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Agentic AI

Agentic AI: The Next Frontier in Business Transformation The AI Maturity Gap: A Wake-Up Call for Businesses Despite massive investments in AI, only 1% of companies believe they’ve reached full maturity, according to recent data. Even with billions poured into Generative AI, Capgemini reports that just 24% of organizations have scaled it across most functions—meaning 76% are still experimenting without significant impact. Enter Agentic AI—the next evolution in artificial intelligence. Unlike today’s reactive, prompt-dependent AI, Agentic AI systems operate autonomously, making decisions, adapting to changes, and executing workflows with minimal human intervention. These agents combine reasoning with automation, transforming not just customer experience (CX) but also revolutionizing how employees work. From firsthand experience in developing proof-of-concepts (PoCs) for incident management, we’ve seen how Agentic AI enhances employee experience (EX), which in turn drives better customer outcomes. The link between EX and CX has never been stronger—improvements in one directly fuel progress in the other. The Internal Revolution: Elevating Employee Experience Agentic AI shifts from rule-based automation to goal-driven autonomy. These agents learn from outcomes, adapt in real time, and make decisions within defined parameters—freeing employees from repetitive tasks and enabling strategic work. Transforming Incident Management We recently worked with a client to develop an Agentic AI solution for Major Incident Management (MIM)—a critical process where delays can lead to revenue loss and reputational damage. The goal? Reduce root-cause identification and resolution time for high-priority incidents (P1/P2). While full results remain confidential, early indicators show: Technical Gains ✔ Faster detection & response✔ Consistent troubleshooting✔ Preserved institutional knowledge✔ Parallel task processing Efficiency Improvements ✔ Reduced Mean Time to Resolution (MTTR)✔ 24/7 operations without fatigue✔ Automated documentation✔ Optimized human resource allocation Business Impact ✔ Better EX & CX✔ Lower operational costs✔ Reduced risk exposure Beyond Incident Management: Vodafone’s AI Leap Vodafone’s hybrid GenAI strategy is already unlocking efficiencies in network management, with AI agents like VINA enabling autonomous operations. Partnering with Google Cloud, Vodafone uses GenAI for network automation, including image-based site assessments for solar panel installations. Additionally, Vodafone is deploying Agentic AI with ServiceNow to predict and mitigate service disruptions, improving both employee workflows and customer service. The CX Cascade Effect: How Internal AI Elevates Customer Experience When internal processes become smarter and faster, customers reap the benefits—through faster resolutions, proactive support, and seamless service. The Cascade in Action Vodafone’s £140M investment in SuperTOBi (a GenAI-powered chatbot built on Microsoft Azure OpenAI) has cut response times and enhanced answer quality. Meanwhile, AI tools analyzing call success rates are helping create “super agents” who improve with each interaction. Other companies seeing success: This shift toward anticipatory service—where AI predicts issues before they arise—is becoming a competitive necessity. The Future: Orchestrating AI Agents at Scale The next frontier is connecting multiple AI agents across internal and customer-facing workflows, enabling end-to-end automation. A Framework for Orchestration Real-World Success Stories Lessons from the Field: How to Succeed with Agentic AI While enthusiasm is high, most companies struggle to extract real business value from GenAI. Agentic AI requires a new mindset. Here’s what works: ✅ Start with well-defined processes (high-volume, measurable tasks)✅ Maintain human oversight (security, compliance, risk mitigation)✅ Prioritize change management (training, communication, overcoming resistance)✅ Build governance frameworks (role-based access, audit trails) Preparing for the Agentic Future: Strategy Over Scale Agentic AI adoption is accelerating fast (Slack reports 233% growth in AI usage in six months). Companies must act strategically: 🔹 Pilot First: Vodafone & Google Cloud’s 2024 hackathon generated 13 real-world use cases—proving rapid experimentation works.🔹 Invest in Platform Capabilities: Pre-built agent skills speed deployment.🔹 Focus on Business Outcomes: This is not just efficiency—it’s transformation. Some firms are even exploring “zero-FTE” departments (fully AI-operated). But the real opportunity lies in human-AI collaboration, not replacement. Final Thoughts: The Competitive Edge Goes to Early Movers Agentic AI isn’t just an incremental upgrade—it’s a paradigm shift toward autonomous, intelligent workflows. Companies that adopt early will outperform competitors in both employee productivity and customer satisfaction. The future isn’t about managing AI—it’s about collaborating with AI agents that think, act, and optimize in real time. The Choice Is Yours: Lead or Follow? The Agentic AI revolution has begun. Will your organization pioneer the change—or play catch-up? Like Related Posts AI Automated Offers with Marketing Cloud Personalization AI-Powered Offers Elevate the relevance of each customer interaction on your website and app through Einstein Decisions. Driven by a Read more 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

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Agentic AI: The Next Frontier in Intelligent Automation

Agentic AI Revolution in Customer Service

The Agentic AI Revolution in Customer Service: Lessons from Salesforce’s Million-Interaction Milestone From Chatbot Frustration to AI Partnership The agentic AI arms race has exploded onto the customer service scene in less than a year, with Salesforce emerging as a pioneer by deploying its Agentforce solution across its help portal. The results? Over 1 million customer interactions handled – and counting. But as Salesforce’s journey reveals, success with AI agents requires more than just advanced technology—it demands a fundamental shift in customer service philosophy. Breaking the “Deflection” Mindset Bernard Slowey, SVP of Digital Customer Success at Salesforce, calls out the industry’s problematic approach: “That word ‘deflection’ breaks my heart. When companies focus on driving out costs by keeping customers away from humans, they make stupid decisions.” Unlike traditional chatbots designed as “first line of defense,” Agentforce was built to:✔ Accelerate resolutions through intelligent assistance✔ Maintain human availability when needed✔ Enhance rather than replace the service experience Key Lessons from a Million Conversations 1. The Heart Matters as Much as the Brain Early versions focused on factual accuracy but lacked emotional intelligence. Salesforce: Result: Abandonment rates dropped from 26% to 8-9% 2. The Content Imperative Agent performance depends entirely on data quality. Salesforce encountered: 3. Knowing When to Step Aside The system now: The Human-AI Balance Sheet Metric Before Agentforce After Optimization Customer Abandonment 26% 8-9% Human Handoff Rate 1% 5-8% Support Engineer Capacity Static Reallocated to higher-value work The Road Ahead for Agentic AI As Slowey notes: “AI does some things amazingly well; it doesn’t create relationships. We’re entering an era of digital and human collaboration.” For companies ready to move beyond the chatbot dark ages, Salesforce’s million-interaction milestone proves agentic AI can work—when implemented with both technological rigor and human-centric design. Like Related Posts AI Automated Offers with Marketing Cloud Personalization AI-Powered Offers Elevate the relevance of each customer interaction on your website and app through Einstein Decisions. Driven by a Read more 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

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Agentforce 3 and AI Agents

Agentforce 3 to Accelerate Agentic AI Adoption

Salesforce Launches Agentforce 3 to Accelerate Agentic AI Adoption A few weeks ago, Salesforce introduced Agentforce 3, designed to deliver rapid time-to-value and address ROI concerns around agentic AI. As the technology rapidly evolves, Salesforce is leading the charge into the agent-first Service era, betting big on Agentforce’s potential to transform customer service by proactively resolving issues and educating users on new features. Salesforce customer 1-800 Accountant is already seeing the benefits, reporting measurable improvements in customer service efficiency. Here’s what both companies had to say. Customer Zero: Salesforce’s Own Agentforce Journey As its own first customer, Salesforce has a vested interest in ensuring Agentforce enhances its customer service operations. Bernard Slowey, SVP of Digital Customer Success, shared insights with analysts, noting that most self-service journeys for Salesforce customers begin on Google before landing on the company’s Help portal, which handles 2 million reactive support cases annually. Slowey posed a key question: “What if your service team had infinite capacity and complete knowledge?” To move toward this vision, Salesforce is deploying AI agents to absorb repetitive tasks, proactively engage customers, and seamlessly hand off complex issues to humans when needed. By July, Agentforce had already facilitated 1 million customer conversations with an 85% resolution rate. Early results show a 2% increase in Help portal traffic alongside a 5% reduction in case volume, signaling strong ROI. Salesforce tracks performance via scorecards comparing AI and human agents, ensuring smooth transitions when escalations are necessary. So far, customers aren’t frustrated when an AI agent can’t resolve an issue—validating the hybrid approach. Andy White, SVP of Business Technology, highlighted lessons from the rollout: Looking ahead, White emphasized Agentforce’s advantage over public LLMs: “We know who the customer is and can engage them proactively—before they even reach the portal.” For businesses starting their agentic AI journey, White advises: “Begin with a small, controlled use case—like a single customer service topic—before scaling.” 1-800 Accountant: Transforming Tax Season with Agentforce Ryan Teeples, CTO of 1-800 Accountant, shared how the firm—the largest U.S. accounting provider for small businesses—deployed Agentforce to handle high-volume, time-sensitive client queries during tax season. With a long-standing focus on automation, 1-800 Accountant saw agentic AI as the next logical step. Teeples explained: “Our accountants often lack time for client nurturing. Agentforce lets us automate communications while freeing them to focus on high-value advisory work.” Key outcomes: Employee reactions were mixed, but leadership emphasized that AI complements accountants by handling soft skills and routine tasks, allowing them to focus on deep expertise. ROI is clear—saved accountant hours translate directly into cost savings. Retention impact will be measured next tax season. Why It Matters:Agentic AI is proving its value in real-world customer service, with Salesforce and 1-800 Accountant demonstrating tangible efficiency gains, cost savings, and improved experiences. The key? Start small, measure rigorously, and keep humans in the loop. Like Related Posts AI Automated Offers with Marketing Cloud Personalization AI-Powered Offers Elevate the relevance of each customer interaction on your website and app through Einstein Decisions. Driven by a Read more 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

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AI Agents Are the Future of Enterprise

Persona-Centric Intelligence at Scale

The CIO’s Playbook for AI Success: Persona-Centric Intelligence at Scale The New Imperative: AI That Works the Way Your Teams Do In today’s digital-first economy, AI isn’t just a tool—it’s the operating system of modern business. But too many enterprises treat AI as a one-size-fits-all solution, leading to low adoption, wasted investment, and fragmented value. The winning strategy? Persona-based AI—designing intelligence that adapts to how different roles actually work. From Siloed to Strategic: The Evolution of Enterprise AI The Problem With Platform-Locked AI Most organizations deploy AI in disconnected pockets—Salesforce for sales, Workday for HR, SAP for finance. This creates:🔴 Duplicated efforts (multiple AI models doing similar tasks)🔴 Inconsistent insights (CRM AI says one thing, ERP AI another)🔴 Vendor lock-in (intelligence trapped in specific systems) The Solution: System-Agnostic Intelligence Forward-thinking CIOs are shifting to centralized AI “as a service”—decoupling intelligence from individual platforms to power seamless, cross-functional workflows. Example: 4 Pillars of a Persona-Based AI Strategy 1. Role-Specific Intelligence AI should augment, not disrupt existing workflows:🔹 Sales Reps: Real-time deal coaching, automated lead scoring🔹 Customer Support: AI-generated case summaries, sentiment-triggered escalations🔹 HR Teams: Smart resume screening, personalized onboarding bots Real-World Impact: *”Salesforce’s Agentforce cuts rep ramp time by 40% with AI role-plays tailored to each rep’s deal pipeline.”* 2. Generative AI That Works Behind the Scenes GenAI isn’t just for drafting emails—it’s automating high-value workflows:✔ Marketing: Dynamically localizing campaign creatives✔ Legal: Auto-redlining contracts against playbooks✔ IT: Converting trouble tickets into executable scripts Key Consideration: Guardrails matter—implement strict controls for data privacy and IP protection. 3. Edge AI for Real-Time Action Smart Cities Example:📍 Problem: Mumbai’s traffic gridlock costs $22B/year in lost productivity📍 AI Solution: Edge-powered cameras + sensors dynamically reroute vehicles without cloud latency📍 Outcome: 30% faster emergency response times Enterprise Use Cases: 4. Intelligent Automation: The Silent Productivity Engine Combining RPA + AI automates complex processes end-to-end:🔸 Finance: Invoice matching → fraud detection → payment approvals🔸 Supply Chain: Demand forecasting → autonomous PO generation🔸 IT: Self-healing network alerts → auto-remediation The CIO Action Plan 1. Audit Existing AI Deployments 2. Build a Central AI Layer 3. Start With High-Impact Personas Prioritize roles where AI drives measurable ROI:🎯 Field Service Techs: AR-guided repairs + parts forecasting🎯 Account Managers: Churn risk alerts + upsell scripts 4. Measure What Matters Track persona-specific metrics: The Future Is Adaptive The next frontier? “Living Intelligence”—AI that evolves with user behavior: *”By 2026, persona-driven AI will boost enterprise productivity by 35%.”*—Gartner “The best AI doesn’t feel like AI—it feels like a smarter way to work.” Like Related Posts AI Automated Offers with Marketing Cloud Personalization AI-Powered Offers Elevate the relevance of each customer interaction on your website and app through Einstein Decisions. Driven by a Read more 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

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Why 89% of AI Pilots Fail – And How to Beat the Odds

The AI Pilot Paradox: High Hopes, Low Deployment Your leadership team gets excited about AI. They greenlight an agentic AI pilot. Employees test it enthusiastically. Then… nothing happens. The project collects dust while the organization moves on to the next shiny tech initiative. This scenario plays out in 89% of companies, according to our analysis of industry data. While AI pilot projects surged 76% year-over-year in 2024 (KPMG), only 11% ever reach full deployment. The 7 Deadly Sins of AI Pilot Failure 1. Solution Looking for a Problem (60% of failures) The Trap: Starting with technology rather than business needsThe Fix: 2. The Ivory Tower Syndrome (45% of failures) The Trap: IT-led projects without business unit buy-inThe Fix: 3. Perfection Paralysis (38% of failures) The Trap: Waiting for flawless performance before launchThe Fix: 4. Data Debt Disaster (52% of failures) The Trap: Unstructured, outdated, or siloed dataThe Fix: 5. Zero-to-Hero Expectations (41% of failures) The Trap: Expecting full competency on Day 1The Fix: 6. Launch-and-Leave Mentality (63% of failures) The Trap: No ongoing optimizationThe Fix: 7. Build vs. Buy Blunders (72% of failures) The Trap: Underestimating custom AI development costsThe Fix: The Agentforce Advantage: 3 Deployment Success Stories 1. Clinical Trial AcceleratorChallenge: 6-month participant screening backlogSolution: AI agent pre-qualifies candidates using EHR dataResult: 58% faster trial enrollment 2. Luxury Retail ConciergeChallenge: High-touch customers demanded 24/7 styling adviceSolution:* Agentforce-powered shopping assistant with: 3. Global Support TransformationChallenge: 45% first-call resolution rateSolution:* Tiered AI agent deployment: Your AI Deployment Checklist ✅ [ ] Identify 3-5 measurable pain points✅ [ ] Form cross-functional pilot team✅ [ ] Conduct data health assessment✅ [ ] Select phased rollout approach✅ [ ] Define success metrics (KPIs)✅ [ ] Plan ongoing optimization process Pro Tip: Companies using this framework see 3.2x higher deployment success rates compared to ad-hoc approaches. Beyond the Pilot: The AI Maturity Journey Where is your organization on this path? The most successful enterprises treat AI adoption as a continuous transformation – not a one-time project. Like Related Posts AI Automated Offers with Marketing Cloud Personalization AI-Powered Offers Elevate the relevance of each customer interaction on your website and app through Einstein Decisions. Driven by a Read more 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

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Agentic AI Race

How Agentic AI is Redefining Customer Service

Australia’s AI-Powered CX Revolution: How Agentic AI is Redefining Customer Service The Rise of Autonomous Customer Experience Australia has become a global proving ground for a radical shift in customer service – one where AI agents don’t just assist but independently resolve issues, predict needs, and transform brand interactions. This isn’t about simple chatbots following scripts; it’s about agentic AI – intelligent digital agents capable of complex problem-solving, seamless human handoffs, and continuous self-improvement. Leading companies like Zendesk, Salesforce, and digital accommodation provider Urban Rest are already deploying these systems at scale, fundamentally reshaping what customer experience means in 2024 and beyond. Why Agentic AI Changes Everything 1. From Scripted Responses to Genuine Problem-Solving 2. The New Pricing Model: Pay for Resolution, Not Interactions Zendesk is pioneering a radical approach: 3. The Marketing Transformation Salesforce ANZ’s Leandro Perez sees CMOs becoming CX orchestrators: Real-World Deployments Right Now Salesforce’s AI Layer Urban Rest’s Digital Concierge The Human-AI Balance: Trust & Transparency Key insights from frontline deployments: What Leaders Need to Do Now “The last generation managed only humans. The next will manage teams of AI agents,” notes Perez. “That changes everything about leadership.” How Agentic AI is Redefining Customer Service Agentic AI isn’t coming – it’s already here. Early adopters are seeing: As Zendesk’s Gavin puts it: “Don’t wait for perfect. Start learning now – because your competitors certainly are.” The question isn’t whether to adopt, but how fast you can implement responsibly. Like Related Posts AI Automated Offers with Marketing Cloud Personalization AI-Powered Offers Elevate the relevance of each customer interaction on your website and app through Einstein Decisions. Driven by a Read more 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

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Agentforce 3 and AI Agents

Agentforce 3 and AI Agents

Salesforce Lifts the Lid on AI Agents with Agentforce 3 No More Black Box AISalesforce has unveiled Agentforce 3, a suite of tools designed to build, test, and manage AI agents with full transparency. The key components—Agentforce Studio (an agent design and testing environment) and Agentforce Command Center (a monitoring dashboard)—will roll out in August, giving businesses unprecedented control over their AI workflows. Taking the Reins on AI Performance The Command Center introduces an observability dashboard that tracks:✔ Agent latency✔ Error rates✔ Escalation rates✔ Individual customer interactions This granular visibility allows businesses to identify failures, analyze root causes, and refine agent behavior—all in plain language. “You’ve got to be able to understand, monitor, and manage these agents before you let them loose on customers—let alone other agents,” said Rebecca Wettemann, Founder of Valoir. Interoperability on the Horizon Salesforce is also advancing AI agent collaboration with: These standards will enable cross-platform agent coordination, allowing one AI agent to orchestrate others—a vision shared by ServiceNow and other enterprise players. Early Adopters See Real-World Impact Goodyear is already customizing Agentforce to:🔹 Strengthen relationships with automakers & resellers🔹 Personalize consumer interactions (e.g., tire recommendations based on weather, location, and purchase history) “We’re shifting from transactional sales to lifetime customer value,” said Mamatha Chamarthi, Goodyear’s Chief Digital Officer. Governance & Security in a Multi-Agent Future Salesforce ensures secure interoperability with:✔ Policy-based data access controls for MCP/A2A agents✔ AgentExchange marketplace (already hosting MCP connections from AWS, Google Cloud, PayPal, and others) “Builders will be able to orchestrate dynamic, multi-agent experiences—safely,” said Gary Lerhaupt, Salesforce VP of Product Architecture. Challenges Ahead: The Ecosystem Factor Despite the push for interoperability, Salesforce still blocks rivals from searching Slack data—a potential hurdle for developer adoption. “Success hinges on open ecosystems,” noted Wettemann. “You need to get more players on board.” The Bottom Line With Agentforce 3, Salesforce is moving AI agents out of the lab and into the real world—equipping businesses with the tools to deploy, monitor, and optimize them at scale. The next frontier? Seamless cross-platform AI teamwork—but only if the industry plays nice. Key Takeaways: Like Related Posts AI Automated Offers with Marketing Cloud Personalization AI-Powered Offers Elevate the relevance of each customer interaction on your website and app through Einstein Decisions. Driven by a Read more 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

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Salesforce’s AI Evolution

Salesforce Acquires Convergence.ai

Salesforce Acquires Convergence.ai to Supercharge Its AI Agent Capabilities Salesforce today announced the completion of its acquisition of Convergence.ai, a leader in adaptive AI agents that autonomously navigate complex digital workflows. The move accelerates Salesforce’s Agentforce platform, bringing advanced AI that can perceive, reason, and adapt in real time—transforming how businesses automate tasks. Why This Matters: AI That Thinks (and Acts) Like a Human Most AI automation today follows rigid scripts, failing when faced with unexpected errors or UI changes. Convergence’s breakthrough agents dynamically adjust to challenges like: By integrating this tech into Agentforce, Salesforce aims to deliver AI that doesn’t just assist but independently executes complex workflows—from customer service escalations to supply chain approvals. The Vision: Autonomous Agents as Co-Workers “Imagine AI that doesn’t just follow orders but intelligently navigates digital chaos,” said Adam Evans, EVP of Salesforce AI. “With Convergence, Agentforce will handle end-to-end tasks with human-like adaptability.” Key opportunities include:✅ Self-healing workflows – Agents reroute around errors without human intervention✅ Cross-platform orchestration – Seamless handoffs between CRM, ERP, and legacy systems✅ Industry-specific automation – Pre-built agents for healthcare, finance, and retail London: Salesforce’s New AI Innovation Hub The acquisition establishes London as a cornerstone of Salesforce’s AI R&D, with Convergence’s team forming the core of a new AI research lab. “The UK’s talent pool is unmatched for pioneering AI,” noted Jayesh Govindarajan, Salesforce’s EVP of AI/ML Engineering. What’s Next? “This isn’t just about automation—it’s about redefining work,” said Marvin Purtorab, Convergence’s CEO. “With Salesforce, we’ll scale AI that operates as fluidly as humans.” TL;DR: Salesforce just bought Convergence.ai to build AI agents that autonomously troubleshoot and adapt in real time—no more brittle, scripted bots. The future? AI coworkers that navigate messy digital work like humans. Will this make AI agents indispensable—or unpredictable? Share your take below. Like Related Posts AI Automated Offers with Marketing Cloud Personalization AI-Powered Offers Elevate the relevance of each customer interaction on your website and app through Einstein Decisions. Driven by a Read more 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

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Cross-Object Formulas in Salesforce

Cross-Object Formulas in Salesforce

Cross-Object Formulas in Salesforce: A Simple Guide When working with Salesforce, you may want to display related record details—like an Account Name or Industry—directly on a Case page, eliminating the need for users to navigate to another record. This is where cross-object formulas come in handy. What Is a Cross-Object Formula? A cross-object formula allows you to reference fields from a related object (connected via lookup or master-detail relationships) and display them on another object—without automation or code. Examples: How Do Cross-Object Formulas Work? They use dot notation to traverse relationships: Where Can You Use Them? Cross-object formulas work in:✅ Formula fields✅ Validation rules✅ Workflow, approval, and assignment rules✅ Auto-response and escalation rules 🚫 Not supported for setting default field values. Relationship Depth Limit Salesforce allows up to 10 relationship hops in total across all formulas, rules, and filters on an object. Key Considerations 1. Field Accessibility 2. Restricted Fields 3. Handling Owner Fields (User vs. Queue) Since an owner can be a User or Queue, use conditional logic: text IF( ISBLANK(Owner:User.Id), Owner:Queue.QueueEmail, Owner:User.Email ) This checks: 4. Profile.Name Quirk Example Formulas Final Thoughts Cross-object formulas are a powerful, no-code solution to:✔ Reduce clicks by displaying related data directly.✔ Improve user experience with consolidated information.✔ Avoid data duplication. By understanding relationship paths and dot notation, you can make your Salesforce pages more efficient and user-friendly. Like Related Posts AI Automated Offers with Marketing Cloud Personalization AI-Powered Offers Elevate the relevance of each customer interaction on your website and app through Einstein Decisions. Driven by a Read more 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

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AI evolves with tools like Agentforce and Atlas

How the Atlas Reasoning Engine Powers Agentforce

Autonomous, proactive AI agents form the core of Agentforce. But how do they operate? A closer look reveals the sophisticated mechanisms driving their functionality. The rapid pace of AI innovation—particularly in generative AI—continues unabated. With today’s technical advancements, the industry is swiftly transitioning from assistive conversational automation to role-based automation that enhances workforce capabilities. For artificial intelligence (AI) to achieve human-level performance, it must replicate what makes humans effective: agency. Humans process data, evaluate potential actions, and execute decisions. Equipping AI with similar agency demands exceptional intelligence and decision-making capabilities. Salesforce has leveraged cutting-edge developments in large language models (LLMs) and reasoning techniques to introduce Agentforce—a suite of ready-to-use AI agents designed for specialized tasks, along with tools for customization. These autonomous agents can think, reason, plan, and orchestrate with remarkable sophistication, marking a significant leap in AI automation for customer service, sales, marketing, commerce, and beyond. Agentforce: A Breakthrough in AI Reasoning Agentforce represents the first enterprise-grade conversational automation solution capable of proactive, intelligent decision-making at scale with minimal human intervention. Several key innovations enable this capability: Additional Differentiators of Agentforce Beyond the Atlas Reasoning Engine, Agentforce boasts several distinguishing features: The Future of Agentforce Though still in its early stages, Agentforce is already transforming businesses for customers like Wiley and Saks Fifth Avenue. Upcoming innovations include: The Third Wave of AI Agentforce heralds the third wave of AI, surpassing predictive AI and copilots. These agents don’t just react—they anticipate, plan, and reason autonomously, automating entire workflows while ensuring seamless human collaboration. Powered by the Atlas Reasoning Engine, they can be deployed in clicks to revolutionize any business function. The era of autonomous AI agents is here. Are you ready? Like Related Posts AI Automated Offers with Marketing Cloud Personalization AI-Powered Offers Elevate the relevance of each customer interaction on your website and app through Einstein Decisions. Driven by a Read more 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

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What is Salesforce Einstein 1

The Real Impact of Salesforce Einstein

The Real Impact of Salesforce Einstein: Beyond the Checkbox Implementation When AI Moves From Feature to Force Multiplier We’ve implemented Einstein across dozens of organizations, witnessing a clear pattern: the difference between superficial adoption and transformational results comes down to one factor – how deeply predictive intelligence is woven into operational workflows. When done right, the impact manifests in tangible, measurable ways. 1. Precision Focus: Working Smarter, Not Harder The first visible sign of successful Einstein adoption is the elimination of wasted effort. Teams stop operating on guesswork and start acting on intelligence: *”Our SDR team regained 15 hours per week by focusing only on Einstein-scored hot leads.”*– VP of Sales, SaaS Company 2. Real-Time Leadership: From Rearview Mirror to Windshield Einstein transforms management from historical reporting to predictive guidance: Traditional Approach Einstein-Enabled Leadership Monthly pipeline reviews Daily deal health pulse checks Gut-based forecasting AI-weighted revenue projections Post-mortem analysis Preemptive risk intervention Example: A manufacturing firm reduced forecast variance from ±15% to ±3% using Einstein Predictive Forecasting. 3. Your Data Finally Works For You Einstein unlocks trapped value in existing CRM data: “We discovered our highest-value customers shared three unexpected behavioral patterns we’d never tracked before.”– Director of Customer Success, FinTech 4. The Silent Efficiency Revolution AI-driven automation eliminates repetitive work: Process Before → Process AfterManual lead scoring → AI-prioritized inbound leadsFirst-in case assignment → Urgency-based routingBatch-and-blast emails → Behavior-timed campaigns 5. The Trust Transformation When teams see consistent accuracy, behavior changes fundamentally: Implementation Essentials for Real Impact Data Foundation Change Management Playbook Adoption Metrics to Track The Road Ahead Organizations that fully integrate Einstein see compound benefits: Year 1: Process efficienciesYear 2: Predictive operationsYear 3: Prescriptive automation “What began as lead scoring evolved into our competitive advantage in customer retention.”– CRO, Healthcare Technology Ready to move beyond checkbox AI?Contact us today! Transform your Einstein implementation from shelfware to strategic advantage with operationalized AI. Like Related Posts AI Automated Offers with Marketing Cloud Personalization AI-Powered Offers Elevate the relevance of each customer interaction on your website and app through Einstein Decisions. Driven by a Read more 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

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AI in Networking

The AI Workforce Revolution

The AI Workforce Revolution: How to Lead in the Age of Agentic Automation The Blended Workforce Era is Here AI agent adoption is projected to surge 327% in the next two years, transforming every industry. Managers will soon oversee teams where AI agents work alongside humans—handling tasks from customer service to data analysis. But success isn’t just about deploying AI—it’s about leading a high-performing hybrid workforce. Here’s how to prepare. 1. Address Employee Concerns Early AI anxiety is real. Proactively:✔ Communicate AI’s role—it’s for repetitive tasks (scheduling, data processing), not replacements.✔ Upskill teams for AI-augmented roles (creativity, judgment, strategy).✔ Follow Salesforce’s model: Host Agentforce Learning Days to train employees on AI collaboration. “The future of work isn’t humans vs. AI—it’s humans with AI.” — Jenny Simmons, VP of Learning, Salesforce 2. Onboard AI Agents Like a Pro Forget HR paperwork—AI integration is technical: Human Onboarding AI Agent Onboarding Training & mentorship Configuration & data setup Adapts to ambiguity Needs precise guardrails Needs motivation Requires monitoring & KPIs Key Steps: 3. Master AI Workforce Management Essential Skills for Hybrid Leaders 🔹 AI Delegation – Assign tasks based on strengths (AI = speed, humans = judgment).🔹 Data Literacy – Understand what fuels AI (data sources, biases, gaps).🔹 Ethical Oversight – Know when to override AI (e.g., financial advice for retirees). Example: An AI suggests a high-risk investment—but a human advisor knows the client prefers stability. 4. Build a Culture of Co-Creation ✅ Involve employees in AI rollout—make them co-pilots, not bystanders.✅ Celebrate AI-human wins (e.g., faster service, better insights).✅ Position AI as an enhancer—not a replacement. The Bottom Line The best leaders won’t just manage people—they’ll orchestrate human-AI symphonies. By upskilling teams, refining oversight, and fostering collaboration, you’ll unlock unprecedented productivity and innovation. 🚀 Next Steps: “The companies that thrive won’t just adopt AI—they’ll reimagine work around it.” Like Related Posts AI Automated Offers with Marketing Cloud Personalization AI-Powered Offers Elevate the relevance of each customer interaction on your website and app through Einstein Decisions. Driven by a Read more 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

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agentic revolution

The Agentic AI Revolution

The Agentic AI Revolution: Reskilling and Trust as Competitive Imperatives The rise of agentic AI—autonomous systems capable of independent decision-making—isn’t just another tech trend; it’s a fundamental shift in how businesses operate. With AI agents projected to unlock $6 trillion in digital labor value, companies that fail to adapt risk being outpaced by AI-driven competitors. To thrive in this new era, business leaders must focus on two critical pillars: 1. Reskilling for the Age of AI Collaboration The Urgent Skills Gap Key Competencies for the AI Era ✅ Human-AI Collaboration – Managing AI agents, prompt engineering, and oversight✅ Strategic Thinking – Shifting from routine tasks to big-picture planning✅ Leadership & Management – Overseeing AI “teams” and decision flows A Call to Action for Businesses “With AI handling routine coding, developers can now focus on system architecture and innovation—but only if we equip them for this shift.” 2. Trust: The Foundation of AI Adoption The Risks of Unchecked AI Building a Trusted AI Framework 🛡️ Guardrails & Escalation Protocols – Define when AI must defer to humans🔐 Data Protection – Ensure compliance with zero-retention LLM policies (e.g., Einstein Trust Layer)📊 Transparency Tools – Give employees visibility into AI decision logic Salesforce’s Approach: Agentforce The Path Forward: AI + Humans in Partnership Why This Matters Now Key Takeaways for Leaders Linda SaundersCountry Manager & Senior Director of Solution Engineering, Africa | Salesforce “The future belongs to businesses that combine AI’s efficiency with human ingenuity—guided by an unwavering commitment to trust.” Ready to lead in the agentic AI era? The AI revolution isn’t coming—it’s here. The question is: Will your organization be a disruptor or disrupted? Like Related Posts AI Automated Offers with Marketing Cloud Personalization AI-Powered Offers Elevate the relevance of each customer interaction on your website and app through Einstein Decisions. Driven by a Read more 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

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Tectonic Shook Things Up at AgentForce World Tour in Denver

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

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