Generative AI Archives - gettectonic.com

29Apr

AI in the Travel Industry

AI in Travel: How the Industry is Transforming with Intelligent Technology The travel sector has long been at the forefront of AI adoption, with airlines, hotels, and cruise lines leveraging advanced analytics for decades to optimize pricing and operations. Now, as artificial intelligence evolves—particularly with the rise of generative AI—the industry is entering a new era of smarter automation, hyper-personalization, and seamless customer experiences. “AI and generative AI have emerged as truly disruptive forces,” says Kartikey Kaushal, Senior Analyst at Everest Group. “They’re reshaping how travel businesses operate, compete, and serve customers.” According to Everest Group, AI adoption in travel is growing at 14-16% annually, driven by demand for efficiency and enhanced customer engagement. But as adoption accelerates, the industry must balance automation with the human touch that travelers still value. 10 Key AI Use Cases in Travel & Tourism 1. Dynamic Pricing Optimization Travel companies pioneered AI-driven dynamic pricing, adjusting fares based on demand, competitor rates, weather, and events. Now, AI takes it further with hyper-personalized pricing—tracking user behavior (like repeated searches) to offer tailored deals. 2. Customer Sentiment Analysis AI evaluates traveler emotions through voice tone, reviews, and social media, enabling real-time adjustments. Hotels and airlines use sentiment tracking to improve service before complaints escalate. 3. Automated Office Tasks Travel agencies use generative AI (like ChatGPT) to draft emails, marketing content, and customer onboarding materials, freeing staff for high-value interactions. 4. Self-Service & Customer Empowerment AI-powered chatbots, itinerary builders, and booking tools let travelers plan trips independently. Some even bring AI-generated plans to agents for refinement—blending automation with human expertise. 5. Operational Efficiency & Asset Management Airlines and cruise lines deploy AI for:✔ Predictive maintenance (reducing downtime)✔ Route optimization (cutting fuel costs)✔ Staff scheduling (improving productivity) 6. AI-Powered Summarization Booking platforms use generative AI to summarize hotel reviews, local attractions, and FAQs—delivering concise, personalized travel insights. 7. Frictionless Travel Experiences From contactless hotel check-ins to AI-driven real-time recommendations (restaurants, shows, transport), AI minimizes hassles and enhances convenience. 8. AI Agents for Problem-Solving Agentic AI autonomously resolves disruptions—like rebooking flights, rerouting luggage, and updating hotels—without human intervention. 9. Enhanced Personalization Without “Creepiness” AI tailors recommendations based on past behavior but must avoid overstepping. The challenge? “A customer segment of one”—balancing customization with privacy. 10. Risk & Compliance Management AI helps navigate data privacy laws (GDPR, CCPA) and detects fraud, but companies must assign clear accountability for AI-driven decisions. Challenges in AI Adoption for Travel The Future: AI + Human Collaboration The most successful travel companies will blend AI efficiency with human empathy, ensuring technology enhances—not replaces—the art of travel. “The goal isn’t full automation,” says McKinsey’s Alex Cosmas. “It’s using AI to make every journey smoother, smarter, and more personal.” As AI evolves, so will its role in travel—ushering in an era where smarter algorithms and human expertise work together to create unforgettable experiences. What’s Next? The journey has just begun. 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

April 29, 2025in Agentic AI, Artificial Intelligence, Data, Generative AI, Laws, Technology0 Comments

25Apr

Embracing “Intelligent Austerity”

Embracing “Intelligent Austerity”: How Scotland Can Lead the Way in Public Sector Innovation As the UK Government enforces a 15% reduction in operating costs across departments, the pressure to streamline workflows through generative AI has never been greater. While these targets have sparked concern in Westminster, Scotland’s legacy of innovation—from tidal energy to healthcare—positions it to redefine what austerity can achieve. Rather than resorting to blunt cuts that undermine services and hurt the most vulnerable constituents, Scotland has a unique opportunity to pioneer intelligent austerity: delivering significant cost savings and productivity gains without sacrificing the quality of essential public services. But how? A Smarter Approach to Public Services At Salesforce, we’re not just driving agentic transformation—we’re challenging governments to rethink efficiency. Our technology is already embedded across the UK public sector and beyond. With Agentforce, our goal isn’t to replace human workers but to empower them by eliminating repetitive, low-value tasks. When I speak with civil servants, I ask a simple question: “What parts of your day drain your productivity?” The answer is almost always the same: tedious administrative work that stifles innovation. The key to unlocking societal progress—whether in fighting child poverty, boosting the economy, or tackling climate change—lies in making small, daily efficiency gains. By automating routine tasks, we free up staff to focus on what they do best: high-impact, human-centric work. Agentforce serves as a practical blueprint for intelligent austerity, delivering lasting efficiencies while preserving—and even enhancing—the human touch in public services. Intelligent Austerity: Efficiency Without Sacrifice Traditional austerity often means deep, painful cuts that erode services and fuel public frustration. Intelligent austerity, by contrast, targets inefficiencies—like costly call centres and outdated administrative processes—while reinvesting savings where they matter most. Instead of lengthy, expensive IT overhauls that tie departments to consultants, we advocate for off-the-shelf AI solutions that deliver value in weeks, not years. These integrate seamlessly with existing systems, improving transparency, agility, and scalability from day one. The result? Departments can exceed cost-saving targets—even surpassing the 15% goal—without the downsides of traditional austerity. Agents in Action: Real-World Success Stories These examples prove that AI-driven transformation can counter fiscal pressures while improving service delivery—a win-win for both budgets and citizens. Scotland’s AI Opportunity Imagine every government department equipped with a 24/7 AI expert—an intelligent assistant capable of answering policy questions, processing documents, or even serving as a strategic advisor. Early AI adoption is like the first SatNav systems: helpful but imperfect. The real breakthrough comes when AI evolves into a collision avoidance system—actively preventing problems and enhancing decision-making. Our AI Agents Handbook outlines how Scotland can harness this potential. By adopting AI strategically, public services can achieve cost savings that are reinvested in key priorities—eradicating child poverty, growing the economy, and addressing the climate crisis. The Future: Smarter, More Agile Public Services AI isn’t about replacing humans—it’s about empowering them. With each small efficiency gain, departments become more agile, better equipped to deliver sustainable, high-quality services. Scotland has the chance to lead this shift, turning fiscal challenges into opportunities for innovation. Interested in learning more? Let’s discuss how AI Agents can transform your organization. Get in touch for a personalized consultation. 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

April 25, 2025in AI Tools, Generative AI, Generative AI Tools, Salesforce, Technology0 Comments

24Apr

Second Wave of AI Agents

The “second wave” of AI agents refers to the evolution of AI beyond simple chatbots and into more sophisticated, autonomous systems that can plan, execute, and deliver results independently, often leveraging large language models (LLMs). These agents are characterized by their ability to interact with other applications, interpret the screen, fill out forms, and coordinate with other AI systems to achieve a desired outcome. They are also seen as a significant step beyond the first wave of AI, which primarily focused on predictive models and statistical learning. Key Characteristics of the Second Wave of AI Agents: Examples and Applications: In 2023 Bill Gates prophesized AI Agents would be here in 5 years. His timing was off. But not his prediction. The Future of Computing: Your AI Agent, Your Digital Sidekick Imagine this: No more juggling apps. No more digging through menus. No more searching for a document or a spreadsheet. Just tell your device—in plain English—what you need, and it handles the rest. Whether it’s planning a tour, managing your schedule, or helping with work, your AI assistant will understand you personally, adapting to your life based on what you choose to share. This isn’t science fiction. Today, everyone online has access to an AI-powered personal assistant far more advanced than anything available in 2023. Meet the Agent: The Next Era of Computing This next-generation software—called an agent—responds to natural language and accomplishes tasks using deep knowledge of you and your needs. Bill Gates first wrote about agents in his 1995 book The Road Ahead, but only now, with recent AI breakthroughs, have they become truly possible. Agents won’t just change how we interact with technology. They’ll reshape the entire software industry, marking the biggest shift in computing since we moved from command lines to touchscreens. Consider Salesforce’s AgentForce. A platform driven by automated AI agents that can be trained to do virtually anything. Freeing staff up from mundane data entry and administrative work to really set them loose. Marketers can once again create content, but with the insights provided by AI. Sales teams can close deals, but with the lead rating details provided by AI. Developers can devote more time to writing code but letting AI do the repetitive pieces that take time away from awe inspiring development. Why This Changes Everything We’re on the brink of a revolution—one where technology doesn’t just respond to commands but anticipates your needs and acts on your behalf. The age of the AI agent is here, and it’s going to redefine how we live and work. By Tectonic’s Marketing Operations Manager, 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

April 24, 2025in Agentic AI, Data, Generative AI, Salesforce, Technology0 Comments

23Apr

Alaska Inspires

Alaska Airlines Launches Guest-Facing Generative AI Tool, Alaska Inspires Alaska Airlines has become the first airline to introduce a guest-facing Generative AI (GenAI) tool with the launch of Alaska Inspires. Designed to simplify travel planning, this AI-powered assistant helps guests discover destinations more efficiently. “We heard from our guests that planning a trip to a new destination can take up to 40 hours,” says Bernadette Berger, Director of Innovation at Alaska Airlines. “Much of that time is spent comparing destinations, prices, travel times, and reading reviews. We built a Natural Language Search tool to let guests explore travel options using their own words, preferred language, or voice.” With Alaska Inspires, travelers can ask questions like, “Where can I go in Europe for under 80,000 miles?” or “Where can I go skiing within four hours?” Powered by OpenAI, the tool provides highly personalized responses and recommends up to four destinations, explaining why each was selected. This initiative is part of Alaska Airlines’ broader effort to develop a suite of GenAI tools that make discovering, shopping, and booking travel faster and more intuitive. Enhancing the Day-of-Travel Experience with AI Beyond trip planning, Alaska Airlines is leveraging GenAI to provide real-time, personalized travel insights. Berger highlights the growing role of AI in understanding guest preferences and delivering information in their preferred format. “Using voice as an interface—especially in a guest’s preferred language—is ideal for quick questions or simple tasks,” she explains. “How many minutes until I board?” or “Check me in for my flight” are prime examples of how voice-enabled GenAI can enhance the customer experience. Additionally, translating live announcements and direct messages into a traveler’s native language helps improve clarity and engagement. Bridging the Gap Between Data and Human Understanding Airlines operate in a world of complex policies, acronyms, and industry jargon. GenAI helps bridge this gap by translating raw operational data into clear, guest-friendly language. “GenAI excels at ingesting rules, policies, and operational data while generating responses that explain situations in a brand-aligned, easy-to-understand way,” Berger says. Currently, Alaska Airlines uses GenAI to assist customer service agents in quickly answering policy-related questions and responding to guest inquiries with speed and care. Balancing Innovation with Privacy and Quality While the opportunities with GenAI are vast, Berger acknowledges the challenges of implementing AI responsibly. “Building AI-powered tools is fast, but it requires time for model training, security, and rigorous user testing,” she notes. Ensuring privacy and maintaining high-quality outputs remain top priorities. Advice for the Industry: Experiment, Learn, and Scale For airlines, airports, and industry stakeholders exploring GenAI, Berger offers practical advice: focus on reducing the cost of testing. “If your AI roadmap is filled with expensive, time-consuming trials, your team will get stuck in hypotheticals,” she warns. “Build fast, low-cost experiments to validate the technology, use case, inputs, and outputs. Identify failures quickly and move on, then scale what works. This approach helps separate marketing hype from real business value and, most importantly, delivers solutions that truly enhance the customer experience.” With Alaska Inspires and a growing suite of AI-driven innovations, Alaska Airlines is leading the way in making travel planning and the day-of-travel experience more seamless and personalized. 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

April 23, 2025in AI Tools, Data, Generative AI, Salesforce Hospitality Travel and Transportation, Technology0 Comments

Agentforce: Modernizing 311 and Case Management

Join Tectonic for an informational webinar on Salesforce Agentforce, Modernizing 311 services, and Case management. In this webinar you will hear: For more information fill out the contact us form below or reach out to the Public Sector team [email protected] Get ready for the Next Frontier in Enterprise AI: Shaping Public Policies for Trusted AI Agents! AI agents are a technological revolution – the third wave of artificial intelligence after predictive and generative AI. They go beyond traditional automation, being capable of searching for relevant data, analyzing it to formulate a plan, and then putting the plan into action. Users can configure agents with guardrails that specify what actions they can take and when tasks should be handed off to humans. For the past 25 years, Salesforce has led their customers through every major technological shift: from cloud, to mobile, to predictive and generative AI, and, today, agentic AI. We are at the cusp of a pivotal moment for enterprise AI that has the opportunity to supercharge productivity and change the way we work forever. This will require governments working together with industry, civil society, and all stakeholders to ensure responsible technological advancement and workforce readiness. We look forward to continuing our contributions to the public policy discussions on trusted enterprise AI agents. 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

April 23, 2025in Agentforce Platform, Agentic AI, AI Tools, Artificial Intelligence, Data, Enterprise, Generative AI, Generative AI Tools, Public Sector Solutions, Salesforce, Salesforce Development Services, Salesforce Implementation Services, Salesforce Optimization, Salesforce Public Sector Solutions, Technology0 Comments

17Apr

Essential Teams Every SMB Needs

Lean & Mean: The Essential Teams Every SMB Needs to Thrive Gone are the days when success required massive budgets and bloated teams. Today’s most competitive small and medium businesses (SMBs) run lean, agile operations—often with remote teams, strategic outsourcing, and smart automation. But while you can cut costs, you can’t cut corners on these six core teams—the engine that keeps your business moving forward. 1. Sales & Customer Acquisition: Your Growth Engine Mission: Turn prospects into paying customers. Key Focus Areas: ✅ Lead generation – Find your ideal customers (social media, referrals, targeted outreach).✅ Pipeline management – Never let a hot lead slip through the cracks.✅ Closing deals – Guide buyers with confidence. Pro Tip: A CRM like Salesforce Starter Suite automates follow-ups, tracks leads, and uses AI to predict the best next steps. 2. Finance & Accounting: Your Money Guardians Mission: Keep cash flowing and finances healthy. Key Focus Areas: ✅ Bookkeeping – Track income, expenses, and profits.✅ Invoicing & payments – Get paid faster, pay vendors on time.✅ Tax compliance – Avoid penalties with organized records. Pro Tip: Tools like QuickBooks automate invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting. 3. Marketing & Branding: Your Storytellers Mission: Make sure the right people know (and love) your business. Key Focus Areas: ✅ Content marketing – Blogs, social media, videos that build trust.✅ Multi-channel campaigns – Email, social, SEO, ads.✅ Brand consistency – Same look, voice, and vibe everywhere. Pro Tip: With AI-powered tools like Agentforce, you can launch campaigns in minutes—just give a prompt, and it drafts emails, schedules posts, and optimizes engagement. 4. Operations & Logistics: Your Efficiency Experts Mission: Keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Key Focus Areas: ✅ Inventory management – Avoid stockouts or overstocking.✅ Supply chain optimization – Faster, cheaper deliveries.✅ Process automation – Reduce manual work. Pro Tip: Platforms like ShipBob automate order fulfillment, while Salesforce Operations Hub streamlines workflows. 5. Customer Support & Success: Your Retention Army Mission: Keep customers happy so they keep coming back. Key Focus Areas: ✅ Quick response times – Solve issues fast.✅ Proactive check-ins – Ensure customers succeed with your product.✅ Self-service options – FAQs, chatbots, tutorials. Pro Tip: Agentforce AI assistants handle 24/7 support, answering FAQs and escalating only when needed. 6. People & Culture: Your Team Builders Mission: Attract, retain, and empower top talent. Key Focus Areas: ✅ Hiring & onboarding – Find people who fit your culture.✅ Payroll & benefits – Keep employees happy.✅ Employee engagement – Foster a great workplace. Pro Tip: Salesforce Employee Service Management automates HR workflows, so your team spends less time on admin. How to Structure Your SMB for Success You don’t need corporate-level bureaucracy—just clarity, flexibility, and the right tools. 5 Steps to Build a Scalable Team Structure: 1️⃣ Identify core functions – What’s essential? (Sales, finance, marketing, ops, support, HR).2️⃣ Assign (or outsource) key roles – No need to hire full-time if a tool or freelancer can do it.3️⃣ Encourage cross-team collaboration – Break silos; share insights.4️⃣ Automate repetitive work – Free up time for high-value tasks.5️⃣ Stay adaptable – Evolve roles as you grow. The Bottom Line:With lean teams + smart tech, SMBs can punch above their weight. Starter Suite brings sales, service, marketing, and operations into one platform—so you stay nimble as you scale. 🚀 Want to optimize your small biz? Explore Salesforce for SMBs #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Salesforce #AI #BusinessGrowth 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

April 17, 2025in Agentforce Platform, Generative AI, Marketing Automation, Salesforce0 Comments

17Apr

AI and Automation

The advent of AI agents is widely discussed as a transformative force in application development, with much of the focus on the automation that generative AI brings to the process. This shift is expected to significantly reduce the time and effort required for tasks such as coding, testing, deployment, and monitoring. However, what is even more intriguing is the change not just in how applications are built, but in what is being built. This perspective was highlighted during last week’s Salesforce developer conference, TDX25. Developers are no longer required to build entire applications from scratch. Instead, they can focus on creating modular building blocks and guidelines, allowing AI agents to dynamically assemble these components at runtime. In a pre-briefing for the event, Alice Steinglass, EVP and GM of Salesforce Platform, outlined this new approach. She explained that with AI agents, development is broken down into smaller, more manageable chunks. The agent dynamically composes these pieces at runtime, making individual instructions smaller and easier to test. This approach also introduces greater flexibility, as agents can interpret instructions based on policy documents rather than relying on rigid if-then statements. Steinglass elaborated: “With agents, I’m actually doing it differently. I’m breaking it down into smaller chunks and saying, ‘Hey, here’s what I want to do in this scenario, here’s what I want to do in this scenario.’ And then the agent, at runtime, is able to dynamically compose these individual pieces together, which means the individual instructions are much smaller. That makes it easier to test. It also means I can bring in more flexibility and understanding so my agent can interpret some of those instructions. I could have a policy document that explains them instead of hard coding them with if-then statements.” During a follow-up conversation, Steinglass further explored the practical implications of this shift. She acknowledged that adapting to this new paradigm would be a significant change for developers, comparable to the transition from web to mobile applications. However, she emphasized that the transition would be gradual, with stepping stones along the way. She noted: “It’s a sea change in the way we build applications. I don’t think it’s going to happen all at once. People will move over piece by piece, but the result’s going to be a fundamentally different way of building applications.” Different Building Blocks One reason the transition will be gradual is that most AI agents and applications built by enterprises will still incorporate traditional, deterministic functions. What will change is how these existing building blocks are combined with generative AI components. Instead of hard-coding business logic into predetermined steps, AI agents can adapt on-the-fly to new policies, rules, and goals. Steinglass provided an example from customer service: “What AI allows us to do is to break down those processes into components. Some of them will still be deterministic. For example, in a service agent scenario, AI can handle tasks like understanding customer intent and executing flexible actions based on policy documents. However, tasks like issuing a return or connecting to an ERP system will remain deterministic to ensure consistency and compliance.” She also highlighted how deterministic processes are often used for high-compliance tasks, which are automated due to their strict rules and scalability. In contrast, tasks requiring more human thought or frequent changes were previously left unautomated. Now, AI can bridge these gaps by gluing together deterministic and non-deterministic components. In sales, Salesforce’s Sales Development Representative (SDR) agent exemplifies this hybrid approach. The definition of who the SDR contacts is deterministic, based on factors like value or reachability. However, composing the outreach and handling interactions rely on generative AI’s flexibility. Deterministic processes re-enter the picture when moving a prospect from lead to opportunity. Steinglass explained that many enterprise processes follow this pattern, where deterministic inputs trigger workflows that benefit from AI’s adaptability. Connections to Existing Systems The introduction of the Agentforce API last week marked a significant step in enabling connections to existing systems, often through middleware like MuleSoft. This allows agents to act autonomously in response to events or asynchronous triggers, rather than waiting for human input. Many of these interactions will involve deterministic calls to external systems. However, non-deterministic interactions with autonomous agents in other systems require richer protocols to pass sufficient context. Steinglass noted that while some partners are beginning to introduce actions in the AgentExchange marketplace, standardized protocols like Anthropic’s Model Context Protocol (MCP) are still evolving. She commented: “I think there are pieces that will go through APIs and events, similar to how handoffs between systems work today. But there’s also a need for richer agent-to-agent communication. MuleSoft has already built out AI support for the Model Context Protocol, and we’re working with partners to evolve these protocols further.” She emphasized that even as richer communication protocols emerge, they will coexist with traditional deterministic calls. For example, some interactions will require synchronous, context-rich communication, while others will resemble API calls, where an agent simply requests a task to be completed without sharing extensive context. Agent Maturity Map To help organizations adapt to these new ways of building applications, Salesforce uses an agent maturity map. The first stage involves building a simple knowledge agent capable of answering questions relevant to the organization’s context. The next stage is enabling the agent to take actions, transitioning from an AI Q&A bot to a true agentic capability. Over time, organizations can develop standalone agents capable of taking multiple actions across the organization and eventually orchestrate a digital workforce of multiple agents. Steinglass explained: “Step one is ensuring the agent can answer questions about my data with my information. Step two is enabling it to take an action, starting with one action and moving to multiple actions. Step three involves taking actions outside the organization and leveraging different capabilities, eventually leading to a coordinated, multi-agent digital workforce.” Salesforce’s low-code tooling and comprehensive DevSecOps toolkit provide a significant advantage in this journey. Steinglass highlighted that Salesforce’s low-code approach allows business owners to build processes and workflows,

April 17, 2025in AgentExchange, Agentic AI, Data, Enterprise, Generative AI, Mulesoft, Salesforce, Technology0 Comments

17Apr

Salesforce Unveils Agentforce for Consumer Goods

Salesforce Unveils Agentforce for Consumer Goods: Accelerating AI Adoption in Retail San Francisco, [April 2025] – Just eight days after launching Agentforce for Field Service, Salesforce has introduced Agentforce for Consumer Goods—a tailored solution designed to help brands quickly deploy AI agents across four key sectors: customer service, key account management, retail sales, and field operations. Unlike previous editions that offered pre-built AI agents for specific roles, this release provides a library of industry-specific skills and actions, empowering consumer goods companies to rapidly customize and deploy their own AI assistants. Why Agentforce for Consumer Goods? While businesses could already build agents on the standard Agentforce platform, this industry-focused edition accelerates deployment with:✔ Pre-configured skills for customer service, sales, and field teams✔ Faster implementation with ready-made automation components✔ Lower-risk experimentation for brands new to agentic AI “Salesforce is curating a smooth onboarding experience for companies entering the agentic AI era,” says Martin Schneider, VP & Principal Analyst at Constellation Research. “This gives quick wins—building confidence before diving into advanced multi-agent workflows.” Key Use Cases for Consumer Goods Brands 🛎️ AI-Powered Customer Service Agents Example: A rep at a home appliance company can ask an AI agent to check a customer’s product health—if maintenance is due, the agent drafts a service quote in seconds. 📈 Smarter Sales Assistants Example: If an account’s order volume drops unexpectedly, an AI agent can recommend new products to pitch, helping sales teams react faster. 🚚 Optimized Field Operations Example: When a customer requests a replacement, an AI agent instantly books delivery, assigns the nearest driver, and updates schedules—no manual input needed. The Bigger Picture: Salesforce’s Agentforce Momentum This launch follows: With 5,000+ customers already on Agentforce, industry-specific editions like this lower the barrier to entry—letting more brands test AI agents in low-stakes scenarios before scaling. What’s Next? Expect more vertical-focused Agentforce releases in 2025, building on earlier launches like Agentforce for Retail. For now, consumer goods brands have a new toolkit to turn repetitive tasks into automated workflows—freeing teams to focus on growth. Ready to explore AI agents for your business? Contact Tectonic today! Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more 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

April 17, 2025in Agentforce Platform, Agentic AI, Data, Generative AI, Salesforce0 Comments

Can Tech Companies Use Generative AI for Good?

16Apr

AI and the Future of IT Careers

AI and the Future of IT Careers: Jobs That Remain Secure As AI technology advances, concerns about job security in the IT sector continue to grow. AI excels at handling repetitive, high-speed tasks and has made significant strides in software development and error prediction. However, while AI offers exciting possibilities, the demand for human expertise remains strong—particularly in roles that require interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and decision-making. So, which IT jobs are most secure from AI displacement? To answer this question, industry experts shared their insights: Their forecasts highlight the IT roles most resistant to AI replacement. In all cases, professionals should enhance their AI knowledge to stay competitive in an evolving landscape. Top AI-Resistant IT Roles 1. Business Analyst Role Overview:Business analysts act as a bridge between IT and business teams, identifying technology opportunities and facilitating collaboration to optimize solutions. Why AI Won’t Replace It:While AI can process vast amounts of data quickly, it lacks emotional intelligence, relationship-building skills, and the ability to interpret nuanced human communication. Business analysts leverage these soft skills to understand software needs and drive successful implementations. How to Stay Competitive:Develop strong data analysis, business intelligence (BI), communication, and presentation skills to enhance your value in this role. 2. Cybersecurity Engineer Role Overview:Cybersecurity engineers protect organizations from evolving security threats, including AI-driven cyberattacks. Why AI Won’t Replace It:As AI tools become more sophisticated, cybercriminals will exploit them to develop advanced attack strategies. Human expertise is essential to adapt defenses, investigate threats, and implement security measures AI alone cannot handle. How to Stay Competitive:Continuously update your cybersecurity knowledge, obtain relevant certifications, and develop a strong understanding of business security needs. 3. End-User Support Professional Role Overview:These professionals assist employees with technical issues and provide hands-on training to ensure smooth software adoption. Why AI Won’t Replace It:Technology adoption is becoming increasingly complex, requiring personalized support that AI cannot yet replicate. Human interaction remains crucial for troubleshooting and user training. How to Stay Competitive:Pursue IT certifications, strengthen customer service skills, and gain experience in enterprise software environments. 4. Data Analyst Role Overview:Data analysts interpret business and product data, generate insights, and predict trends to guide strategic decisions. Why AI Won’t Replace It:AI can analyze data, but human oversight is needed to ensure accuracy, recognize context, and derive meaningful insights. Companies will continue to rely on professionals who can interpret and act on data effectively. How to Stay Competitive:Specialize in leading BI platforms, gain hands-on experience with data visualization tools, and develop strong analytical thinking skills. 5. Data Governance Professional Role Overview:These professionals set policies for data usage, access, and security within an organization. Why AI Won’t Replace It:As AI handles increasing amounts of data, the need for governance professionals grows to ensure ethical and compliant data management. How to Stay Competitive:Obtain a degree in computer science or business administration and seek training in data privacy, security, and governance frameworks. 6. Data Privacy Professional Role Overview:Data privacy professionals ensure compliance with data protection regulations and safeguard personal information. Why AI Won’t Replace It:With AI collecting vast amounts of personal data, organizations require human experts to manage legal compliance and maintain trust. How to Stay Competitive:Develop expertise in privacy laws, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance through certifications and training programs. 7. IAM Engineer (Identity and Access Management) Role Overview:IAM engineers develop and implement systems that regulate user access to sensitive data. Why AI Won’t Replace It:The growing complexity of digital identities and security protocols requires human oversight to manage, audit, and secure access rights. How to Stay Competitive:Pursue a computer science degree, gain experience in authentication frameworks, and build expertise in programming and operating systems. 8. IT Director Role Overview:IT directors oversee technology strategies, manage teams, and align IT initiatives with business goals. Why AI Won’t Replace It:Leadership, motivation, and strategic decision-making are human-driven capabilities that AI cannot replicate. How to Stay Competitive:Develop strong leadership, business acumen, and team management skills to effectively align IT with organizational success. 9. IT Product Manager Role Overview:Product managers oversee tech adoption, service management, and organizational change strategies. Why AI Won’t Replace It:Effective product management requires a human touch, particularly in change management and stakeholder communication. How to Stay Competitive:Pursue project management training and certifications while gaining experience in software development and enterprise technology. Staying AI-Proof: Learning AI Expert Insights on Future IT Careers Final Thoughts As AI continues to reshape the IT landscape, the key to job security lies in adaptability. Professionals who develop AI-related skills and focus on roles that require human judgment, creativity, and leadership will remain indispensable in the evolving workforce. 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

April 16, 2025in AI Tools, Data, Enterprise, Generative AI, Laws, Technology0 Comments

15Apr

The Great Cognitive Shift

The Great Cognitive Shift: How Generative AI is Rewiring Human Thought The Paradox of Thinking in the Age of AI A lion hunts on instinct—pure, unfiltered action. Humans? We deliberate, create, doubt. This tension between intuition and reason has defined our species. But as generative AI becomes the default “first thought” for everything from writing emails to crafting art, we must ask: Are we outsourcing cognition itself? The Rise of the AI-Augmented Mind This shift isn’t just about efficiency—it’s altering:🔹 How we structure ideas (bullet points over prose)🔹 What we consider “good” writing (polished but generic)🔹 Our tolerance for imperfection (why struggle when AI gives “perfect” drafts?) A 2024 University of London study revealed:✔ 90% of writers given AI suggestions incorporated them✔ Outputs became 25% more similar in style and structure✔ “Originality atrophy”—highly creative thinkers showed diminished unique output The Mediocrity Flywheel: When AI Elevates the Average Case Study: The Homogenized SOP Thousands of students now use AI for university applications. The result? Admissions officers report: AI’s training data mirrors dominant cultural narratives—note how “Dear Men” prompts yield starkly different tones. The Unseen Cognitive Tax What We Lose When We Stop Thinking First Psychological Repercussions: Preserving Humanity in the AI Age The Antidote: Intentional AI Use Pitfall Solution Blind AI adoption “AI last” rule—think first, refine with AI Style homogenization Curate personal writing vaults for unique voice Cognitive laziness Deliberate practice of unaided problem-solving For Organizations: The Road Ahead: Coexistence or Colonization? Generative AI is the most potent cognitive tool ever created—but like any tool, it shapes its user. The next decade will reveal whether we: A) Merge with AI into a hybrid consciousnessB) Retain human primacy by setting strict cognitive boundaries “The real threat isn’t that AI will think like humans, but that humans will stop thinking without AI.” The choice is ours—for now. Key Takeaways:⚠️ AI standardization threatens intellectual diversity🧠 “Thinking muscles” atrophy without conscious exercise🌍 Cultural biases amplify through AI adoption🛡️ Defend cognitive sovereignty with usage guardrails⚖️ Balance efficiency with authentic creation Are we elevating thought—or erasing it? The answer lies in our daily AI habits. 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

April 15, 2025in Data, Generative AI0 Comments

14Apr

Tectonic Shook Things Up at AgentForce World Tour in Denver

The Tectonic team attended Salesforce’s Denver AgentForce World Tour this week. It was a great experience to develop our AgentBlazer team and a true seismic time was had by all! AI Agents were the topic of conversation and kept things lively! One almost expected to meet an Agentic Robot around every corner. We were all excited to network with Salesforce, customers, and partners alike. Key Takeaways Autonomous AI agents can understand and interpret customers’ questions using natural language, with minimal human intervention. Here’s what you need to know. The AI Assistant Revolution: Empowering Every Employee Imagine if every person in your company—from the CEO to frontline employees—had a dedicated assistant at their fingertips. An assistant who:✔ Knows your customers inside out✔ Delivers instant, data-driven insights✔ Helps prioritize next best actions Thanks to AI agents, this future is already here—and it’s transforming how businesses operate. How AI Agents Are Supercharging Teams 1. Instant Insights, No Manual Work 🔹 Generative AI agents analyze your trusted customer data in seconds—eliminating hours of manual research.🔹 Sales, service, and marketing teams get real-time recommendations, allowing them to focus on high-impact work. 2. Scaling Teams Without Adding Headcount 🔹 AI agents handle routine tasks—customer inquiries, data entry, meeting prep—freeing employees for strategic work.🔹 Quickly ramp up productivity during peak demand without overburdening staff. 3. Proactive Problem-Solving 🔹 AI doesn’t just react—it predicts.🔹 Identifies risks, suggests optimizations, and prevents small issues from becoming big ones. 4. Personalized Support for Every Role 🔹 Sales: AI suggests the best leads, crafts follow-ups, and forecasts deals.🔹 Service: Resolves common cases instantly, escalating only when needed.🔹 Leadership: Delivers real-time business insights for faster decisions. The Future of Work Is AI-Augmented AI agents aren’t replacing humans—they’re empowering them. By automating the mundane and enhancing decision-making, they help teams:✅ Work smarter, not harder✅ Deliver better customer experiences✅ Stay ahead of the competition The question isn’t if your company should adopt AI agents—it’s how soon you can start leveraging them. Tectonic, a trusted Salesforce partner, is here to help. Ready to explore AI-powered productivity? Let’s talk about the right AI strategy for your business. AI Agents: Your Intelligent Digital Workforce What Is an AI Agent? An AI agent is an autonomous artificial intelligence system that understands, processes, and responds to customer inquiries—without human intervention. Built using platforms like Agentforce, these agents leverage machine learning (ML) and natural language processing (NLP) to handle tasks ranging from simple FAQs to complex problem-solving. Unlike traditional AI, which requires manual programming for each task, AI agents continuously learn and improve from interactions, becoming smarter over time. How Do AI Agents Work? AI agents operate through a seamless four-step process: 💡 Result? Faster resolutions, happier customers, and more efficient teams. 6 Game-Changing Benefits of AI Agents Feature Impact 1. 24/7 Availability Instant support across time zones. 2. Hyper-Efficiency Handle thousands of queries simultaneously—no wait times. 3. Smarter Escalations Auto-route complex cases to the best-suited human agent. 4. Personalized Experiences Tailor responses using real-time customer data. 5. Scalability Grow support capacity without hiring more staff. 6. Data-Backed Insights Uncover trends to optimize operations & CX. “72% of companies already deploy AI—with generative AI adoption accelerating.” – McKinsey AI Agents in Action: Industry Use Cases 🏦 Finance ✔ Personalized wealth advice based on spending habits✔ Auto-summarize client cases for faster resolutions 🏭 Manufacturing ✔ Predict equipment failures before they happen✔ Optimize supply chain decisions with real-time data 🛒 Retail & Consumer Goods ✔ Smart inventory tracking (e.g., flagging stock discrepancies)✔ AI-generated promo content for targeted campaigns 🚗 Automotive ✔ Proactive vehicle maintenance alerts via telematics✔ Dynamic dealership promotions to boost sales 🏥 Healthcare ✔ Automated patient scheduling with the right specialist✔ Clinical trial matching using AI-driven eligibility checks Join the AI Revolution with Agentforce AI agents aren’t just tools—they’re productivity multipliers that help teams:✅ Work faster with automated workflows✅ Serve customers better with personalized AI assistance✅ Stay ahead with predictive insights 📈 Ready to transform your business? Connect with Tectonic today, or check out our Agentforce Quickstart offering. Connect with the Tectonic Agentforce team and launch your Agentic Revolution. AI Agents: The Ultimate Productivity Multiplier for Every Team AI agents aren’t just transforming customer service—they’re revolutionizing how every department operates. From 24/7 customer support to hyper-personalized marketing campaigns, AI agents help teams work smarter, move faster, and deliver exceptional experiences. Here’s how AI agents supercharge key business functions: 🤝 AI Agents for Service Teams Never miss a customer inquiry—even at 2 AM.✔ Instant, 24/7 support across email, chat, and social media✔ Smart escalation—AI routes complex cases to human agents with full context✔ Brand-consistent responses powered by your CRM data 🔹 With Agentforce for Service, deploy AI agents in minutes using prebuilt templates—or customize them for your unique needs. 💰 AI Agents for Sales Teams Turn every lead into a conversation—automatically.✔ Autonomous lead engagement—AI answers product questions & books meetings✔ Always-on SDRs—Agentforce Sales Development Reps qualify leads 24/7✔ Controlled escalation—Set rules for when & how AI hands off to your team 🔹 No more missed opportunities—AI keeps your pipeline full while your reps focus on closing. 🛍️ AI Agents for Commerce Teams Personal shopping assistants—powered by AI.✔ Smart product recommendations based on browsing & purchase history✔ Guided shopping experiences—AI helps customers find what they need faster✔ Omnichannel support—Engage shoppers on your site, WhatsApp, and more 🔹 Boost conversions with AI that acts like your best sales associate—for every customer. 📢 AI Agents for Marketing Teams Campaigns that write, optimize, and improve themselves.✔ AI-generated campaign briefs—audience targeting, messaging & KPIs✔ Automated content creation—draft ads, emails & social posts in your brand voice✔ Performance optimization—AI analyzes results & suggests improvements 🔹 With Agentforce Campaigns, launch better campaigns in hours—not weeks. Why AI Agents? The Bottom Line ✅ Scale operations without scaling headcount✅ Deliver instant, personalized experiences 24/7✅ Free your team to focus on high-value work “Companies using AI agents see 40% faster response times and 30% higher customer satisfaction.” Ready to deploy your AI workforce? See how Agentforce can transform your business #FutureOfWork

April 14, 2025in Agentforce Platform, Artificial Intelligence, Data, Generative AI, Salesforce0 Comments

11Apr

CaixaBank and Salesforce Partner to Revolutionize Banking with AI-Powered Personalization

Barcelona – CaixaBank, Spain’s leading digital bank, has deepened its collaboration with Salesforce to redefine customer experience through AI-driven personalization and data intelligence. The partnership will integrate Salesforce’s Agentforce AI assistants and Data Cloud solutions into CaixaBank’s operations, enhancing efficiency, decision-making, and customer engagement. Transforming Banking with AI Assistants and Real-Time Data Under the agreement, CaixaBank will deploy Salesforce’s Agentforce—a suite of AI-powered virtual assistants designed to: Additionally, Salesforce Data Cloud will enable real-time data unification, ensuring secure, instant access to customer insights for hyper-personalized interactions. Use Case: AI-Powered Remote Contracting Assistant A flagship implementation is CaixaBank’s Remote Contracting Support Assistant, which leverages generative AI to: The assistant will soon evolve into an Agentforce AI agent, autonomously suggesting products, scheduling follow-ups, and promoting tailored offers. Why This Matters CaixaBank’s AI Leadership With 100+ dedicated AI specialists, CaixaBank is a pioneer in generative AI for finance, already deploying cognitive assistants and now scaling transformative use cases. Looking Ahead: The partnership will expand Salesforce’s role as CaixaBank’s centralized platform for sales and service, with further AI integrations underway. Key Takeaways:🔹 Agentforce AI automates service and empowers advisors.🔹 Data Cloud unlocks real-time, secure customer insights.🔹 Remote Contracting Assistant cuts wait times to <2 minutes.🔹 CaixaBank cements its status as Spain’s top digital bank. 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

April 11, 2025in Data, Generative AI, Salesforce, Salesforce Data Cloud0 Comments

08Apr

Generative AI in Marketing

Generative AI in Marketing: Balancing Innovation and Risk Generative AI (gen AI) has become a disruptive force in the marketplace, particularly in marketing, where its ability to create content—from product descriptions to personalized ads—has reshaped strategies. According to Salesforce’s State of Marketing report, which surveyed 5,000 marketers worldwide, implementing AI is now their top priority. Some companies, like Vanguard and Unilever, have already seen measurable benefits, with Vanguard increasing LinkedIn ad conversions by 15% and Unilever cutting customer service response times by 90%. Yet, despite 96% of marketers planning to adopt gen AI within 18 months, only 32% have fully integrated it into their operations. This gap highlights the challenges of implementation—balancing efficiency with risks like inauthenticity or errors. For instance, Coca-Cola’s AI-generated holiday ad initially drew praise but later faced backlash for its perceived lack of emotional depth. The Strategic Dilemma: How, Not If, to Use Gen AI Many Chief Data and Analytics Officers (CDAOs) have yet to formalize gen AI strategies, leading to fragmented experimentation across teams. Based on discussions with over 20 industry leaders, successful adoption hinges on three key decisions: To answer these, companies must assess: Gen AI vs. Analytical AI: Choosing the Right Tool Analytical AI excels at predictions—forecasting customer behavior, pricing sensitivity, or ad performance. For example, Kia once used IBM Watson to identify brand-aligned influencers, a strategy still relevant today. Generative AI, on the other hand, creates new content—ads, product descriptions, or customer service responses. While analytical AI predicts what a customer might buy, gen AI crafts the persuasive message around it. The most effective strategies combine both: using analytical AI to identify the “next best offer” and gen AI to personalize the pitch. Custom vs. General Inputs: Striking the Balance Gen AI models can be trained on: For broad applications like customer service chatbots, general models (e.g., ChatGPT) work well. But for brand-specific needs—like ad copy or legal disclaimers—custom-trained models (e.g., BloombergGPT for finance or Jasper for marketing) reduce errors and intellectual property risks. Human Oversight: How Much Is Enough? The level of human review depends on risk tolerance: Air Canada learned this the hard way when its AI chatbot mistakenly promised a bereavement discount—a pledge a court later enforced. While human review slows output, it mitigates costly errors. A Framework for Implementation To navigate these trade-offs, marketers can use a quadrant-based approach: Input Type No Human Review Human Review Required General Data Fast, low cost, high risk Higher accuracy, slower output (e.g., review summaries) (e.g., social media posts) Custom Data Lower privacy risk, higher cost Highest accuracy, highest cost (e.g., in-store product locator) (e.g., SEC filings) The Path Forward Gen AI is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Marketers must weigh speed, cost, accuracy, and risk for each use case. While technology will evolve, today’s landscape demands careful strategy—blending gen AI’s creativity with analytical AI’s precision and human judgment’s reliability. The question is no longer whether to adopt gen AI, but how to harness its potential without falling prey to its pitfalls. Companies that strike this balance will lead the next wave of marketing innovation. 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

April 8, 2025in Data, Generative AI, Salesforce, Technology0 Comments

07Apr

Revolutionizing Time Series AI

Revolutionizing Time Series AI: Salesforce’s Synthetic Data Breakthrough for Foundation Models Revolutionizing Time Series AI. Time series analysis is hindered by critical challenges in data availability, quality, and diversity—key factors in building powerful foundation models. Real-world datasets often suffer from regulatory constraints, inherent biases, inconsistent quality, and a lack of paired textual annotations, making it difficult to develop robust Time Series Foundation Models (TSFMs) and Time Series Large Language Models (TSLLMs). These limitations stifle progress in forecasting, classification, anomaly detection, reasoning, and captioning, restricting AI’s full potential. To tackle these obstacles, Salesforce AI Research has pioneered an innovative approach: leveraging synthetic data to enhance TSFMs and TSLLMs. Their groundbreaking study, “Empowering Time Series Analysis with Synthetic Data,” introduces a strategic framework for using synthetic data to refine model training, evaluation, and fine-tuning—while mitigating biases, expanding dataset diversity, and enriching contextual understanding. This approach is particularly transformative in regulated sectors like healthcare and finance, where real-world data sharing is heavily restricted. The Science Behind Synthetic Data Generation Salesforce’s methodology employs advanced synthetic data generation techniques tailored to replicate real-world time series dynamics, including trends, seasonality, and noise patterns. Key innovations include: These methods enable controlled yet highly varied data generation, capturing a broad spectrum of time series behaviors essential for robust model training. Proven Benefits: How Synthetic Data Supercharges Model Performance Salesforce’s research reveals significant performance gains from synthetic data across multiple stages of AI development: ✅ Pretraining Boost – Models like ForecastPFN, Mamba4Cast, and TimesFM showed marked improvements when pretrained on synthetic data. ForecastPFN, for instance, excelled in zero-shot forecasting after full synthetic pretraining. ✅ Optimal Data Blending – Chronos found peak performance by mixing 10% synthetic data with real-world datasets, beyond which excessive synthetic data could reduce diversity and effectiveness. ✅ Enhanced Evaluation – Synthetic data allowed precise assessment of model capabilities, uncovering hidden biases and gaps. For example, Moment used synthetic sinusoidal waves to analyze embedding sensitivity and trend detection accuracy. Future Directions: Overcoming Limitations While synthetic data offers immense promise, Salesforce identifies key areas for improvement: 🔹 Systematic Integration – Developing structured frameworks to strategically fill gaps in real-world datasets.🔹 Beyond Statistical Methods – Exploring diffusion models and other generative AI techniques for richer, more realistic synthetic data.🔹 Fine-Tuning Potential – Leveraging synthetic data adaptively to address domain-specific weaknesses during fine-tuning. The Path Forward Salesforce AI Research demonstrates that synthetic data is a game-changer for time series analysis, enabling stronger generalization, reduced bias, and superior performance across AI tasks. While challenges like realism and alignment remain, the future is bright—advancements in generative AI, human-in-the-loop refinement, and systematic gap-filling will further propel the reliability and applicability of time series models. By embracing synthetic data, Salesforce is laying the foundation for the next generation of AI-driven time series innovation—ushering in a new era of accuracy, adaptability, and intelligence. 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

April 7, 2025in Data, Generative AI, Salesforce0 Comments

03Apr

Databricks Launches Lakeflow Connect to Simplify Enterprise Data Ingestion

San Francisco, [April 2, 2025] – Databricks has taken a major step toward streamlining enterprise data integration with the general availability of Lakeflow Connect, its new low-code/no-code connector system. The initial release features preconfigured integrations with Salesforce and Workday, with plans to expand support to additional SaaS platforms, databases, and file sources in the coming months. Simplifying the Data Ingestion Challenge Data ingestion—the process of moving data from source systems into analytics environments—has long been a complex, resource-intensive task for enterprises. Traditional approaches require stitching together multiple tools (such as Apache Kafka or CDC solutions) and maintaining custom pipelines, often leading to scalability issues and high operational overhead. Lakeflow Connect aims to eliminate these pain points by providing: “Customers need this data, but before Lakeflow Connect, they were forced to rely on third-party tools that often failed at scale—or build custom solutions,” said Michael Armbrust, Distinguished Software Engineer at Databricks. “Now, ingestion is point-and-click within Databricks.” Why Salesforce and Workday First? The choice of initial connectors reflects the growing demand for real-time, structured data to power AI and generative AI applications. According to Kevin Petrie, Analyst at BARC U.S., more than 90% of AI leaders are experimenting with structured data, and nearly two-thirds use real-time feeds for model training. “Salesforce and Workday provide exactly the type of data needed for real-time ML and GenAI,” Petrie noted. “Databricks is smart to simplify access in this way.” Competitive Differentiation While other vendors offer connector solutions (e.g., Qlik’s Connector Factory), Lakeflow Connect stands out through: “Serverless compute is quietly important,” said Donald Farmer, Principal at TreeHive Strategy. “It’s not just about scalability—rapid startup times are critical for reducing pipeline latency.” The Road Ahead Databricks has already outlined plans to expand Lakeflow Connect with connectors for: Though the company hasn’t committed to a timeline, Armbrust hinted at upcoming announcements at the Data + AI Summit in June. Broader Vision: Democratizing Data Engineering Beyond ingestion, Databricks is focused on unifying the data engineering lifecycle. “Historically, you needed deep Spark or Scala expertise to build production-grade pipelines,” Armbrust said. “Now, we’re enabling SQL users—or even UI-only users—to achieve the same results.” Looking further ahead, Petrie suggested Databricks could enhance cross-team collaboration for agentic AI development, integrating Lakeflow with Mosaic AI and MLflow to bridge data, model, and application lifecycles. The Bottom LineLakeflow Connect marks a strategic move by Databricks to reduce friction in data pipelines—addressing a key bottleneck for enterprises scaling AI initiatives. As the connector ecosystem grows, it could further solidify Databricks’ position as an end-to-end platform for data and AI. For more details, visit Databricks.com. Key Takeaways:✅ Now Available: Salesforce & Workday connectors✅ Serverless, governed, and scalable ingestion✅ Future integrations with Google Analytics, ServiceNow, and more✅ June previews expected at Data + AI Summit 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

April 3, 2025in Agentic AI, Data, Enterprise, Generative AI, Google, Google Analytics, Salesforce0 Comments

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