Agile Archives - gettectonic.com

Salesforce and AWS-Agentic Enterprise

Salesforce and AWS: Driving the Future of the Agentic Enterprise As AI-powered agents redefine the way businesses operate, strategic partnerships are playing a pivotal role in harnessing the power of data and artificial intelligence. Salesforce and AWS, two industry leaders, have taken significant steps toward building a smarter, agentic enterprise through their expanded collaboration. One year into this strategic partnership, their joint efforts are delivering transformative AI and data solutions, helping customers like Buyers Edge Platform unlock new efficiencies and capabilities. A Partnership Fueling Agentic AI Salesforce and AWS are aligning their AI and data initiatives to pave the way for advanced agentic systems—autonomous AI agents designed to enhance business operations and customer experiences. Among their notable achievements over the past year are: These innovations are creating an ecosystem that supports the delivery of agentic AI, enabling businesses to streamline operations and tap into new value from their data. “By integrating data and AI capabilities across our platforms, Salesforce and AWS are building a strong foundation for the future of agentic systems,” said Brian Landsman, EVP of Global Business Development and Technology Partnerships at Salesforce. “With a majority of large companies planning to implement agents by 2027, organizations need trusted partners to help them achieve their vision of a smarter enterprise.” Making AI More Accessible Salesforce is simplifying access to AI technology through the AWS Marketplace, offering customers an integrated solution that includes Agentforce—the agentic layer of the Salesforce platform. Agentforce enables businesses to deploy autonomous AI agents across various operations, streamlining workflows and delivering measurable results. Available in 23 countries, Salesforce’s presence on AWS Marketplace offers customers key advantages, including: By removing barriers to adoption, Salesforce and AWS empower companies to focus on leveraging technology for growth rather than navigating complex procurement systems. A New Era of Enterprise Efficiency As businesses increasingly rely on data and AI to remain competitive, the Salesforce-AWS partnership is setting the stage for enterprises to achieve more with agentic systems. These systems allow companies to execute complex tasks with unprecedented efficiency, maximizing ROI on technology investments. “Our partnership with Salesforce empowers mutual customers to realize the full potential of their data and AI investments,” said Chris Grusz, Managing Director of Technology Partnerships at AWS. “Together, we’re delivering immediate, actionable insights with agentic AI, enabling organizations to automate strategically and unlock more value across their operations.” Looking Ahead By seamlessly integrating data and AI capabilities, Salesforce and AWS are not just building technology solutions—they’re reshaping how enterprises operate and thrive in the digital age. As agentic AI becomes an essential part of business strategy, this partnership provides a blueprint for leveraging technology to drive smarter, more agile, and more effective enterprises. 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

Read More
January 11, 2025in Artificial Intelligence, Data, Enterprise, Salesforce, Salesforce Data Cloud, Technology0 Comments
AI is revolutionizing BI by transforming it from a retrospective tool into a proactive, real-time decision-making engine.
30Dec

AI in Business Intelligence

AI in Business Intelligence: Applications, Benefits, and Challenges AI is rapidly transforming business intelligence (BI) by enhancing analytics capabilities and streamlining processes. This shift is reshaping how organizations leverage data for decision-making. Here’s an in-depth look at how AI complements BI, its advantages, and the challenges it introduces. The Evolution of Business Intelligence with AI BI has traditionally focused on aggregating historical and current data to provide insights into business operations—a process known as descriptive analytics. However, many decision-makers seek more: insights into future trends (predictive analytics) and actionable recommendations (prescriptive analytics). AI bridges this gap. With advanced tools like natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning (ML), AI enables businesses to move beyond static dashboards to dynamic, real-time insights. It also simplifies complex analytics, making data more accessible to business users and fostering more informed, proactive decision-making. Key Benefits of AI in Business Intelligence AI brings significant benefits to BI, including: Real-World Applications of AI in BI AI’s integration into BI goes beyond internal efficiency, delivering external value by enhancing customer experiences and driving business growth. Notable applications include: Challenges of AI in Business Intelligence Despite its potential, integrating AI into BI comes with challenges: Best Practices for AI-Driven BI To successfully integrate AI with BI, organizations should: Future Trends in AI and BI AI is expected to augment rather than replace BI, enhancing its capabilities while keeping human expertise central. Emerging trends include: Conclusion AI is revolutionizing BI by transforming it from a retrospective tool into a proactive, real-time decision-making engine. While challenges remain, thoughtful implementation and adherence to best practices can help organizations unlock AI’s full potential in BI. By integrating AI into existing BI workflows, businesses can drive innovation, improve decision-making, and create more agile and data-driven operations. 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

Read More
December 30, 2024in AI Tools, Data, Generative AI0 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

Read More
December 23, 2024in Data, Enterprise, Marketing Automation, Salesforce, Salesforce Education Cloud0 Comments
AI Agents, Tech's Next Big Bet
08Dec

Business Intelligence and AI

AI in Business Intelligence: Uses, Benefits, and Challenges AI tools are increasingly becoming integral to Business Intelligence (BI) systems, enhancing analytics capabilities and streamlining tasks. In this article, we explore how AI can bring new value to BI processes and what to consider as this integration continues to evolve. AI’s Role in Business Intelligence Business Intelligence tools, such as dashboards and interactive reports, have traditionally focused on analyzing historical and current data to describe business performance—known as descriptive analytics. While valuable, many business users seek more than just a snapshot of past performance. They also want predictive insights (forecasting future trends) and prescriptive guidance (recommendations for action). Historically, implementing these advanced capabilities was challenging due to their complexity, but AI simplifies this process. By leveraging AI’s analytical power and natural language processing (NLP), businesses can move from descriptive to predictive and prescriptive analytics, enabling proactive decision-making. AI-powered BI systems also offer the advantage of real-time data analysis, providing up-to-date insights that help businesses respond quickly to changing conditions. Additionally, AI can automate routine tasks, boosting efficiency across business operations. Benefits of Using AI in BI Initiatives The integration of AI into BI systems brings several key benefits, including: Examples of AI Applications in BI AI’s role in BI is not limited to internal process improvements. It can significantly enhance customer experience (CX) and support business growth. Here are a few examples: Challenges of Implementing AI in BI While the potential for AI in BI is vast, there are several challenges companies must address: Best Practices for Deploying AI in BI To maximize the benefits of AI in BI, companies should follow these best practices: Future Trends to Watch AI is not poised to replace traditional BI tools but to augment them with new capabilities. In the future, we can expect: In conclusion, AI is transforming business intelligence by turning data analysis from a retrospective activity into a forward-looking, real-time process. While challenges remain, such as data governance, ethical concerns, and skill shortages, AI’s potential to enhance BI systems and drive business success is undeniable. By following best practices and staying abreast of industry developments, businesses can harness AI to unlock new opportunities and deliver better insights. 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

Read More
December 8, 2024in AI Tools, Data, Generative AI0 Comments
Collaborative Business Intelligence
21Nov

Collaborative Business Intelligence

Collaborative BI combines BI tools with collaboration platforms, enabling users to connect data insights directly within their existing workflows. This integration enhances decision-making by reducing misunderstandings and fostering teamwork through real-time or asynchronous discussions about data. In traditional BI, data analysis was handled by data scientists and statisticians who translated insights for business users. However, the rise of self-service BI tools has democratized data access, allowing users of varying technical skills to create and share visualizations. Collaborative BI takes this a step further by embedding BI functions into collaboration platforms like Slack and Microsoft Teams. This setup allows users to ask questions, clarify context, and share reports within the same applications they already use, enhancing data-driven decisions across the organization. One real-life time saver in my experience is being able as a marketer to dig in to our BI and generate lists myself, without depending upon a team of data scientists. Benefits of Collaborative BI Leading Collaborative BI Platforms Several vendors offer collaborative BI solutions, each with unique integrations for communication and data sharing: Collaborative BI bridges data analysis with organizational collaboration, creating an agile environment for informed decision-making and effective knowledge sharing across all levels. 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

Read More
November 21, 2024in Data, Salesforce
Training Your Own AI Model
19Nov

Training Your Own AI Model May Not Win Customers – But Leveraging Data Will

While AI plays a crucial role in delivering personalized customer experiences, the real game-changer lies in data connectivity. It’s not about having the flashiest AI model but about how data is managed across every interaction. Imagine a global retail brand with a network of physical stores, an e-commerce site, and active social media. An in-store shopper “likes” a product on Instagram, triggering an autonomous agent to send a personalized discount code. This leads them to a tailored shopping page based on their preferences, with items in their size, style, and budget. After the purchase, the agent follows up to ensure satisfaction and offers discounts on complementary items, creating a VIP-like experience. While AI can automate these touchpoints, the real enabler is a robust data platform that brings each data point into a cohesive, connected system. Without this, AI’s effectiveness is limited; Gartner predicts that 30% of generative AI projects will be abandoned by 2025 due to poor data quality. Why Data – Not a Custom AI Model – Drives Results Many companies think they need a custom-trained language model (LLM) to achieve superior customer insights. However, training an LLM is costly, requires specialized expertise, and lacks built-in permission controls. And because LLMs require constant updates to stay relevant, it’s a significant commitment with diminishing returns. Instead, a more practical approach is to integrate a pre-trained LLM with a data platform that aggregates data from diverse systems in real time. By providing AI with current, connected data, companies can enhance accuracy, identify trends, and respond to customer needs quickly. The Power of Integrated Data Platforms Consider the shopper who “liked” a social media post and then interacted with an autonomous agent. Alone, these interactions may not signify much, but together they reveal a clear buying intent. Scaling this approach allows brands to spot valuable opportunities faster. Autonomous agents can help sales teams prioritize prospects, resolve service cases, and drive sales – all in real time. This isn’t limited to retail. In healthcare, agents can streamline patient benefits verification, summarize insurance details, and assist with pharmacy coverage. From finance to manufacturing, data-enabled AI agents have endless applications. Metadata: The Secret to Seamless AI For AI to deliver tailored, high-value interactions, it needs organized data – and metadata is key. By categorizing and tagging data, metadata enables AI to find the right information, whether drafting a customer message or identifying top sales prospects. A unified data platform that harmonizes data and metadata yields sharper predictions and more personalized outputs, outperforming siloed data systems. Data-Driven Precision in Customer Experience An effective data platform is the backbone of an agile, customer-centric business, making AI far more than guesswork. By using data to understand customer needs in real time, businesses can deliver targeted, timely experiences that build loyalty and growth. A comprehensive data strategy is essential to unlocking AI’s potential. This data strategy guide provides best practices for aligning data with business goals, unearthing insights, and enhancing customer engagement. A unified data platform connects your organization around the customer – transforming a simple “like” into a sale, and a sale into loyalty. Without it, your AI is just guessing. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more Alphabet Soup of Cloud Terminology As with any technology, the cloud brings its own alphabet soup of terms. This insight will hopefully help you navigate Read more

Read More
November 19, 2024in Data, Generative AI
AI Won't Hurt Salesforce
12Nov

AI Won’t Hurt Salesforce

Marc Benioff Dismisses AI Threats, Sets Sights on a Billion AI Agents in One Year Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff has no doubts about the transformative potential of AI for enterprise software, particularly Salesforce itself. At the core of his vision are AI agents—autonomous software bots designed to handle routine tasks, freeing up human workers to focus on more strategic priorities. “What if your workforce had no limits? That’s a question we couldn’t even ask over the past 25 years of Salesforce—or the 45 years I’ve been in software,” Benioff said during an appearance on TechCrunch’s Equity podcast. The Billion-Agent Goal Benioff revealed that Salesforce’s recently launched Agentforce platform is already being adopted by “hundreds of customers” and aims to deploy a billion AI agents within a year. These agents are designed to handle tasks across industries—from enhancing customer experiences at retail brands like Gucci to assisting patients with follow-ups in healthcare. To illustrate, Benioff shared his experience with Disney’s virtual Private Tour Guides. “The AI agent analyzed park flow, ride history, and preferences, then guided me to attractions I hadn’t visited before,” he explained. Competition with Microsoft and the AI Landscape While Benioff is bullish on AI, he hasn’t hesitated to criticize competitors—particularly Microsoft. When Microsoft unveiled its new autonomous agents for Dynamics 365 in October, Benioff dismissed them as uninspired. “Copilot is the new Clippy,” he quipped, referencing Microsoft’s infamous virtual assistant from the 1990s. Benioff also cited Gartner research highlighting data security issues and administrative flaws in Microsoft’s AI tools, adding, “Copilot has disappointed so many customers. It’s not transforming companies.” However, industry skeptics argue that the real challenge to Salesforce isn’t Microsoft but the wave of AI-powered startups disrupting traditional enterprise software. With tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Klarna’s in-house AI assistant “Kiki,” companies are starting to explore GenAI solutions that can replace legacy platforms like Salesforce altogether. For example, Klarna recently announced it was moving away from Salesforce and Workday, favoring GenAI tools that enable seamless, conversational interfaces and faster data access. Why Salesforce Is Positioned to Win Despite the noise, Benioff remains confident that Salesforce’s extensive data infrastructure gives it a significant edge. “We manage 230 petabytes of customer data with robust security and sharing models. That’s what allows AI to thrive in our ecosystem,” he said. While companies may question how other platforms like OpenAI handle data, Salesforce offers an integrated approach, reducing the need for complex data migrations to other clouds, such as Microsoft Azure. Salesforce’s Own Use of AI Benioff also highlighted Salesforce’s internal adoption of Agentforce, using AI agents in its customer service operations, sales processes, and help centers. “If you’re authenticated on help.salesforce.com, you’re already interacting with our agent,” he noted. AI Startups: Threat or Opportunity? As for concerns about AI startups overtaking Salesforce, Benioff sees them as acquisition opportunities rather than existential threats. “We’ve made over 60 acquisitions, many of them startups,” he said. He pointed to Agentforce itself, which was built using technology from Airkit.ai, a startup founded by a former Salesforce employee. Salesforce Ventures initially invested in Airkit.ai before acquiring and integrating it into its platform. The Path Forward Benioff is resolute in his belief that AI won’t hurt Salesforce—instead, it will revolutionize how businesses operate. While skeptics warn of a seismic shift in enterprise software, Benioff’s strategy is clear: lean into AI, leverage data, and stay agile through innovation and acquisitions. “We’re just getting started,” he concluded, reiterating his vision for a future where AI agents expand the possibilities of work and customer experience like never before. 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

Read More
November 12, 2024in Agentforce Platform, AI Tools, Data, Enterprise, Laws, Salesforce, Technology
Scaling Generative AI
23Oct

Scaling Generative AI

Many organizations follow a hybrid approach to AI infrastructure, combining public clouds, colocation facilities, and on-prem solutions. Specialized GPU-as-a-service vendors, for instance, are becoming popular for handling high-demand AI computations, helping businesses manage costs without compromising performance. Business process outsourcing company TaskUs, for example, focuses on optimizing compute and data flows as it scales its gen AI deployments, while Cognizant advises that companies distinguish between training and inference needs, each with different latency requirements.

Read More
October 23, 2024in Data, Enterprise, Generative AI, Google, Salesforce
AI Agents and Digital Transformation
23Oct

Ready for AI Agents

Brands that can effectively integrate agentic AI into their operations stand to gain a significant competitive edge. But as with any innovation, success will depend on balancing the promise of automation with the complexities of trust, privacy, and user experience.

Read More
October 23, 2024in Data, Enterprise, Generative AI, Google, Salesforce
Salesforce Government Cloud Premium
21Oct

Salesforce Government Cloud Premium

Software company Salesforce announced on Monday that it has rolled out a new version of its government cloud that has Top Secret authorization and is geared toward U.S. national security agencies and intelligence organizations.

The new offering, called Government Cloud Premium, is hosted on Amazon Web Services’ Top Secret cloud.

Read More
October 21, 2024in Data, Hyperforce, Public Sector Solutions, Salesforce, Salesforce Government Cloud, Salesforce Government Cloud Premium
Ethical AI Implementation
06Oct

Ethical AI Implementation

AI technologies are rapidly evolving, becoming a practical solution to support essential business operations. However, creating true business value from AI requires a well-balanced approach that considers people, processes, and technology. Ethical AI Implementation. AI encompasses various forms, including machine learning, deep learning, predictive analytics, natural language processing, computer vision, and automation. To leverage AI’s competitive advantages, companies need a strong foundation and a realistic strategy aligned with their business goals. “Artificial intelligence is multifaceted,” said John Carey, managing director at AArete, a business management consultancy. “There’s often hype and, at times, exaggeration about how ‘intelligent’ AI truly is.” Business Advantages of AI Adoption Recent advancements in generative AI, such as ChatGPT and Dall-E, have showcased AI’s significant impact on businesses. According to a McKinsey Global Survey, global AI adoption surged from around 50% over the past six years to 72% in 2024. Some key benefits of adopting AI include: Prerequisites for AI Implementation Successfully implementing AI can be complex. A detailed understanding of the following prerequisites is crucial for achieving positive results: 13 Steps for Successful AI Implementation Common AI Implementation Mistakes Organizations often stumble by: Key Challenges in Ethical AI Implementation Human-related challenges often present the biggest hurdles. To overcome them, organizations must foster data literacy and build trust among stakeholders. Additionally, challenges around data management, model governance, system integration, and intellectual property need to be addressed. Ensuring Ethical AI Implementation To ensure responsible AI use, companies should: Ethical AI implementation requires a continuous commitment to transparency, fairness, and inclusivity across all levels of the organization. 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

Read More
October 6, 2024in AI Tools, Artificial Intelligence, Data, Generative AI, Salesforce, Technology
Employees Have Different Motivations
29Sep

Employees Have Different Motivations

The workforce has undergone significant changes over the last two years. Today’s employees have different motivations, seeking more flexibility and purpose, while also expecting more from corporate leaders. Employees Have Different Motivations. Similarly, customers now demand high levels of personalization and exceptional experiences. How can C-suite executives keep up with these evolving expectations? Our research highlights emerging priorities for corporate leaders in these challenging times. In a recent webinar, we asked two Inc. 5000 CEOs about shifting priorities and the critical role of enhancing employee experiences to meet rising customer demands. The message was clear: efficient growth starts with your employees. Focusing on employee satisfaction, providing clear paths for growth, establishing strong values, and investing in the right tools are key drivers of success. However, for some leaders, old habits hinder progress. Today’s executives must not only be digitally proficient but also agile, with strong emotional intelligence to manage change and new relationships effectively. A prime example of this disconnect is seen in employee engagement. Salesforce’s recent report, The Experience Advantage, found that while 71% of C-suite executives believe their employees are engaged, only 51% of employees agree. Similarly, 70% of executives think their employees are happy, but only 44% of employees share that sentiment. How can companies enable their leaders to succeed in this era of heightened expectations? Let’s explore the top priorities for CEOs today. Top Priorities for Corporate Leaders In a world where CEOs are accountable to more stakeholders than ever, they must navigate an increasingly complex landscape. They’re expected to speak on social issues, advocate for sustainability, and ensure stability in times of rapid change. Adaptability is crucial for success. Here are some current top priorities for corporate leaders: At Salesforce, they’ve found success by operating with startup-style values—centering consumer trust, fostering constant innovation, and setting clear, simple goals. Marc Benioff’s V2MOM framework exemplifies this alignment in action. The New Skills Leaders Need After reviewing research and interviewing business leaders, several trends have emerged. The most successful executives today share the following traits: A 2021 IBM Institute for Business Value survey of 3,000 global CEOs revealed similar trends, highlighting purposeful agility and making technology a priority. The study found that 56% of CEOs emphasized the need for operational flexibility, and 61% were focused on empowering remote work. Key technologies driving results over the next few years include the Internet of Things (79%), cloud computing (74%), and AI (52%). A major shift on leader agendas is the growing focus on employee experience. As Salesforce’s chief growth evangelist, Tiffani Bova, noted, “Employees are now the most important stakeholder to long-term success.” Providing seamless, consumer-like experiences for employees is now essential for business growth. Our research also uncovered a key gap: 73% of C-suite executives don’t know how to use employee data to drive change. This disconnect between leadership perception and actual employee experience is undermining growth. Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Matters To close this gap, sharpening leaders’ emotional intelligence is essential. Last year, we conducted interviews with 10 CEOs across various sectors. Many revealed plans to replace C-suite team members with more digitally savvy and emotionally intelligent leaders better equipped to manage the modern workforce. Summit Leadership Partners’ 2020 research found that 80-90% of top-performing executives excelled because of their high EQ. In fact, EQ is twice as predictive of performance as technical skills or IQ. The Changing Role of Key Executives Who do CEOs rely on most? A decade ago, IBM’s Institute for Business Value found that 47% of CEOs considered the chief innovation officer critical. Today, only 4% of CEOs agree. The chief marketing officer and chief strategy officer roles have also seen significant declines in perceived importance. The positions that have gained prominence include the chief technology officer (CTO) and chief information officer (CIO), now ranked third in importance after the chief financial officer (CFO) and chief operating officer (COO). As Jeff McElfresh, COO of AT&T, observed, “Not all leaders are comfortable managing in a distributed model. We’ve got work to do to unlock the potential.” The rise in job titles related to the future of work—up 60% since the pandemic—reflects this shift, with hybrid work models becoming more common. Diversity Drives Innovation and Profitability Diversity in leadership has become essential for driving revenue and innovation. McKinsey’s 2020 report Diversity Wins found that companies with more gender-diverse executive teams were 25% more likely to achieve above-average profitability. Similarly, those with greater ethnic diversity outperformed their peers by 36%. Diverse management teams also deliver 19% higher revenues from innovation compared to less-diverse teams, according to research from BCG. As diversity becomes increasingly tied to executive compensation, companies must support a diverse leadership pipeline by developing inclusive talent strategies. Moving Forward To thrive in today’s business world, corporate leaders must plan for change, ensure all executives have both digital literacy and emotional intelligence, and redistribute power to drive success. The healthiest C-suites will include diverse leaders in key positions like COO, CFO, and CIO/CTO. Aligning the business around common goals—like those in Salesforce’s V2MOM framework—and eliminating barriers for employees are key to staying ahead. Innovation must remain a top priority. By investing in the right tools and connected platforms, companies can reduce costs and drive sustainable growth. Reach out to Tectonic for assistance in making the innovations that recognizes Employees Have Different Motivations. 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

Read More
September 29, 2024in Data, Salesforce, Technology
Tableau Einstein is Here
22Sep

Tableau Einstein is Here

Tableau Einstein marks a new chapter for Tableau, transforming the analytics experience by moving beyond traditional reports and dashboards to deliver insights directly within the flow of a user’s work. This new AI-powered analytics platform blends existing Tableau and Salesforce capabilities with innovative features designed to revolutionize how users engage with data. The platform is built around four key areas: autonomous insight delivery through AI, AI-assisted development of a semantic layer, real-time data access, and a marketplace for data and AI products, allowing customers to personalize their Tableau experience. Some features, like Tableau Pulse and Tableau Agent, which provide autonomous insights, are already available. Additional tools, such as Tableau Semantics and a marketplace for AI products, are expected to launch in 2025. Access to Tableau Einstein is provided through a Tableau+ subscription, though pricing details remain private. Since being acquired by Salesforce in 2019, Tableau has shifted its focus toward AI, following the trend of many analytics vendors. In February, Tableau introduced Tableau Pulse, a generative AI-powered tool that delivers insights in natural language. In July, it also rolled out Tableau Agent, an AI assistant to help users prepare and analyze data. With AI at its core, Tableau Einstein reflects deeper integration between Tableau and Salesforce. David Menninger, an analyst at Ventana Research, commented that these new capabilities represent a meaningful step toward true integration between the two platforms. Donald Farmer, founder of TreeHive Strategy, agrees, highlighting that while the robustness of Tableau Einstein’s AI capabilities compared to its competitors remains to be seen, the platform offers more than just incremental add-ons. “It’s an impressive release,” he remarked. A Paradigm Shift in Analytics A significant aspect of Tableau Einstein is its agentic nature, where AI-powered agents deliver insights autonomously, without user prompts. Traditionally, users queried data and analyzed reports to derive insights. Tableau Einstein changes this model by proactively providing insights within the workflow, eliminating the need for users to formulate specific queries. The concept of autonomous insights, represented by tools like Tableau Pulse and Agentforce for Tableau, allows businesses to build autonomous agents that deliver actionable data. This aligns with the broader trend in analytics, where the market is shifting toward agentic AI and away from dashboard reliance. Menninger noted, “The market is moving toward agentic AI and analytics, where agents, not dashboards, drive decisions. Agents can act on data rather than waiting for users to interpret it.” Farmer echoed this sentiment, stating that the integration of AI within Tableau is intuitive and seamless, offering a significantly improved analytics experience. He specifically pointed out Tableau Pulse’s elegant design and the integration of Agentforce AI, which feels deeply integrated rather than a superficial add-on. Core Features and Capabilities One of the most anticipated features of Tableau Einstein is Tableau Semantics, a semantic layer designed to enhance AI models by enabling organizations to define and structure their data consistently. Expected to be generally available by February 2025, Tableau Semantics will allow enterprises to manage metrics, data dimensions, and relationships across datasets with the help of AI. Pre-built metrics for Salesforce data will also be available, along with AI-driven tools to simplify semantic layer management. Tableau is not the first to offer a semantic layer—vendors like MicroStrategy and Looker have similar features—but the infusion of AI sets Tableau’s approach apart. According to Tableau’s chief product officer, Southard Jones, AI makes Tableau’s semantic layer more agile and user-friendly compared to older, labor-intensive systems. Real-time data integration is another key component of Tableau Einstein, made possible through Salesforce’s Data Cloud. This integration enables Tableau users to securely access and combine structured and unstructured data from hundreds of sources without manual intervention. Unstructured data, such as text and images, is critical for comprehensive AI training, and Data Cloud allows enterprises to use it alongside structured data efficiently. Additionally, Tableau Einstein will feature a marketplace launching in mid-2025, which will allow users to build a composable infrastructure. Through APIs, users will be able to personalize their Tableau environment, share AI assets, and collaborate across departments more effectively. Looking Forward As Tableau continues to build on its AI-driven platform, Menninger and Farmer agree that the vendor’s move toward agentic AI is a smart evolution. While Tableau’s current capabilities are competitive, Menninger noted that the platform doesn’t necessarily set Tableau apart from competitors like Qlik, MicroStrategy, or Microsoft Fabric. However, the tight integration with Salesforce and the focus on agentic AI may provide Tableau with a short-term advantage in the fast-changing analytics landscape. Farmer added that Tableau Einstein’s autonomous insight generation feels like a significant leap forward for the platform. “Tableau has done great work in creating an agentic experience that feels, for the first time, like the real deal,” he said. Looking ahead, Tableau’s roadmap includes a continued focus on agentic AI, with the goal of providing each user with their own personal analyst. “It’s not just about productivity,” said Jones. “It’s about changing the value of what can be delivered.” Menninger concluded that Tableau’s shift away from dashboards is a reflection of where business intelligence is headed. “Dashboards, like data warehouses, don’t solve problems on their own. What matters is what you do with the information,” he said. “Tableau’s push toward agentic analytics and collaborative decision-making is the right move for its users and the market as a whole.” 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 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

Read More
September 22, 2024in Data, Enterprise, Generative AI, Salesforce

Subscribe to our mailing list. Join our mail list to receive our newsletter

We'll keep you up to date with our latest news, insights, free resources, and much more.
Don't worry, we won't spam you.
gettectonic.com