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AI-Ready Text Data
04Oct

AI-Ready Text Data

Large language models (LLMs) are powerful tools for processing text data from various sources. Common tasks include editing, summarizing, translating, and extracting text. However, one of the key challenges in utilizing LLMs effectively is ensuring that your data is AI-ready. This insight will explain what it means to have AI-Ready Text Data and present a few no-code solutions to help you achieve this. What Does AI-Ready Mean? We are surrounded by vast amounts of unstructured text data—web pages, PDFs, emails, organizational documents, and more. These unstructured documents hold valuable information, but they can be difficult to process using LLMs without proper preparation. Many users simply copy and paste text into a prompt, but this method is not always effective. Consider the following challenges: To be AI-ready, your data should be formatted in a way that LLMs can easily interpret, such as plain text or Markdown. This ensures efficient and accurate text processing. Plain Text vs. Markdown Plain text (.txt) is the most basic file type, containing only raw characters without any stylization. Markdown files (.md) are a type of plain text but include special characters to format the text, such as using asterisks for italics or bolding. LLMs are adept at processing Markdown because it provides both content and structure, enhancing the model’s ability to understand and organize information. Markdown’s simple syntax for headers, lists, and links allows LLMs to extract additional meaning from the document’s structure, leading to more accurate interpretations. Markdown is widely supported across various platforms (e.g., Slack, Discord, GitHub, Google Docs), making it a versatile option for preparing AI-ready text. Tools for AI-Ready Data Here are some essential tools to help you manage Markdown and integrate it into your LLM workflows: Recommended Tools for Managing AI-Ready Data Obsidian: Save and Store Plain Text Obsidian is a great tool for saving and organizing Markdown files. It’s a free text editor that supports plain-text workflows, making it an excellent choice for storing content extracted from PDFs or web pages. Jina AI Reader: Convert Web Pages to Markdown Jina AI Reader is an easy-to-use tool for converting web pages into Markdown. Simply add https://r.jina.ai/ before a webpage URL, and it will return the content in Markdown format. This method streamlines the process of extracting relevant text without the clutter of formatting. LlamaParse: Extract Plain Text from Documents Highly formatted documents like PDFs can present unique challenges when working with LLMs. LlamaParse, part of LlamaIndex’s suite, helps strip away formatting to focus on the content. By using LlamaParse, you can extract plain text or Markdown from documents and ensure only the relevant sections are processed. Our Thoughts Preparing text data for AI involves strategies to convert, store, and process content efficiently. While this may seem daunting at first, using the right tools will streamline your workflow and allow you to maximize the power of LLMs for your specific tasks. Tectonic is ready to assist. Contact us today. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more Top Ten Reasons Why Tectonic Loves the Cloud The Cloud is Good for Everyone – Why Tectonic loves the cloud You don’t need to worry about tracking licenses. Read more

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October 4, 2024in AI Tools, Artificial Intelligence, Data, Generative AI, Google
Discharge Planning
03Oct

Discharge Planning

Discharge planning is crucial for smoothly transitioning patients from hospital care to the next stage of their recovery. This process requires collaboration among patients, caregivers, and providers to create a personalized plan that ensures continuity of care after hospitalization. Effective discharge planning must consider the patient’s care needs, preferences, and concerns. When done well, it helps prevent readmissions and alleviates strain on both patients and hospitals. However, balancing clinical judgment with patient data can challenge care teams already burdened with heavy workloads. Jean Halpin, COO at Grant Medical Center, shared how the organization has integrated AI tools to predict discharge dates and automate parts of the discharge planning process, helping to streamline patient care. Challenges of Effective Discharge Planning Halpin emphasized that a streamlined discharge process is essential for reducing wait times and improving patient engagement. Yet, various factors influence how quickly patients are discharged, particularly in emergency rooms where delays can affect overall patient flow. “Most of the wait time we experience as patients boils down to a lengthy discharge process that isn’t effectively moving patients,” Halpin explained. “It’s a domino effect. Someone waiting in the ER for a bed is delayed because another patient hasn’t been discharged when they should have been.” To address these inefficiencies, Grant Medical Center implemented the Qventus Inpatient Solution. This tool integrates with electronic health records (EHRs) to analyze patient data—such as clinical notes, history, and labs—and provides recommendations on discharge timing. These insights have helped reduce ER wait times and improved patient flow. Integrating AI into Clinical Workflows Adopting AI in healthcare comes with integration challenges, particularly ensuring that tools enhance, rather than hinder, clinicians’ workflows. Halpin noted that the Qventus tool minimizes disruptions by seamlessly pulling EHR data to generate an estimated discharge date, allowing care teams to focus on patient care without extra administrative burdens. “As a patient’s health changes, the [discharge] date can fluctuate, but AI uses its data to predict the most accurate day based on similar cases,” Halpin explained. “The care teams can then review the date and determine whether they agree, without having to sift through records to develop their own recommendation.” Halpin also highlighted the value of AI in reducing the administrative load. Tasks like coordinating discharges to rehab facilities, ordering tests, and prescribing medication consume significant time, and automating these functions allows care teams to focus more on direct patient care. Embracing AI to Alleviate Healthcare Worker Burdens For healthcare systems adopting AI, accurately assessing its impact is critical. At Grant Medical Center, leadership is measuring success by evaluating employee satisfaction, patient outcomes, and administrative improvements—such as time and cost savings. “By improving our patient flow, we reduced unnecessary stays by nearly 1,400 days. Patients are happy to go home on time, and our care teams can focus on working at the top of their license,” said Halpin. Despite the benefits, Halpin stressed that implementing AI requires thoughtful onboarding to ensure staff are comfortable with the new tools. Training and support are key to making the transition seamless and enabling teams to see how AI can enhance their workflows. “Health system leaders should embrace advancements that help alleviate burdens for workers,” she said. “Once teams understand the tool, they can prioritize patient care while AI handles the time-consuming admin tasks.” Halpin concluded that embracing AI in discharge planning not only improves operational efficiency but also empowers healthcare teams to deliver better, more focused care. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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October 3, 2024in AI Tools, Data, Salesforce Einstein, Salesforce Health and Life Sciences Solutions, Salesforce Optimization, Technology
Sales Incentives Can Boost Morale and Performance
03Oct

Sales Incentives Can Boost Morale and Performance

Showing up to work is one thing, but bringing genuine enthusiasm to the job is another. How can you motivate your team to meet and exceed their goals? Sales incentives are a powerful tool to ignite motivation, but they aren’t one-size-fits-all. Figuring out the best structure for your team can lead to more energized, results-driven reps. In this Tectonic insight, we’ll explore different types of sales incentives, how they motivate teams, and best practices for implementing an effective incentive program that drives real results. What are Sales Incentives? Sales incentives are rewards given to sales reps, in addition to their base compensation, for exceptional performance. This often means hitting or exceeding sales targets. While financial bonuses are the most common, incentives can come in many forms, all designed to motivate specific behaviors or outcomes. Types of Sales Incentives Here are five common types of sales incentives to consider: How Sales Incentives Motivate Your Team Sales incentives help reinforce desired behaviors, offering a clear path to rewards. They provide a mutual win: your company increases sales, while reps enjoy additional rewards. Many sales professionals are naturally driven by competition, but incentives give everyone, competitive or not, something tangible to work toward. Incentives also boost employee satisfaction, reduce turnover, and show that you value hard work. This can save your organization the cost and hassle of recruiting and onboarding new talent. Sales Incentives That Actually Work While money is the most popular reward, mixing in creative incentives can add excitement to your program. Consider these options: Best Practices for Implementing Sales Incentives To create an effective sales incentive program, keep these points in mind: Measuring the Impact of Sales Incentives on Performance To assess the effectiveness of your incentive program, track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as: Sales Incentives Can Boost Morale and Performance The key to a successful sales incentive program is simplicity and transparency. By crafting a plan that’s easy to understand and aligned with your team’s motivations, you can drive better performance and improve job satisfaction at the same time. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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October 3, 2024in Data, Technology
Salesforce 2024 outage
03Oct

October 2024 Outage

On October 1st, 2024, Salesforce experienced a significant outage impacting over 80 instances, causing core services to slow to a crawl. The outage, which began around 6:30 UTC, remained unresolved over 8.5 hours later, with the root cause still unknown at that time. The outage has been particularly damaging, as Salesforce emphasizes trust as one of its core values, promoting transparency and reliability in its service delivery. While the Salesforce Trust website, which provides real-time system status updates, remained operational, some users reported difficulty accessing it when they needed outage details, adding to their frustration. This disruption has been a major blow to organizations that depend on Salesforce for essential business functions such as customer relationship management (CRM), sales pipelines, and workflow management. Key Facts About the Outage Am I Affected by the Salesforce Downtime? If you’re unsure whether your instance is affected, you can check the real-time list of impacted cases on the Salesforce Trust website. To do this, identify your organization’s instance (e.g., NA54, EU13) and compare it to the affected list. However, the Trust site itself has experienced intermittent outages during the incident. Customers have reported issues such as: If you’re encountering these problems, your Salesforce instance is likely impacted. How Salesforce is Responding Salesforce has initiated an emergency release in phases, with the first phase nearly complete. Afterward, validation checks will be performed to assess system stability. While some customers have reported that their instances have recovered, others continue to experience severe issues. Salesforce Support has provided general troubleshooting advice, such as using alternative browsers or clearing caches, but many users have found this ineffective, as the root cause lies within Salesforce’s infrastructure, not user-side configurations. What to Do Now Looking Ahead Although the root cause of the outage remains undetermined, Salesforce has committed to providing regular updates. Customers are encouraged to monitor the Salesforce Trust website and communicate with support teams. Once the cause is identified, Salesforce plans to release a detailed report on the incident and how they will prevent future occurrences. Conclusion Salesforce’s outage on October 1st has caused widespread disruption for businesses globally. While emergency updates are underway and some instances are recovering, full resolution may take time. In the meantime, staying updated and preparing for intermittent issues is critial for those who rely on Salesforce for their daily operations. Stay tuned for further updates as Salesforce continues working to restore full functionality across all affected instances. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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October 3, 2024in Salesforce
Tableau Einstein Alliance to Help Partners Drive Success in the Agent Era
03Oct

Tableau Einstein Alliance to Help Partners Drive Success in the Agent Era

Salesforce Unveils Tableau Einstein Alliance to Empower Partners in the AI-Driven Agent Era Salesforce today announced the launch of the Tableau Einstein Alliance, a new partner community designed to create and deliver AI-driven solutions and analytical agents for Tableau Einstein. Built on the Salesforce platform and integrated with Agentforce, this initiative aims to help partners accelerate success in the emerging AI landscape. Tableau Einstein Alliance to Help Partners Drive Success in the Agent Era The Tableau Einstein Alliance offers partners a range of exclusive benefits, including early access to Salesforce’s product roadmaps, in-house AI experts, marketing support, and co-selling opportunities. Through the Alliance, partners will be able to develop agents, apps, and AI-driven solutions, enabling customers to navigate the autonomous AI revolution and rapidly extract value from their data and AI investments. The Alliance is set to launch in February 2025 with 25 founding members, including Tectonic, Capgemini, Deloitte, IBM, and Slalom. Solutions developed within the Alliance will be available on both the Salesforce AppExchange and the forthcoming Tableau Marketplace, offering developers a platform to create, share, and monetize analytical assets. Why It Matters:Partner ecosystems have been crucial in advancing major technological innovations, from cloud computing to software-as-a-service. With the rise of Agentforce, building a dynamic partner community is more critical than ever to drive the next wave of AI and analytics adoption. Salesforce’s Perspective: “Tableau’s success is deeply rooted in our partners’ commitment to our customers. Now, we’re investing in the Tableau Einstein Alliance to cultivate an ecosystem of visionary and innovative partners who will integrate Agentforce into every facet of analytics. The future of data and analytics is here, and our partners are essential to this journey.”— Ryan Aytay, CEO, Tableau Industry Perspectives: “Atrium has championed the vision of unified analytics since Tableau joined the Salesforce ecosystem. We’ve seen the incredible potential of Data Cloud and Tableau Cloud together, and we’re thrilled to help bring Tableau Einstein to market. Its integrated features will offer customers unprecedented productivity.”— Chris Heineken, CEO, Atrium “Tectonic’s “Insight to Action” methodology (i2a) is directly improved by the launch of the Tableau Einstein Alliance. By utilizing automated AI-solutions to power data-driven insights, we are able to deliver additional value to our customers.”— Dan Grossnickle, Tectonic “Tableau Einstein represents the next step in Salesforce’s data platforms and generative AI products. The value for clients from these data-driven insights is immense. We’re excited to help lead the way through the Tableau Einstein Alliance.”— Jean-Marc Gaultier, Head of Group Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships, Capgemini “Deloitte has long benefited from Tableau’s capabilities, and we’re excited to see how this next iteration will further empower our teams with data to drive growth. Integrating key features into tools like Salesforce and Slack will unlock even greater potential for us.”— Moritz Schieder, Tableau Alliance Leader and Director, Deloitte Germany “IBM is eager to leverage Tableau Einstein to deliver more value to our customers, regardless of where they work. As a strategic Agentforce partner and Salesforce customer, we are excited to be part of the next generation of analytics alongside Salesforce.”— Mary Rowe, Global Head of IBM Consulting Salesforce Practice Tableau Einstein Alliance to Help Partners Drive Success in the Agent Era and Tectonic, an insights 2 actions company, is excited to be a part of the innovation. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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October 3, 2024in Data, Generative AI, Salesforce, Salesforce Development Services, Salesforce Tableau
Agentforce Unveiled
03Oct

Agentforce Unveiled

Salesforce Unveils ‘Agentforce’ to Empower a Billion AI Agents by 2025 Salesforce has introduced Agentforce, a revolutionary suite of autonomous AI agents aimed at transforming service, sales, marketing, and commerce sectors. With Agentforce, companies can rapidly scale their operations, boost efficiency, and elevate customer satisfaction by leveraging intelligent agents that handle routine tasks and complex workflows. The Agentforce Atlas Reasoning Engine powers these agents, autonomously analyzing data, making decisions, and completing tasks. This engine enables organizations to easily build, customize, and deploy their own agents using intuitive low-code tools. In addition, the Agentforce Partner Network allows customers to integrate pre-built agents from industry leaders like AWS, Google, IBM, and Workday, offering even more flexibility. Real-world impact Companies like OpenTable, Saks, and Wiley are already deploying Agentforce within their existing systems to enhance workforce capabilities and scale operations. Agentforce works autonomously, retrieving the right data on demand, building action plans, and executing them without human intervention. However, when needed, it can seamlessly hand off tasks to human employees, providing an overview of interactions, customer details, and suggested next steps. For example, Wiley has reported a 40% increase in case resolution after implementing Agentforce to handle routine inquiries. During busy seasons, like back-to-school, Agentforce has helped Wiley streamline operations, freeing up employees to handle more complex cases. Saks is also leveraging Agentforce to elevate its personalized customer experiences, empowering employees with real-time insights to deliver exceptional service. A new era of AI-driven customer success Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff is confident that Agentforce represents the third wave of AI, surpassing traditional chatbots and copilots with its fully autonomous capabilities. “Agentforce is a revolutionary and trusted solution that seamlessly integrates AI across every workflow, embedding itself deeply into the heart of the customer journey. This means anticipating needs, strengthening relationships, driving growth, and taking proactive action at every touchpoint,” Benioff said. Unlike its predecessors, Agentforce operates independently, adapting to changing conditions using real-time data. Whether responding to a customer service inquiry, qualifying sales leads, or optimizing marketing campaigns, Agentforce makes timely, relevant decisions based on an organization’s custom settings. When more human oversight is required, the platform provides detailed summaries and recommendations to assist employees in making informed decisions. Agentforce’s scalability and future Salesforce’s ambitious goal is to empower one billion AI agents by the end of 2025. This bold vision stems from the understanding that 41% of employee time is often spent on repetitive, low-impact work, according to the Salesforce Trends in AI Report. By automating these tasks, Agentforce allows employees to focus on more strategic, high-value initiatives, creating a hybrid workforce that is more effective and adaptable. Benioff noted, “While others require you to DIY your AI, Agentforce offers a fully tailored, enterprise-ready platform designed for immediate impact and scalability. Our vision is bold, and this is what AI is meant to be.” As businesses worldwide continue to explore AI’s potential, Agentforce positions Salesforce as a leader in the next wave of AI innovation, where autonomous agents enhance every facet of business operations. With over 1,000 agents already active, the future of work is a dynamic blend of human expertise and AI-powered agents, enabling organizations to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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October 3, 2024in Einstein 1 Platform, Salesforce Einstein, Salesforce Optimization
Salesforce and the Customer-Centric Dealership
03Oct

Salesforce and the Customer-Centric Dealership

Building Blocks for a Customer-Centric Dealership For a dealership to thrive, it must be truly customer-centric. As a Salesforce Implementation Partner, we at Tectonic know the key to success lies in prioritizing customer needs at every step. Growth, profitability, and market expansion come from consistently putting customers at the center of your strategies. Tectonic can help you implement Salesforce and the Customer-Centric Dealership. Customers as the Ultimate Scorekeepers Your customers are the true measure of your dealership’s success. Their evaluations extend far beyond pricing—they assess every touchpoint, from your website’s ease of use to the cleanliness of your parking lot, from your voicemail system to post-sale follow-ups. Each interaction shapes their perception. A single negative encounter, such as a poor experience with a parts associate, may not drive them away, but it certainly won’t motivate them to return. Creating positive, seamless interactions is crucial. Optimizing Customer-Centric Processes Are your processes truly serving your customers? Are they complimenting your dealership’s efficiency? Take something as routine as monthly statements. While they may be straightforward for your team, have you considered your customers’ perspectives? They may not even want a statement, or they might need quicker, more accessible responses to their inquiries. As customer expectations rise due to experiences with brands like Amazon and Starbucks, your dealership must ensure its processes meet or exceed those standards. A Customer portal like Salesforce Experience Cloud can put resources at your customers’ fingertips with the click of a button. Treating Customer Data as a Strategic Asset Customer data is one of your dealership’s most valuable assets. Yet, many dealerships struggle to fully utilize this resource. Are you effectively visualizing and leveraging your customer data? This data, gathered over years of operation, can drive strategic decision-making. To maximize its potential, it’s crucial to have a dedicated role—perhaps a Chief Data Officer—focused on managing, updating, and safeguarding this information. A well-managed data strategy unlocks insights that fuel customer-centric improvements. Letting Data Shape Your Processes With Salesforce, you can use customer data to quickly identify inefficiencies and enhance processes. Streamlined operations lead to happier customers and a more engaged team. For instance, if your manufacturer can deliver most parts within 24 hours, why maintain an overstocked inventory? By analyzing your inventory data, Salesforce can help you identify which parts are essential and which are surplus, allowing you to optimize stock levels and ensure smoother operations. Aligning your inventory with actual demand ensures your dealership functions efficiently, keeping both your customers and staff satisfied. Expert Guidance in Leveraging Salesforce for Growth Adopting a customer-centric approach and utilizing Salesforce to analyze and act on your data can transform your dealership. As your Salesforce Implementation Partner, we’re here to help you integrate these solutions to meet and exceed customer expectations while driving growth and profitability. Together, we can build a dealership that not only competes but thrives in today’s competitive market. With the future of AI, the connected car, and more; there has never been a betrter time to add Salesforce to your customer-centric tool box. Reach out to schedule an introductory call and start your journey toward a more customer-centric future. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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October 3, 2024in Data, Google, Salesforce, Salesforce Experience Cloud

Challenges of EHR Implementation in Healthcare

Challenges of EHR Implementation and How to Overcome Them Implementing an electronic health record (EHR) system is a monumental task, with complexities that require careful planning and execution. Common challenges—such as resistance to change, data migration hurdles, cost overruns, cybersecurity risks, and patient engagement issues—can impede progress. However, understanding these obstacles and applying targeted strategies can pave the way for a smooth transition. 1. Resistance to Change The adoption of a new EHR system affects nearly every workflow in a healthcare organization, often sparking resistance among staff. Fear of change and attachment to familiar processes can hinder implementation. Solution: 2. Data Migration Issues Accurate migration of patient health records is critical, yet transitioning data between systems often presents technical and logistical challenges. Solution: 3. Cost Overruns EHR implementation costs can quickly escalate, extending beyond software and hardware expenses to include consulting fees, training, and operational adjustments. Solution: 4. Heightened Cybersecurity Risks Transitioning sensitive patient data between EHR systems increases vulnerability to breaches, ransomware, and other cybersecurity threats. Solution: 5. Patient Engagement Challenges Patients are often overlooked during EHR transitions, leading to confusion about changes in medication requests, appointment scheduling, and other interactions. Solution: Conclusion EHR implementation is undoubtedly challenging, but with proactive strategies, healthcare organizations can navigate these complexities effectively. By addressing resistance to change, ensuring seamless data migration, managing costs, bolstering cybersecurity, and engaging patients, organizations can achieve a successful EHR transition that enhances workflows, safeguards data, and improves patient outcomes. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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October 3, 2024in Data, Life Sciences Cloud, Salesforce, Salesforce Health and Life Sciences Solutions, Salesforce Health Cloud
Paradigm Shifts That Changed Marketing
03Oct

Marc Benioff Interviewed

Salesforce, now one of the most influential companies in tech history, was founded by Marc Benioff after his successful tenure at Oracle. Having witnessed the potential of the internet, Benioff realized it would usher in a new era for delivering enterprise software through the cloud. However, this new approach demanded a complete overhaul of traditional business models, marketing strategies, and software development practices. Salesforce would embody this transformation, evolving over the decades into a platform supporting a diverse array of enterprise applications. Today, Salesforce’s flagship initiative is Agentforce, a pioneering wave of AI agents built on the Salesforce platform. This initiative, which I covered in detail earlier this month, exemplifies Benioff’s forward-thinking vision for AI. He passionately argues that Salesforce is well-positioned to lead in this space, and his insights on AI and its potential are as compelling as they are thought-provoking. Before diving into Agentforce and Benioff’s views on AI, it’s important to explore his early life and the founding of Salesforce. Benioff’s path to becoming the CEO of one of the most powerful software companies in the world was shaped by an early interest in technology. His first foray into software development was creating an app called “How to Juggle,” which he sold for $75 to CLOAD Magazine in Goleta, California. This early success marked the beginning of a long career in tech. Benioff went on to establish an Atari game company called Liberty Software and later wrote assembly code for the Mac as part of an internship. Despite his success as a software developer, he transitioned to a leadership role after realizing his interest in the broader business of technology. He credits his time at Oracle, where he learned the intricacies of sales, marketing, and customer communication, as critical to shaping his vision for Salesforce. Oracle, during Larry Ellison’s prime, was an ideal place to hone these business skills, which Benioff would later apply to revolutionize the enterprise software space. With this foundation, Benioff founded Salesforce, a company that has fundamentally changed the way businesses engage with technology. The company’s success lies not just in its cloud-based software, but in its ongoing evolution to address new challenges, including the AI-powered Agentforce initiative, which stands at the forefront of Salesforce’s future growth. Benioff’s journey, from a young programmer to the CEO of a global tech giant, is a testament to his visionary approach and adaptability in an ever-changing tech landscape. Marc Benioff’s early entrepreneurial instincts were evident even before he fully embraced the title of entrepreneur. From a young age, he knew he wanted to build something of his own, though he hadn’t yet honed the full set of skills needed to succeed in business. He had a knack for technology, excelling as a programmer working in assembly code, but his mentors, including university professors and colleagues at Apple, recognized that being an entrepreneur required more than just technical ability. They encouraged him to develop his sales, marketing, and business acumen. His early exposure to these lessons was pivotal in shaping his future trajectory. Benioff’s transition from a programmer to a business leader began when he sought advice from Bill Jost at Apple, who connected him with Gary Gibson, an Oracle executive. After a memorable and unexpected interview, Benioff joined Oracle, starting with a role answering calls at the company’s 800-number. He quickly moved into sales and marketing, eventually working directly with Larry Ellison, who would become a significant mentor over the next 13 years. Benioff’s success at Oracle set the stage for his eventual departure to start Salesforce in 1999. In the mid-1990s, while at Oracle, Benioff had an epiphany while using a web browser. The internet was transforming how software could be delivered, and Benioff saw the potential for a new business model based on cloud computing. At this time, Oracle was focused on the network computer—a vision Benioff did not fully share. After discussing his ideas with Larry Ellison and taking some time off for reflection and research, Benioff recognized that the world was on the cusp of a major shift in technology. He felt compelled to create something new that would leverage the internet, offering software over the web through a subscription model. During his time off, Benioff traveled to Hawaii, reflecting on the future of the tech industry and contemplating ideas. He also experimented with domain names, purchasing You.com and later gifting it to a friend who turned it into a search and AI company. Benioff returned to Larry Ellison to share his vision of a cloud-based business model and later found inspiration from spiritual gurus during a trip to India, who reminded him that success in business should also be grounded in positive values. Benioff’s experience led to the founding of Salesforce with its revolutionary 1-1-1 Model—dedicating 1% of equity, profit, and employee time to philanthropy. Salesforce also embraced emerging technologies such as social, mobile, and AI, and created a new business model through subscription-based services. This combination of technological innovation and a strong sense of social responsibility has set Salesforce apart, attracting both admiration and emulation from other companies. Benioff’s Career Benioff’s career is a testament to the power of surrounding oneself with great people, continuing to learn, and having a clear vision. His leadership at Salesforce has been guided by values he believes are crucial to the company’s success and its ability to make a positive impact on the world. His insights on the Innovator’s Dilemma, a concept popularized by Clayton Christensen, highlight the challenges companies face as they evolve with changing technologies. While Salesforce’s core principles remain intact, the company has continued to adapt to new technology paradigms, ensuring it remains at the forefront of innovation in the software industry. Marc Benioff (MB) recently shared his excitement about the future of AI and its potential to revolutionize business and technology. He explained that, from a business perspective, this is the most thrilling moment in his career. AI, according to him, will transform how enterprises operate, making them more

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October 3, 2024in Agentforce Platform, Data, Enterprise, Google, Hyperforce, Salesforce, Salesforce Data Cloud, Snowflake, Technology
What Makes a True AI Agent
03Oct

What Makes a True AI Agent

What Makes a True AI Agent? Rethinking the Pursuit of Autonomy Unpacking the Core Traits of AI Agents — And Why Foundations Matter More Than Buzzwords The tech industry is enamored with AI agents. From sales bots to autonomous systems, companies like Salesforce and HubSpot claim to offer groundbreaking AI agents. Yet, I’ve yet to encounter a truly autonomous, agentic experience built from LLMs. The market is awash with what I call “botshit,” and if the best Salesforce can do is improve slightly over a mediocre chatbot, that’s underwhelming. What Makes a True AI Agent? But here’s the critical question everyone is missing: even if we could build fully autonomous AI agents, how often would they be the best solution for users? To explore this, let’s consider travel planning through the lens of agents and assistants. This use case helps clarify what each trait of agentic behavior brings to the table and offers a framework for evaluating AI products beyond the hype. By the end of this piece, you’ll be able to decide whether AI autonomy is a worthwhile investment or a costly distraction. The Spectrum of Agentic Behavior: A Practical Framework There’s no consensus on what truly defines an AI “agent.” Instead of relying on a binary classification, I suggest adopting a spectrum framework with six key attributes from AI research. This approach is more useful in today’s landscape because: Using the example of a travel “agent,” we’ll explore how different implementations fall on this spectrum. Most real-world applications land somewhere between “basic” and “advanced” tiers across the six traits. This framework will help you make informed decisions about AI integration and communicate more effectively with both technical teams and end users. By the end, you’ll be equipped to: What Makes a True AI Agent The Building Blocks of Agentic Behavior 1. Perception The ability to sense and interpret its environment or relevant data streams. An agent with advanced perception could, for instance, notice your preference for destinations with excellent public transit and factor that into future recommendations. 2. Interactivity The ability to engage with its environment, users, and external systems. LLMs like ChatGPT have set a high bar for interactivity. However, most customer support bots struggle because they need to integrate company-specific data and backend systems, prioritizing accuracy over creativity. 3. Persistence The ability to store, maintain, and update long-term memories about users and interactions. True persistence requires systems that not only store data but also evolve with each interaction, much like how a human travel agent remembers your favorite seat on a plane. 4. Reactivity The ability to respond to changes in its environment in real time. For example, a reactive system could suggest alternative travel dates if hotel prices surge due to a local event. 5. Proactivity The ability to anticipate needs and offer relevant suggestions unprompted. True proactivity requires robust perception, persistence, and reactivity to offer timely, context-aware suggestions. 6. Autonomy The ability to operate independently and make decisions within defined parameters. Autonomy varies by the level of resource control, impact scope, and operational boundaries. For example: The more complex the task and the greater the impact of a mistake, the more safeguards and precision the system needs. Proactive Autonomy: A Future Frontier The next step is proactive autonomy — the ability to modify goals or parameters to achieve overarching objectives. While theoretically possible, this introduces new risks and complexities, bringing us closer to the scenarios seen in sci-fi, where AI systems operate beyond human control. Most companies are nowhere near this level, and prioritizing foundation work like perception and persistence is far more practical for today’s needs. Agents vs. Assistants: A Useful Distinction An AI agent demonstrates at least five of the six attributes and exhibits autonomy within its domain. An AI assistant excels in perception, interactivity, and persistence but lacks autonomy or proactivity. It primarily responds to human requests and relies on human oversight for decisions. While many AI systems today are labeled “agents,” most function more like assistants. A Roomba, for example, is closer to an agent, autonomously navigating and adapting within a predefined space. On the other hand, tools like GitHub Copilot serve as powerful assistants, enhancing user capabilities without making independent decisions. Foundations Before Flash: The Role of Data Despite all the AI buzz, few companies today have the data foundations to support meaningful agentic behavior. For instance, most customer interactions rely on nuanced, unwritten information that is hard to automate. Missing perception foundations and inadequate testing lead to the “botshit” plaguing the industry. The key is to focus on building strong foundations in perception, interactivity, and persistence before tackling full autonomy. Start with the Problem: Why User-Centric AI Wins Before chasing the dream of autonomous agents, companies should start by asking what users actually need. Many organizations would benefit more from developing reliable assistants rather than fully autonomous systems. Real user problems, like those solved by Waymo and Roomba, offer clear paths to valuable AI solutions. The Path Forward: Align Data, Systems, and User Needs When deciding where to invest in AI: By focusing on foundational pillars, companies can build AI systems that solve immediate problems, laying the groundwork for more advanced capabilities in the future. Whether you’re developing agents, assistants, or indispensable tools, aligning solutions with real user needs is the key to meaningful progress. Contact Tectonic for assistance answering the question What Makes a True AI Agent work for my business? Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has

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October 3, 2024in Data, Salesforce
Agentforce to the Team
03Oct

Supercharged Sales and Service Excellence

When sales and service teams are seamlessly aligned, organizations can transform every service interaction into a powerful opportunity to drive revenue and build customer loyalty. By delivering contextual, personalized offers at the right time, businesses can turn each customer touchpoint into a chance to solve problems, create value, and enhance engagement. With the help of real-time data and AI, we move beyond treating customer interactions as isolated events. Instead, we focus on understanding the unique needs and preferences of each customer, whether they’re reaching out for support, visiting a store, or engaging online. Every touchpoint becomes an opportunity to deliver tailored solutions, strengthen loyalty, and increase revenue. These examples are just a glimpse of the solutions we help our clients deploy. With our deep expertise in AI implementation and industry-specific insights, Tectonic is ideally positioned to guide you through activating AI agents that build on your successes. Our extensive experience across diverse sectors enables us to identify the most impactful opportunities for AI, ensuring tailored solutions that align with your business strategy. Tectonic’s proven approach ensures AI agents are deployed efficiently and effectively, driving ROI and delivering measurable results. Agentforce: Open, Extensible, and Transformative Agentforce is designed to foster smooth interactions between agents created on the platform and external agents and applications. With integration into Salesforce Data Cloud, it enables real-time data access for better, faster decision-making. Tectonic can help facilitate this interconnectivity across various channels and platforms, ensuring seamless operations. In a society that prioritizes digital, artificial intelligence is changing sales and service tactics. Adopting AI agents is crucial for business leaders to keep ahead of the competition and develop more effective and efficient methods of customer and employee support. AI agents are not just upgrades—they are transformative forces that redefine what’s possible. They empower organizations to move from envisioning possibilities to realizing a future of enhanced sales performance, streamlined operations, and unmatched customer satisfaction, all powered by AI. Salesforce’s Agentforce: Scaling Your Workforce with Autonomous AI Agents Agentforce provides fully customizable autonomous AI agents that can integrate with enterprise data and take action across sales, service, marketing, and commerce. The Agent Builder allows users to create agents that automate any business process, in any industry, using existing Salesforce tools such as workflows, Apex code, and prompt templates. Leading companies like The Adecco Group, BACA Systems, OpenTable, Saks, and Wiley are already leveraging Agentforce Service Agents to deliver faster, more personalized customer responses while improving operational efficiency. Salesforce (NYSE: CRM), the world’s #1 AI CRM, has announced the general availability of Agentforce. This new platform layer enables businesses to create and deploy AI agents that autonomously take action across any business function. Unlike traditional chatbots and copilots, Agentforce agents possess advanced reasoning abilities to make decisions and take actions such as resolving customer issues, qualifying sales leads, and optimizing marketing efforts. These agents operate independently—triggered by changes in data, business rules, pre-built automations, or external signals from APIs. Agentforce includes out-of-the-box agents that can be easily customized and deployed with low-code or no-code tools, working around the clock across any channel. The first of these, the Agentforce Service Agent, outperforms traditional chatbots by handling a wide range of tasks—from simple to complex—using pre-built topics and actions for customer support. These agents are fully customizable to serve various industries, such as retail with order management or financial services with billing and payment support. “Agentforce is redefining business possibilities, ushering in an era of AI-driven abundance and limitless workforces that enhance every employee’s capabilities, strengthen customer relationships, and fuel unprecedented growth,” said Marc Benioff, Chair and CEO of Salesforce. “Built on Salesforce’s trusted, fully customizable platform—integrating enterprise data, metadata, AI models, workflows, security, and applications—Agentforce is everything AI was meant to be.” The Power of Agentforce With Agentforce, there’s no need for DIY AI. Unlike other platforms that require complex integrations and custom builds, Agentforce is natively built into the Salesforce Platform. Customers can instantly convert their existing Flows, prompt templates, Apex code, and APIs into agent actions, seamlessly connecting to enterprise data and security models. With the added power of native tools like Data Cloud, Slack, and MuleSoft, Agentforce offers a streamlined and efficient approach to scaling your workforce with AI. The new Agent Builder empowers Salesforce admins and developers to easily create AI agents with natural language instructions and guardrails, enabling even more customization and control. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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October 3, 2024in Agentforce Platform, Artificial Intelligence, Data, Enterprise, Google, Hyperforce, Mulesoft, Salesforce, Salesforce Data Cloud
Viewing All Hard and Soft Credits for Household Accounts
02Oct

Viewing All Hard and Soft Credits for Household Accounts

Subject: Inquiry About Viewing All Hard and Soft Credits for Household Accounts What’s the best way to view a complete list of all hard and soft credits associated with a household account? I understand that the NPSP customizable rollups allow us to aggregate soft credit totals based on the Opportunity Contact Roles for each contact in a household, which is useful but can sometimes be inaccurate due to data entry errors in assigning the correct roles. Additionally, filtered opportunity-related lists on the contact page can show different soft and hard credits assigned to individual contacts. While helpful, this can be confusing for users who prefer to see all information at the household account level and may overlook the contact details. What I’m looking for is a comprehensive list at the account level that includes all opportunities linked to every contact in a household, regardless of the Opportunity Contact Roll type. Essentially, I need to see every soft and hard credit received by all household members. I came across a post by Megan Moorehead from over three years ago titled “Soft Credit Opportunities Related List on Household.” She replied to her own post a couple of months later (on September 10, 2021), but I only partially understand her solution. Before I delve deeper into her suggestions, I wanted to check if there are any simpler or more recent out-of-the-box options added to NPSP. I’m flexible regarding how to obtain this full list of all hard and soft credits related to household members—it could be through a related list or a report. I believe this is a common need among many organizations, so any suggestions on how you’re generating this type of list would be greatly appreciated. Response: You’re correct that this isn’t available out of the box. The challenge arises because opportunities aren’t always directly tagged to the household. You might consider using a screen flow to gather opportunities from household members and display them on the account page in a data table. Alternatively, you could create a custom field on opportunities (populated by a record-triggered flow) called “Household,” which would link opportunities back to the household based on the contact’s association at the time of creation. This would allow for a separate related list on the account page. One thing to keep in mind: since soft credits are only assigned via Contact Roles, if the issue is that Contact Roles are missing, then Megan’s Mass Action Scheduler solution—or any solution—won’t help. Those opportunities will not appear in the household list, except for those where someone in the household received hard credit. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more Alphabet Soup of Cloud Terminology As with any technology, the cloud brings its own alphabet soup of terms. This insight will hopefully help you navigate Read more

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October 2, 2024in Data, Salesforce User Questions
AI and Digital Transformation
02Oct

AI and Digital Transformation

The buzz around AI has become the latest trend, but there’s a deeper truth behind it. While some may joke that AI’s rise means no longer needing to discuss Digital Transformation, the reality is quite the opposite. Communication Service Providers (CSPs) and infrastructure companies that have embraced Digital Transformation are now reaping the rewards of AI. But what exactly is Digital Transformation, and how has it paved the way for AI? Let’s explore. The Digital Transformation Journey Digital transformation is about more than just adopting new technologies. It involves integrating digital technology into every aspect of a business, fundamentally altering how operations are conducted and how value is delivered to customers. This transformation requires a cultural shift, pushing organizations to challenge the status quo, experiment with new ideas, and embrace the possibility of failure. For CSPs that have successfully undergone digital transformation, the benefits are clear: streamlined operations, enhanced customer experiences, and valuable data insights. This transformation has created the ideal environment for AI to thrive, as AI relies on vast amounts of data, particularly structured data. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the pace of digital transformation, especially for CSPs. As companies adapted to new ways of working and serving customers, the need for robust digital infrastructure became more apparent. The surge in demand for digital services—driven by remote work, e-learning, and online communication—highlighted the importance of digital agility and the ability to leverage AI to meet rapidly changing customer needs. The pandemic not only pushed CSPs to advance their digital transformation efforts but also to innovate more quickly, ensuring they remain competitive in a fast-evolving digital landscape. The AI and Data Dilemma AI is revolutionizing industries by enabling smarter decision-making, process automation, and personalized customer experiences. However, AI’s effectiveness is heavily dependent on data—clean, well-organized, and easily accessible data. This is where digital transformation becomes crucial. CSPs that have invested in digital transformation have the necessary infrastructure to effectively collect, store, and analyze data, providing the fuel that powers AI. The Consequences of Falling Behind CSPs that have not embraced digital transformation face significant challenges in the AI race. Without a solid digital foundation, these companies struggle to harness AI’s potential. Their data is often siloed, outdated, or simply unusable. Many organizations still operate with multiple billing systems and customer care platforms for each line of business, all functioning in silos without any cross-functional intelligence. Attempting to implement AI on a weak digital foundation is akin to building the house on the sand—it’s doomed to fail. Without digital transformation, companies lack the infrastructure needed to support AI initiatives, resulting in missed opportunities for efficiency gains, cost savings, and competitive advantages. This is a common reason why enterprises fail in AI adoption, with Gartner reporting that over 80% of enterprises struggle with data quality or quantity issues. Real-World Examples Companies like Amazon and Netflix have successfully undergone digital transformation and are now leveraging AI to enhance their services. Amazon uses AI for personalized recommendations and optimizing its supply chain, while Netflix utilizes AI to analyze viewer preferences and recommend content that keeps users engaged. Conversely, companies slow to adopt digital transformation face significant challenges. Traditional retailers, for example, struggle to compete with e-commerce giants. Without the ability to leverage AI for personalized marketing and inventory management, they are losing market share. The Role of IFS IFS, through its flagship product IFS Cloud, offers a unified platform with a consistent data layer, ensuring that all data is clean, well-organized, and accessible. IFS also applies “Industrial AI,” embedding AI into applications where and when it makes sense. This approach ensures that AI evolves with the product and that the necessary AI governance is embedded. By integrating AI in a way that aligns with CSP operations, IFS not only supports AI implementation but also guides organizations through their digital transformation journey in a symbiotic manner. The Path Forward The key takeaway is clear: If an organization hasn’t started its digital transformation journey, the time to begin is now. Embracing change, investing in technology, and fostering a culture that values innovation will position companies to fully leverage AI and maintain a competitive edge. Starting with AI without a strong data foundation can lead to costly investments that fail to deliver the expected efficiencies. Digital transformation is not a one-time project but an ongoing process. Companies must remain open to advances, continuously experiment, and not fear failure. Remember Edison never said he failed. He just discovered another way not to create a light bulb. The future belongs to those who are willing to adapt and evolve. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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October 2, 2024in Salesforce
Anthropic’s New Approach to RAG
02Oct

Anthropic’s New Approach to RAG

advanced RAG methodology demonstrates how AI can overcome traditional challenges, delivering more precise, context-aware responses while maintaining efficiency and scalability.

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October 2, 2024in Data
Transforming Fundraising for Nonprofits
02Oct

Transforming Fundraising for Nonprofits

Tectonic’s Expertise in Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud: Transforming Fundraising for Nonprofits Salesforce’s Nonprofit Cloud (NPC) is revolutionizing how organizations manage their fundraising, offering tools specifically designed to meet the unique needs of the nonprofit sector. A standout feature of Nonprofit Cloud is its comprehensive fundraising functionality, which goes beyond simple transaction management to support the entire lifecycle of donor engagement. Central to understanding this functionality is the “three P’s” concept—Pursuit, Promise, and Payment. These three stages enable nonprofits to effectively track and manage donor relationships and contributions. Pursuit: Tracking the Opportunity The first “P” in Salesforce’s Nonprofit Cloud Fundraising process is Pursuit. This refers to the opportunity record, where the organization is actively seeking donations but no financial transaction has occurred yet. For example, a nonprofit might be pursuing a major donation of $500,000 from a corporate sponsor. At this stage, fundraisers track their progress through various phases of the opportunity, whether they win or lose the donation bid. The focus here is on relationship-building and securing commitments rather than managing financial transactions. This early-stage tracking lays the foundation for a more organized approach as the process advances. Promise: Earninging the Commitment Once a donor—whether an individual or a corporation—has committed to contributing, the Promise phase begins. Here, the Opportunity record transforms into a Gift Commitment in Salesforce. For instance, when the company officially pledges the $500,000 donation, this formalizes their promise. The Gift Commitment record is dynamic and can be modified over time to reflect changes, such as adjusting the amount to $400,000 or setting up recurring donations. This flexibility enables nonprofits to track pledges over time and maintain accurate records of what has been promised versus what has been received. Financial teams especially benefit from this capability, as it aids in reporting and financial planning. Payment: Completing the Financial Act The final “P” is Payment, capturing the financial transaction. This is where the Gift Transaction record comes into play, reflecting the completion of the financial act. For example, once the company has paid $250,000 of the promised $400,000, the Payment record updates to reflect this. Payment records can either stand alone for one-time donations or be linked to Gift Commitments or a Gift Commitment Schedule for installment payments or recurring donations. This structure gives nonprofits the flexibility to track all stages of financial fulfillment and adjust their fundraising strategies accordingly. Leveraging the Three P’s for Success The Pursuit, Promise, and Payment framework provides nonprofits with a clear, structured approach to managing the entire donor lifecycle. This system also eases the transition from Salesforce’s legacy Nonprofit Success Pack (NPSP) to the new Nonprofit Cloud framework. By effectively tracking donation pursuits, managing gift commitments, and documenting payments, nonprofits can maintain a comprehensive, real-time view of their fundraising efforts. This streamlined process not only improves data management but also enhances transparency, fostering trust with donors. The Future of Fundraising with Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud Salesforce’s Nonprofit Cloud Fundraising functionality, anchored by the three P’s, represents a significant evolution in nonprofit technology. By offering tools that manage every stage of donor engagement—from pursuit to payment—Salesforce empowers nonprofits to maximize their fundraising potential. Organizations can cultivate stronger donor relationships, track commitments more accurately, and ensure financial transactions are completed and documented efficiently. This holistic approach enables nonprofits to make informed decisions, boost donor trust, and drive their missions forward. Want to learn more about how Tectonic can help streamline donation processes, track total payments, maintain a full 360° history of the donation cycle, and create funder-worthy visualizations? Contact us at [email protected]. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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October 2, 2024in Data, Salesforce, Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud, Technology

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