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Big Data and Data Visualization
20Aug

Big Data and Data Visualization Explained

Data Visualization: Turning Complex Data into Clear Insights Data visualization is the practice of converting information into visual formats, such as maps or graphs, to make data more accessible and understandable. The primary purpose of data visualization is to highlight patterns, trends, and outliers within large data sets, allowing users to quickly glean insights. The term is often used interchangeably with information graphics, information visualization, and statistical graphics. The Role of Data Visualization in Data Science Data visualization is a crucial step in the data science process. After data is collected, processed, and modeled, it must be visualized to draw meaningful conclusions. It’s also a key component of data presentation architecture, a discipline focused on efficiently identifying, manipulating, formatting, and delivering data. Importance Across Professions Data visualization is essential across various fields. Teachers use it to display student performance, computer scientists to explore AI advancements, and executives to communicate information to stakeholders. In big data projects, visualization tools are vital for quickly summarizing large datasets, helping businesses make informed decisions. In advanced analytics, visualization is equally important. Data scientists use it to monitor and ensure the accuracy of predictive models and machine learning algorithms. Visual representations of complex algorithms are often easier to interpret than numerical outputs. Historical Context of Data Visualization Data visualization has evolved significantly over the centuries, long before the advent of modern technology. Today, its importance is more pronounced, as it enables quick and effective communication of information in a universally understandable manner. Why Data Visualization Matters Data visualization provides a straightforward way to communicate information, regardless of the viewer’s expertise. This universality makes it easier for employees to make decisions based on visual insights. Visualization offers numerous benefits for businesses, including: Advantages of Data Visualization Key benefits include: Challenges and Disadvantages Despite its advantages, data visualization has some challenges: Data Visualization in the Era of Big Data With the rise of big data, visualization has become more critical. Companies leverage machine learning to analyze vast amounts of data, and visualization tools help present this data in a comprehensible way. Big data visualization often employs advanced techniques, such as heat maps and fever charts, beyond the standard pie charts and graphs. However, challenges remain, including: Examples of Data Visualization Techniques Early computer-based data visualizations often relied on Microsoft Excel to create tables, bar charts, or pie charts. Today, more advanced techniques include: Common Use Cases for Data Visualization Data visualization is widely used across various industries, including: The Science Behind Data Visualization The effectiveness of data visualization is rooted in how humans process information. Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky’s research identified two methods of information processing: Visualization Tools and Vendors Data visualization tools are widely used for business intelligence reporting. These tools generate interactive dashboards that track performance across key metrics. Users can manipulate these visualizations to explore data in greater depth, and indicators alert them to data updates or important events. Businesses might use visualization of data software to monitor marketing campaigns or track KPIs. As tools evolve, they increasingly serve as front ends for sophisticated big data environments, assisting data engineers and scientists in exploratory analysis. Popular data visualization tools include Domo, Klipfolio, Looker, Microsoft Power BI, Qlik Sense, Tableau, and Zoho Analytics. While Microsoft Excel remains widely used, newer tools offer more advanced capabilities. Data visualization is a vital subset of the broader field of data analytics, offering powerful tools for understanding and leveraging business data across all sectors. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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August 20, 2023in Salesforce
Why Do We Use OmniStudio in Salesforce
13Aug

Why Do We Use OmniStudio in Salesforce?

OmniStudio in Salesforce offers significant advantages over traditional custom code and Lightning Web Components (LWC), providing a low-code development platform that accelerates application development, simplifies maintenance, and reduces costs. Why Do We Use OmniStudio in Salesforce? OmniStudio enables Salesforce organizations to achieve the following: Moreover, OmniStudio facilitates integration with enterprise data and external applications, simplifying the incorporation of diverse data sources into Salesforce environments. OmniStudio Action in Salesforce refers to its capability to rapidly develop and deploy digital-first experiences tailored to specific industries and channels. It enhances Salesforce’s ecosystem by extending functionality through its suite of tools. Differences Between OmniStudio and Vlocity: OmniStudio is developed by Salesforce and serves as an integrated low-code development environment within Salesforce’s platform. In contrast, Vlocity was a separate company offering industry-specific cloud and mobile software solutions built on the Salesforce platform before its acquisition by Salesforce. Vlocity solutions were deeply integrated but maintained a distinct focus on specific industry needs. Differences Between LWC and OmniStudio: While LWC involves traditional coding for building applications, providing flexibility and control over customization, OmniStudio operates within a visual development environment that emphasizes rapid application development without extensive coding. OmniStudio thus prioritizes speed and ease of use over the granular control offered by LWC. Disadvantages of OmniStudio: While OmniStudio simplifies development and maintenance, organizations must carefully manage project architecture and component naming conventions to avoid complexity and ensure project clarity. Additionally, older component versions may become obsolete if not managed properly within Salesforce’s development lifecycle tools. In summary, OmniStudio in Salesforce represents a robust toolset for organizations seeking agile application development and enhanced digital experiences without the overhead of extensive custom coding. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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August 13, 2023in Salesforce Optimization
Benefits of Salesforce Experience Cloud
11Aug

Benefits of Salesforce Experience Cloud

Salesforce Experience Cloud: Transforming Digital Customer Engagement To understand the Benefits of Salesforce Experience Cloud we must understand what a customer or partner portal is intended to do. Salesforce Experience Cloud, previously known as Community Cloud, is a powerful digital experience platform (DXP) designed to help organizations create and deliver exceptional, customer-centric experiences across multiple channels. This platform goes beyond community management, offering tools for building and managing websites, portals, mobile apps, and integrating social media. Benefits of Salesforce Experience Cloud explored. Built on Salesforce Customer 360, Experience Cloud gives businesses a comprehensive view of their customers by connecting data from various sources. With these insights, businesses can create personalized experiences tailored to each customer’s preferences and needs. Organizations can use Experience Cloud to design portals, websites, and communities, providing seamless access to relevant information, collaboration tools, and resources. The platform’s flexibility allows businesses to enhance customer satisfaction, improve partner collaboration, and boost employee productivity. Key Benefits of Salesforce Experience Cloud Salesforce Experience Cloud offers numerous benefits that help businesses deliver seamless experiences across the customer journey. Here are some of its key advantages: 1. Seamless Integration Experience Cloud integrates effortlessly with other Salesforce products like Sales Cloud and Service Cloud, providing a unified platform for comprehensive customer management. 2. Scalability and Customization The platform is highly scalable, allowing businesses to expand their communities as they grow. With extensive customization options, businesses can tailor the platform to meet their specific needs and branding requirements. 3. Security and Trust Salesforce is known for its robust security features, ensuring customer data is protected at all times. Businesses can confidently manage sensitive customer information within Experience Cloud. 4. Extensive AppExchange Ecosystem Salesforce’s AppExchange marketplace provides access to a wide range of pre-built integrations and apps that enhance the functionality of Experience Cloud, allowing businesses to customize and extend their platform capabilities. Real-World Uses of Salesforce Experience Cloud Salesforce Experience Cloud is used by businesses across various industries to improve customer engagement, enhance collaboration, and boost productivity. Some key use cases include: 1. Partner Portals Experience Cloud enables businesses to create dedicated partner portals where partners can collaborate with internal teams, access resources, and share leads. This accelerates partner engagement and streamlines business processes. 2. Self-Service Portals Businesses can offer 24/7 self-service portals, allowing customers to access product information, troubleshoot common issues, and track their interactions. These portals help reduce the workload on support teams and enhance customer satisfaction. 3. Customer Communities Experience Cloud allows businesses to create customer communities where users can find personalized content, engage with other users, and access self-service resources. This promotes collaboration and reduces the strain on customer support teams. 4. Employee Communities Internal employee communities serve as hubs for company-wide communication, training, and collaboration. Employees can access resources, share knowledge, and seek support, ultimately boosting engagement and productivity. 5. Branded Mobile Apps Businesses can use Experience Cloud to develop branded mobile apps that give customers, partners, and employees convenient access to services, resources, and information on the go. 6. Social Media Integration Experience Cloud integrates with popular social media platforms, allowing businesses to engage with customers directly, share content, and respond to inquiries. Top Features of Salesforce Experience Cloud Salesforce Experience Cloud is packed with features that enhance customer engagement, streamline operations, and improve overall efficiency: Companies Using Salesforce Experience Cloud Nike and PUMA leverage Experience Cloud for personalization. Nike’s loyalty program and Puma’s mobile shopping experience are enhanced by the platform’s built-in mobile UX design and technical architecture, resulting in better customer engagement and increased sales. Bank of America and Wells Fargo use Experience Cloud to offer customer support through self-service portals and community forums, improving customer satisfaction and gathering valuable feedback. IBM uses the platform to create collaborative communities for employees and customers alike. With integrated tools like Salesforce Einstein and IBM Watson, the company has enhanced internal collaboration and customer service. Hulu uses Salesforce to power its Help Center, where customers can find answers, engage with other viewers, and leave feedback that shapes Hulu’s content. OpenTable relies on Experience Cloud for its Diner Help portal, a one-stop shop for dining-related queries, enhancing the user experience and operational efficiency. Choosing the Right Salesforce Experience Cloud Partner for Implementation When implementing Salesforce Experience Cloud, choosing the right partner is crucial to ensure success. Look for a partner with: With the right partner, like Tectonic, businesses can fully grasp the power of Salesforce Experience Cloud to deliver exceptional digital experiences that foster customer loyalty, drive business growth, and improve operational efficiency. Content updated October 2024. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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August 11, 2023in Data, Salesforce, Salesforce Development Services, Salesforce Einstein, Salesforce Experience Cloud
can-spam act
09Aug

CAN-SPAM Act

Do you use email for your business? The CAN-SPAM Act, a law that regulates commercial email, sets requirements for these messages, grants recipients the right to stop receiving emails, and imposes significant penalties for non-compliance. The FTC enforces the CAN-SPAM Act and the associated CAN-SPAM Rule. Contrary to what its name might suggest, the CAN-SPAM Act isn’t limited to bulk email. It applies to all commercial messages, which are defined as any electronic mail message primarily intended to advertise or promote a commercial product or service, including emails that promote content on commercial websites. The law also applies to business-to-business email, meaning every email, such as one announcing a new product line to former customers, must adhere to CAN-SPAM regulations. Each individual email that violates the CAN-SPAM Act can result in penalties of up to $51,744, making compliance crucial. Fortunately, following the law is straightforward. Here’s an overview of CAN-SPAM’s key requirements: Frequently Asked Questions: Q: How do I know if the CAN-SPAM Act applies to the emails my business sends? A: The law applies based on the “primary purpose” of the message. An email can contain three types of content: If the message’s primary purpose is commercial, it must comply with CAN-SPAM. If it’s transactional or relationship-based, it must still avoid false or misleading routing information but is otherwise exempt from most CAN-SPAM requirements. Q: How can I determine if an email is a transactional or relationship message? A: An email is transactional or relationship-focused if it: These categories are interpreted narrowly, so be careful when assuming that any message sent to subscribers or members is transactional or relationship-based. Consider whether a reasonable recipient would view the email’s primary purpose as fitting into one of these categories. If not, the email must comply with CAN-SPAM. Q: What if an email combines commercial and transactional/relationship content? A: When an email includes both commercial and transactional/relationship content, the primary purpose determines its status. If the subject line leads a recipient to believe the message is primarily commercial or if the transactional/relationship content isn’t prominent at the beginning, the email is considered commercial and must comply with CAN-SPAM. Need More Information? For more detailed guidance on CAN-SPAM compliance, refer to the full CAN-SPAM Act or consult the FTC’s resources. Q: What if a message contains both commercial content and content classified as “other”? A: If a message includes both commercial content and other types of content, the CAN-SPAM Act applies if the primary purpose of the message is commercial. This determination is made if: Factors that influence this interpretation include the placement of the commercial content (e.g., whether it appears at the beginning of the message), the proportion of the message dedicated to commercial content, and how elements like color, graphics, and text style are used to emphasize the commercial aspects. Q: What if an email includes content from more than one company? Who is responsible for CAN-SPAM compliance? A: When an email promotes the products, services, or websites of multiple marketers, the responsible “sender” under the CAN-SPAM Act is typically determined by agreement among the marketers. The designated sender must: If the designated sender fails to meet these obligations, all marketers involved may be held liable as senders. Q: My company sends emails with a “Forward to a Friend” feature. Who is responsible for CAN-SPAM compliance for these forwarded messages? A: Whether a seller or forwarder is considered a “sender” or “initiator” under the CAN-SPAM Act depends on the situation. Typically, the Act applies if the seller offers an incentive for forwarding the message, such as money, discounts, or sweepstakes entries. In such cases, the seller is likely responsible for compliance. If a seller provides any benefit in exchange for forwarding an email or generating traffic, they are likely subject to CAN-SPAM regulations. Q: What are the penalties for violating the CAN-SPAM Act? A: Each email that violates the CAN-SPAM Act can result in penalties of up to $51,744, with the possibility of multiple parties being held responsible. Both the company whose product is promoted and the company that sent the message can be liable. Additionally, emails that contain misleading claims may be subject to other laws, like Section 5 of the FTC Act, which prohibits deceptive advertising. The CAN-SPAM Act also includes aggravated violations that could lead to additional fines and even criminal penalties, including imprisonment, for: Civil penalties may also require restitution to consumers under Section 19 of the FTC Act, covering not just what consumers paid, but also the value of their lost time. Q: Are there specific rules for sexually explicit marketing emails? A: Yes, the FTC has rules under the CAN-SPAM Act for emails with sexually explicit content. These emails must start with “SEXUALLY-EXPLICIT:” in the subject line. The body of the email must initially display only this warning and the standard CAN-SPAM information: the message’s commercial nature, the sender’s physical address, and an opt-out method. No images or graphics are allowed in this part of the message, ensuring that sexually explicit content isn’t viewable without an affirmative action, like scrolling or clicking. This requirement doesn’t apply if the recipient has previously given consent to receive such messages. About the FTC The FTC is dedicated to preventing fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair practices affecting businesses and consumers. You can report scams and unethical business practices at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. For guidance on legal compliance, visit business.ftc.gov. Understanding and fulfilling your compliance obligations is smart business practice, regardless of your organization’s size or industry. For updates on cases and initiatives, subscribe to the FTC’s Business Blog. Your Opportunity to Comment The National Small Business Ombudsman and 10 Regional Fairness Boards collect feedback from small businesses regarding federal compliance and enforcement activities. The Ombudsman evaluates these activities annually and rates each agency’s responsiveness to small businesses. Comments can be submitted without fear of reprisal by calling 1-888-REGFAIR (1-888-734-3247) or visiting www.sba.gov/ombudsman. Content updated January 2024. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a

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August 9, 2023in Salesforce
Salesforce Einstein and Einstein Automate
09Aug

Einstein Trust

Generative AI, Salesforce, and the Commitment to Trust The excitement surrounding generative AI is palpable as it unlocks new dimensions of creativity for individuals and promises significant productivity gains for businesses. Engaging with generative AI can be a great experience, whether creating superhero versions of your pets with Midjourney or crafting pirate-themed poems using ChatGPT. According to Salesforce research, employees anticipate saving an average of 5 hours per week through the adoption of generative AI, translating to a substantial monthly time gain for full-time workers. Whether designing content for sales and marketing or creating a cute version of a beloved story, generative AI is a tool that helps users create content faster. However, amidst the enthusiasm, questions arise, including concerns about the security and privacy of data. Users ponder how to leverage generative AI tools while safeguarding their own and their customers’ data. Questions also revolve around the transparency of data collection practices by different generative AI providers and ensuring that personal or company data is not inadvertently used to train AI models. Additionally, there’s a need for assurance regarding the accuracy, impartiality, and reliability of AI-generated responses. Salesforce has been at the forefront of addressing these concerns, having embraced artificial intelligence for nearly a decade. The Einstein platform, introduced in 2016, marked Salesforce’s foray into predictive AI, followed by investments in large language models (LLMs) in 2018. The company has diligently worked on generative AI solutions to enhance data utilization and productivity for their customers. The Einstein Trust Layer is designed with private, zero-retention architecture. Emphasizing the value of Trust, Salesforce aims to deliver not just technological capabilities but also a responsible, accountable, transparent, empowering, and inclusive approach. The Einstein Trust Layer represents a pivotal development in ensuring the security of generative AI within Salesforce’s offerings. The Einstein Trust Layer is designed to enhance the security of generative AI by seamlessly integrating data and privacy controls into the end-user experience. These controls, forming gateways and retrieval mechanisms, enable the delivery of AI securely grounded in customer and company data, mitigating potential security risks. The Trust Layer incorporates features such as secure data retrieval, dynamic grounding, data masking, zero data retention, toxic language detection, and an audit trail, all aimed at protecting data and ensuring the appropriateness and accuracy of AI-generated content. Salesforce proactively provided the ability for any admin to control how prompt inputs and outputs are generated, including reassurance over data privacy and reducing toxicity. This innovative approach allows customers to leverage the benefits of generative AI without compromising data security and privacy controls. The Trust Layer acts as a safeguard, facilitating secure access to various LLMs, both within and outside Salesforce, for diverse business use cases, including sales emails, work summaries, and service replies in contact centers. Through these measures, Salesforce underscores its commitment to building the most secure generative AI in the industry. Generating content within Salesforce can be achieved through three methods: CRM Solutions: Einstein Copilot Studio: Einstein LLM Generations API: An overarching feature of these AI capabilities is that every Language Model (LLM) generation is meticulously crafted through the Trust Layer, ensuring reliability and security. At Tectonic, we look forward to helping you embrace and utilize generative AI with Einstein save time. 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

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August 9, 2023in Artificial Intelligence, Data, Generative AI, Salesforce, Salesforce Einstein
salesforce marketing cloud interaction studio
03Aug

Marketing Cloud and Einstein

AI has emerged as an effective solution to tackle the challenges arising from the sheer volume and rapidity of data in the marketing landscape. This article delves into some cutting-edge functionalities presented by Einstein within the Salesforce Marketing Cloud, showcasing how these features empower marketers to enhance performance and streamline their workflows. Einstein for Marketing Cloud uses Salesforce’s AI to help you best evaluate and implement your marketing activities. Use valuable insights on audiences, send time, engagement frequency, and your content to best target your customers. Deliver information to your customers when they need it and how they need it. Einstein in Marketing Cloud offers a range of opportunities for you to analyze, automate, and optimize your content. Use the apps throughout Marketing Cloud platforms to gain insight and better target your audiences. Salesforce Einstein for Marketing Cloud In the dynamic realm of marketing and sales, the pursuit of refining strategies is perpetual. Einstein Social Insights Within the Marketing Cloud’s Social Studio feature, marketers can publish content, engage in conversations, and analyze social data. Einstein augments this platform, introducing AI-powered capabilities: These advanced features empower marketers to optimize social strategy, fostering brand loyalty. For instance: Einstein Vision for Social With over 3 billion images uploaded to social platforms daily, Einstein Vision for Social equips marketers to analyze and derive insights from images. Marketers can train Social Studio to recognize images related to their brand, including products, logos, scenes, and food. This enriched data allows for a deeper understanding of brand followers, facilitating engagement and measurement of marketing efforts. Lookalikes Einstein lookalikes leverage lookalike modeling, identifying common traits among current customers to target new customers with similar characteristics. This tool streamlines the process, allowing marketers to create rich audiences and segments for modeling purposes using first, second, and third-party data in Audience Studio. Einstein Journey Insights In today’s consumer-centric world, Einstein Journey Insights helps marketers comprehend customer journeys by tracking interactions across touchpoints like web browsing and email. Advanced attribution modeling enhances engagements and event sequences, leading to specific goals such as purchases or product reviews. Interactive reports and visualizations enable marketers to optimize campaigns by comparing planned journeys with organic consumer journeys. Einstein Content Tagging Personalized and engaging messages demand an organized library of content. Einstein Content Tagging and image recognition technology automatically add and update content tags and metadata, helping marketers manage their assets efficiently. Smart Orchestration Einstein Send Time Optimization determines the best time to send an email or push notification. Einstein Engagement Frequency evaluates your contacts and identifies the optimal number of email messages or push notifications to send. Marketing Cloud Intelligence As marketing budgets increase, the need for ROI and superior customer experiences rises. Marketing Cloud Intelligence delivers AI-generated insights through automated regression modeling and statistical analysis. Einstein Marketing Insights sifts through data to identify high and low performers, enabling marketers to make informed decisions swiftly and optimize strategies for better results. The Einstein features in Salesforce Marketing Cloud present myriad opportunities for marketers to optimize their performance and work more efficiently. By harnessing these AI-powered capabilities, marketers can make informed decisions rapidly, fostering better brand engagement and higher ROIs. Tectonic is ready to assist you in deploying Einstein for Marketing Cloud. Contact us today. 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

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August 3, 2023in Data, Einstein Insights, Marketing Automation, Salesforce, Salesforce Einstein, Salesforce Marketing Cloud, Technology
Slack and Salesforce
21Jul

Flow Core Actions for Slack: Send Slack Message

Effortlessly send messages to Slack channels, direct messages, or the Messages tab of a Slack app using the Send Slack Message Flow Core Action. Required Editions Prerequisite: Ensure Salesforce for Slack integrations are enabled before using this action. Steps to Send a Slack Message in Flow 1. Add an Action to the Flow Set Connection Values for Slack Input Parameter Description Slack App Required. Specify the Slack app to execute the action. Only Slack apps installed in your org are available. The input value corresponds to the Slack app ID. Slack Workspace Required. Identify the Slack workspace where the app is installed. You can select a value or resource. The input value corresponds to the Slack workspace ID. Execute Action As Specify the entity executing the action: Set Slack Message Details Input Parameter Description Slack Conversation ID Required. The ID of the Slack channel, direct message, or user to send the message. Store Output Values Output Parameter Description Slack Message Timestamp The timestamp of the sent message. Use this for starting threads or as a resource in subsequent actions. Usage Notes By configuring the Send Slack Message Flow Core Action, you can streamline communication workflows and enhance collaboration directly from Salesforce to Slack. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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July 21, 2023in Enterprise
Salesforce Marketing Cloud Journey Builder
13Jul

Journey Builder Explained

In B2C marketing, the focus on Journey Builder within the Marketing Cloud framework is essential to take customers on journeys with personalized interactions depending on where they are at in the buying cycle. This tool empowers marketers to craft intricate marketing journeys that deliver personalized experiences to customers. Operating within Marketing Cloud, the journey tool orchestrates comprehensive customer journeys, facilitating interactions across multiple platforms such as email, mobile, advertising, and websites. It stands as a foundational element of Marketing Cloud, primarily tailored for B2C initiatives. Salesforce Journey Builder facilitates a deeper understanding of customers by triggering actions based on their unique behaviors and ensuring consistent messaging across channels. As consumers navigate seamlessly between platforms and devices, brands must offer personalized and seamless journeys to maximize customer lifetime value. To achieve this, marketers must address key questions: Answering these questions requires a comprehensive view of the customer journey, with actions aligned to evolving customer expectations. With Salesforce Marketing Cloud Journey Builder, marketers can attain a unified view of all customer interactions, optimizing end-to-end journeys. Journey Builder provides visibility into consumer interactions across marketing channels, including email, mobile, social ads, and more. By connecting these interactions, marketers gain insights for improved message crafting, campaign design, and automation, fostering seamless customer experiences and fostering loyalty. Interactions a customer may have with the brand throughout their journey include clicking on an ad, opening an email, making a purchase, conversing with customer support, and more. Journey Builder, as an event-driven tool, initiates conversations based on customer history, preferences, and real-time behavior, supporting visual mapping of simple or complex journeys. However, Journey Builder operates within Marketing Cloud and utilizes content and audiences from Email Studio, Mobile Studio, Advertising Studio, Content Builder, and Audience Builder. It leverages event-driven triggers to react to customer actions, such as downloading an app or leaving a shopping cart abandoned, thus enabling timely and relevant responses. Key features of Journey Builder include a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, entry and filter criteria for swift actions, and powerful add-ons for enhanced functionality. Ultimately, Salesforce Journey Builder facilitates a seamless customer experience by guiding journeys, ensuring consistent messaging, adapting to evolving needs, and maintaining brand consistency across channels. 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

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July 13, 2023in Data, Google, Salesforce, Salesforce Marketing Cloud
Salesforce Field Service
01Jul

Understanding Salesforce Field Service

Salesforce Field Service is an expansive addition to Salesforce Service Cloud, offering a 360 degree perspective on workforce management, especially in scenarios where services extend beyond the office or work site into the field. This typically involves mobile employees such as service technicians, alongside service agents, dispatchers, and service managers. Let’s dive into the nuances of Salesforce Field Service, addressing key aspects like its definition, user roles, reporting, scheduling, optimization, and more. Salesforce Field Service is also a popular tool in public sector solutioning. Understanding Salesforce Field Service will help to decide if it is right for your service teams. Understanding Salesforce Field Service: Salesforce Field Service, formerly known as Field Service Lightning (FSL), is an extension of Service Cloud designed to provide a comprehensive workforce management view. It seamlessly manages services delivered in the field, such as a electrical installer arriving to fulfill a customer’s order. Field Service Lightning evolves with each Salesforce release, continually enhancing functionality. Salesforce Field Service enhances customer engagement with real-time personalization, optimization of field teams with a scheduling engine, and access to offline data. Components of Salesforce Field Service: Field Service comprises various components, including Service Appointments, Salesforce Service Cloud integration, Territory and Scheduling functionalities, the Field Service Dispatcher Console, and the Field Service Mobile App for Android and iOS with offline capabilities. A detailed data model diagram illustrates the relationship between Service Cloud and Field Service. Users of Salesforce Field Service: Salesforce Field Service is particularly valuable for organizations with mobile field technicians supporting customers. It excels in scenarios with intricate service delivery involving multiple individuals like dispatchers, field technicians, service agents, and service managers. Each user persona interacts with Salesforce Field Service in distinct ways, utilizing tools like the Dispatcher Console or Field Service Mobile App tailored to their roles. Use Cases for Salesforce Field Service: Field Service proves beneficial in diverse service scenarios, including repairs, maintenance, sales visits, and healthcare care visits. It facilitates efficient coordination among dispatchers, field technicians, service agents, and service managers, streamlining processes and enhancing customer satisfaction. Key Terms in Salesforce Field Service: Understanding key terms such as Work Orders, Service Appointments, Contracts, Entitlements, Work Types, Service Territories, Operating Hours, Resources, and Scheduling Policies is essential. These terms collectively form the foundation of Salesforce Field Service’s robust data model and optimized usability. Scheduling and Optimization: Scheduling in Salesforce Field Service is managed through the Dispatcher Console, empowering dispatchers to make informed decisions. Various methods, from manual to fully automated, enable the creation of service appointments, optimizing resource allocation and ensuring efficient service delivery. Forecasting and Planning: Use real-time data to quickly assess the impact of global or in-day optimization on travel time and resource utilization. Refine scheduling policies, get an instant view of optimization results, and KPI changes. Asset Service Management: Move from reactive to proactive service with real-time asset tracking. Monitor service outcomes and create preventive maintenance plans based on asset use, condition, age, and specific criteria. Service Territory Design: Service Territories, categorized as Primary, Secondary, and Relocation Territories, define where teams can perform work. Well-defined territories are crucial for efficient dispatcher satisfaction, requiring thoughtful initial design and ongoing maintenance. Field Service Mobile App: The Salesforce Field Service Mobile app is essential for on-the-move workforces, offering technicians essential information to optimize job execution. Offline capabilities ensure uninterrupted work, and the Visual Remote Assistant feature enables two-way video and audio communication between agents, technicians, and customers. Slack for Field Service: Empower your mobile workforce with seamless connectivity and timely assistance whenever it is needed. Mobilize for service appoints and tap into the expertise of colleagues throughout the organization with the user-friendly Slack interface. Reporting in Salesforce Field Service: Monitoring service efficiency and success involves leveraging Salesforce reports, list views, and other platform analytics. Work Order List Views and Field Service Report Types provide insights into service call-outs and overall performance. Enabling Field Service Lightning: Setting up Salesforce Field Service involves installing it as a Managed Package, assigning licenses to users, and configuring standard objects like Products, Assets, Service Contracts, and Entitlements. Creating records for Service Territories, Service Resources, and Operating Hours establishes the framework for the service model. Field Service Deployments: Deployments in Salesforce Field Service can be time-consuming due to its reliance on object data. Considerations for complex relational data movement between environments and potential risks, such as resistance to automation, require careful attention. Tectonic, as a Salesforce Consulting Partner, can assist your company in deploying Salesforce Field Service. Salesforce Field Service projects, while intricate, can be highly valuable when executed correctly providing a large ROI. Adequate planning, phased implementations, and a long-term perspective contribute to the success of organizations leveraging the capabilities of Salesforce Field Service. If you are looking for a more robust solution, consider Field Service Plus combining dispatch and technician functionality along with Service Cloud and Sales Cloud. Tectonic looks forward to helping your field service team utilize this Salesforce tool. Tectonic is please to announce Salesforce Service Cloud Implementation Solutions. Like2 Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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July 1, 2023in Data, Salesforce, Salesforce Manufacturing Automotive Energy, Salesforce Public Sector Solutions, Salesforce Service Cloud
Tableau Pulse and Tableau GPT
04Jun

Announcing Tableau Pulse and Tableau GPT

It’s fair to say that many are familiar with ChatGPT, the groundbreaking Large Language Model from OpenAI that has transformed how we work and interact with AI. At TC 2023, Tableau announced a new tool called Tableau GPT. But what exactly is Tableau GPT, and how does it fit into Tableau’s suite of products? Announcing Tableau Pulse and Tableau GPT. Tableau GPT Tableau GPT is an assistant leveraging the advanced capabilities of generative AI to simplify and democratize data analysis. Built from Einstein GPT, a Salesforce product developed in collaboration with OpenAI, Tableau GPT integrates generative AI into Tableau’s user experience. This integration aims to help users work smarter, learn faster, and communicate more effectively. During the Devs on Stage segment of the keynote at TC, Matthew Miller, Senior Director of Product Management, showcased Tableau GPT’s ability to generate calculations. For example, with a prompt like “Extract email addresses from JSON,” Tableau GPT quickly produces a calculation that users can copy into the calculation window. Tableau Pulse Tableau GPT also powers a new tool called Tableau Pulse, designed to generate powerful insights swiftly. Tableau Pulse provides “data digests” on a personalized metrics homepage, offering a curated, ‘newsfeed’-like experience of key KPIs. As users interact with Pulse, it learns to deliver more personalized results based on their interests. For example, Tableau Pulse highlights metrics that require attention, derived from recent data trends identified by Tableau GPT. The tool provides the latest metric values, visual trends, and AI-generated insights for user-selected KPIs. Tableau Pulse also enables users to ask questions about their data in natural language. For instance, when asked, “What is driving change in Appliance Sales?” Tableau Pulse responded with a brief answer and visualization. Further inquiries, such as “What else should I know about air fryers?” revealed that the “inventory fill rate” for air fryers is forecasted to fall below a set threshold, providing actionable insights that users can share across their organization. Future Impact and Availability Tableau GPT and Pulse promise to revolutionize interactions with Tableau products, enabling quicker visualization creation and making data accessible to non-technical users. Salesforce announced that Tableau Pulse and Tableau GPT would enter pilot testing later this year. When they do, we’ll be ready to share new insights. Follow us on LinkedIn to stay updated on all the latest developments and features in Tableau! Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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June 4, 2023in Generative AI
Migrating from Zoho to Salesforce
03Jun

Migrating from Zoho to Salesforce

Migrating from Zoho to Salesforce is a major undertaking that can significantly enhance a business’s CRM processes as it scales. To ensure a smooth transition, careful planning, data preparation, and execution are essential for accurate and efficient data transfer. In this guide, we’ll outline a step-by-step approach to migrating from Zoho to Salesforce, covering everything from pre-migration planning to post-migration follow-up. Step 1: Pre-Migration Planning 1. Evaluate Your Business RequirementsBegin by assessing your current and future CRM needs. Identify critical functionalities in Zoho that you depend on and determine which Salesforce features will either replace or enhance them. Consider: This evaluation ensures that Salesforce is configured to align with your business processes during the migration. 2. Assign a Project TeamForming a dedicated project team is crucial for a successful migration. Include stakeholders from various departments, designate a project manager to oversee the migration, and enlist CRM specialists familiar with both Zoho and Salesforce. You might also consider hiring a certified Salesforce consultant or partner to assist with technical aspects. 3. Backup Your DataBefore starting the migration, back up your data from Zoho. Export all relevant information, including: This backup ensures you have a complete copy in case any issues arise during the migration. Step 2: Preparing Salesforce for Migration 1. Customize Salesforce to Fit Your NeedsNow is the time to tailor Salesforce to reflect your existing business processes. Review the custom fields, objects, workflows, and automations in Zoho, replicating or enhancing them in Salesforce. Salesforce’s high customization level allows you to optimize your CRM for your team’s specific needs. 2. Set Up IntegrationsIf you’ve been using third-party tools integrated with Zoho, establish the corresponding integrations in Salesforce. The Salesforce AppExchange offers a range of integrations, from email marketing platforms to accounting systems. Ensure the necessary tools are connected before migrating your data. Step 3: Data Migration 1. Map Data FieldsTo facilitate accurate data transfer between Zoho and Salesforce, map your Zoho data fields to their Salesforce counterparts. For instance, “Account Name” in Zoho should correspond to “Account” in Salesforce. Create equivalent custom fields in Salesforce if they exist in Zoho. 2. Cleanse Your DataData cleansing is vital to ensure only relevant, accurate, and up-to-date information is migrated. Remove duplicates, outdated contacts, and incorrect data from Zoho. This step streamlines the migration process and enhances the quality of your Salesforce database. 3. Choose a Migration ToolSelect an appropriate tool for migrating data between CRMs, such as: Depending on your data’s complexity, choose a tool that provides additional support, such as mapping or automation features. 4. Perform a Test MigrationConduct a test migration using a subset of your data before proceeding with the full migration. This allows you to verify that everything transfers correctly and identify any issues with data formatting, relationships between objects, or custom fields. Adjust your mapping and migration processes based on the test results. Step 4: Full Data Migration Once you’re satisfied with the test migration results, proceed with the complete data migration from Zoho to Salesforce. This process may take time, depending on your data’s size and complexity, so plan for downtime or staggered migrations to minimize disruptions to your team’s workflow. Step 5: Post-Migration Setup and Testing 1. Validate Your DataAfter the full migration, verify that all data has been transferred accurately. Check for discrepancies between Zoho and Salesforce records, ensuring that relationships (e.g., contacts linked to accounts) remain intact. 2. Recreate Automation and WorkflowsRe-establish any automations, workflows, or triggers that were functioning in Zoho within Salesforce. Utilize Salesforce’s automation tools, like Process Builder or Flow, to replicate these processes. Adjust them as necessary to leverage Salesforce’s advanced capabilities. 3. Train Your TeamSuccessful migration extends beyond data transfer; it’s crucial to ensure your team is equipped to use Salesforce effectively. Conduct training sessions focused on new features and workflows, providing documentation or cheat sheets to facilitate adjustment. 4. Monitor System PerformancePost-migration, monitor your Salesforce instance for any performance issues or data inconsistencies. Make necessary adjustments and ensure that integrations are functioning as expected. Step 6: Post-Migration Follow-Up 1. Run Parallel OperationsConsider operating both systems in parallel for a brief period to confirm Salesforce is fully functional before phasing out Zoho. This allows your team to continue using Zoho if critical issues arise in Salesforce during the transition. 2. Optimize Your Salesforce InstanceOver time, identify opportunities to further customize and optimize Salesforce to meet your evolving needs. Regularly review workflows, automations, and reporting to fully utilize Salesforce’s advanced features. Who Should You Work With A successful migration from Zoho to Salesforce involves key stakeholders from various departments to ensure the new CRM setup aligns with company processes. Typical Migration Timelines The duration of a Zoho to Salesforce migration typically depends on your data’s complexity and the required customizations. For smaller businesses with straightforward CRM setups, the process may take 4 to 6 weeks, encompassing planning, data mapping, testing, and training. However, larger organizations with extensive custom fields, workflows, and third-party integrations may require 3 to 6 months. Allow ample time for thorough testing and validation to ensure data accuracy and system functionality before going live. User training and post-migration follow-up are also critical for a smooth transition. Conclusion Migrating from Zoho to Salesforce is a growth step in enhancing your company’s CRM capabilities and positioning it for future growth. By meticulously planning your migration, cleansing your data, and configuring Salesforce to meet your business requirements, you can facilitate a smooth transition and leverage Salesforce’s powerful features from day one. With the right preparation and support, your business will be well-equipped to scale, streamline operations, and achieve long-term success using Salesforce. If you need assistance with your migration, don’t hesitate to contact Tectonic for a quote. Content updated September 2024. 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

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June 3, 2023in Data, Mulesoft, Salesforce

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