it provides the most accurate and up-to-date information before any data is presented to users. This approach ensures that the information retrieved is current, reducing the risk of displaying outdated or incorrect order details.

Real-time API calls facilitate direct communication between Salesforce and the ERP system, allowing any changes or updates in the ERP to be reflected immediately in Salesforce. This method enhances the integrity and reliability of the data displayed, as it minimizes the potential for discrepancies that can arise from stale or cached data.

In contrast to relying on data caching strategies, which may lead to using old data that hasn’t been updated, real-time API verification guarantees that users are seeing the latest order status and details. Additionally, storing direct references within Salesforce for real-time data access could complicate data management and may not always ensure that the integrity of the data is maintained. Similarly, while native data validation rules are useful for ensuring data consistency within Salesforce, they might not be as effective for validating data against an external ERP system's current information at the point of display. Thus, using real-time API calls strikes a balance between immediate accuracy and efficient data verification.