Customer Service Archives - gettectonic.com
Agentforce for Retail
21Jan

Agentforce for Retail

Salesforce Introduces Agentforce for Retail: A Sector-Specific Skills Library for AI Innovation Salesforce has unveiled Agentforce for Retail, an industry-specific skills library designed to empower retailers to develop AI agents tailored to their unique business needs. This release provides tools for retailers to enhance customer service, assist store associates, and engage customers in innovative ways. For example, AI agents can now automate and streamline processes like order management, guided shopping, and appointment scheduling. While Salesforce had previously launched 100 preconfigured, industry-specific AI agents for the core Agentforce platform, this new retail-focused release represents a shift toward providing specialized tools that enable retailers to build AI agents with greater precision and flexibility. Driving Seamless, Unified Retail Experiences Nitin Mangtani, SVP & GM of Retail at Salesforce, described the vision behind Agentforce for Retail: “Salesforce is helping retailers deliver seamless, unified shopping experiences across both the physical and digital realms of retail, driving productivity advancements and business growth across their entire enterprise.” This move aligns with Salesforce’s broader commitment to delivering sector-specific AI innovations, expanding the Agentforce offering into targeted solutions that meet the distinct demands of industries like retail. Agentforce for Retail: Core Capabilities Commerce Skills for Order Management These skills empower retailers to offer self-service order support, helping reduce costs while boosting customer loyalty. Customers can: Commerce Skills for Guided Shopping Using natural language, customers can receive personalized product recommendations based on behavior, inventory, and operational data. They can also: Field Service Skills for Appointment Scheduling Service representatives can use AI-powered tools to streamline the scheduling of deliveries, installations, or consultations. Real-time availability updates improve efficiency and enhance customer satisfaction. Marketing Skills for Loyalty Promotion Creation Marketers can use conversational prompts informed by shopper data, point-of-sale (POS) insights, and segmentation to design loyalty campaigns. These tools also assist in creating personalized email content and subject lines to drive higher engagement. Retail Cloud with Modern POS: A Complementary Innovation In addition to Agentforce for Retail, Salesforce announced the Retail Cloud with Modern POS, a cloud-based point-of-sale solution designed to unify online and offline shopping experiences. Key features include: The POS system also incorporates AI capabilities such as: Shoppers benefit from flexible fulfillment options, including buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS) and omni-exchanges. Each cart item can have unique fulfillment methods, optimizing supply chain costs while enhancing convenience. Mangtani noted, “Together, AI-fueled digital labor and a modern POS can unlock a new scale of operational capacity for retailers.” The Evolution of Agentforce: A Platform for Digital Labor In late 2024, Salesforce launched Agentforce 2.0, branding it as “The Digital Labor Platform.” This expanded version introduced enhanced capabilities aimed at helping businesses streamline operations and adopt AI-driven automation on a larger scale. Agentforce for Retail builds on this foundation, offering retailers the tools to reimagine customer engagement, boost efficiency, and drive business growth. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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January 21, 2025in Agentforce Platform, Data, Enterprise, Salesforce0 Comments
AI Agent Rivalry
19Jan

Generative AI in CX

Generative AI in CX: Opportunities and Challenges Generative AI offers the promise of transformative efficiency and innovation in customer experience (CX). However, businesses face significant hurdles in adopting the technology, including budget constraints, compliance challenges, and internal alignment issues. A Growing Gap Between Innovation and AdoptionCX technology vendors often outpace their customers in releasing advanced features. With generative AI, this gap feels wider than ever. For example, Zendesk’s CX Trends 2025 report revealed that over 25% of surveyed businesses have delayed AI adoption due to budgetary, knowledge, or organizational support barriers. Similarly, an October survey by NTT Data found that more than half of senior IT decision-makers had yet to align generative AI strategies with business goals. While only 39% of respondents reported significant investments in generative AI, most companies remain in early phases, such as pilots and trials. Some businesses, however, have no plans to invest at all. Early Adoption in CXDespite these challenges, early adopters are exploring generative AI applications in customer service and contact centers. AI-powered bots, or “agents,” are proving effective in summarizing answers and improving efficiency. However, deploying these agents requires substantial preparation, such as organizing customer data and defining roles and processes—a significant task for many IT teams. John Seeds, CMO at TTEC Digital, emphasized the importance of using generative AI internally first:“We start by addressing inconsistencies and cleaning up data. Once that’s done, businesses can present it effectively to reduce inbound calls and enhance self-service in contact centers.” Expanding Beyond Customer ServiceGenerative AI is also being embraced by marketing and e-commerce teams. Platforms like Salesforce, Google, and Sitecore have introduced tools that assist with campaign ideation and content creation. While these tools don’t always produce polished outputs, they serve as powerful starting points for creatives. The Generative AI RevolutionAI has been a staple in CX for years, powering analytics, natural language processing, and automation. But the release of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in late 2022 revolutionized the field. John Ball, SVP at ServiceNow, noted:“Generative AI has removed the need for handcrafting every dialogue or intent model. It opens up possibilities for chat and email recommendations without requiring as much manual setup.” Similarly, Salesforce AI executives, including Silvio Savarese, highlighted the technology’s unprecedented adoption:“It was incredible to see how quickly generative AI captured global attention,” Savarese said. Questions of Autonomy and TrustThe rise of AI agents introduces questions about trust and autonomy. Can bots make decisions that keep customers happy? What happens if they make mistakes? As companies explore these possibilities, many are focusing on augmenting human workflows rather than replacing them entirely. For example, Trimedx plans to use ServiceNow’s generative AI to automate report generation for its clinical hardware in hospitals. This application aims to save time while supporting human decision-making. Similarly, Siemens has deployed its own AI “bionic agent” to handle tasks like supply chain management, with generative AI accelerating customization and productivity. Regulatory and Ethical ConsiderationsAs adoption grows, so do concerns around compliance and copyright. The Biden administration’s recent CX-related regulations, including a ban on junk fees, could influence how AI is integrated into business processes. Additionally, initiatives like Adobe’s Content Authenticity Initiative aim to ensure transparency in AI-generated content by providing tools to verify the origins and editing history of digital assets. The Road AheadGenerative AI holds immense potential to transform CX by improving efficiency, reducing costs, and driving innovation. However, businesses must address challenges in data readiness, compliance, and ethical usage to fully realize its benefits. While early adopters are making strides, widespread success will depend on thoughtful implementation and alignment with organizational goals. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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January 19, 2025in Data, Generative AI, Google, Salesforce, Technology0 Comments

Service Cloud or Sales Cloud for Service

4 Reasons to Use Salesforce Service Cloud Over Sales Cloud’s Standard Case Functionality When businesses aim to elevate their customer support operations, Salesforce is often their platform of choice. While Sales Cloud and Service Cloud both help manage customer interactions, their core purposes differ. Sales Cloud focuses on managing the sales pipeline, whereas Service Cloud is specifically designed to optimize customer service and support processes. Here are four compelling reasons to choose Service Cloud for your customer support needs. 1. Advanced Case Management Features Service Cloud offers robust tools to manage customer cases with efficiency, far surpassing the basic case functionality available in Sales Cloud. Key Service Cloud Features: While Sales Cloud does support basic case management, it lacks these advanced features. Attempting to replicate them in Sales Cloud often requires extensive customization and development. 2. Omni-Channel Support for Seamless Customer Communication Modern customer service spans multiple channels, including chat, email, phone, and social media. Service Cloud provides powerful omni-channel capabilities to unify communication across all these touchpoints—something Sales Cloud does not offer. Key Service Cloud Features: Sales Cloud’s functionality centers on sales processes, leaving it without native support for omni-channel routing or social media integrations for customer support. 3. Knowledge Base for Self-Service and Agent Efficiency Service Cloud enables organizations to build and maintain a knowledge base, empowering both customers and agents with quick access to solutions. Key Service Cloud Features: Sales Cloud does not include tools for creating a knowledge base, self-service portals, or case deflection, as it is designed primarily for sales teams. 4. Entitlements and Service Contracts for Enhanced Customer Support Service Cloud provides specialized tools for managing entitlements and service contracts, ensuring customers receive the level of support they’re entitled to. Key Service Cloud Features: Sales Cloud does not offer dedicated features for managing entitlements or service contracts, limiting its utility for businesses focused on structured customer support. Why Service Cloud is the Better Choice for Customer Support While Sales Cloud is a powerful tool for managing sales pipelines, it falls short in addressing the complex needs of modern customer support. Service Cloud provides: If your priority is delivering exceptional customer support and enhancing customer satisfaction, Service Cloud is the clear choice. With its comprehensive features, your support team will be empowered to work more efficiently, resolve issues faster, and provide outstanding service across all channels. Invest in Service Cloud to transform your support operations and create seamless, satisfying experiences for your customers. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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January 6, 2025in Salesforce, Salesforce Service Cloud0 Comments
Tectonic Salesforce Customization
05Jan

Maximizing Salesforce Customizations

Data Goldmine: Maximizing Salesforce Customizations to Supercharge Contact Center Efficiency In the fast-paced realm of customer relationship management (CRM), Salesforce has become an indispensable tool for businesses aiming to optimize customer interactions and streamline operations. Despite its widespread use, many organizations barely scratch the surface of its customization potential. The issue isn’t a lack of tools but rather the underutilization of powerful resources like Apex code—a hidden goldmine that can significantly elevate contact center performance. Unlocking Potential with Apex Customizations Salesforce’s Apex code empowers businesses to craft tailored solutions that meet unique operational needs. However, these customizations often remain static, failing to evolve alongside changing business requirements. By revisiting and repurposing existing Apex code, businesses can unlock advanced features and innovative applications that go beyond their original scope. Here are a few ways Apex customizations can transform your contact center: 1. Intelligent Task Routing Picture a contact center where customer inquiries are dynamically routed to the most qualified agents based on expertise, availability, and historical performance. With Apex, businesses can design systems that enable intelligent task assignment. This improves operational efficiency while boosting customer satisfaction, ensuring every inquiry is resolved by the right person at the right time. 2. Proactive Workload Optimization Workload imbalances can lead to agent burnout and reduced service quality. By analyzing Salesforce data, businesses can develop Apex-driven algorithms to optimize workload distribution. These systems identify interaction trends and allocate tasks in real time, ensuring that no agent is overburdened. The result? A healthier, more productive team and consistently superior customer service. 3. AI-Augmented Decision-Making AI integration with Salesforce customizations is reshaping customer support. By leveraging AI-driven insights, businesses can equip agents with real-time recommendations, allowing for more personalized, informed interactions. These tools not only enhance the customer experience but also empower agents to make faster, smarter decisions. Taking Action: Steps to Unleash Your CRM’s Full Potential To harness the full power of Salesforce customizations, consider these actionable steps: Looking Ahead: Preparing for Next-Gen Customer Support The future of customer support is driven by data, AI, and personalized experiences. Salesforce customizations can help businesses stay ahead by enabling cutting-edge capabilities like multilingual support, visual troubleshooting, and advanced interactive features. By revisiting your existing customizations and aligning them with emerging trends, you can not only enhance customer satisfaction but also set your organization apart in a competitive marketplace. Salesforce isn’t just a CRM—it’s a platform for building next-generation customer service. A Call to Action: Unlock the Potential of Your Salesforce Ecosystem Are you ready to explore how your Salesforce customizations can revolutionize customer service? The potential is vast, and the rewards are significant. Let’s discuss how to harness the full power of your CRM to drive smarter workflows and enhance your contact center’s efficiency. Take a closer look at your existing customizations—they may hold the key to the innovation and success you’ve been seeking. By embracing Salesforce’s full potential, you can create a future-ready customer support ecosystem that works harder for your business. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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January 5, 2025in Data, Salesforce Development Services, Salesforce Implementation Services, Salesforce Optimization0 Comments
Agentic AI is Here
02Jan

Agentic AI Revolution

The Agentic AI Revolution: Lead, Follow, or Get Out of the Way The era of agentic AI is here, and the message is clear—if you’re not leading the charge, you’re falling behind. Companies like Wiley and OpenTable are reshaping their industries with autonomous AI agents that don’t just assist but also analyze, strategize, and execute tasks with unparalleled efficiency. As these organizations demonstrate, the key to AI success lies in rewriting the rules of your industry rather than playing catch-up. Rewriting Industry Standards with Agentic AI Wiley: The education giant leveraged Agentforce, a digital labor platform for deploying autonomous AI agents, to transform its customer service operations. By onboarding representatives 50% faster and improving case resolution by 40%, Wiley streamlined its processes in just a few weeks. AI agents now handle registration and payment inquiries, directing students to resources and reducing the workload on human representatives. OpenTable: As the go-to reservation platform for 1.7 billion diners annually, OpenTable deploys AI agents to manage reservation changes and loyalty points. This allows employees to focus on customer relationships. Even a two-minute efficiency gain per interaction translates to massive operational savings. Salesforce Help Site: With over 60 million annual visits, the Salesforce Help site integrated Agentforce to resolve 83% of queries without human involvement. In just weeks, Agentforce doubled its capacity, handling over 32,000 automated conversations. These examples showcase a new era of digital labor where AI agents orchestrate high-value, multistep tasks, working tirelessly to deliver results. Far from replacing humans, they supercharge productivity and innovation, enabling companies to do more than ever before. How to Empower Your Workforce with AI Empowering your workforce for the next wave of AI doesn’t require months of preparation or millions of dollars. You don’t need to build or train your own large language model (LLM). Instead, integrating AI with existing data, automation, and workflows is the key to success, as demonstrated by leaders like Wiley and OpenTable. Here’s how to get started: 1. Real-Time Data Access AI thrives on real-time, high-quality data. Platforms like Salesforce Data Cloud unify structured and unstructured data, connecting it seamlessly to the LLM. Techniques such as retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) and semantic search ensure AI agents can access the most relevant data for any task. 2. Advanced Reasoning AI agents aren’t just about answering queries—they execute complex, multistep tasks. For example, they can process returns, reorder items, and even flag anomalies. Powered by reasoning engines, these agents draw data from systems like CRM, refine plans, and adapt dynamically until the task is completed correctly. 3. Built-In Security AI agents must operate within clear guardrails, knowing their limits and handing tasks off to humans when necessary. Strong permissions and security protocols are essential to ensure data protection and prevent unauthorized actions. 4. Action-Oriented Workflows Generative AI’s real value lies in action. By integrating tools like Salesforce Flow for task automation and MuleSoft APIs for system connectivity, AI agents can execute business workflows such as fraud detection, customer outreach, and case management. 5. Human-AI Collaboration The future of work isn’t AI replacing humans—it’s AI and humans working together. While agents handle data-intensive and repetitive tasks, humans bring strategic thinking, empathy, and creativity. This synergy leads to smarter decisions and redefines workflows across industries. Why Training Your Own LLM May Not Be the Answer Many companies assume training a proprietary LLM will give them a competitive edge. In reality, this process is costly, time-intensive, and requires constant updates to remain accurate. An LLM trained on static data quickly becomes outdated, much like a GPS that fails after the first detour. Instead, companies are turning to out-of-the-box AI solutions that integrate seamlessly with their existing systems. These tools offer the flexibility to scale quickly and adapt in real time, enabling businesses to stay competitive without the heavy lift of building from scratch. Scaling AI for the Future Many organizations remain stuck in pilot phases with AI due to data quality issues and a limited understanding of use cases. Companies like Wiley and OpenTable, however, have cracked the code: integrating prebuilt AI systems with robust data flows, automation, and workflows. By embracing agentic AI, forward-thinking organizations are creating digital labor forces that unlock new efficiencies, enhance customer experiences, and position themselves for long-term success. The trillion-dollar AI opportunity awaits—will you lead or trail behind? Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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January 2, 2025in Agentforce Platform, Agentic AI, Data, Generative AI, Mulesoft, Salesforce, Salesforce Data Cloud, Salesforce Flow0 Comments
AI is revolutionizing BI by transforming it from a retrospective tool into a proactive, real-time decision-making engine.
30Dec

AI in Business Intelligence

AI in Business Intelligence: Applications, Benefits, and Challenges AI is rapidly transforming business intelligence (BI) by enhancing analytics capabilities and streamlining processes. This shift is reshaping how organizations leverage data for decision-making. Here’s an in-depth look at how AI complements BI, its advantages, and the challenges it introduces. The Evolution of Business Intelligence with AI BI has traditionally focused on aggregating historical and current data to provide insights into business operations—a process known as descriptive analytics. However, many decision-makers seek more: insights into future trends (predictive analytics) and actionable recommendations (prescriptive analytics). AI bridges this gap. With advanced tools like natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning (ML), AI enables businesses to move beyond static dashboards to dynamic, real-time insights. It also simplifies complex analytics, making data more accessible to business users and fostering more informed, proactive decision-making. Key Benefits of AI in Business Intelligence AI brings significant benefits to BI, including: Real-World Applications of AI in BI AI’s integration into BI goes beyond internal efficiency, delivering external value by enhancing customer experiences and driving business growth. Notable applications include: Challenges of AI in Business Intelligence Despite its potential, integrating AI into BI comes with challenges: Best Practices for AI-Driven BI To successfully integrate AI with BI, organizations should: Future Trends in AI and BI AI is expected to augment rather than replace BI, enhancing its capabilities while keeping human expertise central. Emerging trends include: Conclusion AI is revolutionizing BI by transforming it from a retrospective tool into a proactive, real-time decision-making engine. While challenges remain, thoughtful implementation and adherence to best practices can help organizations unlock AI’s full potential in BI. By integrating AI into existing BI workflows, businesses can drive innovation, improve decision-making, and create more agile and data-driven operations. 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

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December 30, 2024in AI Tools, Data, Generative AI0 Comments
Salesforce Omni-Channel
27Dec

Salesforce Channels

Channels Email Messaging Voice Open CTI Social Media Chat Channel Tools Email Updates Messaging Enhancements Voice Improvements Social Media Chat Updates Other Channel Tools These updates enhance the messaging, email, voice, and chat experiences, streamlining agent workflows, improving customer interactions, and providing greater customization. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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December 27, 2024in Google, Salesforce0 Comments
being ai-driven
26Dec

The Impact of AI on Jobs

The Impact of AI on Jobs: A Historical and Transformative Perspective For centuries, people have feared losing jobs to technological advancements. From the introduction of the printing press in 1440 to the widespread adoption of assembly lines in manufacturing, history has followed a familiar pattern: a wave of panic followed by a surge of innovation. Today, with AI in the spotlight, headlines warn of job-stealing robots. Yet, AI is not here to take jobs; it’s revealing new ones—and at an unprecedented pace. A Paradigm Shift: AI as a Job Creator Contrary to popular belief, AI is reshaping the job market for the better. Rather than replacing workers, it amplifies human potential, pushing society toward work that is creative, strategic, and uniquely human. Instead of asking, “Will AI take my job?” the better question is, “What new opportunities can AI unlock?” The answers are exciting and transformative. Lessons from the Past Technological disruption is far from new. The printing press, the weaving loom, and even the internet all provoked fears of mass unemployment. Yet, each time, these innovations sparked transformation rather than devastation. Consider the ATM, introduced in the 1960s. Initially, bank tellers feared redundancy. However, rather than replacing tellers, ATMs automated routine tasks, freeing human workers to focus on customer service and financial advising. In fact, the number of bank tellers increased in the decades following ATM adoption. AI follows the same trajectory. By handling repetitive tasks like sorting emails or managing schedules, AI frees workers to focus on areas requiring emotional intelligence, creativity, and problem-solving. AI: A Partner, Not a Competitor AI excels in areas that humans struggle with, such as processing vast datasets, recognizing patterns, and executing repetitive tasks with precision. However, it lacks empathy, context, and abstract thinking—traits that remain uniquely human. For example, IBM Watson can analyze millions of medical journals to suggest treatment options. Yet, a doctor’s role remains indispensable, as patients need empathy, understanding, and a human touch. Similarly, legal AI tools like CaseText can streamline research, but building persuasive arguments and negotiating terms require skills no algorithm can match. Rather than replacing professionals, AI enhances their productivity, enabling them to focus on higher-value tasks. The Birth of Entirely New Industries AI is not only reshaping existing jobs but also creating new roles and industries. The rise of generative AI has introduced positions like prompt engineers, who design effective queries to maximize AI’s output. Similarly, the need for unbiased algorithms has created the field of data ethics, where specialists ensure AI systems prioritize equity and fairness. These roles underscore an important reality: AI doesn’t eliminate opportunities—it redefines them. Addressing Ethical Challenges AI’s reliance on data is both its strength and its vulnerability. Algorithms trained on biased data can perpetuate harmful stereotypes, as seen in Amazon’s failed hiring algorithm, which penalized women. This challenge has given rise to data ethicists tasked with auditing algorithms and designing fair systems, further showcasing how AI disruption creates new fields and opportunities. Augmentation Over Replacement Fear of AI stems from misunderstanding its role. Machines are adept at repetitive and analytical tasks, but they lack the nuanced understanding required for roles in fields like art, music, and medicine. AI tools such as Adobe Sensei or AIVA enhance creativity, allowing artists and musicians to experiment, iterate, and push boundaries. Just as the printing press democratized writing rather than ending it, AI empowers workers to focus on what makes us uniquely human. A Future Worth Working Toward AI represents a profound shift in how society views work. It is not a destroyer of jobs but a catalyst for transformation. By automating inefficiencies and reinforcing human strengths, AI unlocks opportunities yet to be imagined. Rather than fearing the rise of AI, embracing its potential can lead to a future where work is more meaningful, creative, and impactful—an evolution worth striving for. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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December 26, 2024in AI Tools, Data, Generative AI, Salesforce0 Comments
Integrate Digital Delivery and Human Connection
21Dec

Types of Salesforce Integration

Types of Salesforce Integration: A Comprehensive Guide As a leading CRM platform, Salesforce is often required to integrate with other systems to deliver a seamless experience and ensure efficient business operations. Whether it’s syncing data, automating workflows, or enabling real-time communication, Salesforce provides robust integration methods tailored to various needs. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of Salesforce integrations, their practical applications, and how to choose the right approach for your business. Why Integrate Salesforce? Integrating Salesforce with other systems empowers businesses to: Types of Salesforce Integration 1. Data Integration Ensures data consistency between Salesforce and external systems, enabling seamless synchronization. 2. Process Integration Links workflows across systems, ensuring actions in one system trigger automated processes in another. 3. User Interface (UI) Integration Combines multiple applications into a single interface for a unified user experience. 4. Application Integration Connects Salesforce with external apps for real-time data exchange and functional synchronization. 5. Real-Time Integration Facilitates instant synchronization of data and events between Salesforce and external systems. 6. Batch Integration Processes large data volumes in chunks, typically during off-peak hours. 7. Hybrid Integration Combines multiple integration types, such as real-time and batch, to handle complex requirements. Tools for Salesforce Integration Native Salesforce Tools: Third-Party Tools: Best Practices for Salesforce Integration Conclusion Salesforce integration is essential for streamlining operations and unlocking business potential. With options like data, process, and real-time integration, Salesforce offers the flexibility to meet diverse needs. By adopting the right integration approach and adhering to best practices, businesses can create a unified, efficient ecosystem, enhancing operations and improving customer experience. Whether integrating with ERP systems, marketing tools, or support platforms, Salesforce provides the tools to make integration seamless and impactful. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more 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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December 21, 2024in Data, Enterprise, Marketing Automation, Mulesoft, Salesforce, Salesforce Flow0 Comments

Transitioning to Granular Case Categorization in Salesforce

Making Data Work: Transitioning to Granular Case Categorization in Salesforce As businesses grow and their reporting needs evolve, the demand for more granular data categorization becomes essential to maintaining clarity and driving decision-making. Salesforce’s Case Object, which traditionally uses Type and Sub-type fields to classify cases, may no longer suffice for organizations with increasingly complex reporting standards. To address this, a new approach is being implemented: introducing New Type, New Sub-type, and New Sub-sub-Type fields. These fields enable deeper categorization and allow organizations to align their data architecture with modern reporting demands. However, adopting these new fields presents challenges, especially for legacy systems that rely on the older fields. Here’s how organizations can navigate this transition seamlessly using Apex and custom metadata. The Challenge: Transitioning to New Fields The move toward granular categorization brings clear benefits, but it also introduces complexities: To ensure a smooth transition, organizations need a solution that automates field mapping while maintaining data consistency across both legacy and updated systems. The Solution: Apex Mapping with Custom Metadata By leveraging Apex and custom metadata, organizations can create an automated system to map old field values (Type and Sub-type) to the new fields (New Type, New Sub-type, and New Sub-sub-Type). Here’s how the mapping process works: The Benefits of Apex Mapping The Technical Process Real-World Impact Final Thoughts In today’s data-driven world, evolving reporting standards demand more precise data categorization. Transitioning from Type and Sub-type fields to New Type, New Sub-type, and New Sub-sub-Type fields ensures your organization can meet modern reporting needs. By implementing Apex mapping with custom metadata, you can automate the transition, maintain legacy compatibility, and unlock the full potential of granular reporting. While the shift requires planning and effort, the long-term benefits of improved accuracy, efficiency, and decision-making make it an invaluable step for any organization. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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December 20, 2024in Data0 Comments
Google Prepares AI-Powered Jarvis Agent
18Dec

Google Prepares AI-Powered Jarvis Agent

Google Prepares AI-Powered Jarvis Agent for Automated Browser Tasks in Chrome Google is reportedly gearing up to launch “Project Jarvis,” an AI-powered browser agent designed to automate tasks directly within the Chrome ecosystem. According to The Information, the tool is expected to roll out in December to select users and will leverage Google’s advanced Gemini 2.0 AI model. Jarvis aims to simplify repetitive online tasks, such as organizing information or booking reservations, offering a seamless and efficient digital assistant embedded within Chrome. This initiative reflects Google’s broader vision to enhance user experiences by automating web-based routines, making its browser a central hub for task automation. Anthropic Expands Desktop Automation with Claude 3.5 Sonnet Anthropic, a key player in the AI landscape, has advanced its Claude 3.5 model with a new “Computer Use” feature, enabling direct interaction with a user’s desktop. This update allows Claude to perform tasks such as typing, clicking, and managing multiple applications, making it a powerful tool for automating workflows like data entry, document management, and customer service. Available through APIs and platforms like Amazon Bedrock and Google Cloud’s Vertex AI, Claude’s new capabilities position it as a versatile solution for businesses seeking desktop-level automation, contrasting Google Jarvis’s browser-specific approach. By interpreting screen elements, Claude’s “Computer Use” mode supports broader applications beyond web tasks, offering businesses an edge in efficiency and scalability. How Google Jarvis Stands Out Unlike Anthropic’s desktop-oriented Claude Sonnet, Google Jarvis focuses on automating tasks within Chrome. Jarvis analyzes screenshots of web pages, interprets user commands, and executes actions like clicks or data entry. While still in development, Jarvis’s design suggests a future where mundane web-based tasks are seamlessly handled by AI. Powered by Google’s Gemini 2.0 language model, Jarvis is tailored for users who prioritize web-specific functions, creating a user-friendly assistant that requires no external software. This aligns with Google’s strategy to deepen integration within its ecosystem, making Chrome a more intuitive and productive environment. Microsoft’s Copilot Agents Lead Business Automation Microsoft, meanwhile, continues to enhance its Copilot AI agents, particularly within Dynamics 365. These specialized agents are designed to automate industry-specific workflows, from lead qualification in sales to financial data reconciliation. Unlike Google Jarvis or Anthropic Claude, Microsoft’s Copilot agents target enterprise users, embedding automation within business applications like Teams, Outlook, and SharePoint. With tools like Copilot Studio, organizations can customize workflows to meet specific needs, offering a level of flexibility that resonates with enterprise clients. Early adopters, including Vodafone and Cognizant, have reported significant productivity gains through these integrations. Microsoft’s efforts position Copilot as a robust partner for day-to-day operations, transforming tasks like analysis, project coordination, and document management into automated, efficient processes. Competing Visions for AI Agents As Google, Anthropic, and Microsoft refine their AI strategies, they’re carving out distinct niches in the AI agent landscape: These approaches highlight the diverse applications of AI agents, from enhancing individual user experiences to transforming business operations. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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December 18, 2024in Data, Enterprise, Google, Salesforce0 Comments
Salesforce prompt builder
16Dec

Salesforce Prompt Builder

Salesforce Prompt Builder: Field Generation Prompt Template What is a Prompt? A prompt is a set of detailed instructions designed to guide a Large Language Model (LLM) in generating relevant and high-quality output. Just like chefs fine-tune their recipes through testing and adjustments, prompt design involves iterating on instructions to ensure that the LLM delivers accurate, actionable results. Effective prompt design involves “grounding” your prompts with specific data, such as business context, product details, and customer information. By tailoring prompts to your particular needs, you help the LLM provide responses that align with your business goals. Like a well-crafted recipe, an effective prompt consists of both ingredients and instructions that work together to produce optimal results. A great prompt offers clear directions to the LLM, ensuring it generates output that meets your expectations. But what does an ideal prompt template look like? Here’s a breakdown: What is a Field Generation Prompt Template? The Field Generation Prompt Template is a tool that integrates AI-powered workflows directly into fields within Lightning record pages. This template allows users to populate fields with summaries or descriptions generated by an LLM, streamlining interactions and enhancing productivity during customer conversations. Let’s explore how to set up a Field Generation Prompt Template by using an example: generating a summary of case comments to help customer service agents efficiently review a case. Steps to Create a Field Generation Prompt Template 1. Create a New Rich Text Field on the Case Object 2. Enable Einstein Setup 3. Create a Prompt Template with the Field Generation Template Type 4. Configure the Prompt Template Workspace Optional: You can also use Flow or Apex to incorporate additional merge fields. 5. Preview the LLM’s Response Example Prompt: Scenario:You are a customer service representative at a company called ENForce.com, and you need a quick summary of a case’s comments. Record Merge Fields: Instructions: vbnetCopy codeFollow these instructions precisely. Do not add information not provided. – Refer to the “contact” as “client” in the summary. – Use clear, concise, and straightforward language in the active voice with a friendly, informal, and informative tone. – Include an introductory sentence and closing sentence, along with several bullet points. – Use a variety of emojis as bullet points to make the list more engaging. – Limit the summary to no more than seven sentences. – Do not include any reference to missing values or incomplete data. 6. Add the “Case Summary” Field to the Lightning Record Page 7. Generate the Summary By following these steps, you can leverage Salesforce’s Prompt Builder to enhance case management processes and improve the efficiency of customer service interactions through AI-assisted summaries. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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December 16, 2024in Data, Hyperforce, Salesforce, Salesforce Copilots, Salesforce Einstein0 Comments
AI Agents and Consumer Trust
13Dec

AI Agents Next AI Evolution

AI agents are being hailed as the next big leap in artificial intelligence, but there’s no universally accepted definition of what they are—or what they should do. Even within the tech community, there’s debate about what constitutes an AI agent. At its core, an AI agent can be described as software powered by artificial intelligence that performs tasks once handled by human roles, such as customer service agents, HR representatives, or IT help desk staff. However, their potential spans much further. These agents don’t just answer questions—they take action, often working across multiple systems. For example, Perplexity recently launched an AI agent to assist with holiday shopping, while Google introduced Project Mariner, an agent that helps users book flights, find recipes, and shop for household items. While the idea seems straightforward, it’s muddied by inconsistent definitions. For Google, AI agents are task-based assistants tailored to specific roles, like coding help for developers or troubleshooting issues for IT professionals. In contrast, Asana views agents as digital co-workers that take on assigned tasks, and Sierra—a startup led by former Salesforce co-CEO Bret Taylor—envisions agents as sophisticated customer experience tools that surpass traditional chatbots by tackling complex problems. This lack of consensus adds to the uncertainty around what AI agents can truly achieve. Rudina Seseri, founder and managing partner at Glasswing Ventures, explains this ambiguity stems from the technology’s infancy. She describes AI agents as intelligent systems capable of perceiving their environment, reasoning, making decisions, and taking actions to achieve specific goals autonomously. These agents rely on a mix of AI technologies, including natural language processing, machine learning, and computer vision, to operate in dynamic environments. Optimists, like Box CEO Aaron Levie, believe AI agents will improve rapidly as advancements in GPU performance, model efficiency, and AI frameworks create a self-reinforcing cycle of innovation. However, skeptics like MIT robotics pioneer Rodney Brooks caution against overestimating progress, noting that solving real-world problems—especially those involving legacy systems with limited API access—can be far more challenging than anticipated. David Cushman of HFS Research likens current AI agents to assistants rather than fully autonomous entities, with their capabilities limited to helping users complete specific tasks within pre-defined boundaries. True autonomy, where AI agents handle contingencies and perform at scale without human oversight, remains a distant goal. Jon Turow, a partner at Madrona Ventures, emphasizes the need for dedicated infrastructure to support the development of AI agents. He envisions a tech stack that allows developers to focus on product differentiation while leaving scalability and reliability to the platform. This infrastructure would likely involve multiple specialized models working together under a routing layer, rather than relying on a single large language model (LLM). Fred Havemeyer of Macquarie US Equity Research agrees, noting that the most effective AI agents will combine various models to handle complex tasks. He imagines a future where agents act like autonomous supervisors, delegating tasks and reasoning through multi-step processes to achieve abstract goals. While this vision is compelling, the current state of AI agents suggests we’re still in a transitional phase. The progress so far is promising, but several breakthroughs are needed before agents can operate as envisioned—truly autonomous, multi-functional, and capable of seamless collaboration across diverse systems. This story, originally published on July 13, 2024, has been updated to reflect new developments from Perplexity and Google. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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December 13, 2024in Artificial Intelligence, Google, Salesforce, Technology0 Comments
Autonomous Agents on the Agentforce Platform
13Dec

Leveraging Agentforce

At Dreamforce 2024, Salesforce customers showcased the power of Agentforce by creating over 10,000 autonomous agents, each designed to address specific business challenges. The message was clear: “If you can describe it, Agentforce can do it.” By leveraging Agentforce, customers are able to create a flexible, on-demand digital workforce that operates without limitations, making it easy to build and deploy agents using familiar Salesforce tools and language. Why This Matters: Recent Salesforce research reveals that U.S. consumers often spend up to nine hours interacting with customer service to resolve a single issue. Moreover, 67% of consumers are frustrated when their issues aren’t resolved immediately and may abandon one-third of customer service interactions. This presents a massive opportunity to enhance the customer experience with AI-powered agents. “Piloting Agentforce made a noticeable difference during our busiest period — back-to-school season. We saw a 40% increase in case resolution, surpassing the performance of our old bot. Agentforce helps manage routine tasks, allowing our service teams to focus on more complex cases.” – Kevin Quigley, Director of Process Improvement, Wiley What’s New: Several new solutions are now available to all customers: Going Deeper: Agentforce is fully integrated into the Salesforce Platform, combining powerful data, AI, and the Salesforce Customer 360 ecosystem. This integration unlocks infinite agent capacity and proactive actions across all roles and channels, with full context on every customer interaction. Industry-Specific Examples: Agentforce’s flexibility allows it to serve various industries with tailored solutions: Customer & Analyst Quotes: “Agentforce is enhancing Saks’ ability to provide personalized customer support, automating routine tasks like order tracking, which allows our teams to focus on delivering a high-touch experience.” – Mike Hite, Chief Technology Officer, Saks Global “With Agentforce, OpenTable is automating routine tasks, saving time for our reps to focus on strengthening customer relationships and providing exceptional service to diners and restaurants worldwide.” – George Pokorny, Senior VP of Global Customer Success, OpenTable “By integrating Agentforce with Data Cloud and MuleSoft, we’re unlocking the full potential of our data, driving faster decisions and reimagining how we serve clients.” – Caroline Basyn, Chief Digital & IT Officer, The Adecco Group “Agentforce will revolutionize ezCater’s food management services, blending AI and human interaction to ensure seamless, personalized experiences for every customer.” – Erin DeCesare, CTO, ezCater Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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December 13, 2024in Agentforce Platform, Data, Mulesoft, Salesforce, Technology0 Comments

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