Clari Archives - gettectonic.com

Mastering AI Prompts

Mastering AI Prompts: OpenAI’s Guide to Optimizing Reasoning Models OpenAI has released an updated prompting guide that reveals how to get the most accurate and useful responses from its reasoning models. As AI becomes more advanced, how you ask questions significantly impacts the quality of answers. Whether you’re a developer, business leader, or researcher, these best practices will help refine your AI interactions. Key Prompting Strategies from OpenAI 1. Simplicity Wins: Keep Prompts Direct Overloading prompts with unnecessary instructions can confuse the model. Instead of micromanaging its reasoning, trust the AI’s built-in logic. ✅ Better:“Analyze sales trends from this dataset.” ❌ Less Effective:“Break down this dataset step-by-step, explain each calculation, and ensure statistical best practices are followed.” 2. Skip the “Think Step by Step” Approach While some believe explicitly asking for reasoning helps, OpenAI found that models already optimize for logic—adding such instructions can backfire. ✅ Better:“What’s 25% of 200?” ❌ Less Effective:“Explain your reasoning step-by-step to calculate 25% of 200.” Need an explanation? Ask for it after getting the answer. 3. Use Delimiters for Complex Inputs When feeding structured data, contracts, or multi-part questions, clear separators prevent misinterpretation. ✅ Better: Copy Summarize the contract below: — [Contract text] — ❌ Less Effective:“Summarize this contract: The first party agrees to…” 4. Limit Context in Retrieval-Augmented Tasks When referencing external documents, only include relevant sections—too much info dilutes accuracy. ✅ Better:“Summarize key points from Sections 2 and 3 of this report.” ❌ Less Effective:“Read this 10-page document and summarize everything.” 5. Define Constraints for Precision The more specific your requirements, the better the output. ✅ Better:“Suggest a $500/month LinkedIn ad strategy for a B2B SaaS startup.” ❌ Less Effective:“Suggest a marketing plan.” 6. Iterate for Better Results If the first response isn’t perfect, refine your prompt with additional details. First Attempt:“Give me startup ideas.” Refined Prompt:“Suggest AI-powered B2B SaaS ideas for small business accounting.” Why This Matters OpenAI’s findings show that optimized prompting = better outputs. Whether you’re integrating AI into apps or using it for research, these techniques ensure smarter, faster, and more reliable responses. Try these strategies today—how will you refine your prompts? 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 analytics insurance

4 Steps to Unlock the Right Marketing Insights

Overwhelmed by Dashboard Data? 4 Steps to Unlock the Right Marketing Insights An effective dashboard should present marketing data clearly and concisely, enabling teams to quickly extract insights and make confident decisions. 4 Steps to Unlock the Right Marketing Insights Turning Data into Action with Trusted Insights Imagine walking into a restaurant with an overwhelming menu—dozens of dishes spanning multiple cuisines, making it difficult to choose. While the food may be good, the sheer volume of options leads to decision fatigue, causing diners to default to familiar choices rather than exploring new possibilities. The same challenge applies to marketing dashboards. When cluttered with excessive metrics, they become difficult to navigate, obscuring key insights rather than revealing them. A well-designed dashboard, like a well-curated menu, should guide users to the most valuable information—helping them act quickly and strategically. The Difference Between Reporting and Insights Many dashboards fall into the trap of displaying every possible metric, but true value comes from actionable insights, not just raw data. Example: A live campaign shows that email conversions outperform social ads. Instead of just noting the discrepancy, an insights-driven dashboard helps marketers diagnose why—perhaps stronger subject lines or better landing page alignment—and adjust social strategies in real time for immediate improvement. 4 Steps to Build Dashboards That Drive Decisions To transform dashboards from data overload into insight engines, follow this structured approach: 1. Define the User Persona Dashboards should cater to specific roles, not broad audiences. Different stakeholders need different insights: A one-size-fits-all dashboard drowns users in irrelevant data. Instead, tailor views to each persona’s core needs. 2. Align with Daily Tasks Collaborate with users to understand how they apply data in their workflows. A well-designed dashboard should: 3. Answer Key Business Questions Every dashboard should directly address the user’s most critical questions, such as: Prioritize KPIs that drive action, like:✔ Impressions (Reach)✔ Click-through rate (CTR) (Engagement)✔ Conversion rate (CVR) (Effectiveness)✔ Revenue per sale (ROI) Supplement these with supporting metrics (e.g., time on site, repeat visits) to uncover deeper trends. 4. Design for Clarity and Impact A great dashboard balances simplicity with depth: Example for Executives: A high-level dashboard showing revenue, CAC, and CLTV by region helps identify growth opportunities. If one region shows strong CLTV, leadership might invest further in similar markets. The Result? Faster, Smarter Decisions By focusing on personas, tasks, key questions, and clarity, marketers can move beyond data overload and unlock real business value. The best dashboards don’t just report numbers—they illuminate the path forward. Ready to streamline your insights? Start by having Tectonic refine one dashboard using these steps—and watch decision-making improve. 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: Modernizing 311 and Case Management

Join Tectonic for an informational webinar on Salesforce Agentforce, Modernizing 311 services, and Case management. In this webinar you will hear: For more information fill out the contact us form below or reach out to the Public Sector team PublicSector@GetTectonic.com Get ready for the Next Frontier in Enterprise AI: Shaping Public Policies for Trusted AI Agents! AI agents are a technological revolution – the third wave of artificial intelligence after predictive and generative AI. They go beyond traditional automation, being capable of searching for relevant data, analyzing it to formulate a plan, and then putting the plan into action. Users can configure agents with guardrails that specify what actions they can take and when tasks should be handed off to humans. For the past 25 years, Salesforce has led their customers through every major technological shift: from cloud, to mobile, to predictive and generative AI, and, today, agentic AI. We are at the cusp of a pivotal moment for enterprise AI that has the opportunity to supercharge productivity and change the way we work forever. This will require governments working together with industry, civil society, and all stakeholders to ensure responsible technological advancement and workforce readiness. We look forward to continuing our contributions to the public policy discussions on trusted enterprise AI agents. 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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salesforce starter

Essential Teams Every SMB Needs

Lean & Mean: The Essential Teams Every SMB Needs to Thrive Gone are the days when success required massive budgets and bloated teams. Today’s most competitive small and medium businesses (SMBs) run lean, agile operations—often with remote teams, strategic outsourcing, and smart automation. But while you can cut costs, you can’t cut corners on these six core teams—the engine that keeps your business moving forward. 1. Sales & Customer Acquisition: Your Growth Engine Mission: Turn prospects into paying customers. Key Focus Areas: ✅ Lead generation – Find your ideal customers (social media, referrals, targeted outreach).✅ Pipeline management – Never let a hot lead slip through the cracks.✅ Closing deals – Guide buyers with confidence. Pro Tip: A CRM like Salesforce Starter Suite automates follow-ups, tracks leads, and uses AI to predict the best next steps. 2. Finance & Accounting: Your Money Guardians Mission: Keep cash flowing and finances healthy. Key Focus Areas: ✅ Bookkeeping – Track income, expenses, and profits.✅ Invoicing & payments – Get paid faster, pay vendors on time.✅ Tax compliance – Avoid penalties with organized records. Pro Tip: Tools like QuickBooks automate invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting. 3. Marketing & Branding: Your Storytellers Mission: Make sure the right people know (and love) your business. Key Focus Areas: ✅ Content marketing – Blogs, social media, videos that build trust.✅ Multi-channel campaigns – Email, social, SEO, ads.✅ Brand consistency – Same look, voice, and vibe everywhere. Pro Tip: With AI-powered tools like Agentforce, you can launch campaigns in minutes—just give a prompt, and it drafts emails, schedules posts, and optimizes engagement. 4. Operations & Logistics: Your Efficiency Experts Mission: Keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Key Focus Areas: ✅ Inventory management – Avoid stockouts or overstocking.✅ Supply chain optimization – Faster, cheaper deliveries.✅ Process automation – Reduce manual work. Pro Tip: Platforms like ShipBob automate order fulfillment, while Salesforce Operations Hub streamlines workflows. 5. Customer Support & Success: Your Retention Army Mission: Keep customers happy so they keep coming back. Key Focus Areas: ✅ Quick response times – Solve issues fast.✅ Proactive check-ins – Ensure customers succeed with your product.✅ Self-service options – FAQs, chatbots, tutorials. Pro Tip: Agentforce AI assistants handle 24/7 support, answering FAQs and escalating only when needed. 6. People & Culture: Your Team Builders Mission: Attract, retain, and empower top talent. Key Focus Areas: ✅ Hiring & onboarding – Find people who fit your culture.✅ Payroll & benefits – Keep employees happy.✅ Employee engagement – Foster a great workplace. Pro Tip: Salesforce Employee Service Management automates HR workflows, so your team spends less time on admin. How to Structure Your SMB for Success You don’t need corporate-level bureaucracy—just clarity, flexibility, and the right tools. 5 Steps to Build a Scalable Team Structure: 1️⃣ Identify core functions – What’s essential? (Sales, finance, marketing, ops, support, HR).2️⃣ Assign (or outsource) key roles – No need to hire full-time if a tool or freelancer can do it.3️⃣ Encourage cross-team collaboration – Break silos; share insights.4️⃣ Automate repetitive work – Free up time for high-value tasks.5️⃣ Stay adaptable – Evolve roles as you grow. The Bottom Line:With lean teams + smart tech, SMBs can punch above their weight. Starter Suite brings sales, service, marketing, and operations into one platform—so you stay nimble as you scale. 🚀 Want to optimize your small biz? Explore Salesforce for SMBs #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Salesforce #AI #BusinessGrowth 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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Commerce Cloud and Agentic AI

5 Mindset Shifts That Revolutionized Salesforce Help with AI

When Salesforce challenged us to reinvent our help portal in just five days, we didn’t just redesign a UI—we reimagined how AI could transform customer support. Here’s how we turned Salesforce Help into an intuitive, agent-driven experience—and the key mindset shifts that made it possible. The Challenge: A Help Portal at Scale Salesforce Help serves 60 million annual visitors across 750,000+ articles in 18 languages. Yet, despite this vast knowledge base: Our mission? Reduce friction, boost self-service, and make help feel human—fast. From Static Portal to AI-Powered Guide: 5 Key Shifts 1. From Navigation to Conversation Old Approach: New Mindset: Result: Faster resolutions, fewer drop-offs. 2. From Content Management to Knowledge Engineering Old Approach: New Mindset: Result: Smarter self-service, fewer support tickets. 3. From Siloed Teams to Rapid Collaboration Old Approach: New Mindset: Result: A full UI overhaul in 5 days. 4. From Rigid UI to Adaptive Engagement Old Approach: New Mindset: Result: Feels like a helpful conversation, not a maze. 5. From Feature-Centric to Outcome-Driven Old Approach: New Mindset: Result: Cleaner, faster, higher adoption. The Impact: A Blueprint for AI-Powered Help Watch the full story: Salesforce+ Video Your Turn: How Will You Rethink Support? AI isn’t just about adding chatbots—it’s about redesigning experiences around how people actually seek help. Ask yourself: Less is more. Clarity is king. And sometimes, a 5-day sprint can change everything. 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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top ai sales tools

Salesforce’s 7 Top AI Sales Tools and Software for 2025

Based on Erin Hueffner, Writer, Salesblazer. article Your AI Sales Tools can double the sales calls generated from inbound leads! They can convert 40% more customers! AI-driven automation can eliminate many time-consuming and repetitive tasks and accelerate workflows. Sales AI tools often use algorithms to automate sales operations, like adding information from customer calls and emails to a CRM database. AI can also streamline several key follow-ups to prospects after a sales call. Reclaim Your Selling Time with AI Sales Tools What if you could spend less time on admin and more time closing deals? Manual tasks like updating CRMs, drafting emails, and compiling reports drain productivity—and our State of Sales research shows 67% of reps risk missing quotas, partly due to inefficient tech stacks. AI sales tools are changing the game. By automating workflows, analyzing data, and personalizing outreach, they empower teams to focus on what truly drives revenue: building relationships and sealing deals. Here’s how AI is revolutionizing sales—and the top tools to help your team work smarter. What Are AI Sales Tools? AI sales tools leverage automation, machine learning, and predictive analytics to:✅ Eliminate busywork (data entry, scheduling, note-taking)✅ Uncover insights (lead scoring, deal forecasts, market trends)✅ Enhance engagement (personalized emails, call coaching, real-time recommendations) For SMBs, AI acts as a smart assistant; for enterprises, it scales into predictive forecasting and pipeline optimization. The result? Reps spend less time on logistics and more time selling. How AI Sales Tools Work These tools integrate with your CRM to: The impact is clear: 83% of AI-powered teams grew revenue last year vs. 66% without AI. 9 Top AI Sales Tools (Rated 4+ Stars) Curated from G2 and Capterra, these platforms excel in usability, features, and ROI. 1. Salesforce (Sales Cloud) 2. Outreach 3. Apollo.io 4. Pipedrive 5. Gong 6. Salesloft 7. APE AI 8. Clari 9. Instantly AI 5 Must-Have AI Sales Tool Features Trends Shaping AI Sales Tools in 2024 🔮 Deeper Analytics: AI spots hidden pipeline opportunities.🤖 Autonomous Assistants: Tools like Agentforce handle lead nurturing 24/7.🔒 Tighter Security: Encryption and privacy controls are non-negotiable.🛠️ Bias Guardrails: AI outputs are fact-checked to maintain trust. How to Choose the Right Tool The Bottom Line AI sales tools aren’t just about efficiency—they’re revenue multipliers. By automating grunt work and sharpening strategy, they help teams: Ready to upgrade your sales stack? The right AI tool can turn missed quotas into exceeded targets. Key Takeaways: Which sales task would you automate first? Let us know in the comments. 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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How Salesforce’s 5-Level Framework for AI Agents Cuts Through the Hype

How Salesforce’s 5-Level Framework for AI Agents Cuts Through the Hype

The tech industry is abuzz with talk of AI agents, but what can they actually accomplish? Amid the noise, Salesforce has introduced a practical five-level framework—the Agentic Maturity Model—that clarifies the real capabilities and limitations of today’s AI agents. The Problem with AI Agent Hype AI agents are often overpromised, vaguely defined, and limited by ecosystem barriers. Major players like Microsoft and Google tout AI agents for everything from enterprise workflows to personal computing, yet many of these tools remain constrained by data silos and interoperability issues. Salesforce’s framework provides a structured way to assess AI agent maturity, helping businesses distinguish between basic automation and truly intelligent, cross-platform AI systems. The 5 Levels of AI Agent Maturity Level 0: Fixed Rules & Repetitive Tasks Level 1: Information Retrieval Agents Level 2: Simple Orchestration, Single Domain Level 3: Complex Orchestration, Multiple Domains Level 4: Multi-Agent Orchestration Why This Framework Matters Salesforce’s model demystifies AI agent capabilities, helping businesses:✅ Evaluate vendor claims (Is it Level 2 or Level 4?).✅ Plan AI adoption (Start with Level 0 automation, then scale up).✅ Avoid ecosystem lock-in by understanding data interoperability challenges. Final Verdict: A Much-Needed Reality Check While AI agents hold immense potential, most current implementations are far from autonomous. Salesforce’s framework provides a clear, honest roadmap—helping businesses cut through the hype and adopt AI agents strategically. For now, Levels 0-2 are widely achievable, while Levels 3-4 remain aspirational for most organizations. The key takeaway? AI agents are evolving, but true cross-platform intelligence is still a work in progress. What’s Next?Businesses should: Salesforce’s framework is a wake-up call: AI agents are powerful, but not magic. The future lies in practical, phased adoption—not blind hype. 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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Prompt Decorators

Prompt Decorators

Prompt Decorators: A Structured Approach to Enhancing AI Responses Artificial intelligence has transformed how we interact with technology, offering powerful capabilities in content generation, research, and problem-solving. However, the quality of AI responses often hinges on how effectively users craft their prompts. Many encounter challenges such as vague answers, inconsistent outputs, and the need for repetitive refinement. Prompt Decorators provide a solution—structured prefixes that guide AI models to generate clearer, more logical, and better-organized responses. Inspired by Python decorators, this method standardizes prompt engineering, making AI interactions more efficient and reliable. The Challenge of AI Prompting While AI models like ChatGPT excel at generating human-like text, their outputs can vary widely based on prompt phrasing. Common issues include: Without a systematic approach, users waste time fine-tuning prompts instead of getting useful answers. What Are Prompt Decorators? Prompt Decorators are simple prefixes added to prompts to modify AI behavior. They enforce structured reasoning, improve accuracy, and customize responses. Example Without a Decorator: “Suggest a name for an AI YouTube channel.”→ The AI may return a basic list of names without justification. Example With +++Reasoning Decorator: “+++Reasoning Suggest a name for an AI YouTube channel.”→ The AI first explains its naming criteria (e.g., clarity, memorability, relevance) before generating suggestions. Key Prompt Decorators & Their Uses Decorator Function Example Use Case +++Reasoning Forces AI to explain logic before answering “+++Reasoning What’s the best AI model for text generation?” +++StepByStep Breaks complex tasks into clear steps “+++StepByStep How do I fine-tune an LLM?” +++Debate Presents pros and cons for balanced discussion “+++Debate Is cryptocurrency a good investment?” +++Critique Evaluates strengths/weaknesses before suggesting improvements “+++Critique Analyze the pros and cons of online education.” +++Refine(N) Iteratively improves responses (N = refinement rounds) “+++Refine(3) Write a tagline for an AI startup.” +++CiteSources Includes references for claims “+++CiteSources Who invented the printing press?” +++FactCheck Prioritizes verified information “+++FactCheck What are the health benefits of coffee?” +++OutputFormat(FMT) Structures responses (JSON, Markdown, etc.) “+++OutputFormat(JSON) List top AI trends in 2024.” +++Tone(STYLE) Adjusts response tone (formal, casual, etc.) “+++Tone(Formal) Write an email requesting a deadline extension.” Why Use Prompt Decorators? Real-World Applications The Future of Prompt Decorators As AI evolves, Prompt Decorators could: Conclusion Prompt Decorators offer a simple yet powerful way to enhance AI interactions. By integrating structured directives, users can achieve more reliable, insightful, and actionable outputs—reducing frustration and unlocking AI’s full potential. 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 Custom AI Agents

Understanding AI Agents

Understanding AI Agents: How They Differ from Copilots and Assistants The AI landscape is evolving rapidly, with terms like AI agents, copilots, and assistants often used interchangeably. But what truly distinguishes them? This analysis clarifies their differences, maps them against real-world AI tools, and identifies gaps in today’s market. Why This Distinction Matters Understanding AI agent capabilities is crucial for: By 2025, AI agents are expected to become enterprise-ready, with the market projected to grow 45% annually, reaching $47 billion by 2030 (MarketsandMarkets). Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella even suggests that agentic applications could replace traditional SaaS. But what makes an AI tool an agent rather than just a copilot or assistant? Defining AI Agents, Copilots, and Assistants 1. AI Agents: Autonomous Goal-Seekers Gartner’s definition (2024): “AI agents are autonomous or semi-autonomous software entities that use AI techniques to perceive, make decisions, take actions, and achieve goals in their digital or physical environments.” Key capabilities:✔ Autonomy – Acts independently.✔ Goal-driven behavior – Works toward broader objectives.✔ Environmental interaction – Uses tools (actions), sensors (perception), and data retrieval.✔ Learning & memory – Adapts over time.✔ Proactivity – Acts on triggers, not just user commands. Example: Agentforce (Salesforce’s AI agent) autonomously creates marketing campaigns by analyzing CRM data. 2. AI Copilots: Collaborative Partners Microsoft’s perspective: “Copilots enhance decision-making by offering context-specific recommendations and work collaboratively with humans.” Key differences from agents: Example: Cursor (AI coding assistant) helps developers by auto-completing and refining code in real time. 3. AI Assistants: Task-Based Helpers Example: ChatGPT (basic version) answers questions but doesn’t autonomously execute tasks. The Agent-Copilot-Assistant Spectrum Feature AI Assistant AI Copilot AI Agent Autonomy ❌ No ⚠️ Semi ✅ Yes Goal-driven ❌ No ⚠️ Partial ✅ Yes Tools & Actions ❌ No ⚠️ Limited ✅ Yes Sensors/Triggers ❌ No ❌ No ✅ Yes Memory & Learning ❌ No ✅ Yes ✅ Yes Proactivity ❌ No ⚠️ Some ✅ Yes Current Market Gaps: Where AI Tools Fall Short Despite advancements, most AI tools today don’t fully meet agent or copilot criteria: 1. Most “Agents” Lack True Autonomy 2. Copilots Often Lack Memory 3. Assistants Dominate the Market Many popular AI tools (Grammarly, Canva AI, Remove.bg) are task-specific assistants, not true copilots or agents. The Future of AI Agents & Copilots Key Takeaways ✔ AI agents act autonomously, copilots collaborate, and assistants follow commands.✔ Today’s “agents” are semi-autonomous—true autonomy is still evolving.✔ Most AI tools are still assistants, with only a few (like GitHub Copilot) qualifying as copilots.✔ Memory, proactivity, and sensors are the biggest gaps in current AI offerings. For businesses and developers, this presents an opportunity: those who build true copilots and safe agents will lead the next wave of AI adoption. 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 for Product Builders

AI for Product Builders

Practical AI for Product Builders: Beyond the Hype Cutting Through the White AI Noise AI dominates tech conversations—yet much of the discussion feels abstract. What’s often missing is a practical guide for integrating AI into real products. How can AI: ✔ Enhance user experiences?✔ Enable new capabilities?✔ Improve existing features (faster/cheaper/better)?✔ And—just as importantly—when shouldn’t you use it? As product and UX professionals, we solve user problems with the best tools available. AI expands that toolkit in surprising ways. This guide breaks down key techniques so you can confidently say: AI Basics: What We’re Really Talking About Large Language Models (LLMs) = Word Prediction Engines When people say “AI” today, they usually mean LLMs—the technology behind ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and others. How they work: Comparison: An huge team of forgetful interns. Each time you chat, you’re talking to a new intern who reads the previous conversation before responding. Key limitations: Moving Beyond Chatbots Chatbots were the first wave of AI products, but conversational interfaces aren’t always the best solution. Example: AI Image Editing Problem: You generate an image of a cat in a café but want to tweak one poster. ✅ GUI + AI (e.g., Photoshop Generative Fill) ❌ Chat-only (e.g., ChatGPT + DALL-E) Lesson: Direct manipulation (GUI) + AI > Chat-only interfaces for many use cases. The AI Toolbox: Key Techniques 1. LLM Prompting What: Basic text-in, text-out AI (like ChatGPT). Best for: Limitations: 2. Image Generation What: Models like DALL-E, Imagen, Midjourney create images from text. Best for: Key Insight: 3. Structured Output & Tool Use Problem: Raw LLM output is messy for apps. Solution: Force responses into predefined formats (e.g., JSON). Example: Tool Use: Lets LLMs “choose” next actions (e.g., search orders vs. ask clarifying questions). 4. Embeddings What: Convert text into numerical vectors (“meaning coordinates”). Why it matters: Use cases: 5. Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) What: Combine LLMs with your own data. How it works: Benefits: When Not to Use AI Red Flags in AI Product Design 🚩 “We need an AI strategy” → Focus on user needs, not tech for tech’s sake.🚩 Sparkly “AI” buttons → AI should feel seamless, not tacked-on. Remember: Many “smart” features (e.g., Apple’s “Magic” tools) don’t require AI. The Path Forward AI enables new possibilities, but great products still solve real problems. Use these tools to: AI isn’t magic. But used thoughtfully, it can help build products that are. Next steps: 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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Building Trust in AI-Powered CRM

Building Trust in AI-Powered CRM

Building Trust in AI-Powered CRM: The Key to Successful Adoption Why Education and Trust Matter in AI-Driven CRM To maximize the benefits of AI-powered CRM systems, organizations must focus on two critical pillars: Despite growing AI adoption, Forrester’s research reveals significant gaps: 1. The AI Knowledge Gap 2. Trust Barriers in Generative AI Top concerns delaying genAI adoption:🔒 Security risks – Fear of leaking customer PII or confidential data⚖️ Compliance risks – Potential violations of GDPR, CCPA, or copyright laws✍️ Output reliability – AI-generated content may be misleading or inaccurate “Deploying unchecked AI responses can damage brand credibility. Human oversight remains essential.” 3. AI-Powered CRM: Security as a Competitive Advantage Businesses prioritize vendors who proactively address: How to Build AI Confidence in Your Organization For Employees ✔ Role-based AI training – Tailor education to sales, service, and marketing teams✔ Hands-on sandbox environments – Let teams test AI tools risk-free✔ Clear guidelines – Define approved vs. restricted AI use cases For Customers ✔ Transparent data policies – Explain how AI improves their experience✔ Opt-in controls – Let users manage data-sharing preferences✔ Human-AI collaboration – Ensure sensitive interactions always have human review The Path Forward While AI-powered CRM adoption continues rising, trust remains the differentiator. Companies that:✅ Invest in AI education✅ Prioritize responsible data practices✅ Choose vendors with robust security …will gain a competitive edge—turning AI skepticism into customer and employee confidence. Ready to implement AI-powered CRM the right way? Let Tectonic lead the way! 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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What Are The Value of Breadcrumbs

What Are The Value of Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs on a website provide a visual path for users to understand their location and navigate back to higher-level pages or the homepage, improving user experience and SEO. They act as a secondary navigation tool, especially helpful for sites with complex hierarchies or deep-level content.  Benefits of Breadcrumbs: Types of Breadcrumbs: Best Practices: 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 OEM AppExchange

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. This move allows on-demand service providers in various industries to leverage Salesforce’s powerful platform. The OEM edition extends the Salesforce.com platform to third-party SaaS providers, enabling them to tap into its core features, such as the operating system, customization tools, Web Service APIs, workflow, and business logic, according to Kendall Collins, Salesforce’s Vice President of Product Marketing. For example, a real estate management software vendor could utilize Salesforce’s dashboard, customizing it to track real estate data like foreclosures instead of sales opportunities. AppExchange OEM Edition will be available for per user per month, with users managing the pricing and availability of their specific solutions. This expansion highlights the growing adoption of the on-demand model in industries beyond CRM. ISV (Independent Software Vendor) companies commonly sell licenses for their apps via the Salesforce AppExchange, which is one of the most popular methods. For example, they might sell five licenses for a managed package app. With the new AppExchange checkout features powered by Stripe (previously Recurly), processing payments for these licenses is straightforward. Some companies choose to make revenue by selling CRM licenses in addition to their apps, often offering customers discounted CRM licenses. These ISV licenses are custom-built and contractually limited to specific objects and permissions. A significant level of trust is involved, as Salesforce can audit the end-customer at any time to ensure they are only using the objects specified in the agreement. When it comes to pricing, ISVs often charge in two parts: one fee for the app license and another for the CRM license. However, this is typically bundled as a single charge to the customer for simplicity. Customers can adopt these ISV apps as part of a broader Salesforce org, using several onboarding methods, including Trialforce, an AppExchange free trial, or an install with a trial period expiration date. These apps are often integrated into larger business processes, providing value beyond their standalone features. OEM Licensing: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and Embedded licensing are essentially the same. OEM licenses are designed for internal apps. For portals, ISV Portal licenses are used, though these do not include Chatter and must interact via a Force.com site. These licenses function similarly to Authenticated Website or Customer Portal licenses. OEM licensing allows companies to use Salesforce as a controlled environment to present their app. For instance, a developer might opt for the OEM model to prevent end-users from making any customizations. The app would have one admin user who sees that it is running on Salesforce, while other users interact with it through a custom interface built on a Force.com site. A common concern for OEM app developers is pricing. While Chatter Plus licenses cost $15 per month (for CRM only), developers often seek clarification on the cost of OEM licenses from Salesforce, hoping for a rate lower than $15 per user per month. They must also factor in their own fees on top of the Salesforce OEM license price. Key Differences Between ISV and OEM Licensing: In an OEM setup, at least one full Salesforce System Administrator is required in the customer’s org. However, this admin does not have the ability to add more licenses to the org or alter the customizations visible to end-users, so their influence over the app’s functionality is limited. ISV app licenses offer more flexibility and are commonly available on the AppExchange, OEM apps represent a complete solution that uses Salesforce as a platform but often hides the underlying Salesforce infrastructure from end-users. Like1 Related Posts 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 Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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