LNNs mark a significant departure from traditional, rigid AI structures, drawing deeply from the adaptable nature of biological neural systems. MIT researchers explored how organisms manage complex decision-making and dynamic responses with minimal neurons, translating these principles into the design of LNNs
Setting Up Gamification in Salesforce Experience Cloud to Boost Engagement When someone mentions “gamification,” many think of “games,” “fun,” and “entertainment.” While this is true, in the context of Salesforce, it takes on new dimensions. Here, it’s not just about fun; it’s about enhancing user engagement, productivity, and overall experience. Keep reading as we explore the intricacies of implementing gamification in Salesforce Experience Cloud and how you can leverage this game-changing experience for your organization (pun intended). Gamification, Fully Explained Gamification employs game-like mechanics to motivate users while they interact with your website, application, or service through engaging content. The essence of gamification lies in rewarding users with points and badges for completing specific actions. Examples include: A prime example of gamification in Salesforce is Trailhead, where users earn badges and points for completing various trails and modules. As a proud Triple Star Ranger with 566 badges, 162,075 points, and 89 trails completed, I’m a trailblazing fool. Time to put in the work! Using Gamification in Salesforce Experience Cloud: Common Benefits When implemented correctly, gamification can significantly enhance user engagement and experience. Here are some common advantages of using gamification in Salesforce Experience Cloud: Main Gamification Functionality in Salesforce Gamification in Salesforce Experience Cloud revolves around three key pillars: Recognition Badges, Missions, and Reputation Leaderboards. Before exploring the setup, let’s understand these key elements: How to Set Gamification Up in Salesforce Experience Cloud: Your Step-by-Step Tutorial Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s walk through the process of implementing gamification in a Salesforce Experience Cloud site. Follow these simple steps—it’s straightforward! Step 1: Locating Gamification in the Experience Builder Step 2: Turning the Thanks Settings On Step 3: Creating a Recognition Badge Step 4: Creating a Mission Badge Step 5: Enabling Reputation on an Experience Cloud Site Step 6: Adjusting Reputation Levels and Points Step 7: Assembling Gamification Components on the Site’s Layout Step 8: Enjoying Gamification from a User’s Perspective Final Thoughts Implementing gamification in Salesforce Experience Cloud is straightforward. While it involves several steps, the benefits are well worth the effort. A couple of tips as you embark on your gamification journey: 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
OpenAI to Join the AI Agentic Race with ‘Operator’ in January 2025 OpenAI is reportedly preparing to launch its AI agent, Operator, in January 2025. Designed to autonomously control computers and handle repetitive tasks like booking travel or writing code, Operator is expected to ship as a research preview and will also be available via OpenAI’s API for developers, according to a report by Bloomberg. This move positions OpenAI squarely in the midst of the growing AI agent wars, where competitors like Microsoft and Salesforce are vying for dominance in autonomous AI systems. These tools are seen as the next frontier in AI, enabling users to automate multi-step tasks with minimal supervision. Salesforce and Microsoft: The Agentic Rivalry Heats Up The competition between tech giants is already intense. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff recently took aim at Microsoft’s Copilot, likening it to a rebooted version of the infamous Clippy, criticizing it as ineffective and lacking value. Benioff highlighted Salesforce’s own offering, Agentforce, which he claimed processes trillions of AI transactions weekly and serves as the leading AI enterprise agent. Benioff went on to accuse Microsoft of being in “panic mode” after it announced plans to expand Copilot Studio with features for building autonomous agents. His sharp critique: “Microsoft rebranding Copilot as ‘agents’? That’s panic mode. Let’s be real—Copilot’s a flop because Microsoft lacks the data, metadata, and enterprise security models to create real corporate intelligence. That is why Copilot is inaccurate, spills corporate data, and forces customers to build their own LLMs. Clippy 2.0, anyone? Meanwhile, Agentforce is transforming businesses now.” A Crowded Battlefield Other players are also entering the fray. Google is set to release its own AI agent in December 2024, while Anthropic recently unveiled a Computer Use API, further expanding its capabilities in this emerging field. With multiple entrants pushing the boundaries of agentic AI, the competition shows no signs of slowing down. OpenAI’s Vision for 2025 While details about Operator remain sparse, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has hinted that the company is continually refining its models. During OpenAI’s annual Dev Day in October, Chief Product Officer Kevin Weil remarked: “I think 2025 is going to be the year that agentic systems finally hit the mainstream.” Despite the optimism, reports suggest that many leading AI companies, including OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic, are struggling to develop more advanced models. Challenges such as a lack of high-quality training data and resource constraints are cited as significant hurdles. The Road Ahead As the race to mainstream agentic AI systems intensifies, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With OpenAI’s Operator entering the fold alongside Google, Salesforce, Microsoft, and Anthropic, 2025 is shaping up to be a transformative year for AI. Whether Operator can live up to expectations—or if it will face the same scrutiny as its competitors—remains to be seen. 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
The lightning-record-picker component enhances the record selection process in Salesforce applications, offering a more intuitive and flexible experience for users. With its ability to handle larger datasets, customizable fields, and strong validation features, it is a powerful tool for developers to incorporate into their Salesforce applications.
The new LOS will incorporate machine learning and automation to deliver real-time credit assessments, enabling faster loan processing and competitive interest rates, alongside improved credit risk insights. This strategic partnership underscores Mahindra Finance’s dedication to providing responsible financing solutions to India’s emerging MSME sector.
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
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
TrueDialog Unveils SMS Integration for Salesforce Marketing Cloud
TrueDialog, a leader in SMS texting solutions, has expanded its Salesforce offerings with the launch of its SMS integration for Salesforce Marketing Cloud Engagement, complementing its existing Sales Cloud application. Now available on Salesforce AppExchange, this addition enables seamless documentation of SMS activities across the Salesforce Cloud ecosystem.
With TrueDialog’s integration for Salesforce Marketing Cloud, companies can incorporate SMS into customized, targeted marketing journeys. This includes sending promotional messages, geo-targeted offers, triggered alerts, order confirmations, account updates, and more—all as part of a cohesive customer engagement strategy.
TrueDialog’s solution uniquely enables SMS message flow across Salesforce Marketing Cloud, Sales Cloud, Service Cloud, and Education Cloud, ensuring communication continuity across platforms. “TrueDialog is the only provider offering bidirectional SMS integration between Salesforce Marketing Cloud and other Salesforce Clouds, including Sales, Service, Commerce, and Education Clouds,” said John Wright, CEO of TrueDialog. “Our solution records text messages on all relevant Salesforce Clouds, maintaining communication continuity between companies and their customers—something no other provider offers.”
The TrueDialog SMS application is fully native to Salesforce Marketing Cloud, allowing users to work within their regular workflow without switching applications to integrate SMS steps. TrueDialog also offers flexible options for short and long codes, automated 10DLC registration for long codes, and TrueDelivery, a tool for assessing SMS deliverability.
Generative AI has far more to offer your site than simply mimicking a conversational ChatGPT-like experience or providing features like generating cover letters on resume sites. Let’s explore how you can integrate Generative AI with your product in diverse and innovative ways! There are three key perspectives to consider when integrating Generative AI with your features: system scope, spatial relationship, and functional relationship. Each perspective offers a different lens for exploring integration pathways and can spark valuable conversations about melding AI with your product ecosystem. These categories aren’t mutually exclusive; instead, they overlap and provide flexible ways of envisioning AI’s role. 1. System Scope — The Reach of Generative AI in Your System System scope refers to the breadth of integration within your system. By viewing integration from this angle, you can assess the role AI plays in managing your platform’s overall functionality. While these categories may overlap, they are useful in facilitating strategic conversations. 2. Spatial Relationships — Where AI Interacts with Features Spatial relationships describe where AI features sit in relation to your platform’s functionality: 3. Functional Relationships — How AI Interacts with Features Functional relationships determine how AI and platform features work together. This includes how users engage with AI and how AI content updates based on feature interactions: Scope of Generative AI By considering these different perspectives—system scope, spatial, and functional—you can drive more meaningful conversations about how Generative AI can best enhance your product’s capabilities. Each approach offers unique value, and careful thought can help teams choose the integration path that aligns with their needs and goals. Scope of Generative AI conversations with Tectonic can assist in planning the best ROI approach to AI. Contact us 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 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
Researchers from Mass General Brigham recently published findings in PAIN indicating that large language models (LLMs) do not exhibit race- or sex-based biases when recommending opioid treatments. The team highlighted that, while biases are prevalent in many areas of healthcare, they are particularly concerning in pain management. Studies have shown that Black patients’ pain is often underestimated and undertreated by clinicians, while white patients are more likely to be prescribed opioids than other racial and ethnic groups. These disparities raise concerns that AI tools, including LLMs, could perpetuate or exacerbate such biases in healthcare. To investigate how AI tools might either mitigate or reinforce biases, the researchers explored how LLM recommendations varied based on patients’ race, ethnicity, and sex. Using 40 real-world patient cases from the MIMIC-IV Note data set—each involving complaints of headache, abdominal, back, or musculoskeletal pain—the cases were stripped of references to sex and race. Random race categories (American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Black, Hispanic or Latino, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, and white) and sex (male or female) were then assigned to each case. This process was repeated until all combinations of race and sex were generated, resulting in 480 unique cases. These cases were analyzed using GPT-4 and Gemini, both of which assigned subjective pain ratings and made treatment recommendations. The analysis found that neither model made opioid treatment recommendations that differed by race or sex. However, the tools did show some differences—GPT-4 tended to rate pain as “severe” more frequently than Gemini, which was more likely to recommend opioids. While further validation is necessary, the researchers believe the results indicate that LLMs could help address biases in healthcare. “These results are reassuring in that patient race, ethnicity, and sex do not affect recommendations, indicating that these LLMs have the potential to help address existing bias in healthcare,” said co-first authors Cameron Young and Ellie Einchen, students at Harvard Medical School, in a press release. However, the study has limitations. It categorized sex as a binary variable, omitting a broader gender spectrum, and it did not fully represent mixed-race individuals, leaving certain marginalized groups underrepresented. The team suggested future research should incorporate these factors and explore how race influences LLM recommendations in other medical specialties. Marc Succi, MD, strategic innovation leader at Mass General Brigham and corresponding author of the study, emphasized the need for caution in integrating AI into healthcare. “There are many elements to consider, such as the risks of over-prescribing or under-prescribing medications and whether patients will accept AI-influenced treatment plans,” Succi said. “Our study adds key data showing how AI has the potential to reduce bias and improve health equity.” Succi also noted the broader implications of AI in clinical decision support, suggesting that AI tools will serve as complementary aids to healthcare professionals. “In the short term, AI algorithms can act as a second set of eyes, running in parallel with medical professionals,” he said. “However, the final decision will always remain with the doctor.” These findings offer important insights into the role AI could play in reducing bias and enhancing equity in pain management and healthcare overall. 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
Cohesity has introduced Data Explore, a new feature in its Gaia generative AI platform, aimed at simplifying data search within backups for any employee. The update, launched this week, adds keyword search capabilities and data visualization through topic word clouds, enhancing user access to valuable information. Previously, users could interact with Gaia’s conversational AI interface to ask questions about stored data. Data Explore now extends this by enabling users to browse frequent keywords within data sets and receive search suggestions to help refine their queries. This addition is particularly valuable for users who may not know exactly what to ask when exploring backup data. As part of the update, Gaia’s support for file storage systems has also expanded. Gaia now integrates with both on-premises and cloud-based file servers, such as Dell Technologies’ PowerScale and NetApp systems, in addition to existing support for Microsoft 365 services like Outlook, SharePoint, and OneDrive. This enhanced search functionality reflects a broader trend among backup vendors to deliver greater utility from stored data, according to Simon Robinson of TechTarget’s Enterprise Strategy Group. He noted that tools making data accessible to non-experts bring businesses closer to the goal of actionable insights. “You don’t need to be a corporate librarian to use this stuff,” Robinson said. Data Explore’s semantic indexing, similar to internet search engines, aids users by automatically surfacing keywords, questions, and suggestions, making backup data more searchable and actionable. According to Krista Case, an analyst at Futurum Group, this helps reduce AI hype by grounding Gaia in practical use cases, facilitating faster insights for end users. Since Gaia’s launch as a SaaS add-on for Cohesity Data Cloud, its features have evolved to offer deeper insights beyond simple chatbot interactions. Greg Statton, Cohesity’s VP of AI solutions, shared that the platform aims to be more than a support agent for backup queries. The vision is to provide advanced AI tools that enhance data discovery, flag abnormal events, and reduce alert fatigue, giving IT administrators actionable intelligence that is more contextually aware of their tasks. Ultimately, Cohesity’s Data Explore feature exemplifies generative AI’s potential in unlocking business value from backup data. By making this data accessible and understandable, Cohesity is helping organizations achieve the long-awaited promise of deriving value from stored data – a milestone Robinson believes backup vendors are now on the verge of realizing. 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
Funlab Explores AI to Boost Customer Engagement in Leisure Venues In a push to enhance customer experiences across its “leisure-tainment” venues, Funlab has begun experimenting with artificial intelligence. Speaking at a Salesforce Agentforce event in Sydney, Funlab’s Head of Customer Relationships and Retention, Tracy Tanti, shared that the company is “excited to be able to start experimenting” with AI. Agentforce, a Salesforce platform designed to create autonomous agents for supporting employees and customers, serves as a key part of Funlab’s AI exploration efforts. According to Tanti, Funlab has a range of AI-focused projects on its roadmap, with the goal of blending digital experiences into real-life interactions and supporting both venue and corporate teams with AI-driven tools. Reflecting the company’s dedication to careful planning, Tanti described how Salesforce connected Funlab with another customer, Norths Collective, to discuss its own AI implementation journey. Robert Lopez, Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer at Norths Collective, has seen success with enhanced personalization and analytics, which have contributed to increased membership and engagement. Tanti noted that Norths Collective’s transformation work would provide valuable insights for Funlab as it optimizes its data in preparation for AI adoption. Currently, Funlab is in a post-digital transformation phase, refining its processes to deliver more connected and personalized guest experiences throughout the customer lifecycle. With ongoing expansion into the U.S. market—including recent openings of Holey Moley venues—Funlab is also focusing on building robust support infrastructure and engaging local audiences through Salesforce. Tanti highlighted the company’s vision for the U.S. to become a significant portion of total revenues and emphasized how Salesforce will help Funlab nurture a strong customer database in this new market. Additionally, Funlab is leveraging Salesforce to grow its event and function sales, which are projected to reach 39% of total online revenue by year’s end, up from 23% earlier this year. This expansion underscores Funlab’s commitment to using AI and data-driven insights to fuel growth and deepen customer engagement across all its markets and venues. 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
What is Salesforce Automotive Cloud? In September 2022, Salesforce introduced Automotive Cloud, a robust all-in-one platform tailored for the automotive industry. At first glance, it appears to be an ideal solution for businesses in this sector, but how well does it serve car dealerships? Drawing on experience both as a former auto dealership employee and in building Salesforce Dealership Management Systems (DMS), an in-depth exploration was undertaken to determine if this platform genuinely meets the needs of dealerships. What is a Dealership Management System (DMS)? A Dealership Management System (DMS) is a comprehensive software suite designed to manage the daily operations of a car dealership. It includes modules for sales, service, inventory management, vehicle lifecycle management, customer relationship management (CRM), and more. Essentially, it acts as the dealership’s corporate operating system, housing and processing customer data to generate valuable insights. What Does This Mean for Salesforce Consultants? Salesforce consultants with specialized expertise often find it easier to secure jobs and command higher rates compared to their generalist peers. This is especially true in niche areas like Automotive Cloud, where demand for specialized knowledge is high, and businesses are willing to invest in quality resources. In today’s uncertain economic climate, job security is a priority. Developing expertise in niche areas like Automotive Cloud can be a strategic move. As more car dealerships adopt this new technology, consultants with relevant experience will find ample opportunities to leverage their skills and meet the growing demand for DMS solutions. First Impressions of Automotive Cloud At first glance, Automotive Cloud offers a promising set of tools for managing various aspects of dealership operations, from sales and service to inventory management and CRM. However, initial impressions were mixed. Some features, like Vehicle Definitions, were initially overwhelming and unclear in their application. For example, while Automotive Cloud aggregates information about a specific vehicle model and its components (like engine, transmission, etc.), it lacks a CPQ (Configure Price Quote) feature. This omission is disappointing, as CPQ is crucial for configuring vehicles within the Salesforce interface. However, fear not, as third party CPQ tools are available. On the flip side, Automotive Cloud’s vehicle lifecycle management features are impressive. It allows for comprehensive tracking of a vehicle’s lifecycle, including purchase, maintenance, and decommissioning cycles. This is especially beneficial for dealerships, as much of their profit comes from post-sale services like warranty maintenance. What Salesforce Products Does It Use? A closer examination of the components within Automotive Cloud reveals that it is a mix of several Salesforce products, including: Additionally, Automotive Cloud includes customizations specifically designed for the automotive industry. For those interested in a more in-depth understanding, the Automotive Cloud documentation provides detailed explanations of the platform’s use cases. Automotive Cloud Data Model One of the first steps in exploring a new product is examining its data model, which provides insights into the product’s design and intended use. In Automotive Cloud, Salesforce focuses on several key dimensions: A Quick Overview of Capabilities Based on a thorough understanding of dealership operations, Automotive Cloud’s features most relevant to car dealers were evaluated: Is Salesforce Automotive Cloud Worth Learning for Car Dealers? The verdict is mixed. Automotive Cloud is not a perfect DMS for dealerships; it includes excessive features that may go unused while missing some critical functionalities. However, it is a great fit for auto manufacturers or distributors due to its built-in functionality for managing dealerships and manufacturing-related tasks. Is it worth learning? Absolutely. Automotive Cloud is a new offering from Salesforce, and currently, there isn’t an “Accredited Professional” badge available for it. By diving into Automotive Cloud early, Salesforce consultants can gain an edge over their peers and attract more employers. Moreover, Automotive Cloud combines multiple Salesforce Clouds, making it an excellent opportunity to learn Salesforce and familiarize oneself with complex data models. With its limited number of Flows and code, the learning curve is manageable, offering consultants a chance to build custom solutions that could become a selling point in their careers. Like1 Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more
Generative AI Will Overtake Legacy Stack Vendors With the rise of generative AI, legacy software vendors like Appian, IBM, Salesforce, SAP, Pegasystems, IFS, Oracle, Software AG, TIBCO, and UIPath are becoming increasingly obsolete. These vendors represent the old guard, clinging to outdated business process automation systems, while the future clearly belongs to AI-driven innovation. Back in the early 2010s, discussions around dynamic processes—self-assembling workflows created by artificial intelligence—were already gaining traction. The vision was to bypass the need for traditional process mapping or manually designing new interfaces. Instead, AI would dynamically generate processes in response to specific tasks, allowing for far greater flexibility and adaptability. However, business rules within BPMS (Business Process Management Systems) often imposed constraints that limited decision-making flexibility. Today, this vision is finally within reach. Many traditional stack vendors are scrambling to integrate generative AI into their offerings in a desperate bid to remain relevant. But the truth is, generative AI renders these vendors largely unnecessary. For instance, Pegasystems, like many others, now incorporates generative AI into its software, but users are still bound to old workflows and low-code development systems. The reliance on building processes, regardless of AI assistance, keeps them stuck in the past. Across the board—whether it’s ERP, CRM, or RPA—vendors such as Salesforce, SAP, and IFS remain tethered to their outdated systems, even though they possess all the necessary data, both structured and unstructured, to benefit from a simpler, AI-powered approach. All that’s needed is a generative AI layer on top to handle tasks like customer complaints. Consider a customer complaint scenario: traditionally, a complaint is processed through a defined workflow, often requiring the creation of expensive, custom SaaS solutions. But what if an LLM (Large Language Model) could handle this instead? The LLM could analyze the complaint, extract key information, assess urgency through sentiment analysis, and generate a custom workflow on the fly. It could even generate backend code in real-time to process refunds or update databases, all without relying on legacy front-end systems. The LLM’s ability to create and execute dynamic workflows eliminates the need for static business processes. The AI generates temporary code and UI elements to handle a specific interaction, then discards them once the task is complete. This shifts the focus away from traditional, bloated enterprise systems and towards dynamic, JIT (Just-In-Time) interactions that are tailored to each individual customer. The efficiency gains are not in cutting jobs but in eliminating the need for costly, antiquated software and lengthy digital transformation programs. Generative AI doesn’t require massive ERP or CRM implementations, and businesses can converse directly with customer data through AI, bypassing the need for complex system integrations. Master Data Management, which once consumed millions of dollars and years of effort, is now positioned to become a simple, AI-powered solution. Enterprises already have well-structured and clean data, and adding a generative AI layer could remove the need for integrating or syncing legacy systems. The era of major vendors selling AI-enhanced solutions built on top of decaying software stacks is coming to an end. The idea of using generative AI as the foundation for a new business operating system, without the need for bloated, legacy software, is increasingly appealing. With the global workflow automation market projected to grow to .4 billion by 2030, the future clearly belongs to AI-driven solutions. 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
In need of help to implement requisite configuration updates to establish a usable data model for data segmentation that supports best practices utilization of Marketing Cloud features including Contact Builder, Email Studio and Journey Builder.
