Business Archives - gettectonic.com - Page 8
Winter 25 Release Notes

Winter 25 Release Experience Cloud

Salesforce Winter ’25 Release: 6 Key Enhancements to Experience Cloud The Salesforce Winter ’25 Release brings a fresh suite of updates to Experience Cloud, focusing on design customization, SEO optimization, and streamlined navigation for enhanced user engagement. We’ve summarized six major updates and additional enhancements that make this release a significant step forward for Experience Cloud sites. 1. Enhanced Design Options for LWR Sites Winter ’25 empowers site designers with more granular control over the look and feel of LWR (Lightning Web Runtime) sites. New customization options in the Experience Builder Theme panel now allow for specific styling of individual components like columns and buttons, offering a new level of precision in visual design. Additional features include a Scoped Header and Footer layout that allows fixed positioning for headers and footers, enhancing user experience with persistent navigation elements. Site admins can define unique color palettes for buttons across various states (default, hover, focus), and apply color schemes to individual columns, which can now be set in the Theme panel. Further text customizations for headings have also been added, allowing a personalized touch for every element on LWR sites. 2. SEO-Friendly URLs for Accounts and Contacts (Generally Available) To drive organic traffic, the Winter ’25 Release introduces SEO-friendly URL slugs for Account and Contact pages, replacing traditional record IDs with easily readable URLs. This enhancement allows search engines to better index content, making it easier for users to find your pages. Site managers can configure SEO-friendly URLs directly in the Administration panel and import slugs in bulk for faster setup. 3. Data Providers for LWR Sites (Beta) Experience Cloud now includes an option to configure data providers on LWR site pages, enabling seamless integration with data from various sources, including Apex and Record providers. Admins can specify data sources within Experience Builder, allowing for real-time data updates across components and pages, providing a more dynamic and responsive experience for users. 4. Revamped Navigation and New Components The Navigation Menu component has been revamped, allowing admins to design a more intuitive navigation experience for both desktop and mobile users. The beta Site Header component further enhances branding with logo placement and customizable headers, while the Grid component now ensures consistent cell height, improving the visual balance of page layouts. Tailored navigation menus for desktop and mobile screens can be customized for color, spacing, text styles, and more to provide an optimized experience across devices. 5. Expanded Data Cloud Integration for Event Tracking Winter ’25 expands Data Cloud integration to capture checkout, order, and cart events on enhanced LWR sites. Ecommerce-focused organizations can now record user interactions—like checkout initiation and address input—automatically, giving businesses richer insights into customer behavior. Data captured through these events can be viewed within Data Cloud, allowing admins to understand user engagement and optimize site design accordingly. 6. Salesforce File Linking for LWR Sites (Beta) The new File Upload Lightning Web Component enables file uploads directly from an LWR site to Salesforce, an option previously available only on Aura sites. This update streamlines the file transfer process, allowing guest users to upload files securely, which are then accessible within Salesforce. Additional Experience Cloud Enhancements In addition to the primary updates, Winter ’25 introduces several valuable, albeit smaller, features: Availability of Features Some Winter ’25 features will be accessible immediately after release, while others require setup by admins. Consider notifying users about these updates to ensure a smooth transition and to leverage the full potential of new functionalities. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

Read More
Being AI-Driven

Being AI-Driven

Imagine a company where every decision, strategy, customer interaction, and routine task is enhanced by AI. From predictive analytics uncovering market insights to intelligent automation streamlining operations, this AI-driven enterprise represents what a successful business could look like. Does this company exist? Not yet, but the building blocks for creating it are already here. To envision a day in the life of such an AI enterprise, let’s fast forward to the year 2028 and visit Tectonic 5.0, a fictional 37-year-old mid-sized company in Oklahoma that provides home maintenance services. After years of steady sales and profit growth, the 2,300-employee company has hit a rough patch. Tectonic 5.0’s revenue grew just 3% last year, and its 8% operating margin is well below the industry benchmark. To jumpstart growth, Tectonic 5.0 has expanded its product portfolio and decided to break into the more lucrative commercial real estate market. But Tectonic 5.0 needs to act fast. The firm must quickly bring its new offerings to market while boosting profitability by eliminating inefficiencies and fostering collaboration across teams. To achieve these goals, Tectonic 5.0 is relying on artificial intelligence (AI). Here’s how each department at Tectonic 5.0 is using AI to reach these objectives. Spot Inefficiencies with AI With a renewed focus on cost-cutting, Tectonic 5.0 needed to identify and eliminate inefficiencies throughout the company. To assist in this effort, the company developed a tool called Jenny, an AI agent that’s automatically invited to all meetings. Always listening and analyzing, Jenny spots problems and inefficiencies that might otherwise go unnoticed. For example, Jenny compares internal data against industry benchmarks and historical data, identifying opportunities for optimization based on patterns in spending and resource allocation. Suggestions for cost-cutting can be offered in real time during meetings or shared later in a synthesized summary. AI can also analyze how meeting time is spent, revealing if too much time is wasted on non-essential issues and suggesting ways to have more constructive meetings. It does this by comparing meeting summaries against the company’s broader objectives. Tectonic 5.0’s leaders hope that by highlighting inefficiencies and communication gaps with Jenny’s help, employees will be more inclined to take action. In fact, it has already shown considerable promise, with employees being five times more likely to consider cost-cutting measures suggested by Penny. Market More Effectively with AI With cost management underway, Tectonic 5.0’s next step in its transformation is finding new revenue sources. The company has adopted a two-pronged approach: introducing a new lineup of products and services for homeowners, including smart home technology, sustainable living solutions like solar panels, and predictive maintenance on big-ticket systems like internet-connected HVACs; and expanding into commercial real estate maintenance. Smart home technology is exactly what homeowners are looking for, but Tectonic 5.0 needs to market it to the right customers, at the right time, and in the right way. A marketing platform with built-in AI capabilities is essential for spreading the word quickly and effectively about its new products. To start, the company segments its audience using generative AI, allowing marketers to ask the system, in natural language, to identify tech-savvy homeowners between the ages of 30 and 60 who have spent a certain amount on home maintenance in the last 18 months. This enables more precise audience targeting and helps marketing teams bring products to market faster. Previously, segmentation using legacy systems could take weeks, with marketing teams relying on tech teams for an audience breakdown. Now, Tectonic 5.0 is ready to reach out to its targeted customers. Using predictive AI, it can optimize personalized marketing campaigns. For example, it can determine which customers prefer to be contacted by text, email, or phone, the best time of day to reach out, and how often. The system also identifies which messaging—focused on cost savings, environmental impact, or preventative maintenance—will resonate most with each customer. This intelligence helps Tectonic 5.0 reach the optimal customer quickly in a way that speaks to their specific needs and concerns. AI also enables marketers to monitor campaign performance for red flags like decreasing open rates or click-through rates and take appropriate action. Sell More, and Faster, with AI With interested buyers lined up, it’s now up to the sales team to close deals. Generative AI for sales, integrated into CRM, can speed up and personalize the sales process for Tectonic 5.0 in several ways. First, it can generate email copy tailored to products and services that customers are interested in. Tectonic 5.0’s sales reps can prompt AI to draft solar panel prospecting emails. To maximize effectiveness, the system pulls customer info from the CRM, uncovering which emails have performed well in the past. Second, AI speeds up data analysis. Sales reps spend a significant amount of time generating, pulling, and analyzing data. Generative AI can act like a digital assistant, uncovering patterns and relationships in CRM data almost instantaneously, guiding Tectonic 5.0’s reps toward high-value deals most likely to close. Machine learning increases the accuracy of lead scoring, predicting which customers are most likely to buy based on historical data and predictive analytics. Provide Better Customer Service with AI Tectonic 5.0’s new initiatives are progressing well. Costs are starting to decrease, and sales of its new products are growing faster than expected. However, customer service calls are rising as well. Tectonic 5.0 is committed to maintaining excellent customer service, but smart home technology presents unique challenges. It’s more complex than analog systems, and customers often need help with setup and use, raising the stakes for Tectonic 5.0’s customer service team. The company knows that customers have many choices in home maintenance providers, and one bad experience could drive them to a competitor. Tectonic 5.0’s embedded AI-powered chatbots help deliver a consistent and delightful autonomous customer service experience across channels and touchpoints. Beyond answering common questions, these chatbots can greet customers, serve up knowledge articles, and even dispatch a field technician if needed. In the field, technicians can quickly diagnose and fix problems thanks to LLMs like xGen-Small, which

Read More
Cool and New AI

Cool and New AI Cool and New AI

AI is revolutionizing the way we work, offering a wide range of tools beyond ChatGPT that can enhance efficiency, creativity, and productivity. Whether you’re working with data, code, marketing, videos, images, AI bots, or research, here are the top AI tools that can transform your workflow. Cool and New AI. Don’t get spooked. There will be a cornucopia more in November. 🌟 Code 1️⃣ GlideTurn spreadsheets into powerful mobile apps without writing a single line of code. Glide makes it easy for non-developers to create professional apps with minimal effort. 2️⃣ BubbleA visual programming platform that allows users to build web applications without any coding knowledge. Ideal for entrepreneurs and startups looking to launch digital products quickly. 3️⃣ AskCodiThis AI coding assistant speeds up coding tasks, offers helpful suggestions, and simplifies debugging for developers, making it a must-have tool for coding professionals. 🌟 Data 1️⃣ BasedLabsA robust data analytics platform designed for scientists and engineers. BasedLabs offers complex data processing and model building with exceptional precision. 2️⃣ Coral AIPerfect for data-driven professionals, Coral AI provides efficient edge AI tools for processing large datasets and delivering insights with on-device intelligence, speeding up tasks. 3️⃣ JuliusAn AI-powered tool for market researchers and data analysts, Julius streamlines data processes and offers powerful insights into market trends. 🌟 Marketing 1️⃣ Sprout SocialThis all-in-one social media management platform leverages AI to help marketers optimize their social presence, engage with audiences, and track detailed analytics. 2️⃣ AdCreative AIEnhance your marketing campaigns with AI-generated ads that convert. AdCreative AI allows marketers to design high-impact, creative ads effortlessly. 3️⃣ Jasper AIA top tool for content creators, Jasper AI assists in crafting high-conversion marketing copy, blogs, and ad texts at scale, making it indispensable for digital marketing. 🌟 Video 1️⃣ SynthesiaCreate professional videos without the need for cameras or actors. Synthesia’s AI avatars enable you to produce multilingual videos, making it ideal for corporate and educational content. 2️⃣ HeygenThis AI tool simplifies video production by allowing users to create AI-generated videos, perfect for marketing campaigns or training materials. 3️⃣ Opus ClipOpus Clip transforms long-form video content into short, engaging clips optimized for social media, helping creators repurpose content easily. 🌟 Image 1️⃣ Getimg.AIAutomate image creation with Getimg.AI, which enhances your visual content by generating high-quality images in minutes, speeding up the design process. 2️⃣ PicsartA versatile image editing and design platform with AI tools that make creating stunning visuals effortless, making it ideal for social media, advertising, and creative projects. 3️⃣ Leonardo AIA powerful AI-driven tool for creators, Leonardo AI helps generate high-quality images, illustrations, and graphics, making it an essential tool for designers and artists. 🌟 AI Bot 1️⃣ LiveChatAn AI-powered live chat solution that integrates seamlessly into websites to provide real-time customer support, enhancing business communication. 2️⃣ LandbotThis tool helps create conversational experiences with AI-powered chatbots for customer support, sales, and lead generation, automating client interactions. 3️⃣ CustomGPTA customizable GPT-powered AI chatbot tailored for specific industries and businesses, perfect for providing personalized customer support. 🌟 Research 1️⃣ ChatPDFTurn PDFs into interactive documents with ChatPDF, allowing users to easily navigate and extract information using an AI-based assistant. 2️⃣ VidIQVidIQ provides AI-powered tools to optimize YouTube content for better engagement and visibility, making it invaluable for content creators. 3️⃣ SemrushAn advanced SEO platform powered by AI, Semrush gives marketers and researchers deep insights into online visibility, helping boost content performance. AI extends far beyond ChatGPT. This diverse range of tools is designed to make your work more efficient and productive, whether you’re coding, marketing, creating content, or conducting research. Embrace these AI tools to unlock new levels of creativity and efficiency. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

Read More
Sales Incentives That Work

Sales Incentives That Work

Sales Incentives That Actually Work Spooktacular Sales incentives to kick off your Halloween. Sales Incentives That Work are an essential tool to encourage and reward desired behaviors within a sales team. They serve as a motivational driver, helping teams achieve their goals while reinforcing the company’s objectives. Incentivizing a team goes beyond merely showing up for work—it involves sparking enthusiasm and a genuine drive to exceed expectations. With the right incentive program, companies can energize their teams, ensuring they come to work motivated and ready to achieve results. Below is a guide on different types of sales incentives, their impact on performance, and best practices for creating an effective incentive program. What Are Sales Incentives? Sales incentives are rewards offered to sales representatives in addition to their base pay for exceptional performance, typically when they meet or exceed sales targets. While monetary rewards such as bonuses are common, sales incentives can take many forms, all aimed at motivating the sales force toward specific goals. Types of Sales Incentives There are five main categories of sales incentives, each tailored to motivate different roles and sales activities: How Sales Incentives Motivate a Team Sales incentives work by reinforcing the behaviors a company wants its team to prioritize. For highly competitive reps, the prospect of a reward adds an extra layer of motivation. For others who may not be as driven by competition, incentives provide tangible goals to strive toward. Moreover, well-structured incentive programs can enhance job satisfaction, decrease turnover, and ensure top performers stay motivated. 10 Effective Sales Incentives While monetary rewards are often the most straightforward incentive, incorporating a mix of creative rewards can enhance a company’s incentive program. Some ideas include: Best Practices for Implementing Sales Incentives A well-designed sales incentive program ensures both clarity and motivation. Some best practices for implementation include: Measuring the Impact of Sales Incentives To gauge the success of a sales incentive program, companies should track key performance indicators (KPIs) like overall sales, new and returning customer numbers, program costs versus ROI, employee turnover, and employee satisfaction. Monitoring these metrics ensures that the program aligns with both sales goals and employee satisfaction. Tectonic’s Final Thoughts Sales incentives are an effective way to drive performance and boost morale. By designing a simple, clear, and motivating incentive program, companies can align their sales goals with individual motivation, ensuring both business success and employee satisfaction. If you need assistance utilizing sales incentives and your Salesforce platform, contact Tectonic today. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

Read More
Pitfall of Process Optimization

Pitfall of Process Optimization

In 1963, Peter Drucker wrote one of the most influential articles on business, Managing for Business Effectiveness. Much like Fred Brooks’ 1975 classic, The Mythical Man-Month, it has profound lessons. However, through today’s lens of AI and automation, it seems we may have misinterpreted Drucker’s insights, inadvertently industrializing the problem rather than solving it. Pitfall of process optimization. Pitfalls of process optimization. One pivotal point from Drucker’s essay (highlighted by Dave Duggal) is: “The major problem is the confusion between effectiveness and efficiency. There is nothing more useless than doing efficiently what should not be done at all. Yet our tools — especially accounting concepts and data — all focus on efficiency. What we need is a way to identify areas of effectiveness and a method to concentrate on them.” While Drucker emphasized focusing on results and making data-driven decisions, his warning that “our data and accounting focus on efficiency” has been largely overlooked. Instead of addressing this, businesses have industrialized the pursuit of efficiency at the expense of effectiveness. The Efficiency Trap Drucker’s assertion that “there is nothing more useless than doing with great efficiency what should not be done at all” remains true, yet much of the business and IT landscape has fixated on eliminating steps, even if the return on this effort is minimal. He warned that too much focus is placed on problems rather than opportunities and on areas where even exceptional performance yields little impact. This mirrors many process optimization efforts, where the goal is often to remove unnecessary steps, focusing on efficiency rather than true effectiveness. The Pitfall of Process Optimization Entire business methodologies were built around simplifying processes and eliminating redundant steps. Companies created cultures centered on optimization, believing that by cutting out inefficiencies, they would achieve success. Yet, as Drucker noted, this focus on efficiency has often resulted in neglecting broader opportunities. Poor Data, Poor Outcomes Drucker’s concerns about tools and data have proven strangely prophetic. Instead of focusing on effectiveness, many organizations now face data problems, often rooted in over-optimized processes. Some of the firms most dedicated to process optimization are the very ones known for slow responses to market changes, as their data fails to keep pace with business needs. Focusing on Process, Missing the Bigger Picture When businesses focus narrowly on processes, they overlook key information needed downstream. This might improve micro-level efficiency, but it often damages macro-level outcomes. For instance, optimizing an order submission process may mean critical data isn’t captured, leading to issues further along in the supply chain. This process-driven thinking fosters data silos—disconnected systems that, while progressing individual steps, fail to offer the necessary insights for broader business decisions. Effectiveness Requires Understanding Reality AI amplifies these challenges. To fully leverage AI, businesses must shift from process-centric to reality-based thinking. Companies that can manage their digital reality, enabling AI to make smart, outcome-driven decisions, will outperform those stuck in outdated process mentalities. AI won’t just optimize individual steps like restocking inventory; it will manage complex tasks such as provisioning networks, negotiating with suppliers, or resolving customer complaints. To support this, businesses must move beyond step-based optimization and embrace new approaches that focus on multi-dimensional KPIs and AI-driven outcomes. A Shift from Process to Reality The future of business optimization will require understanding KPIs in a multi-dimensional way, embedding AI into operations, and allowing it to drive business outcomes. This will necessitate a shift in data architecture, with a focus on operational reality rather than reporting. The Dangers of Ignoring the Shift Businesses that cling to process thinking may find isolated success with AI but risk falling behind competitors that embrace a broader transformation. Like retailers who tried to compete with Amazon by merely launching websites without addressing underlying fulfillment challenges, companies may see short-term gains but falter in the long run. The Cultural Challenge of Transformation Switching from process-focused thinking to a reality-based approach will be difficult. Since Drucker’s 1963 essay, the industrialization of step-elimination has become deeply ingrained in business culture. Processes are comfortable; they allow for focused problem-solving in isolated areas. Moving to a mindset that prioritizes operational reality, dependencies, and cross-functional collaboration is a significant cultural shift. Embracing the Change However, the businesses that make this transition will gain a competitive advantage. Those that recognize the scale of change required—making cultural, organizational, and architectural shifts—will operate in a different league than those who don’t. By shifting from efficiency-driven processes to reality-based effectiveness, organizations can unlock the full potential of AI, ensuring not just operational improvements but transformational business success. You can avoid the pitfalls of process optimization. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

Read More
Intelligent Adoption Framework

Intelligent Adoption Framework

Intelligent Adoption Framework Marks a New Era for AI IntegrationAfter a surge of initial excitement, AI has now entered a phase of more thoughtful and strategic adoption, focusing on sustainable progress and measurable results. Following years of hype in which artificial intelligence was hailed as a revolutionary force poised to instantly transform industries, AI is now facing a more tempered reality. As it settles into Gartner’s “Trough of Disillusionment,” organizations are grappling with the reality of high costs and challenges scaling experimental projects. However, this phase of learning is typical for any emerging technology, and the journey to unlock AI’s full potential is far from over. Steve Daly, Senior Vice President of Solutions at New Era Technology, explains: “AI has been around for 70 years, but the recent hype inflated expectations. At $30 per user per month for tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot, they’re appealing for proof-of-concept projects. But once those initial tests are over, many companies struggle to find a clear ROI when scaling.” Cost is not the only barrier to broader AI adoption. Concerns over data security and sharing sensitive information are top priorities for many organizations. Daly adds, “New Era’s robust data and security practice has shifted to offer Copilot Studio, allowing companies to build GenAI solutions with tighter security controls. With Copilot Studio, you can limit access to specific files or libraries, ensuring greater control over sensitive data.” Moving Beyond OverpromisesBuilding confidence in AI requires addressing several factors. First, organizations must tackle security and data control issues, alongside developing a clear business model to justify AI investments. Equally important is maintaining momentum—patience and persistence are key to seeing projects through to success, or determining when to pivot. Daly observes, “We’re seeing many projects lose steam. Around half of AI initiatives stall due to poor security practices and suboptimal data management. Projects must demonstrate progress, and that’s difficult in the innovation phase when you don’t always know what you don’t know.” Introducing Intelligent AdoptionThis is where Copilot Studio and New Era’s Intelligent Adoption Framework come into play. The framework is designed to help organizations chart their AI development journey and ensure investments yield tangible results. Copilot Studio supports IT teams by focusing on the tasks that truly drive value, helping them stay on track toward their goals. The Intelligent Adoption Framework is built around three core pillars: technical redesign, organizational readiness, and user readiness. New Era’s framework leverages its expertise to guide businesses through the steps necessary to define their AI strategy, align their corporate vision, and identify the most valuable use cases for AI adoption. Daly concludes, “It’s not just about purchasing licenses—it’s about creating a roadmap for successful adoption. We’re developing packaged solutions, such as ‘train the trainer’ programs from day one, followed by proof-of-concept demonstrations using Copilot Studio. Our goal is to help customers answer key questions, like when to build a GenAI chatbot, while navigating the complexities of AI adoption and managing the pressures CIOs face from stakeholders.” In this new era of AI, success will be determined not by rushed deployment, but by strategic, intelligent adoption that ensures sustained value over time. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more Top Ten Reasons Why Tectonic Loves the Cloud The Cloud is Good for Everyone – Why Tectonic loves the cloud You don’t need to worry about tracking licenses. Read more

Read More
AI Agents

AI Agents Interview

In the rapidly evolving world of large language models and generative AI, a new concept is gaining momentum: AI agents. AI Agents Interview explores. AI agents are advanced tools designed to handle complex tasks that traditionally required human intervention. While they may be confused with robotic process automation (RPA) bots, AI agents are much more sophisticated, leveraging generative AI technology to execute tasks autonomously. Companies like Google are positioning AI agents as virtual assistants that can drive productivity across industries. In this Q&A, Jason Gelman, Director of Product Management for Vertex AI at Google Cloud, shares insights into Google’s vision for AI agents and some of the challenges that come with this emerging technology. AI Agents Interview How does Google define AI agents? Jason Gelman: An AI agent is something that acts on your behalf. There are two key components. First, you empower the agent to act on your behalf by providing instructions and granting necessary permissions—like authentication to access systems. Second, the agent must be capable of completing tasks. This is where large language models (LLMs) come in, as they can plan out the steps to accomplish a task. What used to require human planning is now handled by the AI, including gathering information and executing various steps. What are current use cases where AI agents can thrive? Gelman: AI agents can be useful across a wide range of industries. Call centers are a common example where customers already expect AI support, and we’re seeing demand there. In healthcare, organizations like Mayo Clinic are using AI agents to sift through vast amounts of information, helping professionals navigate data more efficiently. Different industries are exploring this technology in unique ways, and it’s gaining traction across many sectors. What are some misconceptions about AI agents? Gelman: One major misconception is that the technology is more advanced than it actually is. We’re still in the early stages, building critical infrastructure like authentication and function-calling capabilities. Right now, AI agents are more like interns—they can assist, but they’re not yet fully autonomous decision-makers. While LLMs appear powerful, we’re still some time away from having AI agents that can handle everything independently. Developing the technology and building trust with users are key challenges. I often compare this to driverless cars. While they might be safer than human drivers, we still roll them out cautiously. With AI agents, the risks aren’t physical, but we still need transparency, monitoring, and debugging capabilities to ensure they operate effectively. How can enterprises balance trust in AI agents while acknowledging the technology is still evolving? Gelman: Start simple and set clear guardrails. Build an AI agent that does one task reliably, then expand from there. Once you’ve proven the technology’s capability, you can layer in additional tasks, eventually creating a network of agents that handle multiple responsibilities. Right now, most organizations are still in the proof-of-concept phase. Some companies are using AI agents for more complex tasks, but for critical areas like financial services or healthcare, humans remain in the loop to oversee decision-making. It will take time before we can fully hand over tasks to AI agents. AI Agents Interview What is the difference between Google’s AI agent and Microsoft Copilot? Gelman: Microsoft Copilot is a product designed for business users to assist with personal tasks. Google’s approach with AI agents, particularly through Vertex AI, is more focused on API-driven, developer-based solutions that can be integrated into applications. In essence, while Copilot serves as a visible assistant for users, Vertex AI operates behind the scenes, embedded within applications, offering greater flexibility and control for enterprise customers. The real potential of AI agents lies in their ability to execute a wide range of tasks at the API level, without the limitations of a low-code/no-code interface. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

Read More
agentblazer

Agentblazers

In every industry, there are leaders who see the potential of cutting-edge technology and act as catalysts for change. In the age of AI, these forward-thinkers are known as Agentblazers. They understand that AI agents can do more than assist—they can transform operations, save costs, and shape the future of business.

Read More
How to Implement AI for Business Transformation

Trust Deepens as AI Revolutionizes Content Creation

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the content creation industry, sparking conversations about trust, authenticity, and the future of human creativity. As developers increasingly adopt AI tools, their trust in these technologies grows. Over 75% of developers now express confidence in AI, a trend that highlights the far-reaching potential of these advancements across industries. A study shared by Parametric Architecture underscores the expanding reliance on AI, with sectors ranging from marketing to architecture integrating these tools for tasks like design and communication. Yet, the implications for trust and authenticity remain nuanced, as stakeholders grapple with ensuring AI-driven content meets ethical and quality standards. Major players like Microsoft are capitalizing on this AI surge, offering solutions that enhance business efficiency. From automating emails to managing records, Microsoft’s tools demonstrate how AI can bridge the gap between human interaction and machine-driven processes. These advancements also intensify competition with other industry leaders, including Salesforce, as businesses seek smarter ways to streamline operations. In marketing, AI’s influence is particularly transformative. As noted by Karla Jo Helms in MarketingProfs, platforms like Google are adapting to the proliferation of AI-generated content by implementing stricter guidelines to combat misinformation. With projections suggesting that 90% of online content could be AI-generated by 2026, marketers face the dual challenge of maintaining authenticity while leveraging automation. Trust remains central to these efforts. According to Helms, “82% of consumers say brands must advertise on safe, accurate, and trustworthy content.” To meet these expectations, marketers must prioritize quality and transparency, aligning with Google’s emphasis on value-driven content over mass-produced AI outputs. This focus on trustworthiness is critical to maintaining audience confidence in an increasingly automated landscape. Beyond marketing, AI is making waves in diverse fields. In agriculture, Southern land-grant scientists are leveraging AI for precision spraying and disease detection, helping farmers reduce costs while improving efficiency. These innovations highlight how AI can drive strategic advancements even in traditional sectors. Across industries, the interplay between AI adoption and ethical content creation poses critical questions. AI should serve as a collaborator, enhancing rather than replacing human creativity. Achieving this balance requires transparency about AI’s role, along with regulatory frameworks to ensure accountability and ethical use. As AI takes center stage in content creation, industries must address challenges around trust and authenticity. The focus must shift from merely implementing AI to integrating it responsibly, fostering user confidence while maintaining the integrity of human narratives. Looking ahead, the path to success lies in balancing automation’s efficiency with genuine storytelling. By emphasizing ethical practices, clear communication about AI’s contributions, and a commitment to quality, content creators can cultivate trust and establish themselves as dependable voices in an increasingly AI-driven world. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

Read More
Salesforce Connected Assets

Salesforce Connected Assets

Salesforce has unveiled Connected Assets, a robust suite of capabilities in Manufacturing Cloud, designed to offer manufacturers a comprehensive, real-time perspective on connected asset data. This includes data on service history, asset status, customer records, and telematics, allowing manufacturers to monitor asset health and performance while proactively addressing maintenance needs to reduce downtime and boost customer satisfaction. Enhanced AI Capabilities for Connected AssetsConnected Assets integrates Salesforce’s advanced AI to empower teams with actionable insights. Sales, customer service, and field teams can now receive real-time alerts and quickly access asset history and health, enabling faster, data-driven support and the delivery of more personalized offers. AI-driven insights and recommendations based on asset condition, service history, and performance data enhance the ability of manufacturers to predict maintenance needs and provide proactive support, including on-site recommendations to field technicians. Innovative Features for Optimized Asset Management Salesforce PerspectiveAchyut Jajoo, SVP and GM of Manufacturing and Automotive, states, “The manufacturing industry is embracing a historic transformation toward AI-enabled modernization. Connected Assets and our sector-specific AI tools in Manufacturing Cloud empower our customers to lead with improved customer experiences, optimized asset performance, and new revenue-generating services. With Agentforce, our customers will soon be able to leverage autonomous agents to monitor connected asset data at scale, enabling them to focus on strategic, high-value initiatives.” Real-World ApplicationKawasaki Engines exemplifies Connected Assets in action, using Manufacturing Cloud to enhance customer relationships by offering proactive support and minimizing equipment downtime. “Salesforce’s Connected Assets will enable us to deliver exceptional service, keeping our customers satisfied and our products operating efficiently,” says Tony Gondick, Senior Manager of IT Business Strategy at Kawasaki Engines. Extending Across IndustriesBeyond Manufacturing Cloud, Connected Assets is also being introduced to Salesforce’s other industry clouds, such as Energy & Utilities, Communications, and Media, allowing a wide range of sectors to tap into the benefits of connected asset management, minimize downtime, and generate new value. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

Read More
Necessary Salesforce Admin Skills

Necessary Salesforce Admin Skills

In 2023, Salesforce Admins created 230,000 objects, generated over 2.7 billion reports monthly, and performed 1 trillion AI predictions weekly. These figures highlight the critical role of an Admin in the Salesforce ecosystem. However, becoming an expert Salesforce Admin requires more than just technical know-how. A blend of both technical and soft skills is essential to truly excel in this role. Whether you’re new to the role or looking to enhance your skills, learning the right abilities is key to thriving as a Salesforce Admin. In this guide, we’ll cover the essential Salesforce Admin skills you need to effectively manage the platform and drive business success. Key Takeaways 14 Essential Salesforce Admin Skills to Master These are some of the key skills outlined in Salesforce’s “Admin Skills Kit” that will help you secure top Salesforce Admin positions. 1. Communication Strong communication skills are critical for Salesforce Admins, who act as the link between technical teams, stakeholders, and users. You’ll need to explain complex processes clearly so that all parties can understand. Why It Matters: Clear communication ensures users can effectively engage with the platform and make informed decisions based on Salesforce data. How To Improve: Practice simplifying technical concepts, actively listen to others’ needs, and refine your ability to convey information clearly. 2. Problem Solving Challenges will arise in your role, from system errors to user issues. Having strong problem-solving skills allows you to identify the root cause of issues and quickly implement effective solutions. Why It Matters: Efficient problem resolution minimizes downtime and keeps the Salesforce platform running smoothly. How To Improve: Break down problems into manageable parts, brainstorm solutions, and always evaluate the impact of your decisions. 3. Attention to Detail Salesforce admins deal with complex data and processes that require accuracy. From maintaining data integrity to configuring processes, attention to detail is crucial. Why It Matters: Even small errors can result in inaccurate data, security risks, or inefficient processes. How To Improve: Double-check your work, use Salesforce validation tools, and ensure all workflows are correctly configured before launching. 4. Learner’s Mindset Salesforce evolves constantly, with frequent updates and new features. A learner’s mindset helps you stay on top of these changes and continuously improve your skills. Why It Matters: The more you know, the more value you bring. Keeping up with updates ensures you’re using the latest tools to benefit your organization. How To Improve: Engage with Salesforce communities, complete Trailhead modules, and attend webinars to stay current. 5. User Management As an Admin, you’ll be responsible for managing users, creating profiles, setting roles and permissions, and ensuring proper access to data. Why It Matters: Proper user management boosts productivity while ensuring data security. How To Improve: Learn the ins and outs of Salesforce profiles, roles, and permission sets, and practice managing users in a sandbox environment. 6. Security Management In today’s digital age, data security is a top priority. Salesforce Admins are responsible for safeguarding organizational data from unauthorized access or breaches. Why It Matters: Poor security can lead to data leaks, damaging the company’s reputation and finances. How To Improve: Master security settings, understand field-level permissions, and stay informed on two-step verification and audit tracking. 7. Business Analysis Admins need to understand the business needs of their organization. Business analysis skills help you gather requirements, understand workflows, and tailor Salesforce to meet those needs. Why It Matters: The better you understand the business, the more effectively you can customize Salesforce to add value. How To Improve: Collaborate with stakeholders to identify pain points and design solutions that address specific business needs. 8. Data Analysis Working with large data sets is a regular part of being a Salesforce Admin. Knowing how to analyze data and generate insights is essential. Why It Matters: Data analysis drives informed decision-making, streamlines workflows, and improves communication. How To Improve: Familiarize yourself with Salesforce’s reporting tools, dashboards, and data export features. 9. Data Management Effective data management is critical to maintaining a well-functioning Salesforce system. This involves data transfers, cleaning, deduplication, and archiving. Why It Matters: Clean and organized data supports accurate reporting and better decision-making. How To Improve: Learn best practices for data imports, validation rules, and data maintenance tools like Data Loader. 10. Designer’s Mindset Admins with a designer’s mindset can create user-friendly interfaces and workflows that enhance the system’s usability. Why It Matters: A well-designed interface improves the user experience, making work more efficient and enjoyable. How To Improve: Use the Lightning App Builder to create custom page layouts and optimize user flows. 11. Change Management When implementing new processes or updates, effective change management is key. This includes communication, ensuring smooth transitions, and training users on new features. Why It Matters: Proper change management ensures high adoption rates and a smooth transition to new features or updates. How To Improve: Develop communication plans, conduct training, and gather user feedback during transitions. 12. Process Automation Salesforce’s automation capabilities allow admins to streamline repetitive tasks. Automation skills help you create workflows, approval processes, and automated communications. Why It Matters: Automating repetitive tasks saves time and ensures that critical business processes are followed consistently. How To Improve: Learn how to use Flows, Process Builder, and Workflow Rules to automate business operations. 13. Product Management A product management mindset helps Admins align the platform with users’ and stakeholders’ needs, ensuring Salesforce delivers value to the organization. Why It Matters: Meeting evolving business needs ensures you continue to add value as an Admin. How To Improve: Collect user feedback, prioritize requests, and align updates with overall business goals. 14. Project Management Salesforce Admins often lead projects such as implementing new features or migrating data. Strong project management skills are essential to execute these tasks effectively. Why It Matters: Good project management ensures that goals are met on time and within budget. How To Improve: Get comfortable with project management tools, scheduling, resource management, and stakeholder communication. Conclusion The role of a Salesforce Admin combines both technical and soft skills like communication,

Read More
AI Strategy for Your Business

AI Strategy for Your Business

How to Create a Winning AI Strategy for Your Business To maximize the value of AI, organizations must align their AI projects with strategic business objectives. Here’s a 10-step guide to crafting an effective AI strategy, including sample templates to support your planning. While AI adoption is on the rise, many companies still struggle to unlock its full potential. According to the 2024 IDC report Scaling AI Initiatives Responsibly, even organizations with advanced AI practices, termed “AI Masters,” face a 13% failure rate, while those still emerging in AI see a 20% failure rate. Challenges such as poor data quality and cultural resistance often contribute to these failures. To avoid these pitfalls, companies need to adopt a more deliberate and strategic approach to AI implementation. As Nick Kramer from SSA & Company states, “It’s not just about implementing the right technology; a lot of work needs to be done beforehand to succeed with AI.” What is an AI Strategy and Why is it Important? An AI strategy unifies all necessary components—such as data, technology, and talent—required to achieve business goals through AI. This includes: A well-designed AI strategy sets clear directions on how AI should be leveraged to achieve optimal outcomes within the organization. 10 Steps to Craft a Successful AI Strategy Resources for AI Strategy Templates If you’re ready to start building your AI strategy, here are several resources offering templates and guidance: By following these steps and utilizing the right resources, businesses can ensure they capture AI in ways that align with their strategic goals and maximize their competitive edge. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more Alphabet Soup of Cloud Terminology As with any technology, the cloud brings its own alphabet soup of terms. This insight will hopefully help you navigate Read more

Read More
AI Assistants Using LangGraph

AI Assistants Using LangGraph

In the evolving world of AI, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) systems have become standard for handling straightforward queries and generating contextually relevant responses. However, as demand grows for more sophisticated AI applications, there is a need for systems that move beyond simple retrieval tasks. Enter AI agents—autonomous entities capable of executing complex, multi-step processes, maintaining state across interactions, and dynamically adapting to new information. LangGraph, a powerful extension of the LangChain library, is designed to help developers build these advanced AI agents, enabling stateful, multi-actor applications with cyclic computation capabilities. AI Assistants Using LangGraph. In this insight, we’ll explore how LangGraph revolutionizes AI development and provide a step-by-step guide to building your own AI agent using an example that computes energy savings for solar panels. This example will demonstrate how LangGraph’s unique features enable the creation of intelligent, adaptable, and practical AI systems. What is LangGraph? LangGraph is an advanced library built on top of LangChain, designed to extend Large Language Model (LLM) applications by introducing cyclic computational capabilities. While LangChain allows for the creation of Directed Acyclic Graphs (DAGs) for linear workflows, LangGraph enhances this by enabling the addition of cycles—essential for developing agent-like behaviors. These cycles allow LLMs to continuously loop through processes, making decisions dynamically based on evolving inputs. LangGraph: Nodes, States, and Edges The core of LangGraph lies in its stateful graph structure: LangGraph redefines AI development by managing the graph structure, state, and coordination, allowing for the creation of sophisticated, multi-actor applications. With automatic state management and precise agent coordination, LangGraph facilitates innovative workflows while minimizing technical complexity. Its flexibility enables the development of high-performance applications, and its scalability ensures robust and reliable systems, even at the enterprise level. Step-by-step Guide Now that we understand LangGraph’s capabilities, let’s dive into a practical example. We’ll build an AI agent that calculates potential energy savings for solar panels based on user input. This agent can function as a lead generation tool on a solar panel seller’s website, providing personalized savings estimates based on key data like monthly electricity costs. This example highlights how LangGraph can automate complex tasks and deliver business value. Step 1: Import Necessary Libraries We start by importing the essential Python libraries and modules for the project. pythonCopy codefrom langchain_core.tools import tool from langchain_community.tools.tavily_search import TavilySearchResults from langchain_core.prompts import ChatPromptTemplate from langchain_core.runnables import Runnable from langchain_aws import ChatBedrock import boto3 from typing import Annotated from typing_extensions import TypedDict from langgraph.graph.message import AnyMessage, add_messages from langchain_core.messages import ToolMessage from langchain_core.runnables import RunnableLambda from langgraph.prebuilt import ToolNode Step 2: Define the Tool for Calculating Solar Savings Next, we define a tool to calculate potential energy savings based on the user’s monthly electricity cost. pythonCopy code@tool def compute_savings(monthly_cost: float) -> float: “”” Tool to compute the potential savings when switching to solar energy based on the user’s monthly electricity cost. Args: monthly_cost (float): The user’s current monthly electricity cost. Returns: dict: A dictionary containing: – ‘number_of_panels’: The estimated number of solar panels required. – ‘installation_cost’: The estimated installation cost. – ‘net_savings_10_years’: The net savings over 10 years after installation costs. “”” def calculate_solar_savings(monthly_cost): cost_per_kWh = 0.28 cost_per_watt = 1.50 sunlight_hours_per_day = 3.5 panel_wattage = 350 system_lifetime_years = 10 monthly_consumption_kWh = monthly_cost / cost_per_kWh daily_energy_production = monthly_consumption_kWh / 30 system_size_kW = daily_energy_production / sunlight_hours_per_day number_of_panels = system_size_kW * 1000 / panel_wattage installation_cost = system_size_kW * 1000 * cost_per_watt annual_savings = monthly_cost * 12 total_savings_10_years = annual_savings * system_lifetime_years net_savings = total_savings_10_years – installation_cost return { “number_of_panels”: round(number_of_panels), “installation_cost”: round(installation_cost, 2), “net_savings_10_years”: round(net_savings, 2) } return calculate_solar_savings(monthly_cost) Step 3: Set Up State Management and Error Handling We define utilities to manage state and handle errors during tool execution. pythonCopy codedef handle_tool_error(state) -> dict: error = state.get(“error”) tool_calls = state[“messages”][-1].tool_calls return { “messages”: [ ToolMessage( content=f”Error: {repr(error)}n please fix your mistakes.”, tool_call_id=tc[“id”], ) for tc in tool_calls ] } def create_tool_node_with_fallback(tools: list) -> dict: return ToolNode(tools).with_fallbacks( [RunnableLambda(handle_tool_error)], exception_key=”error” ) Step 4: Define the State and Assistant Class We create the state management class and the assistant responsible for interacting with users. pythonCopy codeclass State(TypedDict): messages: Annotated[list[AnyMessage], add_messages] class Assistant: def __init__(self, runnable: Runnable): self.runnable = runnable def __call__(self, state: State): while True: result = self.runnable.invoke(state) if not result.tool_calls and ( not result.content or isinstance(result.content, list) and not result.content[0].get(“text”) ): messages = state[“messages”] + [(“user”, “Respond with a real output.”)] state = {**state, “messages”: messages} else: break return {“messages”: result} Step 5: Set Up the LLM with AWS Bedrock We configure AWS Bedrock to enable advanced LLM capabilities. pythonCopy codedef get_bedrock_client(region): return boto3.client(“bedrock-runtime”, region_name=region) def create_bedrock_llm(client): return ChatBedrock(model_id=’anthropic.claude-3-sonnet-20240229-v1:0′, client=client, model_kwargs={‘temperature’: 0}, region_name=’us-east-1′) llm = create_bedrock_llm(get_bedrock_client(region=’us-east-1′)) Step 6: Define the Assistant’s Workflow We create a template and bind the tools to the assistant’s workflow. pythonCopy codeprimary_assistant_prompt = ChatPromptTemplate.from_messages( [ ( “system”, ”’You are a helpful customer support assistant for Solar Panels Belgium. Get the following information from the user: – monthly electricity cost Ask for clarification if necessary. ”’, ), (“placeholder”, “{messages}”), ] ) part_1_tools = [compute_savings] part_1_assistant_runnable = primary_assistant_prompt | llm.bind_tools(part_1_tools) Step 7: Build the Graph Structure We define nodes and edges for managing the AI assistant’s conversation flow. pythonCopy codebuilder = StateGraph(State) builder.add_node(“assistant”, Assistant(part_1_assistant_runnable)) builder.add_node(“tools”, create_tool_node_with_fallback(part_1_tools)) builder.add_edge(START, “assistant”) builder.add_conditional_edges(“assistant”, tools_condition) builder.add_edge(“tools”, “assistant”) memory = MemorySaver() graph = builder.compile(checkpointer=memory) Step 8: Running the Assistant The assistant can now be run through its graph structure to interact with users. python import uuidtutorial_questions = [ ‘hey’, ‘can you calculate my energy saving’, “my montly cost is $100, what will I save”]thread_id = str(uuid.uuid4())config = {“configurable”: {“thread_id”: thread_id}}_printed = set()for question in tutorial_questions: events = graph.stream({“messages”: (“user”, question)}, config, stream_mode=”values”) for event in events: _print_event(event, _printed) Conclusion By following these steps, you can create AI Assistants Using LangGraph to calculate solar panel savings based on user input. This tutorial demonstrates how LangGraph empowers developers to create intelligent, adaptable systems capable of handling complex tasks efficiently. Whether your application is in customer support, energy management, or other domains, LangGraph provides the Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched

Read More
gettectonic.com