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Slack Automation with New Workflow Features
02Sep

Slack Automation with New Workflow Features

Salesforce Expands Slack Automation with New Workflow Features Salesforce has introduced new capabilities in Slack, allowing customers to build workflows that automatically trigger when an event occurs in third-party apps like PagerDuty, Asana, Bitbucket, and others. This update also enhances the user experience, making it more intuitive to create workflows in Slack. Users now have access to over 50 plug-and-play templates tailored to common productivity tasks. Additionally, developers gain access to more coding languages and tools for building custom workflows, which can be easily shared with their teams. Why It Matters Key Highlights Workflow Builder, Slack’s no-code automation tool, empowers users to streamline tasks directly within Slack, reducing the burden on IT teams. Salesforce highlights the following new features: From Slack’s Perspective Slack has also made it easier to customize workflows with expanded developer tools. Developers can now build custom steps using open APIs and new developer resources, integrating these steps into Workflow Builder. These tools support additional programming languages, including JavaScript, TypeScript, Python, and Java, further enhancing the flexibility of custom workflows. According to Rob Seaman, Slack’s Chief Product Officer, “At Slack, one of our product principles is ‘don’t make me think.’ We’re applying that to automation, making it intuitive and delightful for everyone. These new features empower both developers and end users to automate any business process across their apps seamlessly in Slack.” What This Means for Businesses As companies seek ways to increase productivity without overloading IT teams, automation has become a critical solution. Tools like Slack’s no-code Workflow Builder enable users of any skill level to automate repetitive tasks, freeing up time for more strategic work. This is particularly important in an era where skilled workers, especially in data science and programming, are in short supply. The expanded capabilities in Workflow Builder make it easier to create powerful workflows that integrate with third-party systems. In addition, Salesforce has expanded Slack AI, initially launched in April as an add-on for paying customers, to support multiple languages, including Japanese and Spanish. This ongoing development strengthens Slack’s position as a central hub for workplace automation. 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

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September 2, 2024in Salesforce
Mission Control Salesforce
30Aug

Mission Control Salesforce

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

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August 30, 2024in Salesforce
Detecting the Hot Chatbot
30Aug

Detecting the Hot Chatbot

All the tech giants are eager to prove their chatbot is the hottest in the market. Like wild stallions fighting over the mares, Google, Meta, Microsoft, and OpenAI are competing to show that their AI models have the most momentum. Companies with built-in AI like Salesforce occupy a broader sector. Detecting the Hot Chatbot is the challenge for the consumer. Why Detecting the Hot Chatbot Matters These companies have poured immense resources—both talent and money—into developing their models and adding new features. Now, they’re keen to showcase that these investments are yielding results. What’s Happening In the past few dayss, several major players have released new usage statistics: The Big Picture Generative AI is still in its early stages, and the entire industry faces the challenge of proving that these products deliver real value—whether by capturing market share from the lucrative search industry or by helping companies save money through increased productivity. How are you Detecting the Hot Chatbot. In the short term, however, everyone is eager to show they’re leading the pack. TV commercials for generative AI are now common, with Meta, Google, and Microsoft all airing spots, although the effectiveness of these ads varies. Some companies even boast that their commercials were created using AI—not necessarily the most convincing selling point. Between the Lines The competition isn’t just about consumer popularity; it’s also spilling over into the battle to secure business customers. On Wednesday’s earnings call, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff made a point of distinguishing Salesforce’s new Agentforce AI sales assistant from Microsoft’s Copilot offerings. “This is not Copilot,” Benioff said. “So many customers are disappointed with what they bought from Microsoft Copilot because they’re not getting the accuracy and response they want. Microsoft has let down many customers with AI.” Microsoft quickly responded in a comment to CNBC. “We are hearing something quite different from our Copilot for Microsoft 365 customers,” said corporate VP Jared Spataro. “When I talk to CIOs directly, and if you look at recent third-party data, organizations are betting on Microsoft for their AI transformation.” The Bottom Line The competition is heating up as tech giants vie to prove they have the upper hand in the AI race and the Hot Chatbot. Customers will ultimately decide. 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

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August 30, 2024in Generative AI, Salesforce Financial Services Solutions, Salesforce for Nonprofits, Salesforce Health and Life Sciences Solutions, Salesforce Hospitality Travel and Transportation, Salesforce Implementation Services, Salesforce Manufacturing Automotive Energy, Salesforce Public Sector Solutions
Connected Vehicles
29Aug

Connected Vehicles

Revolutionizing the Automotive Industry: Salesforce’s Connected Car App The automotive industry has always been a beacon of innovation, consistently pushing the boundaries to enhance the driving experience. From the iconic Model T and the assembly line to today’s electric and autonomous vehicles, the evolution of automobiles has been driven by an unyielding pursuit of progress. I actually purchased a new-to-me car today, and with the connected vehicle on the horizon I’m kind of glad I’ll be able to upgrade in a couple years. Bluetooth and back up cameras are great. But a car that can tell the dealership to get me on the horn before some automotive calamity occurs? The future is here, my friends. Connected Vehicles for Better Experiences Now, as digital transformation reshapes industries, a new chapter is emerging in automotive innovation: the connected car. Leading this charge is Salesforce, a global powerhouse in customer relationship management (CRM), with the introduction of its groundbreaking Connected Car App, poised to redefine in-car experiences for both drivers and passengers. From my personal buying experience today, the car business could use some customer relationship management! The Future of In-Car Connectivity Salesforce’s Connected Car App is more than just a technological enhancement; it represents a fundamental shift in how we interact with our vehicles. By leveraging Salesforce’s Customer 360 platform, this app creates personalized, engaging experiences that go far beyond traditional automotive features. The Connected Car App is designed to make every journey more intuitive and efficient, offering real-time insights and services tailored to the unique needs of each driver. Whether it’s maintenance alerts, optimized route suggestions based on traffic, or personalized entertainment options, the app transforms the car into a truly smart companion on the road. A GPS feature? I guess I can plan on deleting Waze off my phone in the near future! Powered by Salesforce Customer 360 At the heart of the Connected Car App is Salesforce’s Customer 360 platform, which delivers a comprehensive, 360-degree view of each customer. This integration ensures that the app provides tailored experiences based on a deep understanding of the driver’s preferences, habits, and history. It isn’t going to just know you by a vehicle loan number, a VIN number, or even just an email address. For instance, a driver who frequently takes long road trips might receive customized recommendations for rest stops, dining options, and attractions along their route. Meanwhile, commuters could benefit from real-time updates on traffic, weather, and parking availability. The app’s ability to anticipate and respond to the driver’s needs in real time distinguishes it from traditional in-car systems. I can just hear my car now, advising me it has been one hour since I stopped for coffee, and she’s worried about my sanity. Enhancing Customer Loyalty and Satisfaction with Connected Vehicles The Connected Car App offers significant potential to boost customer loyalty and satisfaction. By delivering a personalized driving experience, automakers can strengthen relationships with customers, transforming each driving journey into an opportunity to build brand loyalty. If Toyota is suddenly going to treat me like Shannan Hearne instead of customer # xxxxx would be ecstatic. Additionally, the app’s capability to collect and analyze data in real time opens new avenues for automakers to engage with their customers. Predictive maintenance reminders, targeted promotions, and special offers are just a few examples of how the app fosters a deeper connection between the brand and the driver. Oh, yeah. My connected vehicle app is DEFINITELY going to be talking to me about changing my oil (I’m not exactly diligent), how great the latest model of Toyota is (I drove a Corolla for 18 years and have also owned a Tacoma, a Tundra, and a Prius), and if it would add coffee coupons I would be golden. A New Era of Automotive Innovation Salesforce’s Connected Car App marks a pivotal moment in the automotive industry’s digital transformation. As vehicles become increasingly connected, the opportunities for innovation are boundless. Salesforce is at the forefront with a solution that not only enhances the driving experience but also empowers automakers to build stronger, more meaningful relationships with their customers. In a world where customer expectations are constantly growing, the Connected Car App is a game-changer. Customers, even car owners, expect their brands to know them and recognize them. By integrating Salesforce’s CRM capabilities directly into vehicles, the app creates a seamless, personalized experience that stands out. As we look ahead, it’s clear that the Connected Car App is just the beginning of an exciting new era of automotive innovation. As a marketer at heart and a technologist by trade, I’m really excited about the potential here. Connected Vehicle: A Unified Digital Foundation Salesforce’s Connected Vehicle platform provides automakers with a unified, intelligent digital foundation, enabling them to reduce development time and roll out features and updates faster than ever before. This platform allows seamless integration of vehicle, Internet of Things (IoT), driver, and retail data from various sources, including AWS IoT FleetWise and Snapdragon® Car-to-Cloud Connected Services Platform, to enhance driver experiences and ensure smooth vehicle operation. Can you imagine a smart app like the Connected Vehicle talking to your loyalty apps for gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores? I would be driving down the interstate and the app will tell me there is a Starbucks ahead AND I have a 10% off coupon. Automakers and mobility leaders like Sony Honda Mobility are already exploring the use of Connected Vehicle to deliver better experiences for their customers. The platform’s ability to access and integrate data from any source in near real time allows automakers to personalize driver experiences, in-car offers, and safety upgrades. Why It Matters By 2030, every new vehicle sold will be connected, and the advanced, tech-driven features they provide will be increasingly important to consumers. A recent Salesforce survey revealed that drivers already consider connected features to be nearly as important as a car’s brand. Connected Vehicle accelerates this evolution, enabling automakers to immediately deliver branded, customized experiences tailored to

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August 29, 2024in Salesforce Implementation Services, Salesforce Managed Services, Salesforce Manufacturing Automotive Energy
Slack and AI and Time
29Aug

Slack and AI and Time

The longer you stay at an organization, the more Slack channels you find yourself entangled in, making it increasingly difficult to cut through the noise. Even at Fortune, the accumulation of channels and the platform’s familiar clicking notifications are ever-present, with writers engaging in conversations ranging from breaking news to local food tips and football discussions. Managing Slack can feel like a job in itself. However, as Slack incorporates AI to streamline tasks and minimize busy work, users now face the challenge of deciding how to use their newly freed-up time. Slack’s AI introduces a new time dilemma. By simplifying the once time-consuming task of sifting through messages for critical information, the platform’s new “recap” function provides workers with a summary of incoming messages and highlights what’s most important. Companies like OpenAI, Spotify, and Uber are also optimizing their workflows by integrating Slack with other tools, such as the work management app Asana. AI is being utilized in various ways across Europe as well. Slack CEO Denise Dresser, seven months into her role at the Salesforce-owned messaging app, noted a Workforce Labs study showing that U.K. users are leveraging Slack’s writing assistant feature, while French users are primarily using it for summarization. In Germany, 36% of desk workers are employing AI to automate their tasks more regularly than their European counterparts. The initial results are promising. Slack reports that its AI tool has saved users an average of 97 minutes per week in administrative time. However, this has led to a new challenge: many workers are unsure how to best use their extra time. “They were still focusing on the work of work, which means we haven’t yet made the operational and mindset shift to start doing new things,” Dresser shared with Fortune, reflecting on the Workforce Labs findings. This situation highlights the next significant discussion about AI’s impact on work—how it will enhance productivity, replace roles, and potentially create new ones. There’s also ongoing debate about whether AI could render the traditional five-day workweek obsolete, offering people the option to enjoy more leisure time or take on more work. Dresser, for her part, plans to use her freed-up time to engage more with clients and is optimistic about AI’s potential to revolutionize workflows. “I personally think AI is going to be one of the most significant enhancers of human productivity we’ve ever seen, and I believe it will truly unlock human potential,” Dresser says. “It will likely create more jobs. We may see entirely new roles emerge, and I think that’s going to be exciting.” 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

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August 29, 2024in Salesforce Slack

When to use Flow

When and Why Should You Use a Flow in Salesforce? Flow is Salesforce’s premier tool for creating configurable automation and guided user experiences. If you need to build a process that doesn’t require the complexity of Apex code, Flow should be your go-to solution. It’s versatile, user-friendly, and equipped to handle a wide range of business automation needs. Legacy tools like Process Builder and Workflow Rules are being phased out, with support ending in December 2025. While you may choose to edit existing automations in these tools temporarily, migrating to Flow should be a top priority for future-proofing your Salesforce org. Capabilities of FlowFlows allow you to: When Should You Avoid Using a Flow?Although Flow is powerful, it’s not the right choice in every scenario. Here are situations where it may not be suitable: Creating a Flow in Salesforce Pro Tips for Flow Building Flow vs. Apex: Which to Choose?Flows are simpler, faster to deploy, and accessible to admins without coding expertise. Apex, on the other hand, is suited for complex use cases requiring advanced logic or integrations. Here’s when Apex should be used instead: Why Flows Are the FutureSalesforce has positioned Flow as the central automation tool by deprecating Workflow Rules and Process Builder. With every release, Flow’s capabilities expand, making it easier to replace tasks traditionally requiring Apex. For instance: Final ThoughtsSalesforce admins should prioritize building and migrating automation to Flow. It’s a scalable and admin-friendly tool that ensures your org stays up-to-date with Salesforce’s evolving ecosystem. Whether you’re automating basic processes or tackling complex workflows, Flow provides the flexibility to meet your 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

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August 28, 2024in Data, Salesforce Flow
Uplimit AI-Powered ELP
27Aug

Uplimit AI-Powered ELP

Uplimit Secures $11M in Series A Funding to Enhance AI-Powered Enterprise Learning SAN FRANCISCO, July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Uplimit, a leading provider of AI-powered enterprise learning solutions, has announced the successful completion of an $11M Series A funding round. This funding, led by Salesforce Ventures with participation from existing investors GSV Ventures, Greylock Partners, and Cowboy Ventures, as well as new investors Translink Capital, Workday Ventures, and Conviction, underscores the growing importance of effective employee upskilling in response to the rapid advancements in Generative AI technology. Uplimit AI-Powered ELP. “Helping employees stay ahead of technological advancements is now a critical priority for the organizations we serve,” said Claudine Emeott, Partner at Salesforce Ventures and Head of the Salesforce Ventures Impact Fund. “AI has the potential to equip both companies and individuals with the necessary skills to thrive, and Uplimit is at the forefront of integrating AI into education and training. We are excited to support their continued growth and look forward to seeing the significant impact they will have in the coming years.” “AI has the potential to equip both companies and individuals with the necessary skills to thrive, and Uplimit is at the forefront of integrating AI into education and training. We are excited to support their continued growth and look forward to seeing the significant impact they will have in the coming years.” Claudine Emeott, Partner at Salesforce Ventures and Head of the Salesforce Ventures Impact Fund Uplimit AI-Powered ELP With this new funding, Uplimit plans to expand its enterprise platform offerings, aiming to provide comprehensive upskilling solutions to more organizations and employees. Traditional education systems often require extensive resources for content creation, personalized feedback, and support, which can hinder scalability. While some scalable solutions exist, they often compromise on quality and outcomes. Uplimit is addressing this challenge with an innovative approach that combines scale and effectiveness. Their AI-driven platform enhances cohort management, learner support, and course authoring, enabling companies to deliver personalized learning experiences at scale. Uplimit’s recent introduction of AI-enabled role-play scenarios provides learners with immediate feedback, revolutionizing training and development for roles such as managers, support teams, and sales professionals. “Quality education has historically been a scarce resource, but AI is changing that,” said Julia Stiglitz, CEO and Co-founder of Uplimit. “AI allows us to create and update educational content rapidly, ensuring that learners receive personalized experiences even in large-scale courses. This is crucial as the demand for new skills, driven by the rapid evolution of AI technologies, continues to grow. Uplimit provides the tools needed for employees to quickly grasp new skills, tailored to their current knowledge and needs.” Uplimit has collaborated with a diverse range of companies, from Fortune 500 giants like GE Healthcare and Kraft Heinz to innovative startups such as Procore. Databricks, a leader in AI-powered data intelligence, was an early adopter of Uplimit’s platform for customer education. “We needed a learning platform that could scale to hundreds of thousands of learners while maintaining high levels of engagement and completion,” said Rochana Golani, VP of Learning and Enablement at Databricks. “Uplimit’s platform offers the perfect blend of real-time human instruction and personalized AI support, along with valuable peer interaction. This approach is set to be transformative for many of our customers.” The new funding will enable Uplimit to further enhance its enterprise and customer education offerings, expanding its AI capabilities to include advanced cohort management tools, rapid course feedback integration, interactive practice and assessment modules, and AI-powered course authoring. Join us on August 14th for our launch event, where we will explore how this funding will accelerate our mission and demonstrate the impact our platform is having on enterprise learning. About Uplimit Uplimit is a comprehensive AI-driven learning platform designed to equip companies with the tools needed to train employees and customers in emerging skills. The platform leverages AI to scale learning programs effectively, offering features such as AI-powered learner support, generative AI for content creation, and live cohort management tools. This approach ensures high engagement and completion rates, significantly surpassing traditional online courses. Uplimit also offers a marketplace of advanced courses in AI, technology, and leadership, taught by industry experts. Founded by Julia Stiglitz, Sourabh Bajaj, and Jake Samuelson, Uplimit is backed by Salesforce Ventures, Greylock Partners, Cowboy Ventures, GSV Ventures, Conviction, Workday Ventures, and Translink Capital, with contributions from the co-founders of OpenAI and DeepMind. Notable customers include GE Healthcare, Kraft Heinz, and Databricks. Uplimit has been featured in leading industry publications such as ATD, Josh Bersin, and Fast Company. 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

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August 27, 2024in Generative AI
ai analytics
26Aug

AI Analytics Explained

While both AI analytics and predictive AI leverage data analysis, AI analytics is a broader field encompassing various AI techniques for data processing and analysis, while predictive AI specifically focuses on forecasting future outcomes based on historical data patterns. Here’s a more detailed breakdown: AI Analytics (Broad) Predictive AI (Specific) What is AI Analytics? AI analytics leverages machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) to automate the analysis of vast amounts of data, uncovering insights faster and more accurately than traditional methods. By continuously monitoring data streams, AI analytics identifies patterns, anomalies, and trends—tasks that would typically require extensive manual effort from data analysts. Business Analytics in the AI Era AI is transforming industries, and business analytics is no exception. While traditional analytics relies on statistical models developed over centuries, AI-powered analytics introduces unprecedented speed, scalability, and precision, enabling businesses to make real-time, data-driven decisions. This article explores: What is Analytics? Analytics is the process of extracting meaningful insights from raw data to answer business questions, predict trends, and guide decision-making. It involves various techniques, including: The Four Stages of Analytics (Gartner’s Analytic Ascendancy Model) AI, Machine Learning, and AI Analytics Artificial Intelligence (AI) AI refers to machines performing tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as: Machine Learning (ML) A subset of AI, ML uses algorithms trained on data to make predictions without explicit programming. Key approaches include: AI Analytics AI analytics automates data analysis by: Unlike traditional analytics, which relies on manual hypothesis testing, AI analytics continuously scans data, delivering faster, more objective insights. AI Analytics vs. Traditional Analytics Feature Traditional Analytics AI Analytics Speed Slow (weeks to months) Real-time processing Scale Limited by human capacity Handles billions of data points Granularity Broad trends Micro-level insights (e.g., per-user) Bias Human assumptions influence results Data-driven, unbiased analysis Automation Manual hypothesis testing Self-learning algorithms Advantages of AI Analytics ✅ Faster detection – Identifies issues in hours, not weeks.✅ Higher accuracy – Reduces errors by 30-50% (McKinsey).✅ Unbiased insights – Tests millions of hypotheses objectively. Real-World Applications of AI Analytics 1. Demand Forecasting (Predictive Analytics) 2. Predictive Maintenance 3. Business Monitoring (Diagnostic Analytics) 4. Cloud Cost Optimization Conclusion: AI Analytics is the Future AI analytics supercharges business intelligence by:🚀 Automating tedious analysis – Freeing analysts for strategic work.🔍 Uncovering hidden insights – Detecting patterns humans miss.⏱ Delivering real-time decisions – Keeping businesses agile. As AI continues to evolve, companies that adopt AI-powered analytics will gain a competitive edge—transforming raw data into actionable intelligence at unprecedented speed. Ready to integrate AI analytics into your business? Explore how AI can revolutionize your data strategy today. Contact Tectonic. 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

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August 26, 2024in Artificial Intelligence, Data, Deep Learning
Unlocking Enterprise AI Success
26Aug

Unlocking Enterprise AI Success

Companies are diving into artificial intelligence. Unlocking enterprise AI success depends on four main factors. Tectonic is here to help you address each. Trust is Important-Trust is Everything Data is everything—it’s reshaping business models and steering the world through health and economic challenges. But data alone isn’t enough; in fact, it can be worse than useless—it’s a risk unless it’s trustworthy. The solution lies in a data trust strategy: one that maximizes data’s potential to create value while minimizing the risks associated with it. Data Trust is Declining, Not Improving Do you believe your company is making its data and data practices more trustworthy? If so, you’re in line with most business leaders. However, there’s a disconnect: consumers don’t share this belief. While 55% of business leaders think consumers trust them with data more than they did two years ago, only 21% of consumers report increased trust in how companies use their data. In fact, 28% say their trust has decreased, and a staggering 76% of global consumers view sharing their data with companies as a “necessary evil.” For companies that manage to build trust in their data, the benefits are substantial. Yet, only 37% of companies with a formal data valuation process involve privacy teams. Integrating privacy is just one aspect of building data trust, but companies that do so are already more than twice as likely as their peers to report returns on investment from key data-driven initiatives, such as developing new products and services, enhancing workforce effectiveness, and optimizing business operations. To truly excel, companies need to create an ongoing system that continually transforms raw information into trusted, business-critical data. Data is the Backbone-Data is the Key Data leaks, as shown below, are a major factor on data trust and quality. As bad as leaked data is to security, data availability is to being a data-driven organization. Extortionist Attack on Costa Rican Government Agencies In an unprecedented event in April 2022, the extortionist group Conti launched a cyberattack on Costa Rican government agencies, demanding a million ransom. The attack crippled much of the country’s IT infrastructure, leading to a declared state of emergency. Lapsus$ Attacks on Okta, Nvidia, Microsoft, Samsung, and Other Companies The Lapsus$ group targeted several major IT companies in 2022, including Okta, Nvidia, Microsoft, and Samsung. Earlier in the year, Okta, known for its account and access management solutions—including multi-factor authentication—was breached. Attack on Swissport International Swissport International, a Swiss provider of air cargo and ground handling services operating at 310 airports across 50 countries, was hit by ransomware. The attack caused numerous flight delays and resulted in the theft of 1.6 TB of data, highlighting the severe consequences of such breaches on global logistics. Attack on Vodafone Portugal Vodafone Portugal, a major telecommunications operator, suffered a cyberattack that disrupted services nationwide, affecting 4G and 5G networks, SMS messaging, and TV services. With over 4 million cellular subscribers and 3.4 million internet users, the impact was widespread across Portugal. Data Leak of Indonesian Citizens In a massive breach, an archive containing data on 105 million Indonesian citizens—about 40% of the country’s population—was put up for sale on a dark web forum. The data, believed to have been stolen from the “General Election Commission,” included full names, birth dates, and other personal information. The Critical Importance of Accurate Data There’s no shortage of maxims emphasizing how data has become one of the most vital resources for businesses and organizations. At Tectonic, we agree that the best decisions are driven by accurate and relevant data. However, we also caution that simply having more data doesn’t necessarily lead to better decision-making. In fact, we argue that data accuracy is far more important than data abundance. Making decisions based on incorrect or irrelevant data is often worse than having too little of the right data. This is why accurate data is crucial, and we’ll explore this concept further in the following sections. Accurate data is information that truly reflects reality or another source of truth. It can be tested against facts or evidence to verify that it represents something as it actually is, such as a person’s contact details or a location’s coordinates. Accuracy is often confused with precision, but they are distinct concepts. Precision refers to how consistent or varied values are relative to one another, typically measured against some other variable. Thus, data can be accurate, precise, both, or neither. Another key factor in data accuracy is the time elapsed between when data is produced and when it is collected and used. The shorter this time frame, the more likely the data is to be accurate. As modern businesses integrate data into more aspects of their operations, they stand to gain significant competitive advantages if done correctly. However, this also means there’s more at stake if the data is inaccurate. The following points will highlight why accurate data is critical to various facets of your company. Ease and speed of access Access speeds are measured in bytes per second (Bps). Slower devices operate in thousands of Bps (kBps), while faster devices can reach millions of Bps (MBps). For example, a hard drive can read and write data at speeds of 300MBps, which is 5,000 times faster than a floppy disk! Fast data refers to data in motion, streaming into applications and computing environments from countless endpoints—ranging from mobile devices and sensor networks to financial transactions, stock tick feeds, logs, retail systems, and telco call routing and authorization systems. Improving data access speeds can significantly enhance operational efficiency by providing timely and accurate data to stakeholders throughout an organization. This can streamline business processes, reduce costs, and boost productivity. However, data access is not just about retrieving information. It plays a crucial role in ensuring data integrity, security, and regulatory compliance. Effective data access strategies help organizations safeguard sensitive information from unauthorized access while making it readily available to those who are authorized. Additionally, the accuracy and availability of data are essential to prevent data silos

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August 26, 2024in Salesforce
Winter 25 Release Developer Enhancements
25Aug

Winter 25 Release Developer Enhancements

Developer Enhancements Salesforce Flow Enhancements Flow Orchestrator Enhancements How to Access and Use Key Salesforce Features View the Automation Lightning App: Manage Steps in an Orchestration Stage: Customize the Flow Orchestration Work Guide Component: Customize SMS One-Time Password Delivery for Experience Cloud Sites: Control Authenticated Callouts Permissions: Improve Data Transmission Speed and Security with TLS 1.3: Enable LWC Stacked Modals: Additional Enhancements: Salesforce Mobile App Enhancements Resolve Sync Issues with Offline Drafts: Access Hyperlinks in Enhanced Reports: Messaging in the Salesforce Mobile App: Seller-Focused Sales Mobile Experience: Stay Informed About Upcoming Releases: Check Out Resources: 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

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August 25, 2024in Salesforce Shield
Winter 25 Salesforce Release
22Aug

Get Ready for Winter 25 Salesforce Release

Salesforce Winter 25 Release notes are here. Salesforce Overall Learn about new features and enhancements that affect your Salesforce experience overall. August 8: Get early access by signing up for a Pre-Release org Admins can sign up for a pre-release Developer Edition environment, which is full of all the Winter ’25 features to explore to your heart’s content. Developer environments are stand-alone environments where you can learn, build, and get comfortable with features and functionality. If you already had a pre-release org for Summer ’24, you can log back into that one. August 14: Review the Release Notes Search the products you use for release updates in the Release Notes section of Salesforce Help. The notes will go live August 14 and we will share the link here. Get help from the community! With each release, there are a number of blogs by community members who break it down. Check out the Release Readiness Trailblazer Community Group where you can continue to get updates, share your favorite features, and ask questions about the upcoming release. August 19: Be Release Ready with Winter ’25 features for Admins Starting on August 19th, we’ll begin publishing blog posts on the Admin Blog to help you Be Release Ready with Winter ’25 features. Get ready to dive into blog posts featuring Winter ’25 user access highlights and more! As blog posts and more release resources become available, we’ll be updating the Be Release Ready page with all the resources and information you need to get started with Winter ’25. August 29 before 5 p.m. PT: Be sure to refresh your Sandbox Once you’ve explored the pre-release org and reviewed the Release Notes for features that are important to you, it’s time to try out features related to your customizations in your sandbox. This is a great time to evaluate how specific features may be useful or impact the way your organization uses Salesforce. During each release, there is a group of sandboxes slated to remain on the non-preview instance (i.e. the current release) while there is another group of sandboxes that will upgrade to the preview instance. Use the Salesforce Sandbox Preview Guide to determine the plan for your sandbox instance(s). Use the tool where you can search by sandbox instance and then specify what you want to do with your sandbox — stay on the non-preview or move to preview. It will then instruct you to refresh your sandbox to get to the desired instance or inform you that there is no action needed because your sandbox is slated for the desired instance. Contact Tectonic today if you need assistance getting Salesforce release ready. 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

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August 22, 2024in Snowflake
Slack AI Exploit Prevented
22Aug

Slack AI Exploit Prevented

Slack AI Exploit Prevented. Slack has patched a vulnerability in its Slack AI assistant that could have been for insider phishing attacks, according to an announcement made by the company on Wednesday. This update follows a blog post by PromptArmor, which detailed how an insider attacker—someone within the same Slack workspace as the target—could manipulate Slack AI into sending phishing links to private channels that the attacker does not have access to. The vulnerability is an example of an indirect prompt injection attack. In this type of attack, the attacker embeds malicious instructions within content that the AI processes, such as an external website or an uploaded document. In this case, the attacker could plant these instructions in a public Slack channel. Slack AI, designed to use relevant information from public channels in the workspace to generate responses, could then be tricked into acting on these malicious instructions. While placing such instructions in a public channel poses a risk of detection, PromptArmor pointed out that an attacker could create a rogue public channel with only one member—themselves—potentially avoiding detection unless another user specifically searches for that channel. Salesforce, which owns Slack, did not directly reference PromptArmor in its advisory and did not confirm to SC Media that the issue it patched is the same one described by PromptArmor. However, the advisory does mention a security researcher’s blog post published on August 20, the same day as PromptArmor’s blog. “When we became aware of the report, we launched an investigation into the described scenario where, under very limited and specific circumstances, a malicious actor with an existing account in the same Slack workspace could phish users for certain data. We’ve deployed a patch to address the issue and have no evidence at this time of unauthorized access to customer data,” a Salesforce spokesperson told SC Media. How the Slack AI Exploit Could Have Extracted Secrets from Private Channels PromptArmor demonstrated two proof-of-concept exploits that would require the attacker to have access to the same workspace as the victim, such as a coworker. The attacker would create a public channel and lure the victim into clicking a link delivered by the AI. In the first exploit, the attacker aimed to extract an API key stored in a private channel that the victim is part of. The attacker could post a carefully crafted prompt in the public channel that indirectly instructs Slack AI to respond to a request for the API key with a fake error message and a URL controlled by the attacker. The AI would unknowingly insert the API key from the victim’s private channel into the URL as an HTTP parameter. If the victim clicks on the URL, the API key would be sent to the attacker’s domain. “This vulnerability shows how a flaw in the system could let unauthorized people see data they shouldn’t see. This really makes me question how safe our AI tools are,” said Akhil Mittal, Senior Manager of Cybersecurity Strategy and Solutions at Synopsys Software Integrity Group, in an email to SC Media. “It’s not just about fixing problems but making sure these tools manage our data properly. As AI becomes more common, it’s important for organizations to keep both security and ethics in mind to protect our information and keep trust.” In a second exploit, PromptArmor demonstrated how similar crafted instructions could be used to deliver a phishing link to a private channel. The attacker would tailor the instructions to the victim’s workflow, such as asking the AI to summarize messages from their manager, and include a malicious link. PromptArmor reported the issue to Slack on August 14, with Slack acknowledging the disclosure the following day. Despite some initial skepticism from Slack about the severity of the vulnerability, the company patched the issue on August 21. “Slack’s security team had prompt responses and showcased a commitment to security and attempted to understand the issue. Given how new prompt injection is and how misunderstood it has been across the industry, this is something that will take the industry time to wrap our heads around collectively,” PromptArmor wrote in their blog. New Slack AI Feature Could Pose Further Prompt Injection Risk PromptArmor concluded its testing of Slack AI before August 14, the same day Slack announced that its AI assistant could now reference files uploaded to Slack when generating search answers. PromptArmor noted that this new feature could create additional opportunities for indirect prompt injection attacks, such as hiding malicious instructions in a PDF file by setting the font color to white. However, the researchers have not yet tested this scenario and noted that workspace admins can restrict Slack AI’s ability to read files. 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

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August 22, 2024in Salesforce Slack
Salesforce and the Connected Car
21Aug

Salesforce and the Connected Car

The concept of the Connected Car has been a topic of discussion for years, often accompanied by ambitious predictions from consultants about its market potential. For example, McKinsey in 2021 projected that by 2030, Connected Cars would constitute 95% of all vehicles on the road. Central to the success of these vehicles is data, with each one generating approximately 25 GB of data per hour. That’s a lot of data. Like a whole truckload of data! Salesforce and the Connected Car is uniquely a perfect fit. However, this raises two critical questions. First, do consumers actually understand what a Connected Car is? Second, if they do, are they comfortable sharing their personal data with automakers to enhance their driving experience? In January, Salesforce conducted a study of 2,188 car owners in the U.S., revealing some unsettling insights. A significant portion of drivers—over two-thirds (65%)—are unfamiliar with the concept of a Connected Car. Even more telling, over a third (37%) had never heard the term before. As of now, two-thirds of respondents either don’t have connected features in their cars or are not using them if they do. This includes features like Apple CarPlay and others. Personally, while shopping for a car I look for all those connected bells and whistles. On the flip side, this presents a considerable opportunity for automakers. According to Salesforce’s data, drivers expressed a willingness to pay a premium for advanced features, such as driver assistance, touchscreens, and smartphone integration. When it comes to sharing personal data, however, there’s still work to be done. While over half of respondents (54%) are comfortable with cars collecting data on vehicle diagnostics or seatbelt usage (35%), fewer are okay with data collection on driving speed (34%) or route history (31%). The discomfort grows when it comes to more sensitive data like voice recordings (17%), biometrics (13%), or text messages (12%). There are incentives that could encourage data sharing. For example, over two-thirds of respondents (67%) would be willing to exchange personal data for better insurance rates. Other incentives include advanced driver personalization (43%), such as customized seat and mirror settings, and enhanced personal safety features like real-time health monitoring (36%). Introducing Salesforce Connected Vehicle Salesforce for the Automotive IndustryIn response to these trends, Salesforce has introduced Connected Vehicle, a new application within the Automotive Cloud, alongside new partnerships with Qualcomm and AWS. These innovations aim to help automakers create the cars of the future. According to Salesforce: With a single console and a ready-to-use set of industry-specific, low-code/no-code development tools, Connected Vehicle helps automakers roll out new services and features to drivers faster. It enables bidirectional, over-the-air (OTA) capabilities for data sharing and software updates between the cloud and the vehicle via wireless or cellular networks. Key features for automakers include: Connected Vehicle is available today, with additional features like Connected Vehicle Summary, Interaction Summary, Warranty Summary, and Sales Agreement expected to be generally available in the fall. Why Now? The Connected Car has been around in some form since 2005, but according to Achyut Jajoo, SVP & GM of Automotive at Salesforce, connectivity is just the beginning. He explains: “One big challenge for automakers was that once a car left the factory, it was difficult to update its software or add new capabilities. The car was limited to the features it shipped with, unless you took it back to the dealership. But today, the fundamental architecture of these vehicles is changing. I often describe it as a phone on wheels. With standardized chips and modules, data can now be pushed to the cloud, allowing for real-time control and updates.” This shift means that once a vehicle leaves the factory, its performance and features can evolve over time. This “software-defined vehicle” revolution allows for continuous enhancements and the deployment of new capabilities that weren’t possible before. While connectivity is an essential piece, this software-driven approach is the real game changer. As for Salesforce’s role and its partnerships with AWS and Qualcomm, Jajoo says: “We are known for taking data and creating customer experiences. When we looked at the automotive market, we saw how complicated it is. We heard horror stories and realized that by partnering with other tech powerhouses, we could provide an end-to-end solution. This approach was shaped by our discussions with customers who said they struggled with these challenges and would love for us to collaborate.” Final Thought We may not be close to McKinsey’s 95% prediction quite yet, but the trajectory is clear. With data being central to success—and consumer trust in how that data is used—Salesforce’s collaboration with AWS and Qualcomm seems like a smart move. Apparently I am the ideal customer as I want my vehicle connected! By Tectonic’s Senior Consultant, Shannan Hearne 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

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August 21, 2024in Salesforce Automotive Cloud, Salesforce Development Services, Salesforce Manufacturing Automotive Energy, Salesforce Optimization
Winter 25 Release Notes
20Aug

Winter 25 Release Notes

The Winter ’25 release is available through the pre-release program. On August 30, 2024, Sandboxes will be upgraded, providing your organization with the Winter ’25 release experience. Set Up Your Pay Now Store Quickly and Easily Use the streamlined automated setup to get your Pay Now store up and running effortlessly. The guided process walks you through each step needed to configure your store. This feature is available in Salesforce Payments for Enterprise, Unlimited, and Developer editions. How to Set Up: Gain Insight into How User Permissions Are Granted Simplify user management with visibility into the profiles, permission sets, and permission set groups that grant permissions to a user. The User Access Summary now provides detailed information about a user’s assigned object, field, user, and custom permissions. Previously, identifying the source of a user’s permissions required multiple steps, but now you can access this information with just a few clicks. This change applies to Lightning Experience in all editions. How to Use: See How Object Access Is Granted in Object Manager Quickly view the permission sets, permission set groups, and profiles that grant access to an object, along with the level of access provided. The read-only Object Access Summary in Object Manager allows for quick checks during troubleshooting, reviews, or when deciding how to grant user access. This update is available in Lightning Experience across all editions. How to Access: Improve Performance for List Views on Custom and Standard Objects To enhance performance and meet the latest accessibility standards, list views for both custom and standard objects now render using Lightning Web Components (LWC) instead of Aura. LWC, Salesforce’s latest framework, delivers data faster and enables new features for list views. Previously, only custom object list views in sandboxes used LWC. This update applies to Lightning Experience in all editions. How to Use: Configure Record Highlights in Lightning App Builder Enhance your Lightning pages with the new Dynamic Highlights Panel, which lets you configure important fields directly within the Lightning App Builder. Previously, this was only possible through compact layouts in Setup. The Dynamic Highlights Panel can hold up to 12 fields and adjusts responsively to browser size. This feature is available in Group, Professional, Enterprise, Performance, Unlimited, and Developer editions. How to Implement: Make Record Fields Stand Out with Conditional Formatting Highlight key information on record pages using conditional formatting in Lightning App Builder. On Dynamic Forms-enabled pages, you can assign custom icons and colors to fields based on defined criteria, such as field values or other conditions on the page. This feature is available on a rolling basis starting in early September 2024 for Group, Professional, Enterprise, Performance, Unlimited, and Developer editions. How to Use: Save Time with New Messaging Components for Enhanced Bots (Generally Available) Empower customers and save service agents’ time with the new messaging components for enhanced bots. These include authentication, custom, form, and payment messaging components, which can handle more complex use cases on enhanced Apple Messages for Business channels. The form component is also available for Messaging for In-App and Web. These updates apply to Lightning Experience and Salesforce Classic in Enterprise, Performance, Unlimited, and Developer editions, with bot setup available only in Lightning Experience. How to Implement: Enhance Your LWR Site Experience by Curating Data Providers on a Page (Beta) Enhance LWR site pages by adding and configuring data providers in Experience Builder. This feature allows you to access data from different sources, such as Apex or Record data providers, directly within your site page and its components. This change is available in Professional, Enterprise, Unlimited, and Developer editions for LWR sites accessed through Lightning Experience. A community license is required to use this feature. How to Use: To configure data providers on an LWR Site page in Experience Builder: Enabling or Disabling Modernized Record Experience in Aura Sites You can now use upgraded record components based on Lightning web component technology to see stylistic changes in your Aura sites. These updates, previously limited to sandbox environments, are now available in production environments for the Create Record Form, Record Banner, and Record Detail components. This update is applicable to Aura sites accessed through Lightning Experience and Salesforce Classic in Enterprise, Performance, Unlimited, and Developer editions. When you enable the Use Lightning web components on your record pages in Aura sites setting, the Create Record Form, Record Banner, and Record Detail components display minor style changes. Some key updates include: Daily Summary of Service Appointments Requiring Immediate Attention Boost dispatcher productivity by using Einstein Copilot Field Service actions to get a daily summary of service appointments needing immediate attention, such as those with rule violations, overlaps, SLA risks, or emergencies. Each category in the summary is converted into a filter in the appointment list for quick resolution. Customize the summary to include additional categories. This feature is available in Lightning Experience in the Einstein 1 Field Service Edition with the Field Service Managed Package installed. To use this feature: Assigning Opportunity Splits to Territories Sales teams can now assign opportunity splits and opportunity product splits to territories, enabling them to report on how territories contribute to overall sales. Previously, splits could only be associated with the parent opportunity’s territory. Now, teams can also forecast based on split amounts across territories. This update applies to Lightning Experience in Enterprise, Performance, Unlimited, and Developer editions. To enable this feature: Strategic Planning with Account Plan Enhance your strategic planning with Account Plans by nurturing existing relationships and growing key accounts. Use Account Plans to research and analyze accounts, set objectives with actionable metrics, and monitor growth and development from a single repository within Salesforce. This feature applies to Lightning Experience in Enterprise, Performance, and Unlimited editions and in Einstein 1 Sales Edition. This feature will be rolled out to production environments after the Winter ’25 release and will be available to all customers by October 29, 2024. It is accessible in sandboxes only after its production release. To use Account Plans: Forecast Submissions Forecast submissions

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August 20, 2024in Generative AI, Snowflake, Unified Knowledge

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