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ThoughtSpot AI agent Spotter enables conversational BI
29Dec

ThoughtSpot AI agent Spotter enables conversational BI

ThoughtSpot Unveils Spotter: A Generative AI-Powered Data Agent ThoughtSpot, a leading analytics vendor, has launched Spotter, an advanced generative AI-powered agent designed to revolutionize how users interact with data. Spotter enables conversational data exploration, contextual understanding, and autonomous analysis, making it a significant leap forward in the analytics landscape. Spotter’s Role in ThoughtSpot’s Evolution Spotter replaces Sage, ThoughtSpot’s earlier generative AI-powered interface, which debuted in March 2023. Despite moving from private to public preview and gaining new capabilities, Sage never reached general availability. Spotter is now generally available for ThoughtSpot Analytics, while its embedded version is in beta testing. Unlike earlier AI tools that focused on question-and-answer interactions, such as Sage and Microsoft’s copilots, Spotter takes the concept further by integrating contextual awareness and autonomous decision-making. Spotter doesn’t just respond to queries; it suggests follow-up questions, identifies anomalies, and provides proactive insights, functioning more like a virtual analyst than a reactive chatbot. Key Features of Spotter Spotter is built to enhance productivity and insight generation through the following capabilities: Generative AI’s Growing Impact on BI ThoughtSpot has long aimed to make analytics accessible to non-technical users through natural language search. However, previous NLP tools often required users to learn specific vocabularies, limiting widespread adoption. Generative AI bridges this gap. By leveraging extensive vocabularies and LLM technology, tools like Spotter enable users of all skill levels to access and analyze data effortlessly. Spotter stands out with its ability to deliver proactive insights, identify trends, and adapt to user behavior, enhancing the decision-making process. Expert Perspectives on Spotter Donald Farmer, founder of TreeHive Strategy, highlighted Spotter’s autonomy as a game-changer: “Spotter is a big move forward for ThoughtSpot and AI. The natural language interface is more conversational, but the key advantage is its autonomous analysis, which identifies trends and insights without users needing to ask.” Mike Leone, an analyst at TechTarget’s Enterprise Strategy Group, emphasized Spotter’s ability to adapt to users: “Spotter’s ability to deliver personalized and contextually relevant responses is critical for organizations pursuing generative AI initiatives. This goes a long way in delivering unique value across a business.” Farmer also pointed to Spotter’s embedded capabilities, noting its growing appeal as an embedded analytics solution integrated with productivity tools like Salesforce and ServiceNow. Competitive Positioning Spotter aligns ThoughtSpot with other vendors embracing agentic AI in analytics. Google recently introduced Conversational Analytics in Looker, and Salesforce’s Tableau platform now includes Tableau Agent. ThoughtSpot’s approach builds on its core strength in search-based analytics while expanding into generative AI-driven capabilities. Leone observed: “ThoughtSpot is right in line with the market in delivering an agentic experience and is laying the groundwork for broader AI functionality over time.” A Step Toward the Future of Analytics With Spotter, ThoughtSpot is redefining the role of AI in business intelligence. The tool combines conversational ease, proactive insights, and seamless integration, empowering users to make data-driven decisions more efficiently. As generative AI continues to evolve, tools like Spotter demonstrate how businesses can unlock the full potential of their data. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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December 29, 2024in AI Tools, Data, Enterprise, Generative AI, Google, Salesforce, Technology0 Comments
Sales Email Prompt Template
28Dec

Sales Email Prompt Template

Salesforce Guide: Creating a Sales Email Prompt Template Want to create personalized, targeted sales emails efficiently? By leveraging Salesforce’s LLM capabilities, you can design a Sales Email Prompt Template that uses customer insights and relationship history to generate high-quality emails at scale. Reusable for different products and audiences, these templates save time and simplify workflows. Here’s how to set it up: 1. Enable Einstein Setup 2. Enable Einstein for Sales 3. Create a Sales Email Prompt Template 4. Draft and Ground the Prompt in the Template Workspace 🔔🔔  Follow us on LinkedIn  🔔🔔 Example Prompt: plaintextCopy codeYou are a {!$Input:Sender.Title} and your name is {!$Input:Sender.Name} from {!$Input:Sender.CompanyName}. Your prospect is {!$Input:Recipient.Name}, a {!$Input:Recipient.Title}. They are based in {!$Input:Recipient.MailingCity}. In the email, invite the prospect to attend the event “Floating on Clouds: Ontario Kickoff” on September 18. This event is for customers of Cloud Kicks, new and old, to network and preview upcoming products. Keep the email within 70 words, explain the benefits of attending, and mention that you’d be happy to chat further at the event or online if needed. 5. Preview the Template 6. Save and Activate the Prompt 7. Send Emails Using the Prompt 8. Adjust and Finalize the Email By following these steps, you can seamlessly create and use dynamic sales email templates to elevate your outreach efforts. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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December 28, 2024in Agentforce Platform, Generative AI0 Comments
Salesforce Omni-Channel
27Dec

Salesforce Channels

Channels Email Messaging Voice Open CTI Social Media Chat Channel Tools Email Updates Messaging Enhancements Voice Improvements Social Media Chat Updates Other Channel Tools These updates enhance the messaging, email, voice, and chat experiences, streamlining agent workflows, improving customer interactions, and providing greater customization. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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December 27, 2024in Google, Salesforce0 Comments
AI Leader Salesforce
27Dec

Sales Leads and Lead Scoring

Sales teams often face a growing pile of leads, making it overwhelming to determine where to focus their energy. How do you prioritize effectively? Lead scoring is the answer. This methodology helps rank prospects based on their likelihood to convert into customers. By mastering lead scoring, sales teams can win more deals and drive revenue growth. What is Lead Scoring? Lead scoring is a strategy used by sales teams to evaluate and rank potential customers by assigning values based on their behavior, demographics, and interactions with the business. This process identifies high-quality leads and determines their likelihood of conversion. By implementing lead scoring, sales teams can focus their time and resources on the most promising prospects. Why is Lead Scoring Important? According to the Salesforce State of Sales Report, sales reps spend 25% of their workweek researching, prospecting, and prioritizing leads. These activities are essential for moving prospects through the sales funnel, yet balancing them with other responsibilities is a challenge. Lead scoring streamlines this process, enabling teams to be more productive by focusing on high-value leads. This improves conversion rates while helping sales leadership better forecast pipelines and revenue. For example, imagine a sales rep for a medical software company trying to close deals with 100 hospital leads. Pursuing them randomly wastes time. However, with lead scoring, they can identify the top 10 most promising leads based on specific criteria, saving time and increasing success rates. Key Components of an Effective Lead Scoring System 1. Data Categories 2. Implicit vs. Explicit Data 3. Quality Data A reliable lead scoring system depends on accurate and up-to-date data. Keeping CRM records current and synced ensures a dependable scoring process. 4. Rule Definition Define criteria based on your most successful customer profiles. Identify patterns of attributes and behaviors that consistently lead to conversion. Similarly, assess unconverted leads to understand traits that signal low potential. 5. Manual vs. Predictive Scoring Steps to Implement Lead Scoring Common Lead Scoring Mistakes to Avoid Tools and Software for Lead Scoring The right tools can make lead scoring more efficient: If you’re short on data, opt for tools that can leverage anonymized external datasets to build your scoring model, transitioning to your own data over time as you scale. Real-World Examples Lead Scoring: Your Path to Higher Conversions By effectively implementing lead scoring, your sales team can prioritize high-value leads, boost conversion rates, and achieve sustainable revenue growth. Whether you choose manual or predictive methods, the key is to focus on what drives success for your business. Take control of your sales pipeline—lead scoring will show you the way. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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December 27, 2024in Data0 Comments

1 Billion Enterprise AI Agents

Inside Salesforce’s Ambition to Deploy 1 Billion Enterprise AI Agents Salesforce is making a bold play in the enterprise AI space with its recently launched Agentforce platform. Introduced at the annual Dreamforce conference, Agentforce is positioned to revolutionize sales, marketing, commerce, and operations with autonomous AI agents, marking a significant evolution from Salesforce’s previous Einstein AI platform. What Makes Agentforce Different? Agentforce operates as more than just a chatbot platform. It uses real-time data and user-defined business rules to proactively manage tasks, aiming to boost efficiency and enhance customer satisfaction. Built on Salesforce’s Data Cloud, the platform simplifies deployment while maintaining powerful customization capabilities: “Salesforce takes care of 80% of the foundational work, leaving customers to focus on the 20% that truly differentiates their business,” explains Adam Forrest, SVP of Marketing at Salesforce. Forrest highlights how Agentforce enables businesses to build custom agents tailored to specific needs by incorporating their own rules and data sources. This user-centric approach empowers admins, developers, and technology teams to deploy AI without extensive technical resources. Early Adoption Across Industries Major brands have already adopted Agentforce for diverse use cases: These real-world applications illustrate Agentforce’s potential to transform workflows in industries ranging from retail to hospitality and education. AI Agents in Marketing: The New Frontier Salesforce emphasizes that Agentforce isn’t just for operations; it’s poised to redefine marketing. AI agents can automate lead qualification, optimize outreach strategies, and enhance personalization. For example, in account-based marketing, agents can analyze customer data to identify high-value opportunities, craft tailored strategies, and recommend optimal engagement times based on user behavior. “AI agents streamline lead qualification by evaluating intent signals and scoring leads, allowing sales teams to focus on high-priority prospects,” says Jonathan Franchell, CEO of B2B marketing agency Ironpaper. Once campaigns are launched, Agentforce monitors performance in real time, offering suggestions to improve ROI and resource allocation. By integrating seamlessly with CRM platforms, the tool also facilitates better collaboration between marketing and sales teams. Beyond B2C applications, AI agents in B2B contexts can evaluate customer-specific needs and provide tailored product or service recommendations, further enhancing client relationships. Enabling Creativity Through Automation By automating repetitive tasks, Agentforce aims to free marketers to focus on strategy and creativity. Dan Gardner, co-founder of Code and Theory, describes this vision: “Agentic AI eliminates friction and dissolves silos in data, organizational structures, and customer touchpoints. The result? Smarter insights, efficient distribution, and more time for creatives to do what they do best: creating.” Competitive Landscape and Challenges Despite its promise, Salesforce faces stiff competition. Microsoft—backed by its integration with OpenAI’s ChatGPT—has unveiled AI tools like Copilot, and other players such as Google, ServiceNow, and HubSpot are advancing their own AI platforms. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff has not shied away from the rivalry. On the Masters of Scale podcast, he criticized Microsoft for overpromising on products like Copilot, asserting that Salesforce delivers tangible value: “Our tools show users exactly what is possible, what is real, and how easy it is to derive huge value from AI.” Salesforce must also demonstrate Agentforce’s scalability across diverse industries to capture a significant share of the enterprise AI market. A Transformative Vision for the Future Agentforce represents Salesforce’s commitment to bringing AI-powered automation to the forefront of enterprise operations. With its focus on seamless deployment, powerful customization, and real-time capabilities, the platform aims to reshape how businesses interact with customers and optimize internal processes. By targeting diverse use cases and emphasizing accessibility for both technical and non-technical users, Salesforce is betting on Agentforce to drive adoption at scale—and position itself as a leader in the increasingly competitive AI market. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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December 27, 2024in Agentforce Platform, AI Tools, Data, Enterprise, Google, Salesforce, Technology0 Comments

Enhance Customer Service with Salesforce

Delivering exceptional customer service is essential for success in today’s financial industry. Transform your operations by embracing Salesforce Financial Services Cloud, powered by Einstein AI, and Tectonic’s Salesforce expertise. Or the base Salesforce platform. Together, these tools can help you reduce operating costs, modernize service delivery, and exceed customer expectations. Revolutionize Financial Services with Salesforce & AI Salesforce Financial Services Cloud, combined with Einstein AI, offers everything you need to build a modern digital platform with AI-driven processes. Features such as Salesforce Service Voice and multi-channel support enhance customer engagement, increase loyalty, and improve satisfaction metrics. At the same time, these solutions strengthen the experience and retention of both front-line representatives and back-office teams. Tectonic + Salesforce can help you: Achieve More with Salesforce Financial Services Cloud and Einstein AI By partnering with Tectonic, your business can unlock the full potential of Salesforce Financial Services Cloud and Einstein AI to: Learn More About Transforming Financial Services Want to discover how Tectonic and Salesforce can help you modernize your financial services operations? Let’s Connect!We’d love to hear about your business needs. Schedule a consultation with 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 Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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December 26, 2024in Salesforce0 Comments
26Dec

Why Build a General-Purpose Agent?

A general-purpose LLM agent serves as an excellent starting point for prototyping use cases and establishing the foundation for a custom agentic architecture tailored to your needs. What is an LLM Agent? An LLM (Large Language Model) agent is a program where execution logic is governed by the underlying model. Unlike approaches such as few-shot prompting or fixed workflows, LLM agents adapt dynamically. They can determine which tools to use (e.g., web search or code execution), how to use them, and iterate based on results. This adaptability enables handling diverse tasks with minimal configuration. Agentic Architectures Explained:Agentic systems range from the reliability of fixed workflows to the flexibility of autonomous agents. For instance: Your architecture choice will depend on the desired balance between reliability and flexibility for your use case. Building a General-Purpose LLM Agent Step 1: Select the Right LLM Choosing the right model is critical for performance. Evaluate based on: Model Recommendations (as of now): For simpler use cases, smaller models running locally can also be effective, but with limited functionality. Step 2: Define the Agent’s Control Logic The system prompt differentiates an LLM agent from a standalone model. This prompt contains rules, instructions, and structures that guide the agent’s behavior. Common Agentic Patterns: Starting with ReAct or Plan-then-Execute patterns is recommended for general-purpose agents. Step 3: Define the Agent’s Core Instructions To optimize the agent’s behavior, clearly define its features and constraints in the system prompt: Example Instructions: Step 4: Define and Optimize Core Tools Tools expand an agent’s capabilities. Common tools include: For each tool, define: Example: Implementing an Arxiv API tool for scientific queries. Step 5: Memory Handling Strategy Since LLMs have limited memory (context window), a strategy is necessary to manage past interactions. Common approaches include: For personalization, long-term memory can store user preferences or critical information. Step 6: Parse the Agent’s Output To make raw LLM outputs actionable, implement a parser to convert outputs into a structured format like JSON. Structured outputs simplify execution and ensure consistency. Step 7: Orchestrate the Agent’s Workflow Define orchestration logic to handle the agent’s next steps after receiving an output: Example Orchestration Code: pythonCopy codedef orchestrator(llm_agent, llm_output, tools, user_query): while True: action = llm_output.get(“action”) if action == “tool_call”: tool_name = llm_output.get(“tool_name”) tool_params = llm_output.get(“tool_params”, {}) if tool_name in tools: try: tool_result = tools[tool_name](**tool_params) llm_output = llm_agent({“tool_output”: tool_result}) except Exception as e: return f”Error executing tool ‘{tool_name}’: {str(e)}” else: return f”Error: Tool ‘{tool_name}’ not found.” elif action == “return_answer”: return llm_output.get(“answer”, “No answer provided.”) else: return “Error: Unrecognized action type from LLM output.” This orchestration ensures seamless interaction between tools, memory, and user queries. When to Consider Multi-Agent Systems A single-agent setup works well for prototyping but may hit limits with complex workflows or extensive toolsets. Multi-agent architectures can: Starting with a single agent helps refine workflows, identify bottlenecks, and scale effectively. By following these steps, you’ll have a versatile system capable of handling diverse use cases, from competitive analysis to automating workflows. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more Top Ten Reasons Why Tectonic Loves the Cloud The Cloud is Good for Everyone – Why Tectonic loves the cloud You don’t need to worry about tracking licenses. Read more

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December 26, 2024in Data0 Comments
being ai-driven
26Dec

The Impact of AI on Jobs

The Impact of AI on Jobs: A Historical and Transformative Perspective For centuries, people have feared losing jobs to technological advancements. From the introduction of the printing press in 1440 to the widespread adoption of assembly lines in manufacturing, history has followed a familiar pattern: a wave of panic followed by a surge of innovation. Today, with AI in the spotlight, headlines warn of job-stealing robots. Yet, AI is not here to take jobs; it’s revealing new ones—and at an unprecedented pace. A Paradigm Shift: AI as a Job Creator Contrary to popular belief, AI is reshaping the job market for the better. Rather than replacing workers, it amplifies human potential, pushing society toward work that is creative, strategic, and uniquely human. Instead of asking, “Will AI take my job?” the better question is, “What new opportunities can AI unlock?” The answers are exciting and transformative. Lessons from the Past Technological disruption is far from new. The printing press, the weaving loom, and even the internet all provoked fears of mass unemployment. Yet, each time, these innovations sparked transformation rather than devastation. Consider the ATM, introduced in the 1960s. Initially, bank tellers feared redundancy. However, rather than replacing tellers, ATMs automated routine tasks, freeing human workers to focus on customer service and financial advising. In fact, the number of bank tellers increased in the decades following ATM adoption. AI follows the same trajectory. By handling repetitive tasks like sorting emails or managing schedules, AI frees workers to focus on areas requiring emotional intelligence, creativity, and problem-solving. AI: A Partner, Not a Competitor AI excels in areas that humans struggle with, such as processing vast datasets, recognizing patterns, and executing repetitive tasks with precision. However, it lacks empathy, context, and abstract thinking—traits that remain uniquely human. For example, IBM Watson can analyze millions of medical journals to suggest treatment options. Yet, a doctor’s role remains indispensable, as patients need empathy, understanding, and a human touch. Similarly, legal AI tools like CaseText can streamline research, but building persuasive arguments and negotiating terms require skills no algorithm can match. Rather than replacing professionals, AI enhances their productivity, enabling them to focus on higher-value tasks. The Birth of Entirely New Industries AI is not only reshaping existing jobs but also creating new roles and industries. The rise of generative AI has introduced positions like prompt engineers, who design effective queries to maximize AI’s output. Similarly, the need for unbiased algorithms has created the field of data ethics, where specialists ensure AI systems prioritize equity and fairness. These roles underscore an important reality: AI doesn’t eliminate opportunities—it redefines them. Addressing Ethical Challenges AI’s reliance on data is both its strength and its vulnerability. Algorithms trained on biased data can perpetuate harmful stereotypes, as seen in Amazon’s failed hiring algorithm, which penalized women. This challenge has given rise to data ethicists tasked with auditing algorithms and designing fair systems, further showcasing how AI disruption creates new fields and opportunities. Augmentation Over Replacement Fear of AI stems from misunderstanding its role. Machines are adept at repetitive and analytical tasks, but they lack the nuanced understanding required for roles in fields like art, music, and medicine. AI tools such as Adobe Sensei or AIVA enhance creativity, allowing artists and musicians to experiment, iterate, and push boundaries. Just as the printing press democratized writing rather than ending it, AI empowers workers to focus on what makes us uniquely human. A Future Worth Working Toward AI represents a profound shift in how society views work. It is not a destroyer of jobs but a catalyst for transformation. By automating inefficiencies and reinforcing human strengths, AI unlocks opportunities yet to be imagined. Rather than fearing the rise of AI, embracing its potential can lead to a future where work is more meaningful, creative, and impactful—an evolution worth striving for. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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December 26, 2024in AI Tools, Data, Generative AI, Salesforce0 Comments
What is a CRM
24Dec

Time to Modernize CRM

Enterprises Must Modernize CRM by 2026 to Unlock AI Potential, Says ISG By 2026, half of all enterprises will need to modernize their Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems to harness the full power of AI, according to a new report from global technology research and advisory firm Information Services Group (ISG) (Nasdaq: III). The ISG Buyers Guides™ for Customer Relationship Management, produced by ISG Software Research, highlight the evolution of CRM from basic data repositories to sophisticated AI-powered platforms. Modern CRM systems now drive sales performance, improve customer engagement, and provide insights that empower both sales and service teams to meet business objectives. The Need for AI-Driven CRM “CRM systems ensure customer-facing teams have access to up-to-date information, but outdated systems often lead to inefficiencies,” says Stephen Hurrell, Director of Research, Office of Revenue, ISG Software Research. “AI-driven CRM technology is essential for delivering actionable insights, market intelligence, and effective engagement. Enterprises must continuously align their CRM strategies with evolving business needs to remain competitive.” Traditional CRM approaches often rely on fragmented customer interactions, consuming unnecessary resources and limiting growth. While some providers offer add-ons to enhance CRM functionality, their effectiveness depends on the quality of foundational data, such as customer profiles and activity records. Enterprises now face a pivotal decision: reimplement their existing CRM systems or transition to new platforms to unlock the capabilities of AI. For many enterprises migrating to Salesforce’s Agentforce will be the logical answer. Modern CRM Capabilities To address today’s demands, modern CRM systems should: In sales, AI-driven CRM systems offer insights on the best times and strategies for engagement. In service, these systems transform customer interactions into additional revenue streams through more integrated and proactive support. ISG’s Evaluation of CRM Providers The 2024 ISG Buyers Guides for Customer Relationship Management assessed 37 providers across eight CRM-related categories: Suite, Platform, Digital Commerce, Marketing, Partners, Sales, Sales Engagement, and Service. Top Providers by Category (Ranked in Order): Industry Challenges Despite advancements, many enterprises struggle with disconnected and overly customized CRM systems that are difficult to upgrade for AI and automation. “Today’s CRM platforms should be intelligent systems that optimize customer interactions and drive growth,” says Mark Smith, Partner, ISG Software Research. “Unfortunately, many enterprises face inefficiencies due to outdated deployments.” About the ISG Buyers Guides The ISG Buyers Guides are the culmination of over a year of market research and provide insights to help enterprises make informed software investments. These reports are independent of vendor influence and serve as a valuable resource for selecting CRM providers and optimizing business technology strategies. To learn more about the ISG Buyers Guides for Customer Relationship Management and access detailed rankings and insights, visit the ISG Software Research website. About ISG Software Research ISG Software Research, formerly Ventana Research, provides authoritative insights into the business and IT software landscape. It offers consulting, research, and educational services for enterprises and software providers, supporting informed decision-making and software selection through methodologies like the ISG Software Research Value Index. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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December 24, 2024in Data, Enterprise, Salesforce, Technology0 Comments
Tools to Liberate Salesforce Data
23Dec

Student Experience Modernization

Transforming the Student Journey: Utah State University Launches ‘OneUSU CRM’ with Salesforce Utah State University (USU) proudly announces the launch of OneUSU CRM, an AI-driven Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Marketing Automation Platform built on Salesforce Education Cloud for Student Experience Modernization. This forward-thinking initiative is set to transform the student experience by simplifying services, enhancingfor engagement, and creating personalized educational journeys for all students—from prospective applicants to lifelong alumni. “USU is redefining student support, starting from the first interaction as prospective students to ongoing engagement as alumni,” said Margo Martinez, VP & GM of Education at Salesforce. “With their AI-powered engagement platform, USU is enabling deeper collaboration among faculty and staff, delivering holistic, personalized support, and strengthening lifelong relationships with students. These efforts will enhance retention and institutional impact.” Breaking Down Silos for a Unified Experience For years, USU’s student data and communication systems operated independently, resulting in fragmented processes. OneUSU CRM consolidates these disparate systems into a single, unified platform, providing a 360-degree view of students and donors. This comprehensive approach enables USU to offer seamless, student-centric experiences, streamline processes, and improve service delivery across the university. “Implementing Salesforce as an enterprise solution will revolutionize how we operate,” said Bill Plate, VP of Marketing and Communications at USU. “It will foster unprecedented collaboration across the university, breaking down silos, enhancing communication, and allowing us to better engage with students and alumni. The result is an elevated experience that strengthens our institutional impact.” The Lifecycle Connection The CRM will connect every touchpoint in the student lifecycle—from recruitment and admissions to active alumni engagement. This integration provides actionable insights to better serve stakeholders, boost enrollment, improve retention, and cultivate stronger relationships with alumni and donors. The initiative aligns with USU’s mission to leverage data for meaningful improvements in the university experience. “This project lays the groundwork for USU to provide personalized support at every stage of the student lifecycle,” added Niel Nickolaisen, USU’s IT Director. “By making comprehensive data accessible to those best positioned to assist, we are better equipped to meet students’ needs, enhance their learning journey, and create stronger institutional bonds.” Four Pillars of Transformation in Student Experience Modernization The OneUSU CRM initiative will roll out in four key phases over 18 months, each focusing on a core area: Guiding Implementation USU’s Operational Strategy division will oversee the rollout, with cross-divisional teams led by Rene Eborn spearheading the transition to Salesforce Education Cloud. By adopting agile principles, minimizing customizations, and redesigning legacy processes, USU is committed to a smooth and effective implementation. “After an extensive analysis, we’re ready to transform and simplify services for our students and community,” noted Eborn. “This initiative will reimagine how we operate, ensuring a seamless transition and delivering optimal performance across the university.” Driving Institutional Impact The project began in November, with the first phase launching in summer 2025. Each phase will build on the previous one, and progress updates will be shared regularly. “This initiative is an opportunity to streamline processes and create a connected experience for students, faculty, and alumni,” said Eric Hawley, CIO at USU. “By improving data, communication, and marketing with a student-first focus, we aim to boost enrollment and retention, shorten time to graduation, and foster lasting relationships with alumni and donors.” Student Experience Modernization Students, faculty, and staff can expect a more connected, responsive campus environment. Detailed updates and training opportunities will be provided to ensure a smooth transition. Student Experience Modernization. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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December 23, 2024in Data, Enterprise, Marketing Automation, Salesforce, Salesforce Education Cloud0 Comments
AI-Powered Smarter Media
23Dec

AI Transforming Precision Medicine

How AI-Driven Data Curation is Transforming Precision Medicine Precision medicine—a healthcare approach that personalizes disease prevention and treatment based on insights into a patient’s genes, environment, and behavior—holds incredible promise. However, its success depends on high-quality, curated data from sources like electronic health records (EHRs). This reliance creates significant challenges for healthcare providers and researchers. Can artificial intelligence (AI) help address these hurdles? AI-enabled data curation is already making strides in advancing precision medicine, particularly in oncology. By analyzing vast datasets, including structured and unstructured information, AI is helping healthcare organizations accelerate research and improve patient outcomes. Data Curation Challenges in Precision Medicine Real-world data (RWD) is a key driver of precision medicine, but processing this data is fraught with challenges. According to Dr. C.K. Wang, Chief Medical Officer at COTA, Inc., EHRs provide unprecedented access to detailed patient information, enabling deeper insights into care patterns. However, much of this data resides in unstructured formats, such as clinicians’ notes, making it difficult to extract and analyze. “To transform this unstructured data into actionable insights, significant human expertise and resources are required,” Wang explained. While AI tools like COTA’s CAILIN, which uses advanced search capabilities, streamline this process, human involvement remains essential. Wang emphasized that even with the rapid advancements in AI, healthcare data curation requires expert oversight to ensure quality and reliability. “The adage ‘junk in, junk out’ applies here—without high-quality training data, AI cannot generate meaningful insights,” he noted. PHI and COTA: A Collaborative Approach to AI-Driven Curation To overcome these challenges, Precision Health Informatics (PHI), a subsidiary of Texas Oncology, partnered with COTA to enhance their data curation capabilities. The collaboration aims to integrate structured and unstructured data, including clinician notes and patient-reported outcomes, into a unified resource for precision medicine. PHI’s database, which represents 1.6 million patient journeys, provides a rich resource for hypothesis-driven studies and clinical trial enrichment. However, much of this data was siloed or unstructured, requiring advanced tools and expert intervention. Lori Brisbin, Chief Operating Officer at PHI, highlighted the importance of partnering with a data analytics leader. “COTA’s strong clinical knowledge in oncology allowed them to identify data gaps and recommend improvements,” she said. This partnership is yielding significant results, including a high data attrition rate of 87%—far surpassing the industry average of 50% for similar projects. The Role of AI in Cancer Care AI tools like CAILIN are helping PHI and COTA refine data curation processes by: Brisbin likened the role of AI to sorting images: “If you’re looking for German shepherds, AI will narrow the search but might include similar images, like wolves or huskies. Experts are still needed to validate and refine the results.” Building the Foundation for Better Outcomes The integration of high-quality RWD into analytics efforts is reshaping precision medicine. While clinical trial data offers valuable insights, it often lacks the variability seen in real-world scenarios. Adding RWD to these datasets helps expand the scope of research and ensure broader applicability. For instance, cancer care guidelines developed with RWD can account for diverse patient populations and treatment approaches. COTA’s work with PHI underscores the value of collaborative data curation, with AI streamlining processes and human experts ensuring accuracy. The Future of AI in Precision Medicine As healthcare organizations invest in data-driven innovation, AI will play an increasingly pivotal role in enabling precision medicine. However, challenges remain. Wang noted that gaps in EHR data, such as missing survival metrics, can undermine oncological outcomes research. Advances in interoperability and external data sources will be key to addressing these issues. “The foundation of our partnership is built on leveraging data insights to enhance care quality and improve operational efficiency,” Wang said. Through AI-powered tools and meaningful partnerships, precision medicine is poised to deliver transformative results, empowering providers to offer tailored treatments that improve patient outcomes at scale. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more Top Ten Reasons Why Tectonic Loves the Cloud The Cloud is Good for Everyone – Why Tectonic loves the cloud You don’t need to worry about tracking licenses. Read more

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December 23, 2024in AI Tools, Artificial Intelligence, Data0 Comments
New Service Cloud Tools
23Dec

Service Cloud for HR

Salesforce has expanded its Service Cloud capabilities to include a new HR-focused solution, Employee Service, designed to streamline employee support and enhance productivity. Employee Service introduces a dedicated HR service console paired with an employee portal. This portal acts as a centralized hub for staff to access HR resources, offering instant answers via Generative AI (GenAI), direct communication with HR specialists across multiple channels, and self-service options for tasks like requesting paid time off (PTO). For HR teams, the service console consolidates employee data, case details, and a company’s knowledge base into a unified workspace. It leverages AI-driven tools to resolve cases faster, automate routine tasks, and deliver seamless employee experiences. Salesforce’s Agentforce customers can integrate AI agents into Employee Service to further automate processes, saving time and reducing repetitive workloads. In a LinkedIn announcement, Kishan Chetan, EVP and GM for Service Cloud, highlighted the solution’s potential: “This new solution unifies employee data, case details, and a company’s corporate knowledge base all in one workspace that gives HR teams a 360-degree view of each employee and the ability to manage employee support cases with built-in AI and productivity tools. HR teams can efficiently resolve employee issues using Agentforce to quickly search, respond, summarize, and close cases, extending teams to get work done faster.” Salesforce’s broader goal is to eliminate the reliance on fragmented HR tools and reduce the need for employees to navigate disparate platforms like email, internal systems, and collaboration tools to complete HR-related tasks. By doing so, Salesforce aims to simplify HR processes, minimize manual effort, and enhance overall productivity. Early adopters of Employee Service are already reporting significant results. According to Sherin Sunny, Sr. Director of Product Management at Salesforce, customers have observed a 31% increase in employee productivity. This aligns with broader trends: Recognizing the need for a unified HR ecosystem, Salesforce includes a prebuilt MuleSoft integration with Workday and configurable connectors to other Human Capital Management (HCM) systems. These integrations establish a centralized HR data foundation, reducing inefficiencies caused by siloed tools. Looking ahead, Beth Schultz, VP of Research & Principal Analyst at Metrigy, emphasized the importance of integrating Employee Service with Slack, Salesforce’s collaboration platform: “We’ll be particularly watching how Salesforce’s multifaceted plans for bringing [Employee Service] into Slack play out as Slack evolves into a fully connected, collaborative workspace.” Slack itself is undergoing a transformation, with Salesforce Co-Founder Patrick Harris returning to revamp the platform as a core part of the Salesforce ecosystem. Meanwhile, Salesforce continues to expand Service Cloud’s offerings beyond Employee Service. Recent developments include a revamped CCaaS (Contact Center as a Service) integration program and a new product discovery tool. Still, Agentforce remains a key focus for Salesforce’s marketing efforts, showcasing its potential to redefine how businesses deploy autonomous AI agents across use cases like HR and beyond. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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December 23, 2024in Data, Generative AI, Mulesoft, Salesforce0 Comments
Python-Based Reasoning Engine
22Dec

Python-Based Reasoning Engine

Introducing a Python-Based Reasoning Engine for Deterministic AI In the age of large language models (LLMs), there’s a growing need for deterministic systems that enforce rules and constraints while reasoning about information. We’ve developed a Python-based reasoning and validation framework that bridges the gap between traditional rule-based logic and modern AI capabilities, inspired by frameworks like Pydantic. This approach is designed for developers and non-technical experts alike, making it easy to build complex rule engines that translate natural language instructions into enforceable code. Our fine-tuned model automates the creation of rules while ensuring human oversight for quality and conflict detection. The result? Faster implementation of rule engines, reduced developer overhead, and flexible extensibility across domains. The Framework at a Glance Our system consists of five core components: To analogize, this framework operates like a game of chess: Our framework supports two primary use cases: Key Features and Benefits Case Studies Validation Engine: Ensuring Compliance A mining company needed to validate employee qualifications based on age, region, and role. Example Data Structure: jsonCopy code{ “employees”: [ { “name”: “Sarah”, “age”: 25, “role”: “Manager”, “documents”: [“safe_handling_at_work”, “heavy_lifting”] }, { “name”: “John”, “age”: 17, “role”: “Laborer”, “documents”: [“heavy_lifting”] } ] } Rules: jsonCopy code{ “rules”: [ { “type”: “min_age”, “parameters”: { “min_age”: 18 } }, { “type”: “dozer_operator”, “parameters”: { “document_type”: “dozer_qualification” } } ] } Outcome:The system flagged violations, such as employees under 18 or missing required qualifications, ensuring compliance with organizational rules. Reasoning Engine: Solving the River Crossing Puzzle The classic river crossing puzzle demonstrates the engine’s reasoning capabilities. Problem Setup:A farmer must ferry a goat, a wolf, and a cabbage across a river, adhering to specific constraints (e.g., the goat cannot be left alone with the cabbage). Steps: Output:The engine generated a solution in 0.0003 seconds, showcasing its efficiency in navigating complex logic. Advanced Features: Dynamic Rule Expansion The system supports real-time rule adjustments. For instance, adding a “wolf cannot be left with a chicken” constraint introduces a conflict. By extending rules (e.g., allowing the farmer to carry two items), the engine dynamically resolves previously unsolvable scenarios. Sample Code Snippet: pythonCopy codeclass CarryingCapacityRule(Rule): def evaluate(self, state): items_moved = sum(1 for item in [‘wolf’, ‘goat’, ‘cabbage’, ‘chicken’] if getattr(state, item) == state.farmer) return items_moved <= 2 def get_description(self): return “Farmer can carry up to two items at a time” Result:The adjusted engine solved the puzzle in three moves, down from seven, while maintaining rule integrity. Collaborative UI for Rule Creation Our user interface empowers domain experts to define rules without writing code. Developers validate these rules, which are then seamlessly integrated into the system. Visual Workflow: Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more Top Ten Reasons Why Tectonic Loves the Cloud The Cloud is Good for Everyone – Why Tectonic loves the cloud You don’t need to worry about tracking licenses. Read more

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December 22, 2024in Data0 Comments

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