Automated Processes Archives - gettectonic.com

Why Its Good to be Data-Driven

The Power of Data-Driven Decision Making Success in business hinges on the ability to make informed decisions. Every operational aspect, from minor choices like office furniture selection to critical investments such as multi-million-dollar marketing campaigns, is shaped by a series of interrelated decisions. While instinct and intuition may play a role, most business choices rely on relevant data—covering aspects such as objectives, pricing, technology, and potential risks. However, excess irrelevant data can be just as detrimental as insufficient accurate data. Why Its Good to be Data-Driven organization… The Evolution of Data-Driven Decision Making Organizations that prioritize data-driven strategies rely on accurate, relevant, complete, and timely data. Simply amassing large volumes of information does not equate to better decision-making; companies must democratize data access, ensuring it is available to all employees rather than limited to data analysts. The practice of using data to inform business decisions gained traction in the mid-20th century when researchers identified decision-making as dynamic, complex, and often ambiguous. Early techniques like decision trees and prospect theory emerged in the 1970s alongside computer-aided decision-making models. The 1980s saw the rise of commercial decision support systems, and by the early 21st century, data warehousing and data mining revolutionized analytics. However, without clear governance and organizational policies, these vast data stores often fell short of their potential. Today, the goal of data-driven decision-making is to combine automated decision models with human expertise, creativity, and critical thinking. This approach requires integrating data science with business operations, equipping managers and employees with powerful decision-support tools. Characteristics of a Data-Driven Organization A truly data-driven organization understands the value of its data and maximizes its potential through structured alignment with business objectives. To safeguard and leverage data assets effectively, businesses must implement governance frameworks ensuring compliance with privacy, security, and integrity standards. Key challenges in establishing a data-driven infrastructure include: The Benefits of a Data-Driven Approach Businesses recognize that becoming data-driven requires more than just investing in technology; success depends on strategy and execution. According to KPMG, four critical factors contribute to the success of data-driven initiatives: A data-driven corporate culture accelerates decision-making, enhances employee engagement, and increases overall business value. Integrating ethical considerations into data usage is crucial for mitigating biases and maintaining data integrity. Transitioning to a Data-Driven Business With the rapid advancement of generative AI, data-driven organizations are poised to unlock trillions of dollars in economic value. McKinsey estimates that AI-driven decision-making could add between .6 trillion and .4 trillion annually across key sectors, including customer operations, marketing, software engineering, and R&D. To successfully transition into a data-driven organization, companies must: By embracing a data-driven model, organizations enhance their ability to make automated yet strategically sound decisions. With seamless data integration across CRM, ERP, and business applications, companies empower human decision-makers to apply their expertise to high-quality, actionable insights—driving innovation and competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving marketplace. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

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Cloud-Based Housing Repairs with Salesforce

Bernicia Leads the Way in Cloud-Based Housing Repairs with Salesforce Bernicia has become the first housing association in the UK to deliver end-to-end repairs services through Salesforce’s cloud-based, nonprofit solution—setting a new industry benchmark for streamlined, automated housing repairs. Transforming Repairs with Salesforce Field Services All electrical repairs at tenants’ homes are now managed through Salesforce Field Services, enhancing the customer experience with seamless, automated processes. By this summer, all responsive repairs will transition into the system, delivering key benefits such as: A Customer-Centric Digital Transformation In 2023, Bernicia reinforced its commitment to tenants by launching a multi-year cultural development program, supported by a £4 million investment in world-class technology. By listening to customer feedback and leveraging data-driven insights, Bernicia has aligned its new digital repairs service with tenant expectations and evolving habits. Andrea Malcolm, Deputy Chief Executive at Bernicia and project sponsor, stated: “The introduction of Field Services marks a major milestone in our journey to customer service excellence. The dedication and expertise of our team have been outstanding, creating an incredible momentum across the business. We’re excited to see the real difference this will make for both customers and colleagues.” Jude Comber, Account Executive at Salesforce Nonprofits, praised the project team, saying: “The level of skill and attention to detail in this project is outstanding. Bernicia’s customer-first approach is a model for how to successfully implement a digital transformation.” Strategic Collaboration with Alscient Achieving this milestone was made possible through Bernicia’s partnership with Alscient, a multi-cloud specialist. Their expertise in Salesforce integration and digital transformation played a key role in designing and implementing the Field Services solution. Salesforce: A Game-Changer for Housing Associations Salesforce offers housing associations a single, integrated platform to streamline operations, enhance tenant relationships, and eliminate inefficiencies caused by data silos. By embracing cloud-based, automated solutions, housing providers can transform service delivery and drive long-term tenant satisfaction. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

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Granular Locking in Salesforce

Granular Locking in Salesforce

Granular Locking in Salesforce: Enhancing Performance & Reducing Contention Granular locking in Salesforce is a powerful feature designed to minimize record lock contention, particularly in high-data-volume environments or those with complex automation processes. By refining traditional locking constraints, this mechanism allows Salesforce to manage simultaneous updates more efficiently, improving system performance and reducing errors. What is Granular Locking? Granular locking is an advanced record-locking mechanism that applies locks at a more detailed level, preventing unnecessary locking of parent or related records. This is especially useful in scenarios where multiple records are updated concurrently, reducing row lock contention in parent-child relationships. Key Features: ✅ Fine-Grained Locks – Prevents excessive locking of parent or related records.✅ Enhanced Concurrency – Allows multiple simultaneous updates to child records without conflicts.✅ Improved Performance – Minimizes errors like “Unable to lock row” by reducing contention. Why is Granular Locking Important? 1️⃣ Concurrent Record Updates 2️⃣ Optimized Automation 3️⃣ Scaling High-Volume Transactions How Granular Locking Works Granular locking ensures that:🔹 Parent records remain unlocked when child records are updated.🔹 Locks apply only to the specific records being modified instead of affecting entire datasets. Example: 🚫 Without Granular Locking: Updating an Opportunity record locks the parent Account and all related child records.✅ With Granular Locking: Only the specific Opportunity record is locked, allowing the Account and other child records to remain accessible. When Does Granular Locking Apply? 🔹 Master-Detail Relationships – Prevents parent records from being unnecessarily locked during child record updates.🔹 Campaign Hierarchies – Ensures that updates to child campaigns don’t lock parent campaigns.🔹 Sharing Recalculations – Reduces locking issues when Salesforce recalculates sharing rules for parent-child data relationships. Benefits of Granular Locking 🚀 Reduced Lock Contention – Minimizes conflicts in multi-user environments.📉 Fewer Errors – Decreases “Unable to obtain exclusive access to this record” errors.⚡ Faster Automation – Improves workflow and trigger execution speed.📊 Better Scalability – Enhances performance in high-transaction environments. Best Practices for Using Granular Locking ✅ Optimize Relationship Design: Avoid complex parent-child structures that could lead to unnecessary locking.✅ Minimize Simultaneous Updates: Reduce concurrent updates on the same parent record.✅ Use Asynchronous Processing: Implement Batch Apex or Queueable Apex for large data operations.✅ Test in High-Volume Scenarios: Simulate real-world data loads in a sandbox environment.✅ Monitor Locking Issues: Use debug logs and Event Monitoring to track and resolve locking conflicts. Common Issues & Solutions ❌ Error: “Unable to Lock Row”🔹 Cause: Simultaneous updates to related records.🔹 Solution: Redesign workflows or use asynchronous processing to reduce contention. ❌ Slow Performance in Campaign Updates🔹 Cause: Hierarchical campaign relationships triggering excessive locks.🔹 Solution: Ensure campaigns are structured to take advantage of granular locking. ❌ Automation Conflicts🔹 Cause: Multiple automation tools acting on the same records.🔹 Solution: Consolidate triggers and workflows to minimize overlaps. How to Enable Granular Locking for Campaign Hierarchies Although granular locking is enabled by default for most Salesforce operations, certain features (like hierarchical campaign locking) require manual activation. 🔹 Steps to Enable Granular Locking in Campaign Hierarchies:1️⃣ Navigate to Setup.2️⃣ Go to Campaign Settings.3️⃣ Check the box for Enable Improved Campaign Management (Granular Locking).4️⃣ Save your changes. Conclusion Granular locking is a vital feature in Salesforce that optimizes record management by reducing contention, minimizing errors, and improving system performance in high-transaction environments. By implementing best practices and leveraging fine-grained locks, organizations can scale efficiently while ensuring smooth automation and record updates. For teams handling complex data relationships, granular locking provides the flexibility, scalability, and reliability needed to maintain a high-performing Salesforce environment. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

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Integrate Digital Delivery and Human Connection

Types of Salesforce Integration

Types of Salesforce Integration: A Comprehensive Guide As a leading CRM platform, Salesforce is often required to integrate with other systems to deliver a seamless experience and ensure efficient business operations. Whether it’s syncing data, automating workflows, or enabling real-time communication, Salesforce provides robust integration methods tailored to various needs. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of Salesforce integrations, their practical applications, and how to choose the right approach for your business. Why Integrate Salesforce? Integrating Salesforce with other systems empowers businesses to: Types of Salesforce Integration 1. Data Integration Ensures data consistency between Salesforce and external systems, enabling seamless synchronization. 2. Process Integration Links workflows across systems, ensuring actions in one system trigger automated processes in another. 3. User Interface (UI) Integration Combines multiple applications into a single interface for a unified user experience. 4. Application Integration Connects Salesforce with external apps for real-time data exchange and functional synchronization. 5. Real-Time Integration Facilitates instant synchronization of data and events between Salesforce and external systems. 6. Batch Integration Processes large data volumes in chunks, typically during off-peak hours. 7. Hybrid Integration Combines multiple integration types, such as real-time and batch, to handle complex requirements. Tools for Salesforce Integration Native Salesforce Tools: Third-Party Tools: Best Practices for Salesforce Integration Conclusion Salesforce integration is essential for streamlining operations and unlocking business potential. With options like data, process, and real-time integration, Salesforce offers the flexibility to meet diverse needs. By adopting the right integration approach and adhering to best practices, businesses can create a unified, efficient ecosystem, enhancing operations and improving customer experience. Whether integrating with ERP systems, marketing tools, or support platforms, Salesforce provides the tools to make integration seamless and impactful. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

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AI Project Planning by Workflows

Salesforce Flow Tests

Salesforce Flow Tests: What Are the Limitations? Salesforce Flow Tests are essential for ensuring automation reliability, but they aren’t without their constraints. Recognizing these limitations is key to refining your automation strategy and avoiding potential roadblocks. Here’s an overview of common challenges, along with insights into how you can navigate them to maximize the effectiveness of your testing processes. The Role of Flow Tests in Automation Automated processes in Salesforce are powerful, but they don’t optimize themselves. Proper setup and rigorous testing are essential to ensure that your automations run smoothly. While Salesforce Flow Tests help verify functionality, they have inherent limitations that, if misunderstood, could lead to inefficiencies or rework. By understanding these boundaries, you can make informed decisions to strengthen your overall approach to testing and automation. Key Limitations of Salesforce Flow Tests Final Thoughts Mastering Salesforce Flow Tests means leveraging their strengths while acknowledging their constraints. Optimized automations require careful planning, robust testing, and a clear understanding of the tools’ boundaries. Have questions about improving your Salesforce Flows or testing strategy? Let’s chat and explore ways to fine-tune your automations! Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

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Cohere-Powered Slack Agents

Cohere-Powered Slack Agents

Salesforce AI and Cohere-Powered Slack Agents: Seamless CRM Data Interaction and Enhanced Productivity Slack agents, powered by Salesforce AI and integrated with Cohere, enable seamless interaction with CRM data within the Slack platform. These agents allow teams to use natural language to surface data insights and take action, simplifying workflows. With Slack’s AI Workflow Builder and support for third-party AI agents, including Cohere, productivity is further enhanced through automated processes and customizable AI assistants. By leveraging these technologies, Slack agents provide users with direct access to CRM data and AI-powered insights, improving efficiency and collaboration. Key Features of Slack Agents: Salesforce AI and Cohere Productivity Enhancements with Slack Agents: Salesforce AI and Cohere AI Agent Capabilities in Slack: Salesforce and Cohere Data Security and Compliance for Slack Agents FAQ What are Slack agents, and how do they integrate with Salesforce AI and Cohere?Slack agents are AI-powered assistants that enable teams to interact with CRM data directly within Slack. Salesforce AI agents allow natural language data interactions, while Cohere’s integration enhances productivity with customizable AI assistants and automated workflows. How do Salesforce AI agents in Slack improve team productivity?Salesforce AI agents enable users to interact with both CRM and conversational data, update records, and analyze opportunities using natural language. This integration improves workflow efficiency, leading to a reported 47% productivity boost. What features does the Cohere integration with Slack AI offer?Cohere integration offers customizable AI assistants that can help generate workflows, summarize channel content, and provide intelligent responses to user queries within Slack. How do Slack agents handle data security and compliance?Slack agents leverage cloud-native DLP solutions, automatically detecting sensitive data across different file types and setting up automated remediation processes for enhanced security and compliance. Can Slack agents work with AI providers beyond Salesforce and Cohere?Yes, Slack supports AI agents from various providers. In addition to Salesforce AI and Cohere, integrations include Adobe Express, Anthropic, Perplexity, IBM, and Amazon Q Business, offering users a wide array of AI-powered capabilities. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

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Life of a Salesforce Admin in the AI Era

Life of a Salesforce Admin in the AI Era

The life of Salesforce admins is rapidly evolving as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes integral to business operations. Let’s examine the Life of a Salesforce Admin in the AI Era. By 2025, the Salesforce admin’s role will expand beyond managing CRM systems to include leveraging AI tools to enhance efficiency, boost productivity, and maintain security. While this future offers exciting opportunities, it also comes with new responsibilities that require admins to adapt and learn. So, what will Salesforce admins need to succeed in this AI-driven landscape? The Salesforce Admin’s Role in 2025 In 2025, Salesforce admins will be at the forefront of digital transformation, helping organizations harness the full potential of the Salesforce ecosystem and AI-powered tools. These AI tools will automate processes, predict trends, and improve overall efficiency. Many professionals are already enrolling in Salesforce Administrator courses focused on AI and automation, equipping them with the essential skills to thrive in this new era. Key Responsibilities in Life of a Salesforce Admin in the AI Era 1. AI Integration and Optimization Admins will be responsible for integrating AI tools like Salesforce Einstein AI into workflows, ensuring they’re properly configured and tailored to the organization’s needs. Core tasks include: 2. Automating Processes with AI AI will revolutionize automation, making complex workflows more efficient. Admins will need to: 3. Data Management and Predictive Analytics Admins will leverage AI to manage data and generate predictive insights. Key responsibilities include: 4. Enhancing Security and Compliance AI-powered security tools will help admins proactively protect systems. Responsibilities include: 5. Supporting AI-Driven Customer Experiences Admins will deploy AI tools that enhance customer interactions. Their responsibilities include: 6. Continuous Learning and Upskilling As AI evolves, so too must Salesforce admins. Key learning areas include: 7. Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams Admins will work closely with IT, marketing, and sales teams to deploy AI solutions organization-wide. Their collaborative efforts will include: Skills Required for Future Salesforce Admins 1. AI and Machine Learning Proficiency Admins will need to understand how AI models like Einstein AI function and how to deploy them. While not requiring full data science expertise, a solid grasp of AI concepts—such as predictive analytics and machine learning—will be essential. 2. Advanced Data Management and Analysis Managing large datasets and ensuring data accuracy will be critical as admins work with AI tools. Proficiency in data modeling, SQL, SOQL, and ETL processes will be vital for handling AI-powered data management. 3. Automation and Process Optimization AI-enhanced automation will become a key responsibility. Admins must master tools like Salesforce Flow and Einstein Automate to build intelligent workflows and ensure smooth process automation. 4. Security and Compliance Expertise With AI-driven security protocols, admins will need to stay updated on data privacy regulations and deploy tools that ensure compliance and prevent data breaches. 5. Collaboration and Leadership Admins will lead the implementation of AI tools across departments, requiring strong collaboration and leadership skills to align AI-driven solutions with business objectives. Advanced Certifications for AI-Era Admins To stay competitive, Salesforce admins will need to pursue advanced certifications. Key certifications include: Tectonic’s Thoughts The Salesforce admin role is transforming as AI becomes an essential part of the platform. By mastering AI tools, optimizing processes, ensuring security, and continuously upskilling, Salesforce admins can become pivotal players in driving digital transformation. The future is bright for those who embrace the AI-powered Salesforce landscape and position themselves at the forefront of innovation. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

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Data Labeling

Data Labeling

Data Labeling: Essential for Machine Learning and AI Data labeling is the process of identifying and tagging data samples, essential for training machine learning (ML) models. While it can be done manually, software often assists in automating the process. Data labeling is critical for helping machine learning models make accurate predictions and is widely used in fields like computer vision, natural language processing (NLP), and speech recognition. How Data Labeling Works The process begins with collecting raw data, such as images or text, which is then annotated with specific labels to provide context for ML models. These labels need to be precise, informative, and independent to ensure high-quality model training. For instance, in computer vision, data labeling can tag images of animals so that the model can learn common features and correctly identify animals in new, unlabeled data. Similarly, in autonomous vehicles, labeling helps the AI differentiate between pedestrians, cars, and other objects, ensuring safe navigation. Why Data Labeling is Important Data labeling is integral to supervised learning, a type of machine learning where models are trained on labeled data. Through labeled examples, the model learns the relationships between input data and the desired output, which improves its accuracy in real-world applications. For example, a machine learning algorithm trained on labeled emails can classify future emails as spam or not based on those labels. It’s also used in more advanced applications like self-driving cars, where the model needs to understand its surroundings by recognizing and labeling various objects like roads, signs, and obstacles. Applications of Data Labeling The Data Labeling Process Data labeling involves several key steps: Errors in labeling can negatively affect the model’s performance, so many organizations adopt a human-in-the-loop approach to involve people in quality control and improve the accuracy of labels. Data Labeling vs. Data Classification vs. Data Annotation Types of Data Labeling Benefits and Challenges Benefits: Challenges: Methods of Data Labeling Companies can label data through various methods: Each organization must choose a method that fits its needs, based on factors like data volume, staff expertise, and budget. The Growing Importance of Data Labeling As AI and ML become more pervasive, the need for high-quality data labeling increases. Data labeling not only helps train models but also provides opportunities for new jobs in the AI ecosystem. For instance, companies like Alibaba, Amazon, Facebook, Tesla, and Waymo all rely on data labeling for applications ranging from e-commerce recommendations to autonomous driving. Looking Ahead Data tools are becoming more sophisticated, reducing the need for manual work while ensuring higher data quality. As data privacy regulations tighten, businesses must also ensure that labeling practices comply with local, state, and federal laws. In conclusion, labeling is a crucial step in building effective machine learning models, driving innovation, and ensuring that AI systems perform accurately across a wide range of applications. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

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Smartsheet and AWS Collaborate

Smartsheet and AWS Collaborate

Smartsheet and AWS Collaborate to Enhance AI-Driven Decision-Making with New Amazon Q Business Connector October 8, 2024 — During its annual ENGAGE customer conference, Smartsheet (NYSE: SMAR), the enterprise work management platform, announced a partnership with AWS to introduce a new connector that integrates Smartsheet data with Amazon Q Business. This generative AI-powered assistant can answer questions, provide summaries, generate content, and securely complete tasks using data from customers’ enterprise systems. This integration will allow Amazon Q Business users to access insights about their projects and processes managed in Smartsheet, facilitating a cohesive search experience that empowers employees to make informed, data-driven decisions. Smartsheet and AWS Collaborate. As organizations increasingly recognize the importance of data-driven decisions, data silos remain a major hurdle. Research from Salesforce in 2024 indicates that only about 28% of business applications are interconnected. The new connector aims to address this issue by securely merging Smartsheet data with other sources integrated into Amazon Q Business, such as Salesforce, Slack, Microsoft Teams, and AWS. This will benefit over 13 million Smartsheet users globally, including around 85% of the 2024 Fortune 500 companies, allowing them to access their work management data, including sheets, conversations, and files, through AWS’s generative AI-powered assistant. This integration enhances decision-making, productivity, and efficiency. Smartsheet and AWS Collaborate “The Smartsheet connector furthers our strategy to securely integrate Smartsheet with leading enterprise AI tools, allowing customers to work seamlessly across their business applications,” said Ben Canning, SVP of Product Experiences at Smartsheet. “By combining our flexible data model with Amazon Q Business, we’re unlocking access to work management data for our mutual customers, enabling them to focus on achieving business outcomes without worrying about data storage.” For instance, service operations managers can utilize the new connector to manage complex projects more effectively. By posing specific questions to the Amazon Q Business assistant, teams can gain insights from various data sources, including sheets, conversations, and attachments in Smartsheet. The AI assistant conducts thorough searches while respecting access permissions, saving time and enhancing project oversight. This streamlined approach improves client retention, accuracy, and overall service quality. “Generative AI presents a unique opportunity for organizations to transform their internal workflows. The key is securely accessing their own data, regardless of its location or format,” stated Dilip Kumar, Vice President of Amazon Q Business at AWS. “Many enterprises use Smartsheet as their primary collaboration hub, storing billions of rows of data. Allowing Amazon Q Business users to interact with their Smartsheet data in a simple, secure manner boosts productivity, analysis, and decision-making.” “Generative AI is driving a significant shift in how enterprise knowledge is stored, accessed, and utilized,” noted Dion Hinchcliffe, VP of the CIO Practice at The Futurum Group. “This transition offers a chance to redefine what’s possible in data management. A strategic, informed approach to adopting this technology is crucial. By integrating work management data into Amazon Q Business, Smartsheet and AWS are creating a unified AI search experience across their knowledge base, unlocking the true potential of their data.” Empowering Teams to Achieve More with Generative AI Smartsheet is collaborating with industry leaders like AWS to develop AI capabilities that help enterprises manage their critical tasks more strategically and efficiently. Earlier this year, Smartsheet implemented Amazon Q Business internally to enhance knowledge management and boost employee productivity in the cloud. The Smartsheet connector exemplifies how both organizations are delivering powerful AI tools that revolutionize team workflows. Smartsheet continues to integrate generative AI throughout its platform, designed with practicality, transparency, and customer needs in mind. Smartsheet’s AI tools enable organizations to swiftly extract insights from data, create automated processes, generate text and summaries, and accomplish more with the AI assistant. Through the end of December, Smartsheet is offering its entire suite of AI tools to all customers, allowing everyone to leverage AI’s capabilities within the platform. The Smartsheet connector is currently available to Amazon Q Business customers in public preview. About Smartsheet Smartsheet is a modern enterprise work management platform trusted by millions globally, including approximately 85% of the 2024 Fortune 500 companies. As a pioneering leader in its category, Smartsheet delivers powerful solutions that drive performance and foster innovation. Visit www.smartsheet.com for more information. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

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Agentforce Autonomous Agents

Agentforce: Transforming Business Operations with Autonomous Agents Agentforce empowers organizations to create and manage autonomous agents that streamline tasks across various business departments. These include Sales Agents, Service Agents, Marketing Agents, Commerce Agents, and Platform Agents—truly delivering on the vision of “an Agentforce in every app.” But how does Agentforce work, and what are the building blocks for configuring these agents? Salesforce emphasizes that Agentforce is built with clicks, not code, making it highly accessible to users. This claim was validated by many attendees at the ‘Agentforce Launchpad’ during Dreamforce, who noted that the tool is as declarative and user-friendly as Salesforce promised. The Building Blocks of Agentforce 1. Agent Builder The journey begins with the Agent Builder within Agentforce Studio. This configuration tool allows users to define their agent’s attributes, such as the avatar, name, and description, using natural language inputs—essentially describing the agent in conversational terms. Salesforce describes it as: “If you can dream it, Agentforce can do it.” The Agent Builder interface comprises: Salesforce also provides out-of-the-box agents, such as Sales Agents, which can be enabled via guided setup. 2. Agent Topics Topics are the foundational building blocks that determine an agent’s scope of work. For example, a topic like “Order Management” grants the agent access to data such as order histories and product specifications. In the Dreamforce keynote, Saks’ service agent demonstrated the importance of topics by resolving customer queries tied to its assigned topics. However, queries outside the defined topics were flagged as “guardrails,” ensuring the agent stayed within its designated scope. 3. Topic Actions Actions, tied to topics, define what an agent can do. These actions are often flows, such as querying a CRM database or triggering automated processes. Users can assign existing actions or create new ones by referencing Apex, Flow, prompts, or MuleSoft APIs. For example, integrating external data sources requires defining a new Agentforce action tied to a MuleSoft API. This allows the agent to query data just as human users would. Testing Agents with the Atlas Reasoning Engine Agentforce’s Atlas Reasoning Engine powers agents with advanced capabilities. Users can test agents within the Agent Builder interface, following the reasoning process step-by-step: Once configured, agents are ready to operate across their assigned communication channels (e.g., email, WhatsApp, voice). Omni Supervisor: Real-Time Agent Monitoring Omni Supervisor, originally a Service Cloud feature, now extends to monitoring agents. It provides insights into overall trends, allows real-time oversight of interactions, and even enables listening to recent conversations. The Role of Data Cloud in Agentforce Data powers Agentforce, enabling agents to provide highly contextual responses. The Data Cloud processes both structured data (e.g., Salesforce records) and unstructured data (e.g., emails, voice memos) using its Vector Database for advanced processing. 1. Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) Salesforce employs RAG to enhance the accuracy of agent responses. RAG integrates the Atlas Reasoning Engine with Data Cloud, creating a feedback loop. Data Cloud enriches user prompts by retrieving relevant data, making agent responses more contextual and informed. 2. New Data Streams To enhance Agentforce capabilities, data can be ingested into the platform in three ways: For instance, connecting an order management system like Snowflake is streamlined via Salesforce’s prebuilt connectors. 3. Data Graphs Data Graphs visualize relationships between Data Model Objects (DMOs), enabling users to ensure all necessary data is available for optimal agent performance. Real-time Data Graphs enhance identity resolution, segmentation, and action execution for seamless data flow. Inside Prompt Builder Prompt Builder allows users to create or refine prompts that power Agentforce actions. Low-code tools guide users through the process, offering features such as previewing results and assessing feedback toxicity ratings. Search Index in RAG The Search Index is a critical component of RAG. It retrieves relevant data from Data Cloud to enhance agent reasoning. Search parameters can be configured in three ways: Tectonic’s Thoughts Agentforce, powered by Data Cloud and advanced AI tools like the Atlas Reasoning Engine, represents a new era of automation and efficiency for businesses. Whether through Sales, Service, or Marketing Agents, organizations can leverage this technology to streamline operations, personalize customer experiences, and achieve better outcomes. With over 5,200 customers implementing Agentforce in their sandboxes within the first two days of Dreamforce, the platform is already proving its transformative potential. By 2025 over a billion agents had been created! Agentforce isn’t just about improving efficiency; it’s about redefining what’s possible for business operations. Content updated January 2025. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

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Matching Record Check

Matching Record Check

Salesforce Matching Record Check in Flow Create Element: Summer ’24 Update With the Summer ’24 Release, Salesforce introduced a new feature allowing users to check for matching records when using the Create element in Flows. This enhancement provides more control over record creation, especially when dealing with potential duplicates. Single Record Creation with Matching Check When a matching record is identified, you have the following options: If multiple matching records are found, you can choose to: It’s important to note that the definition of a “matching record” in this context is not tied to Salesforce’s traditional matching and duplicate rules. Instead, it is determined by the criteria you set within the Create element. You can specify multiple criteria lines and combine them using AND or OR logic. For example, a match could be identified if both the phone number and last name match the values in the record you’re creating. Use Cases for Single Record Creation and Matching Check This feature can be used to create or update various types of records, such as contacts or leads. It is particularly useful in scenarios where duplicate records need to be avoided, like adding campaign members or public group members. Salesforce typically throws an error if a Flow attempts to add a member who already exists, but this new feature allows you to handle such cases more gracefully. Limitations: Creating Multiple Records with Matching Check: Winter ’25 Update With the Winter ’25 Release, Salesforce extended this functionality to handle collections of records within the Create element. When working with multiple records, you can specify the field to identify existing records: You can also decide what happens if a record creation or update fails: This feature is particularly useful for scenarios like importing leads from an external marketing tool or syncing billing and payment activities from an accounting platform. It mimics the upsert functionality found in other data import tools. Limitations: This enhancement offers more flexibility and control when managing records in Salesforce, ensuring that your data remains clean and accurate while avoiding potential errors in automated processes. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

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Data Cloud and Autonomous Agents

Data Cloud and Autonomous Agents

Salesforce is building momentum with Data Cloud, the heartbeat of its platform and foundation for Agentforce, fueled by strong business demand for unified data to deliver personalized, contextually relevant, and timely customer experiences across its Customer 360 applications, Flow, analytics, and Agentforce—Salesforce’s groundbreaking suite of autonomous AI agents. This week, Salesforce unveiled a major pivot in its AI strategy during its annual Dreamforce conference. The company is introducing AI tools that can handle tasks without human supervision, alongside a new pricing model. Customers will now pay US per conversation held by Salesforce’s new AI “agents,” which are designed to manage tasks such as customer service and scheduling sales meetings autonomously. This shift in strategy reflects Salesforce’s forward-thinking approach to AI and its potential to transform not only technology but also business models. By focusing on AI agents, Salesforce is responding to a market demand for increased workforce capacity without the need for full-time hires or gig workers—a point emphasized by CEO Marc Benioff during his keynote speech. Building on its predictive Einstein platform, Agentforce represents Salesforce’s next step in AI evolution. “Think of it as the next evolution of our AI wave,” said Muralidhar Krishnaprasad, Salesforce’s president and CTO. “We had AI wave one with Einstein’s predictive capabilities, AI wave two with generative AI copilots, and now we’re entering the age of agents.” Agentforce is designed to augment work by handling tasks across platforms, leveraging Salesforce’s Data Cloud to channel structured and unstructured data into agentic experiences. These agents, powered by the Atlas reasoning engine, use dynamic plans and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) techniques to address real-time customer questions and deliver actionable insights. Salesforce’s AI agents can operate autonomously, supporting businesses by handling a range of customer interactions and tasks with minimal human intervention. Adding to the AI-driven innovations, Salesforce introduced several new Data Cloud advancements that further enhance an organization’s ability to transform customer experiences using data and AI. These include: Data Cloud continues to drive impressive growth, with a 130% YoY increase in paid customers, processing 2.3 quadrillion records in the second quarter alone. Customers like The Adecco Group, Aston Martin, and Air India rely on Data Cloud to unify their data and deliver personalized, real-time customer experiences. For example, Air India uses Data Cloud to integrate data across its loyalty, reservations, and flight systems, allowing it to manage over 550,000 service cases each month. As AI reshapes the industry, Salesforce’s pivot to autonomous agents and a conversation-based pricing model shows its commitment to leading the charge in enterprise AI adoption, with Data Cloud as its driving force. Despite some software vendors struggling to capitalize on AI advancements, Salesforce’s new model positions it to thrive in a market where AI’s impact is just beginning to unfold. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

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Salesforce Validation Rules

Salesforce Validation Rules Explained

When to Use (and Avoid) Salesforce Validation Rules Ensuring quality data in Salesforce is crucial, but finding the right balance between enforcing data integrity and maintaining a smooth user experience can be challenging. Both Flows and validation rules play important roles in this process. The Role of Validation Rules and Flows in Data Management Salesforce administrators must carefully consider the impact of data validation methods. Some approaches prevent records from being saved if certain conditions aren’t met, while others allow the process to continue and address issues later. Sales teams, in particular, may find it frustrating to be slowed down by data entry requirements, but there are situations where enforcing specific data formats or ranges is essential. This is where Salesforce validation rules come into play. For more complex processes, especially those managed by automation, Flows offer a solution that allows records to be corrected without interrupting the workflow. The Purpose of Validation Rules Validation rules in Salesforce are used to enforce specific data requirements by preventing the record from being saved if certain conditions are not met. For instance, a simple validation rule might require a field value to be between 10 and 100: scssCopy codeOR( Your_Field__c < 10, Your_Field__c > 100 ) Validation rules are typically applied to a single field or a combination of fields, and they are especially useful when a user must enter specific information, such as a description for a unique discount type. How Flows Offer Flexibility Salesforce Flows have evolved into a robust alternative to validation rules, providing more flexibility in how data is managed. Flows can be configured to check conditions before or after a record is saved, allowing for automatic corrections without blocking the save. For example, a Flow could assign a default value if the user fails to enter one or perform a lookup to populate a field. Flows also allow records to be saved even if they would otherwise trigger a validation rule. This capability is particularly valuable for automated processes, as it prevents errors from halting updates made by tools like Fivetran, Hightouch, or Zapier. Balancing User Experience with Data Validation Validation rules are designed with the user in mind, serving as reminders to ensure that necessary information is entered. However, if these rules are too restrictive or unclear, they can hinder productivity. One common challenge arises when trying to enforce constraints on date fields, such as ensuring a follow-up task is scheduled within a certain time frame. While a validation rule can prevent a date field from being left blank, Salesforce does not allow a rule to simultaneously enforce non-blankness and a specific date calculation. To address this, a combination of validation rules and Flows can be used: Key Takeaway Balancing the use of validation rules and Flows is essential for effective data management in Salesforce. Validation rules are useful for enforcing critical data entry requirements, while Flows offer the flexibility to correct issues automatically. By focusing on the user experience, administrators can determine the optimal combination of these features to maintain data integrity without disrupting workflow. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

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Linus Torvalds Insights

Linus Torvalds Shares Insights on the Future of Programming with AI Linus Torvalds, the mastermind behind Linux and Git—two cornerstones of modern software development—recently shared his perspective on how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the world of programming. His candid insights offer a balanced view of AI’s capabilities and limitations, coming from one of the industry’s most influential voices. If you prefer a quick breakdown over watching a full interview, here are the key takeaways from Torvalds’ conversation. AI in Programming: Evolution, Not Revolution Torvalds describes AI, particularly large language models (LLMs), as “autocorrect on steroids.” These tools excel at predicting the next word or line of code based on established patterns but aren’t “intelligent” in the human sense. Rather than a seismic shift, AI represents the next step in a long history of automation in coding. From the days of machine language to today’s high-level languages like Python and Rust, tools have continuously evolved to make developers’ lives easier. AI is just another link in this chain—helping write, refine, and debug code while boosting productivity. AI as a Developer’s Supercharged Assistant Far from being a replacement for human programmers, Torvalds sees AI as a powerful assistant. Tools like GitHub Copilot are already enhancing the coding process by suggesting fixes, spotting bugs, and speeding up routine tasks. The vision? A future where programmers can abstract tasks even further, possibly instructing AI in plain English. Imagine simply saying, “Build me a tool to manage my expenses,” and watching it happen. However, for now, AI is an incremental improvement, not a groundbreaking leap. The Shift Toward AI-Generated Code One of Torvalds’ more intriguing predictions is that AI may eventually write code in ways incomprehensible to human programmers. Since AI doesn’t require human-readable syntax, it could optimize code in ways that only it understands. In this scenario, developers might transition from writing code to managing AI systems that generate and refine it—shifting from hands-on creators to overseers of automated processes. AI in Code Review: Smarter Intern or Future Partner? When it comes to code review, AI’s potential is clear. Torvalds notes that AI could efficiently catch simple errors—like typos or syntax mistakes—freeing up human reviewers to focus on more complex logic and functionality. While AI might streamline tedious tasks, it’s far from perfect. Issues like “hallucinations,” where AI confidently produces incorrect results, highlight the need for human oversight. AI can assist, but it still requires developers to verify its output. A Balanced Take on AI and Jobs Torvalds dismisses fears of AI taking over programming jobs, pointing out that technological advancements historically create new opportunities rather than eliminate roles. AI, in his view, is less about replacing humans and more about augmenting their abilities. It’s a tool to make developers more efficient—not a harbinger of obsolescence. Final Thoughts: Embrace AI, But Stay Grounded Linus Torvalds envisions AI as a valuable, evolving tool for programmers, not a threat to their livelihood. While it’s set to change how we code, the shift will be gradual rather than revolutionary. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or a newcomer, now is the time to explore AI-powered tools, embrace their potential, and adapt to this new era of programming. Instead of fearing change, we can use AI to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

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Constituent Service Toolkit in Public Sector Solutions

Constituent Service Toolkit in Public Sector Solutions

Explore the array of tools and components tailored for caseworkers, case managers, and other professionals to comprehend constituents’ needs and deliver exceptional customer service. Constituent Service Toolkit in Public Sector Solutions Public Sector Solutions offers a comprehensive suite of components, tools, and features designed to enhance the efficiency of caseworkers and other staff in addressing constituents’ concerns and issues. These tools provide valuable context for interactions with constituents and streamline actionable tasks, offering flexibility for customization to address diverse scenarios. Constituent Service Toolkit in Public Sector Solutions Whether handling inquiries about business license applications, social service benefits, or managing complaints and child welfare concerns, these tools empower users to efficiently navigate and resolve constituent service issues. Public Sector Solutions goes a step further by presenting a curated selection of these tools on a dedicated Lightning record page, facilitating a seamless start for users in utilizing these resources. Customize the page according to your agency’s specific needs, with limitless possibilities. Constituent Service Toolkit: Elevate customer service for constituents by providing tools that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of caseworkers, case managers, and other users. Complete Common Service Tasks in Context with Action Launcher: Empower intake agents, caseworkers, and other users to access common service tasks through the Action Launcher Lightning web component. This tool allows users to perform tasks such as identity verification, referral intake, email communication, or call logging with a simple menu selection. Tailor the Action Launcher to meet specific needs and integrate it into frequently accessed record detail pages for quick and context-aware responses to constituent concerns. Protect Constituent Privacy and Reduce Fraud with Identity Verification and Audit Trail: Prioritize constituent privacy by implementing a flow to verify their identity before sharing sensitive information. Agents and service representatives can initiate this flow during phone calls, through messaging channels, or in person. Utilize the Audit Trail to monitor engagement interactions, analyze patterns, and detect potential fraud associated with identity verification. Receive Alerts on Records That Need Action: Stay informed about account and application records requiring attention with the Record Alerts component. Caseworkers, application reviewers, and other users receive notifications about person accounts, business accounts, or individual application records that demand action. The component organizes alerts by categories like type, priority, and severity, allowing users to dismiss or snooze alerts as needed. Deliver Service to Constituents from a Dedicated Account Lightning Record Page: Enhance caseworkers’ efficiency by providing relevant information and service tools through a dedicated Lightning record page for accounts. Key details about constituents are showcased through the Account card and Timeline component. The Action Launcher and Alerts components enable users to initiate common service actions and address pending record alerts. The Interaction Summary tab allows users to document notes from conversations and engagements with constituents. Create Start-to-Finish Automation to Address Service Requests from Constituents with Service Process Studio: Leverage Service Process Studio to design automated processes that efficiently respond to service requests from constituents, from intake to resolution. Utilize data attributes, OmniScript forms, Apex classes, and record-triggered flows to create automation for processing service requests, including tasks like updating a constituent’s address. Integration definitions enable seamless connectivity between service processes and external systems. Like1 Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

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