, Author at gettectonic.com

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 Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

October 2, 2024in Salesforce

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.

October 2, 2024in Data

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 0,000 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 Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

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

02Oct

AI Agents and Work

With AI tools becoming increasingly prevalent in workplaces worldwide, the focus has shifted from their novelty to optimizing productivity and effectiveness. AI Agents and Work. At Dreamforce 2024, AI agents were a hot topic, particularly with the launch of Salesforce’s new Agentforce platform. However, Slack also made its mark in the AI space, keen to demonstrate its role in transforming the future of work. TechRadar Pro sat down with Slack CEO Denise Dresser to explore how AI is reshaping the platform and why businesses should embrace this transformation. “Work is Broken” “Work, fundamentally, is broken,” Dresser stated, explaining that many workers spend too much time on what she describes as “the work of work.” This often involves switching between disconnected enterprise apps and navigating through data silos just to access the basic information needed to perform their jobs. Dresser emphasized that AI is poised to relieve much of this burden. She highlighted the “incredible wave” of AI adoption across industries, with over 13,000 AI-powered apps built on Slack. “We’re really investing in ensuring AI works for every worker, driving more productivity,” she said, noting that we’re in one of the most significant periods of change in the workplace, full of both opportunity and questions. Slack’s AI-Powered Enhancements With the support of its parent company, Salesforce, Slack has fully embraced AI, offering a broad range of tools designed to improve productivity. Dresser pointed to Slack’s summarization tools, which streamline workflows by surfacing important items from channels and conversations—tools she finds invaluable in her own workday. In addition, Slack’s Huddles—quick, impromptu meetings—now come with AI enhancements, including a new canvas sidebar that generates summaries, notes, and action items in real-time from a live transcript. Slack AI is also integrated into Workflow Builder, allowing users to automate processes using natural language, eliminating the resistance that some workers may feel toward adopting AI. “Slack is the natural place for work,” Dresser said, explaining that the future of work will involve searching, collaborating, and taking action all within the flow of daily tasks. “That vision has never been more true, and never been more real, because this moment is here.” The Era of AI Agents AI agents represent another major step forward for Slack. Dresser noted that third-party integrations with tools like Adobe, Box, and Workday will help facilitate seamless conversations across multiple apps without the need to switch between them. “The era of agents is a big idea, and it’s happening now,” she remarked. However, Dresser stressed the importance of ensuring a smooth transition, noting that onboarding customers effectively will be key to fulfilling this vision. “We think that’s the future.” Looking Ahead: AI at the Core of Work With the technology now in place, the responsibility lies with workers and managers to leverage AI to enhance their daily routines. “What we focus on is making sure we build a product that people love,” Dresser said, adding, “there’s really no one in the world that can offer the breadth of product that can operate across your entire business at the scale we can.” Dresser concluded with optimism about the future of work: “We’re really excited about this innovation meeting this moment. I don’t think there could be a better time for us, and we’re very optimistic about what’s ahead.” Slack’s AI-powered future is designed to break down barriers, streamline workflows, and make work more efficient for everyone. Like1 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 Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

October 2, 2024in Agentforce Platform, AI Tools, Data, Enterprise, Salesforce, Technology

02Oct

Ingest Salesforce Data to Microsoft Fabric

I’m using Dataflow Gen 2 in Microsoft Fabric to ingest data from Salesforce via the Salesforce Objects connector, which is authenticated through an Organizational Account (OAuth 2.0). However, unlike Azure Synapse’s SalesforceV2 type, this connector doesn’t offer fields to input a client ID, client secret, or environment URL. Here are the key concerns: 1. Reauthentication Requirement Will reauthentication be required regularly (e.g., after access tokens expire), and how often will that occur? What factors contribute to the frequency of reauthentication? With OAuth 2.0, the system typically provides an access token (short-lived, often around 1 hour) and a refresh token, which can last longer. Reauthentication is necessary when both expire. While Dataflow Gen 2 does not allow manual token management, it should handle refreshing access tokens automatically. The reauthentication frequency depends largely on: 2. Cons of Using an Organizational Account What are the potential downsides of using an Organizational Account for this connection, particularly in a production setting where automation and stability are critical? Potential drawbacks: To mitigate these risks, I recommend using a service account (rather than individual accounts) to centralize and secure access. 3. Workaround for Client Credentials Flow Is it possible to implement a client credentials flow (i.e., providing a client ID, client secret, and environment URL) to prevent frequent reauthentication, similar to Azure Synapse or Data Factory? If not, what options are available for maintaining a stable, long-term data connection from Salesforce? Currently, there doesn’t appear to be support for client credentials flow in Dataflow Gen 2. You may want to reach out to Microsoft support for confirmation. As an alternative, you could explore: 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 Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

October 2, 2024in Data, Salesforce, Salesforce Implementation Services, Salesforce User Questions

02Oct

Marketing Cloud and Generative AI

Generative AI and Salesforce: Revolutionizing Digital Marketing with Einstein AI Generative AI is a form of Artificial Intelligence that learns from existing content to generate new, creative outputs. Salesforce has long been at the forefront of AI innovation, primarily through its Einstein assistant, which has evolved to offer increasingly sophisticated solutions over time. Artificial Intelligence: Key Concepts Before diving into Salesforce’s AI capabilities, let’s clarify some foundational concepts. Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the creation of intelligent systems that can learn and reason autonomously. Within AI, Machine Learning (ML) plays a crucial role by enabling computers to learn from data and improve over time without explicit programming. ML models fall into two broad categories: Deep Learning and Neural Networks A more advanced subset of ML is Deep Learning, which uses neural networks to process large amounts of data and make autonomous decisions. Deep Learning powers technologies like voice assistants (e.g., Alexa or Siri), which can recognize speech and execute tasks. A specific application within Deep Learning is Generative AI, capable of autonomously creating new content based on learned patterns from vast datasets. Another critical AI system is the Foundational Model, which is trained on enormous amounts of unstructured data from across the web, including text, images, and videos. These models offer a wide range of capabilities, such as generating text, answering questions, creating designs, or solving complex problems. Salesforce Marketing Cloud and AI Salesforce has utilizeded AI through its Einstein platform, which has evolved over time to offer a variety of data-driven tools. For example, Sent Time Optimization uses customer data to determine the best time to send emails to maximize engagement. AI Tools in Salesforce Marketing Cloud Salesforce offers several AI-powered tools for Marketing Cloud to help businesses leverage data for personalization and efficiency: The Einstein Trust Layer: AI in Salesforce CRM Einstein is the first generative AI model integrated into a CRM, and Salesforce refers to its AI process as the Einstein Trust Layer. Here’s how it works: Marketing Applications of Salesforce AI Tools Salesforce’s AI tools can be applied across omnichannel marketing campaigns to hyper-personalize communication, increasing conversion rates and customer engagement. Predictive analytics also allow businesses to optimize cross-selling and upselling, offering tailored product recommendations based on customer behavior. Chatbots powered by AI further enhance productivity by interacting in natural language, collecting leads, suggesting products, and resolving customer inquiries. Salesforce’s Commitment to AI in Digital Marketing Salesforce has been a pioneer in AI, continually expanding its capabilities through Einstein. With the latest AI tools for Marketing Cloud, businesses can now interact with customers more precisely, boost engagement, and optimize purchase predictions—paving the way for a new era in digital marketing. 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 Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

October 2, 2024in AI Tools, Artificial Intelligence, Data, Generative AI, Salesforce, Salesforce Marketing Cloud

02Oct

Spotlight on Agentforce

Agentforce stole the spotlight at Dreamforce, but it’s not just about replacing human workers. Equally significant for Service Cloud was the focus on how AI can be leveraged to make agents, dispatchers, and field service technicians more productive and proactive. During the Dreamforce Service Cloud keynote, GM Kishan Chetan emphasized the dramatic shift over the past year, with AI moving from theoretical to practical applications. He challenged customer service leaders to embrace AI agents, highlighting that AI-driven solutions can transform customer service from delivering “good” benefits to achieving exponential growth. He noted that AI agents are capable of handling common customer requests like tech support, scheduling, and general inquiries, as well as more complex tasks such as de-escalation, billing inquiries, and even cross-selling and upselling. In practice, research by Valoir shows that most Service Cloud customers are still in the early stages of AI adoption, particularly with generative AI. While progress has accelerated recently, most companies are only seeing incremental gains in individual productivity rather than the exponential improvements highlighted at Dreamforce. To achieve those higher-level returns, customers must move beyond simple automation and summarization to AI-driven transformation, powered by Agentforce. Chetan and his team outlined four key steps to make this transition. Deploy AI agents across channelsAgentforce Service Agent is more than a chatbot—it’s an autonomous AI agent capable of handling both simple and complex requests, understanding text, video, and audio. Customers were invited to build their own Service Agents during Dreamforce, and many took up the challenge. Service-related agents are a natural fit, as research shows Service Cloud customers are generally more prepared for AI adoption due to the volume and quality of customer data available in their CRM systems. Turn insights into actionLaunching in October 2024, Customer Experience Intelligence provides an omnichannel supervisor Wall Board that allows supervisors to monitor conversations in real time, complete with sentiment scores and organized metrics by topics and regions. Supervisors can then instruct Service Agent to dive into root causes, suggest proactive messaging, or even offer discounts. This development represents the next stage of Service Intelligence, combining Data Cloud, Tableau, and Einstein Conversation Mining to give supervisors real-time insights. It mirrors capabilities offered by traditional contact center vendors like Verint, which also blend interaction, sentiment, and other data in real time—highlighting the convergence of contact centers and Service Cloud service operations. Empower teams to become trusted advisorsSalesforce continues to navigate the delicate balance between digital and human agents, especially within Service Cloud. The key lies in the intelligent handoff of customer data when escalating from a digital agent to a human agent. Service Planner guides agents step-by-step through issue resolution, powered by Unified Knowledge. The demo also showcased how Service Agent can merge Commerce and Service by suggesting agents offer complimentary items from a customer’s shopping cart. Enable field teams to be proactiveSalesforce also announced improvements in field service, designed to help dispatchers and field service agents operate more proactively and efficiently. Agentforce for Dispatchers enhances the ability to address urgent appointments quickly. Asset Service Prediction leverages AI to forecast asset failures and upcoming service needs, while AI-generated prework briefs provide field techs with asset health scores and critical information before they arrive on site. Setting a clear roadmap for adopting Agentforce across these four areas is an essential step toward helping customers realize more than just incremental gains in their service operations. Equally important will be helping customers develop a data strategy that harnesses the power of Data Cloud and Salesforce’s partner ecosystem, enabling a truly data-driven service experience. Investments in capabilities like My Service Journeys will also be critical in guiding customers through the process of identifying which AI features will deliver the greatest returns for their specific needs. 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 Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

October 2, 2024in Agentforce Platform, Data, Generative AI, Salesforce, Unified Knowledge

01Oct

Dreamforce 2024 Recap

Dreamforce 2024: How John Mulaney, Robot Dogs, and Relevant Programming Took Center StageWhile comedian John Mulaney made headlines at Dreamforce 2024 for playfully roasting Salesforce’s “Trailblazers,” the event was packed with moments that event organizers could learn from. Mulaney’s quips about the “imminently replaceable” workforce in “fleece vests” and his jab that the crowd seemed like “a group that looked at CVS self-checkout and thought, ‘This is the future,’” went viral, but the three-day conference was full of more than just comic relief. Key Takeaways for Event OrganizersDreamforce 2024 delivered a wealth of insights and strategies for anyone in event planning. Here are three lessons that stood out: 1. Stay Relevant with Programming and Attendee Preferences Dreamforce 2024 attracted 45,000 in-person attendees, filling San Francisco’s Moscone Center, thanks in large part to programming that resonated with business leaders’ current priorities—artificial intelligence. Salesforce packed the agenda with AI-focused content, featuring industry experts like Kevin Roose from The New York Times and Casey Newton from The Verge. A standout was the Agentforce Launch Zone, showcasing Salesforce’s new autonomous customer and employee support system. Instead of traditional demos, attendees were invited to create their own AI-powered robots, with 10,000 unique prototypes built on-site—each tailored to the specific needs of participants’ businesses. According to Salesforce, the process took only minutes, showcasing how AI can be embedded deeply into the customer journey. Personalization also took center stage this year, with Personalized Trail Maps allowing attendees to craft their own agendas based on their roles and interests. Dreamforce even introduced reserved seating for “deep learning sessions” and offered first-come, first-served options for larger sessions, like one featuring Matthew McConaughey and Jane Goodall discussing leadership and legacy. 2. Measure Economic Impact Dreamforce is not just a tech conference—it’s a major economic engine for San Francisco. Some key figures from this year’s event include: Tracking these numbers showcases the broader impact of Dreamforce, providing both an economic boost and environmental stewardship. 3. Simplify Where It Matters Even though Dreamforce is a massive event, organizers focused on making it feel approachable. Salesforce maintained its inclusive messaging, emphasizing that everyone—from new users to seasoned pros—was welcome. The “campground” theme for the trade show floor reinforced this, creating a casual, community-oriented environment. Aspirational elements, like a performance from Elton John and AI-driven robot dogs roaming the event, added a futuristic edge. These robot dogs, capable of search-and-rescue missions using infrared sensors, demonstrated the practical applications of AI in real-world scenarios. Yet, despite the high-tech flourishes, simple touchpoints like the Idea Wall—a physical bulletin board where attendees could post handwritten notes—showed that even large-scale events can include low-tech, engaging ways to foster conversation and creativity. Dreamforce also made sure the event reached a global audience through Salesforce+, its streaming platform Over 400 episodes are available online. While this year’s viewership numbers are still pending, millions of virtual attendees tuned in to previous Dreamforce events, and this year likely continued that trend, making the conference accessible to a global audience. For event planners, Dreamforce 2024 proved that staying relevant, tracking impact, and balancing high-tech with human touchpoints are the keys to creating a memorable and effective event. 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 Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

October 1, 2024in Artificial Intelligence

01Oct

Onboarded AI-Powered Compliance

Onboarded Launches AI-Powered Compliance Solution for Salesforce, Redefining Staffing and Recruiting Harnessing AI, Onboarded streamlines operations, enhances candidate experiences, and mitigates risks for staffing and recruiting firms Onboarded, a leader in compliance and onboarding technology, today announced the launch of Onboarded for Salesforce, a groundbreaking solution designed specifically for the staffing and recruiting industry. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241001526403/en/ The industry faces significant challenges with compliance management, leading to operational bottlenecks and high candidate churn. Onboarded for Salesforce directly addresses these issues by embedding an AI-enhanced compliance engine within Salesforce, automating and centralizing onboarding processes to drastically reduce manual work and ensure compliance. “There are tasks best left to AI, and then there’s the irreplaceable value of human connections,” said Mike Johnson, CEO of Onboarded. “Onboarded for Salesforce lets AI handle the tedious compliance work so recruiters can focus on people. The future belongs to companies that prioritize personal connections while leveraging AI to do the heavy lifting.” Explore the Future of Onboarding Discover how Onboarded for Salesforce can transform your staffing and recruiting operations. Visit www.onboarded.com/salesforce to schedule a demo and experience the future of compliance and onboarding today. Key Features and Benefits Impact on the Industry By expanding into Salesforce, Onboarded is set to transform how staffing and recruiting firms manage their compliance obligations. This solution not only mitigates risks but also significantly improves operational efficiency, offering a strategic advantage in a highly competitive market. Looking Ahead Onboarded is committed to ongoing innovation and plans to expand its offerings into additional ecosystems. The company is also enhancing its AI capabilities to ensure that its solutions continue to meet the evolving needs of enterprise clients. Future updates will focus on further simplifying compliance management and expanding the platform‘s capabilities to support broader market needs. About Onboarded Onboarded was founded with the mission to redefine labor compliance and onboarding. The platform transforms what was once a tedious, compliance-heavy task into a streamlined, engaging, and compliant experience. With a focus on AI innovation, security, and privacy, Onboarded empowers staffing and recruiting companies to onboard employees quickly and effectively within their existing systems. For more information, please visit www.onboarded.com. 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 Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

October 1, 2024in Data, Enterprise, Salesforce, Technology

01Oct

Salesforce Data Cloud Innovations Announced

Salesforce Data Cloud Drives Customer Experience Transformation with New Data and AI Innovations Salesforce has unveiled new innovations within its Data Cloud, enhancing the way organizations transform customer experiences by leveraging data and AI. Key advancements include expanded support for unstructured data, enabling native processing of audio and video content—such as webinars and calls—to unlock deeper insights into customer behavior. A standardized semantic data model ensures both Agentforce Agents and humans can consistently interpret and use data, while improved search capabilities enhance information discovery by factoring in customer context. Real-time data activations allow organizations to respond instantly to evolving customer needs, and new data security and governance features safeguard operations and prevent data exposure. “In this new era of AI and Agents, customer data and metadata are the new gold for the enterprise,” said Rahul Auradkar, EVP and GM for Data Cloud at Salesforce. “More companies are using Data Cloud to unify all their data—from customer interactions and product usage to IoT and social media data—gaining deeper insights across all touchpoints. Because Data Cloud is foundational to Salesforce, companies can act on this data to deliver personalized, meaningful customer experiences.” Data Cloud integrates with Salesforce Customer 360, Agentforce, Flow, and analytics, providing a trusted data foundation for personalized experiences and real-time analytics. It powers data-driven actions and workflows while securely enabling AI across all Salesforce applications. Leveraging zero-copy technology and MuleSoft connectors, Data Cloud can ingest data from hundreds of sources, including data lakes and warehouses. Integrated into the Salesforce Platform, this metadata seamlessly flows into Salesforce applications, governed by set policies. This gives every team a 360-degree customer view, driving AI, automation, and analytics without compromising security. Data Cloud also enhances Agentforce, providing contextual insights and guiding next-best steps, like automating follow-up emails or sharing detailed chat summaries with human agents. Tableau Semantics bridges the gap between AI and employees, ensuring they operate with consistent data definitions. The following new Data Cloud features will be available across various release stages: For more information, visit www.salesforce.com. Like1 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 Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

October 1, 2024in Data, Enterprise, Mulesoft, Salesforce, Salesforce Data Cloud, Technology

01Oct

Data Governance in Salesforce

Use Case Highlights Introduction Salesforce is a powerful platform for building strong customer relationships. However, to maximize the value of your data, a strategic approach is essential. Unmanaged data can lead to inconsistencies, security vulnerabilities, and compliance issues, making it difficult to rely on Salesforce data for strategic decision-making. This data governance insight looks into data governance for Salesforce and highlights top tools that integrate seamlessly with the platform. While these tools are not exclusively built for Salesforce, they offer powerful features that enhance the accuracy, security, and regulatory compliance of your data. Implementing a data governance strategy with the right tools unlocks the hidden potential of your Salesforce data. Imagine making decisions based on reliable information, streamlining workflows, and maximizing data value—all possible with clean, trustworthy data at your fingertips. Disclaimer: The specific third-party security solutions mentioned in this insight are for informational purposes only and do not constitute endorsements by Tectonic. 6 Data Governance Tools for Salesforce Users Understanding the Importance of Data Governance in Salesforce Salesforce, a cornerstone for managing customer relationships, thrives on a rich data repository. However, unmanaged data growth can lead to inconsistencies, security vulnerabilities, and compliance hurdles, hindering the data’s potential to drive strategic decisions. Data governance goes beyond data management. It establishes principles and practices to ensure your Salesforce data is: Why is data governance crucial for Salesforce? Data governance transforms data from a potential liability into a strategic asset, driving informed decisions, fostering trust, and empowering your organization to achieve its goals. Key Challenges in Salesforce Data Governance Implementing robust data governance within Salesforce presents challenges: Evaluating Data Governance Tools for Salesforce Choosing the right data governance tool for Salesforce requires careful evaluation: Comparing Top Data Governance Solutions for Salesforce When comparing top data governance solutions, assess factors like features, pricing, scalability, and customer reviews. A comparison table can offer a quick overview of key features and differences between solutions. Product Key Features Pricing Collibra Centralized platform, business glossary management, data lineage tracking, access controls Starting at $170,000/year Dataedo Collaborative data catalog, data documentation, quality rules, improved data literacy Starting at $18,000/year Alation Data discovery and intelligence platform, searchable data catalog, business terms & data lineage Starting at $60,000/year OneTrust Data Governance AI-driven discovery & classification, integrated catalog, governance policy management Contact for pricing Talend Data Fabric Data quality checks, automated metadata management, data inventory & Trust Score, stewardship workflows Starting at $12,000/year Informatica Axon AI-powered discovery & quality assessment, stewardship communication, curated marketplaces, common dictionary Contact for pricing Data Governance in Salesforce This table provides a snapshot of key features and pricing, helping organizations make informed decisions based on their needs and budget. Reach out to Tectonic if you need assistance. Tectonic’s Remarks This insight has provided the knowledge to harness the true potential of your Salesforce data. Data governance is no longer a distant concept but a powerful practice that every organization must embrace. Success lies in selecting the right data governance solution. Consider your specific needs—whether it’s robust data lineage tracking offered by tools like Collibra and Talend, user-friendly interfaces from Dataedo and Alation, or cost-effectiveness. Several tools explored in this insight also offer strong security features to safeguard your customer data. Tools like Informatica Axon can assist with data discovery and quality assessment, empowering data stewards. By embracing data governance and leveraging the right tools, you can transform Salesforce data from a raw resource into a strategic asset. This newfound data clarity fuels informed decision-making, fosters customer trust, and drives your organization toward achieving its goals. 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 Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

October 1, 2024in Data, Enterprise, Salesforce

30Sep

Financial Services Cloud and Core

Remember When Salesforce First Launched Financial Services Cloud in 2016? The managed package introduced a standardized data model that transformed how banks, credit unions, and implementation partners utilized Salesforce. It was a game-changer! But Salesforce hasn’t stopped innovating. Since 2019, they’ve been enhancing the core platform to meet demands for greater performance and flexibility. Now, in 2024, Salesforce has rolled out its biggest core release yet: Financial Account Management Standard Objects. This strategic update could redefine how financial data is managed within Financial Services Cloud (FSC). Understanding these updates is essential for all FSC users. The introduction of standard objects signals a major shift in the platform. Staying informed ensures that your institution remains innovative and fully leverages Financial Services Cloud. Let’s explore what’s changing and why it matters. 1. A New Era for Financial Accounts Say goodbye to limitations and hello to flexibility! The core platform introduces a modern way to manage financial accounts: The elimination of financial account triggers is a huge win for performance. Salesforce’s new data model is designed to handle real-time integrations, which can be a game-changer for many institutions. But real-time integration isn’t necessary for everyone. Depending on your organization’s needs, you might find that a combination of batch integration, on-demand integration, and data visualization works best. If you’re dealing with slow nightly batch data loads due to financial account triggers, exploring the new standard objects could be the solution to your performance woes. 2. Core Offers Benefits for Everyone 3. The FSC Managed Package is Still Supported Salesforce has reassured customers that the FSC Managed Package will continue to be supported. However, with Core advancements, Salesforce is re-evaluating its long-term strategy to provide more streamlined and scalable solutions. While migration to Core isn’t mandatory, Salesforce’s ongoing focus on this new architecture suggests that aligning with the core platform may offer increasing benefits over time. To stay ahead of the curve and access the latest features, it’s wise to explore the potential advantages of migration. Tectonic can help assess your current environment, weigh the benefits of moving to Core, and develop a strategy that aligns with your business goals. 4. Exciting Core Enhancements Core introduces powerful new features that simplify financial data management, such as: 5. The Future Is Core, and You Need the Right Partner to Chart Your Course Salesforce’s shift toward Core highlights the platform’s future direction. While the managed package remains relevant for now, Core offers a more modern, flexible solution for managing financial data. To make the most of these changes and ensure a smooth transition, partnering with an experienced team like Tectonic is crucial. Transitioning to Core requires careful planning. Here’s a roadmap to guide you: Ready to Explore the Power of Core? Contact Tectonic today to learn how we can help guide your transition to Core and capture the full potential of these new features to drive your business forward. Like1 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 Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

September 30, 2024in Data, Salesforce Financial Services Solutions, Salesforce Implementation Services

30Sep

Cortex Framework Integration with Salesforce (SFDC)

Cortex Framework: Integration with Salesforce (SFDC) This insight outlines the process of integrating Salesforce (SFDC) operational workloads into the Cortex Framework Data Foundation. By integrating Salesforce data through Dataflow pipelines into BigQuery, Cloud Composer can schedule and monitor these pipelines, allowing you to gain insights from your Salesforce data. Cortex Framework Integration with Salesforce explained. Prerequisite: Before configuring any workload integration, ensure that the Cortex Framework Data Foundation is deployed. Configuration File The config.json file in the Cortex Framework Data Foundation repository manages settings for transferring data from various sources, including Salesforce. Below is an example of how Salesforce workloads are configured: jsonCopy code”SFDC”: { “deployCDC”: true, “createMappingViews”: true, “createPlaceholders”: true, “datasets”: { “cdc”: “”, “raw”: “”, “reporting”: “REPORTING_SFDC” } } Explanation of Parameters: Parameter Meaning Default Value Description SFDC.deployCDC Deploy CDC true Generates Change Data Capture (CDC) processing scripts to run as DAGs in Cloud Composer. SFDC.createMappingViews Create mapping views true Creates views in the CDC processed dataset to show the “latest version of the truth” from the raw dataset. SFDC.createPlaceholders Create placeholders true Creates empty placeholder tables if they aren’t generated during ingestion, ensuring smooth downstream reporting deployment. SFDC.datasets.raw Raw landing dataset (user-defined) The dataset where replication tools land data from Salesforce. SFDC.datasets.cdc CDC processed dataset (user-defined) Source for reporting views and target for records processed by DAGs. SFDC.datasets.reporting Reporting dataset for SFDC “REPORTING_SFDC” Name of the dataset accessible for end-user reporting, where views and user-facing tables are deployed. Salesforce Data Requirements Table Structure: Loading SFDC Data into BigQuery The Cortex Framework offers several methods for loading Salesforce data into BigQuery: CDC Processing The CDC scripts rely on two key fields: You can adjust the CDC processing to handle different field names or add custom fields to suit your data schema. Configuration of API Integration and CDC To configure Salesforce data integration into BigQuery, Cortex provides the following methods: Example Configuration (settings.yaml): yamlCopy codesalesforce_to_raw_tables: – base_table: accounts raw_table: Accounts api_name: Account load_frequency: “@daily” Data Mapping and Polymorphic Fields Cortex Framework supports mapping data fields to the expected format. For example, a field named unicornId in your source system would be mapped to AccountId in Cortex with the string data type. Polymorphic Fields: Fields whose names vary but have the same structure can be mapped in Cortex using [Field Name]_Type, such as Who_Type for the Who.Type field in the Task object. Modifying DAG Templates You can customize DAG templates as needed for CDC or raw data processing. To disable CDC or raw data processing from API calls, set deployCDC=false in the configuration file. Setting Up the Extraction Module Follow these steps to set up the Salesforce to BigQuery extraction module: Cloud Composer Setup To run Python scripts for replication, install the necessary Python packages depending on your Airflow version. For Airflow 2.x: bashCopy codegcloud composer environments update my-composer-instance –location us-central1 –update-pypi-package apache-airflow-providers-salesforce>=5.2.0 Security and Permissions Ensure Cloud Composer has access to Google Secret Manager for retrieving stored secrets, enhancing the security of sensitive data like passwords and API keys. Conclusion By following these steps, you can successfully integrate Salesforce workloads into Cortex Framework, ensuring a seamless data flow from Salesforce into BigQuery for reporting and analytics. 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 Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

September 30, 2024in Data, Google, Salesforce

30Sep

Currys and LTIMindtree Partner on Salesforce Platform

Currys Expands Partnership with Salesforce partner to Enhance Omnichannel Retail Experience UK-based technology retailer Currys has expanded its partnership with a Salesforce partner to transform its omnichannel customer experience. The collaboration focuses on leveraging Salesforce Service Cloud, Commerce Cloud, and MuleSoft to drive innovation and streamline operations. Key initiatives in this transformation include re-platforming Currys’ website to Salesforce Commerce Cloud, launching an in-store client app via Experience Cloud, and implementing Service Cloud for enhanced post-sales support. These upgrades aim to deliver a seamless shopping experience, improve customer service, and boost operational efficiency. Andy Gamble, CIO of Currys, emphasized the impact of the partnership: “Our collaboration with LTIMindtree has enabled our teams to deliver exceptional experiences for both colleagues and customers. With our new omnichannel platform, we are set to achieve greater operational efficiencies, faster service, and continuous innovation for future growth.” Since the partnership began in 2021, Currys and LTIMindtree have overhauled the retailer’s commerce and support systems, resulting in improved customer experiences, streamlined store operations, and increased employee satisfaction. The success of this collaboration was recently recognized with a Salesforce award, underscoring the companies’ commitment to innovation and addressing current business challenges while preparing for future advancements. Srinivas Rao, Executive Vice President and Chief Business Officer at LTIMindtree, added: “Our partnership with Currys showcases our expertise in the retail sector. Together, we have delivered a best-in-class omnichannel shopping experience that unlocks new growth opportunities by catering to each customer’s unique needs. We remain dedicated to helping our clients harness digital technologies that foster innovation and productivity.” This collaboration represents a key milestone for Currys, solidifying its commitment to providing enhanced customer experiences through advanced digital solutions. Like1 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 Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

September 30, 2024in Mulesoft, Salesforce, Salesforce Commerce Cloud, Salesforce Service Cloud, Technology

30Sep

Predictive Analytics in Salesforce

Predictive Analytics in Salesforce: Enhancing Decision-Making with AI In an ever-changing business environment, companies seek tools to forecast trends and anticipate challenges, enabling them to remain competitive. Predictive analytics, powered by Salesforce’s AI capabilities, offers a cutting-edge solution for these needs. In this guide, we’ll explore how predictive analytics works and how Salesforce empowers businesses to make smarter, data-driven decisions. What is Predictive Analytics? Predictive analytics uses historical data, statistical modeling, and machine learning to forecast future outcomes. With the vast amount of data organizations generate—ranging from transaction logs to multimedia—unifying this information can be challenging due to data silos. These silos hinder the development of accurate predictive models and limit Salesforce’s ability to deliver actionable insights. The result? Missed opportunities, inefficiencies, and impersonal customer experiences. When organizations implement proper integrations and data management practices, predictive analytics can harness this data to uncover patterns and predict future events. Techniques such as logistic regression, linear regression, neural networks, and decision trees help businesses gain actionable insights that enhance planning and decision-making. Einstein Prediction Builder A key component of the Salesforce Einstein Suite, Einstein Prediction Builder enables users to create custom AI models with minimal coding or data science expertise. Using in-house data, businesses can anticipate trends, forecast customer behavior, and predict outcomes with tailored precision. Key Features of Einstein Prediction Builder Note: Einstein Prediction Builder requires an Enterprise or Unlimited Edition subscription to access. Predictive Model Types in Salesforce Salesforce employs various predictive models tailored to specific needs: Building Custom Predictions Salesforce supports custom predictions tailored to unique business needs, such as forecasting regional sales or calculating appointment attendance rates. Tips for Building Predictions Prescriptive Analytics: Turning Predictions into Actions Predictive insights are only as valuable as the actions they inspire. Einstein Next Best Action bridges this gap by providing context-specific recommendations based on predictions. How Einstein Next Best Action Works Data Quality: The Foundation of Accurate Predictions The effectiveness of predictive analytics depends on the quality of your data. Poor data—whether due to errors, duplicates, or inconsistencies—can skew results and undermine trust. Best Practices for Data Quality Modern tools like DataGroomr can automate data validation and cleaning, ensuring that predictions are based on trustworthy information. Empowering Smarter Decisions with Predictive Analytics Salesforce’s AI-driven predictive analytics transforms decision-making by providing actionable insights from historical data. Businesses can anticipate trends, improve operational efficiency, and deliver personalized customer experiences. As predictive analytics continues to evolve, companies leveraging these tools will gain a competitive edge in an increasingly dynamic marketplace. Embrace the power of predictive analytics in Salesforce to make faster, more strategic decisions and drive sustained success. Like1 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 Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

September 30, 2024in Data, Enterprise, Salesforce, Salesforce Einstein

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