Digital Experience Archives

23Dec

Service Cloud for HR

Salesforce has expanded its Service Cloud capabilities to include a new HR-focused solution, Employee Service, designed to streamline employee support and enhance productivity. Employee Service introduces a dedicated HR service console paired with an employee portal. This portal acts as a centralized hub for staff to access HR resources, offering instant answers via Generative AI (GenAI), direct communication with HR specialists across multiple channels, and self-service options for tasks like requesting paid time off (PTO). For HR teams, the service console consolidates employee data, case details, and a company’s knowledge base into a unified workspace. It leverages AI-driven tools to resolve cases faster, automate routine tasks, and deliver seamless employee experiences. Salesforce’s Agentforce customers can integrate AI agents into Employee Service to further automate processes, saving time and reducing repetitive workloads. In a LinkedIn announcement, Kishan Chetan, EVP and GM for Service Cloud, highlighted the solution’s potential: “This new solution unifies employee data, case details, and a company’s corporate knowledge base all in one workspace that gives HR teams a 360-degree view of each employee and the ability to manage employee support cases with built-in AI and productivity tools. HR teams can efficiently resolve employee issues using Agentforce to quickly search, respond, summarize, and close cases, extending teams to get work done faster.” Salesforce’s broader goal is to eliminate the reliance on fragmented HR tools and reduce the need for employees to navigate disparate platforms like email, internal systems, and collaboration tools to complete HR-related tasks. By doing so, Salesforce aims to simplify HR processes, minimize manual effort, and enhance overall productivity. Early adopters of Employee Service are already reporting significant results. According to Sherin Sunny, Sr. Director of Product Management at Salesforce, customers have observed a 31% increase in employee productivity. This aligns with broader trends: Recognizing the need for a unified HR ecosystem, Salesforce includes a prebuilt MuleSoft integration with Workday and configurable connectors to other Human Capital Management (HCM) systems. These integrations establish a centralized HR data foundation, reducing inefficiencies caused by siloed tools. Looking ahead, Beth Schultz, VP of Research & Principal Analyst at Metrigy, emphasized the importance of integrating Employee Service with Slack, Salesforce’s collaboration platform: “We’ll be particularly watching how Salesforce’s multifaceted plans for bringing [Employee Service] into Slack play out as Slack evolves into a fully connected, collaborative workspace.” Slack itself is undergoing a transformation, with Salesforce Co-Founder Patrick Harris returning to revamp the platform as a core part of the Salesforce ecosystem. Meanwhile, Salesforce continues to expand Service Cloud’s offerings beyond Employee Service. Recent developments include a revamped CCaaS (Contact Center as a Service) integration program and a new product discovery tool. Still, Agentforce remains a key focus for Salesforce’s marketing efforts, showcasing its potential to redefine how businesses deploy autonomous AI agents across use cases like HR and beyond. 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

December 23, 2024in Data, Generative AI, Mulesoft, Salesforce0 Comments

salesforce government digital transformation

11Dec

Salesforce Drives Digital Transformation in Governmental Agencies

How Salesforce Drives Digital Transformation in Governmental Agencies in 2025 In the evolving digital age, government agencies face an increasing demand to modernize their services, improve citizen engagement, and deliver seamless digital experiences. These organizations require transformational technologies that not only streamline internal operations but also adopt a citizen-first approach. Salesforce emerges as a key enabler of this transformation, empowering government agencies with tools to build unified, transparent platforms while fostering efficiency and enhancing citizen interaction. Leveraging Salesforce Commerce Cloud and Salesforce CRM, agencies can overcome common challenges and embrace a more digitally enabled public sector. Let’s explore the pressing challenges government agencies face and how Salesforce provides practical, scalable solutions to address them. 1. Citizen Engagement and Accessibility: Bridging the Digital Divide Challenge: Citizens now expect government services to be as user-friendly and accessible as private-sector experiences. Lengthy response times, disconnected platforms, and inconsistent experiences across digital and physical touchpoints erode trust and hinder accessibility. Solution: 2. Data Security and Compliance: Safeguarding Citizen Trust Challenge: Handling sensitive citizen data requires robust security and strict compliance with regulations like GDPR, CCPA, and other local data privacy laws. Solution: 3. Legacy Systems and Integration: Modernizing Infrastructure Challenge: Legacy systems often limit agility, making it difficult to integrate new technologies and slowing the pace of digital transformation. Solution: 4. Budget Constraints: Implementing Cost-Effective Solutions Challenge: Budget limitations often hinder the adoption of new technologies, especially those requiring significant upfront investment. Solution: 5. Efficient Service Delivery: Streamlining Workflows Challenge: Paper-heavy, bureaucratic processes delay service delivery and frustrate both staff and citizens. Solution: 6. Data-Driven Decision-Making: Analytics for Informed Policies Challenge: Generating actionable insights from vast amounts of data is challenging, affecting policymaking and government efficiency. Solution: 7. Enhancing Collaboration: A Unified Workforce Challenge: Siloed departments hinder collaboration and reduce overall productivity, making it difficult to provide cohesive citizen services. Solution: 8. Real-Time Responsiveness: Meeting Citizen Expectations Challenge: Citizens expect real-time support and proactive communication from government agencies. Delays lead to frustration and diminished trust. Solution: Transforming Government Services with Salesforce Salesforce Commerce Cloud and Salesforce CRM are tailored to address public sector challenges in 2025. By leveraging these tools, government agencies can: Salesforce offers a clear path to a digitally empowered future, enabling government agencies to meet today’s demands while laying the foundation for innovation. Ready to Transform?If your agency is ready to embrace digital transformation, streamline operations, and enhance citizen services, Salesforce can help you get there. Let’s discuss how Salesforce solutions, supported by expert implementation, can drive meaningful change for your organization and your citizens. 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

December 11, 2024in Data, Laws, Mulesoft, Public Sector Solutions, Salesforce, Salesforce Commerce Cloud, Salesforce Government Cloud, Salesforce Service Cloud, Salesforce Shield0 Comments

02Dec

Empowering Digital Experiences

Salesforce Experience Cloud: Empowering Digital Experiences Salesforce Experience Cloud is a robust digital experience platform that enables businesses to create beautifully designed, CRM-powered online sites. Previously known as Community Cloud, the rebranding reflects its versatility in supporting a wide range of connected digital experiences. What is an Experience Cloud Site? An Experience Cloud site serves as an online hub to connect with customers, foster collaboration, and streamline business processes. These sites are customizable through Experience Builder, which allows users to design visually compelling and functional spaces based on their unique needs. Experience Builder SitesFormerly called Lightning Communities, Experience Builder sites are template-based and built on one of two frameworks: Introducing Lightning Web Runtime (LWR) LWR is the core framework powering modern Experience Cloud sites. It leverages Lightning Web Components (LWC) for enhanced performance, scalability, and customizability. Key advantages of LWR include: New LWR-Based Experience Cloud Templates The latest Experience Cloud templates are built exclusively on Lightning Web Components, making them faster and more efficient than Aura-based alternatives. The templates are designed for customers using Salesforce CMS and feature: Page Layouts and Slots Experience Cloud enables dynamic page structuring with: Slots play a crucial role in defining placeholders for content or markup. Metadata configuration allows these layouts to be integrated seamlessly into the Experience Cloud. CSS and Styling in Experience Cloud In Experience Cloud, Synthetic Shadow DOM replaces the native Shadow DOM. This allows global CSS to be applied across web components, ensuring design consistency. For example, custom buttons inherit background colors directly from the site theme, regardless of where they’re used. Navigation Options Experience Cloud sites support two types of navigation: For more advanced customization, Salesforce provides access to open-source codebases, such as the LWR Demo Agent site available on GitHub. Future-Ready Digital Experiences By leveraging the latest advancements in Lightning Web Components and the flexibility of LWR, Salesforce Experience Cloud empowers organizations to build connected, fast, and beautifully designed digital experiences tailored to their specific needs. Whether you’re enhancing customer engagement, building AI-enabled workflows, or streamlining collaboration, Experience Cloud serves as a powerful foundation for success. 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

December 2, 2024in Data, Mulesoft, Salesforce, Salesforce Experience Cloud

29Nov

Digital Transformation and Security Challenges

Agencies Accelerate Digital Transformation Amid Growing Security Demands Federal agencies are ramping up digital transformation initiatives to meet evolving public expectations and comply with mandates like the 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act (IDEA). However, securely transitioning to modern platforms like Salesforce requires specialized expertise, as highlighted in a new e-book by Own Company. The push for digital transformation is driven by the need to deliver efficient, modernized citizen services while safeguarding critical data. According to Federal Chief Information Officer Clare Martorana, agencies face a dual challenge: adopting advanced technologies and ensuring compliance with stringent security and regulatory frameworks. Salesforce, a leading SaaS platform, plays a pivotal role in these modernization efforts, offering tools to replace outdated systems and streamline operations. Yet, moving to such platforms involves more than migrating legacy data. Agencies must also address complex security requirements and ensure compliance with government regulations. To support secure transitions, companies like Own Company have emerged as key partners in federal digital transformation. Their solutions focus on secure development, data recovery, and long-term archiving. Tools like “Own Accelerate” enable safe and efficient testing within sandbox environments, while “Own Secure” leverages data classification and zero-trust principles to prevent security vulnerabilities. These measures mitigate risks such as insider threats and configuration errors, ensuring sensitive data remains protected throughout the transition process. Compliance with mandates like the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) protocols remains a top priority. Agencies must safeguard citizen data across services ranging from healthcare to housing assistance while maintaining security and operational efficiency over the data’s lifecycle. Secure backups, compliance audits, and controlled data access are essential for building trust and resilience. As agencies incorporate AI into their operations, robust data strategies are becoming even more critical. AI-driven tools rely on accurate, real-time data for effective training and decision-making. Own’s backup and archiving solutions help agencies unlock data for AI applications while managing compliance and controlling storage costs. Ultimately, successful digital transformation requires more than adopting new technologies — it demands a careful balance of modernization, security, cost-efficiency, and alignment with agency missions. By acting decisively and addressing these challenges, federal agencies can meet rising public expectations while maintaining compliance and security. 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

November 29, 2024in Data, Salesforce, Technology

14Nov

Gamification in Experience Cloud

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

November 14, 2024in Salesforce Experience Cloud

04Nov

Consider AI Agents Personas

Treating AI Agents as Personas: Introducing the Era of Agent-Computer Interaction The UX landscape is evolving. While the design community has quickly adopted Large Language Models (LLMs) as tools, we’ve yet to fully grasp their transformative potential. With AI agents now deeply embedded in digital products, they are shifting from tools to active participants in our digital ecosystems. This change demands a new design paradigm—one that views AI agents not just as extensions of human users but as independent personas in their own right. The Rise of Agent-Computer Interaction AI agents represent a new class of users capable of navigating interfaces autonomously and completing complex tasks. This marks the dawn of Agent-Computer Interaction (ACI)—a paradigm where user experience design encompasses the needs of both human users and AI agents. Humans still play a critical role in guiding and supervising these systems, but AI agents must now be treated as distinct personas with unique goals, abilities, and requirements. This shift challenges UX designers to consider how these agents interact with interfaces and perform their tasks, ensuring they are equipped with the information and resources necessary to operate effectively. Understanding AI Agents AI agents are intelligent systems designed to reason, plan, and work across platforms with minimal human intervention. As defined during Google I/O, these agents retain context, anticipate needs, and execute multi-step processes. Advances in AI, such as Anthropic’s Claude and its ability to interact with graphical interfaces, have unlocked new levels of agency. Unlike earlier agents that relied solely on APIs, modern agents can manipulate graphical user interfaces much like human users, enabling seamless interaction with browser-based applications. This capability creates opportunities for new forms of interaction but also demands thoughtful design choices. Two Interaction Approaches for AI Agents Design teams must evaluate these methods based on the task’s complexity and transparency requirements, striking the right balance between efficiency and oversight. Designing Experiences Considering AI Agents Personas As AI agents transition into active users, UX design must expand to accommodate their specific needs. Much like human personas, AI agents require a deep understanding of their capabilities, limitations, and workflows. Creating AI Agent Personas Developing personas for AI agents involves identifying their unique characteristics: These personas inform interface designs that optimize agent workflows, ensuring both agents and humans can collaborate effectively. New UX Research Methodologies UX teams should embrace innovative research techniques, such as A/B testing interfaces for agent performance and monitoring their interaction patterns. While AI agents lack sentience, they exhibit behaviors—reasoning, planning, and adapting—that require careful study and design consideration. Shaping the AI Mind AI agents derive their reasoning capabilities from Large Language Models (LLMs), but their behavior and effectiveness are shaped by UX design. Designers have a unique role in crafting system prompts and developing feedback loops that refine LLM behavior over time. Key Areas for Designer Involvement: This work positions UX professionals as co-creators of AI intelligence, shaping not just interfaces but the underlying behaviors that drive agent interactions. Keeping Humans in the Loop Despite the rise of AI agents, human oversight and control remain essential. UX practitioners must prioritize transparency and trust in agent-driven systems. Key Considerations: Using tools like agentic experience maps—blueprints that visualize the interactions between humans, agents, and products—designers can ensure AI systems remain human-centered. A New Frontier for UX The emergence of AI agents heralds a shift as significant as the transition from desktop to mobile. Just as mobile devices unlocked new opportunities for interaction, AI agents are poised to redefine digital experiences in ways we can’t yet fully predict. By embracing Agent-Computer Interaction, UX designers have an unprecedented opportunity to shape the future of human-AI collaboration. Those who develop expertise in designing for these intelligent agents will lead the way in creating systems that are not only powerful but also deeply human-centered. 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

November 4, 2024in Data, Google

18Oct

Customer Engagement with AI

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

October 18, 2024in Artificial Intelligence, Data, Salesforce

CriticalRiver Showcases Salesforce Studio at Dreamforce 2024

CriticalRiver Showcases Salesforce Studio at Dreamforce 2024 PLEASANTON, CA, September 16, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ — At Dreamforce 2024, CriticalRiver’s Salesforce Studio will highlight its expertise in utilizing Salesforce’s powerful tools to drive seamless digital transformations and enhance customer experiences. With Salesforce technologies at the core, CriticalRiver’s Salesforce Studio has enabled organizations to achieve sustainable growth while navigating the complexities of the digital era. “Dreamforce 2024 offers an excellent opportunity to showcase our longstanding partnership with Salesforce,” said Anji Maram, Founder and CEO of CriticalRiver Inc. As part of this partnership, CriticalRiver continues to develop cutting-edge solutions that boost business outcomes for its global clients. “Our Salesforce Studio has empowered our customers worldwide to implement state-of-the-art designs and solutions, helping them evolve and elevate their customer experiences,” added Vikram Lahiri, Global Salesforce Studio Leader. In addition to sharing success stories, the Salesforce Studio Growth & Leadership team will be available for in-depth discussions on emerging trends within the Salesforce ecosystem. Topics will cover the role of AI and automation in customer relationship management, as well as strategies for optimizing Salesforce investments. Join Us in Celebrating Success Trailblazers are invited to an exclusive social hour hosted by CriticalRiver on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, starting at 5 PM. For more information, please visit our website. About CriticalRiver Inc. CriticalRiver Inc. is a global leader in consulting and technology services, transforming businesses with innovative solutions that address complex challenges. Serving top enterprises, including Fortune 100 and 500 companies, CriticalRiver specializes in Digital Transformation, Digital Experience Management, Digital Engagement, and Digital Engineering. Our mission is to simplify, automate, and enhance operations for scalable growth. Recently, CriticalRiver became a 100% employee-owned company, reinforcing its dedication to customer-centricity, employee empowerment, and shared success. For more information about CriticalRiver’s participation at Dreamforce 2024 or to schedule an interview with our leadership team, please contact: [email protected]. Contact: Reet Sibia GwariCriticalRiver Inc.+1 844-228-5319 Legal Disclaimer:EIN Presswire provides this content “as is” without any warranties. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information. If you have concerns regarding this article, please contact the author directly. 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

October 2, 2024in Enterprise, Salesforce, Technology

27Sep

Integrate Digital Delivery and Human Connection

Salesforce’s latest data reveals a complex challenge for banks: while digital excellence is now essential for customer satisfaction, a fully digital experience risks alienating customers who value human connections at critical moments. Banks often feel torn between scaling digital capabilities and preserving the personal touch that fosters customer loyalty. How can they strike the right balance?

September 27, 2024in Data, Salesforce, Salesforce Financial Cloud, Salesforce Financial Services Solutions

13Sep

IntraEdge Higher Education

PHOENIX–(BUSINESS WIRE)–IntraEdge, Inc., a leading global technology products and services provider, recently announced its expanded investment in itsHigher Education division with the addition of new leadership to bolster their Salesforce service offerings. The new leaders each possess over 20 years of higher education experience and have a proven track record of building innovative and high performing consulting practices. “Our team has a proven track record of success in helping higher education institutions achieve their goals. We look forward to partnering with colleges and universities to leverage the power of Salesforce to improve student outcomes and operational efficiency.” The Higher Education division leadership team consists of Vince Salvato, Todd Edge, and Ryan Clemens. Salvato, who will be leading the division, is a recognized pioneer in Salesforce implementations for higher education. He brings a wealth of experience from his years working with higher education leaders, Salesforce, and ISV Partners. Edge and Clemens have a long history implementing Salesforce and other technologies for higher education leveraging global capabilities to assemble well balanced implementation teams. Together, this team boasts a proven track record of serving over 150 higher education institutions. Their collective history of successful Salesforce and technology implementations within higher education, coupled with IntraEdge’s 3,000+ global resources and complimentary product and service offerings, positions IntraEdge to deliver exceptional solutions. “We are thrilled to welcome Vince, Ryan, and Todd to the IntraEdge team,” said Kal Somani, CEO of IntraEdge. “Their combined experience and knowledge of the higher education landscape make them invaluable assets as we expand our footprint in this industry. By leveraging Salesforce’s powerful platform with IntraEdge’s full breadth of technology capabilities, we are confident in our ability to deliver exceptional solutions that address the unique challenges and opportunities facing higher education institutions.” IntraEdge redefines the typical implementation approach by delivering accelerated, cost-effective, and highly successful implementations. The company’s proven methodology and global delivery capabilities, combined with a team of seasoned higher education experts, will enable institutions to maximize the value of Salesforce while minimizing disruption to campus operations. IntraEdge’s Higher Education division offers a comprehensive suite of Salesforce-based solutions tailored to the specific needs of colleges and universities. With implementation, consulting, and value-add products and services, institutions can maximize the value of their Salesforce investment, including but not limited to Data Integration and Visualization, Digital Experience Strategy, Digital Content Strategy and Development, Managed and Capacity Services, AI Governance and Compliance Software. “We are excited to join IntraEdge and be a part of a world-class higher education practice,” said Salvato, Senior Vice President of Higher Education at IntraEdge. “Our team has a proven track record of success in helping higher education institutions achieve their goals. We look forward to partnering with colleges and universities to leverage the power of Salesforce to improve student outcomes and operational efficiency.” IntraEdge is proud to be a trusted partner to higher education institutions across North America. Our company is committed to delivering exceptional results and exceeding client expectations. 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

September 13, 2024in Salesforce

04Sep

Salesforce to Acquire PredictSpring

Salesforce to Acquire PredictSpring, Enhancing Omnichannel Capabilities Last month, Salesforce finalized an agreement to acquire PredictSpring, a leading provider of point-of-sale (POS) software. PredictSpring, known for its omnichannel commerce solutions, offers a suite of mobile POS systems along with clienteling, inventory management, and order management tools tailored for the retail sector. Insights from Industry Analysts In a recent episode of CX Today’s BIG News Update, key analysts shared their perspectives on the acquisition, highlighting three major points. Filling a Critical Gap Rebecca Wetteman, CEO & Principal Analyst at Valoir, noted that while Salesforce has effectively assisted many B2B clients, such as Fiserv and Peloton, in transitioning to B2C strategies, one crucial component was missing: order management. PredictSpring’s solutions address this gap, enhancing Salesforce’s data strategy and providing a more comprehensive customer view. Wetteman stated, “This addition is a significant move for Salesforce, strengthening their position beyond B2B and bridging the B2B to B2C divide.” Advancing Omnichannel Retail Simon Harrison, Founder & CEO at Actionary, emphasized that the acquisition represents a major step forward in delivering effective omnichannel solutions. PredictSpring’s technology promises to solve challenges associated with integrating in-store and digital experiences, enhancing overall customer interactions. Harrison praised the investment, stating, “This is a smart move, addressing real-world issues and increasing value for both staff and customers in today’s dynamic retail environment.” Expanding Market Reach Martin Schnieder, VP and Principal Analyst at Constellation Research, pointed out that acquiring PredictSpring aligns with Salesforce’s strategy to expand its total addressable market (TAM). He highlighted retail as a sector with unique challenges and opportunities, where Salesforce’s Data Cloud and platform can create impactful vertical-specific solutions. Schnieder noted, “Retail offers a different model with constrained margins, and Salesforce can leverage its platform to provide substantial value.” Michael Fauscette, Founder, CEO, and Chief Analyst at Arion Research, observed that Salesforce is strategically acquiring startups to fill gaps in its vertical offerings. He remarked, “Salesforce’s approach involves identifying startups that address specific needs and integrating them into their ecosystem. This strategy has proven effective and allows Salesforce to go to market directly with these partners, a practice not always seen among enterprise vendors.” Conclusion Salesforce’s acquisition of PredictSpring is a strategic move to enhance its omnichannel capabilities and address key gaps in its offerings. By integrating PredictSpring’s advanced POS solutions, Salesforce aims to strengthen its position in the retail sector and continue its growth trajectory in both B2B and B2C markets. 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

September 4, 2024in Salesforce

03Sep

License and Permitting Management for Businesses

Citizens and residents today are more connected than ever and expect to interact with government just as they do with other industries—through a variety of modern channels with swift response times. License and Permitting Management for Businesses is an innovative solution. Public Sector Solutions for License and Permit Management for businesses empowers government entities to engage more effectively with residents, fostering economic growth and thriving communities. Digital Experiences: From a resident building a new home to an entrepreneur opening a new business, every constituent can easily identify the necessary licenses and permits for their project through a single online platform. Applications: Applicants can swiftly complete all necessary forms, which dynamically update based on user input, making the entire process straightforward and efficient. Automation Tools: Salesforce automation tools ensure that once an application is submitted, the constituent receives an automated email confirmation, and the reviewer is notified of the new application, streamlining communication. Kanban Employee View: Seamless handoffs for application review and approvals are facilitated by a Kanban-style dashboard where government reviewers can view all applications ready for review in one centralized location. Reviewers can also track the status of applications, ensuring the right colleague reviews and moves them forward. Service Console: When a reviewer accepts an application, they can access a comprehensive view of all essential details, such as status, guided actions, and uploaded files, all in one place. This clarity ensures that employees know the next steps in the review process, such as scheduling a required inspection before final approval. Collaboration: If additional information is needed, reviewers can easily collaborate with applicants in real-time, with all communications documented in one place. Applicants can view updates and messages when they log back into the portal, ensuring transparency and efficiency. Distributing Licenses and Permits: After final approval, the license or permit is generated and automatically emailed to the applicant. It is also made available in the constituent’s portal for easy access. This process keeps constituents informed with clear visibility into every step of the application approval process, while government employees are equipped to support community growth through enhanced collaboration with constituents and other departments. Dashboards and Analytics: Salesforce Analytics provides senior executives with a comprehensive view of agency and department-level permit statuses, including details by geography, type, status, and more, offering a holistic perspective on applications and active licenses and permits. 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

September 3, 2024in Public Sector Solutions

25Aug

Winter 25 Release Developer Enhancements

Developer Enhancements Salesforce Flow Enhancements Flow Orchestrator Enhancements How to Access and Use Key Salesforce Features View the Automation Lightning App: Manage Steps in an Orchestration Stage: Customize the Flow Orchestration Work Guide Component: Customize SMS One-Time Password Delivery for Experience Cloud Sites: Control Authenticated Callouts Permissions: Improve Data Transmission Speed and Security with TLS 1.3: Enable LWC Stacked Modals: Additional Enhancements: Salesforce Mobile App Enhancements Resolve Sync Issues with Offline Drafts: Access Hyperlinks in Enhanced Reports: Messaging in the Salesforce Mobile App: Seller-Focused Sales Mobile Experience: Stay Informed About Upcoming Releases: Check Out Resources: 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

August 25, 2024in Salesforce Shield

23Aug

Winter 25 Updates and Retirements

The Winter ’25 updates and retirements are available through the pre-release program. On August 30, 2024, Sandboxes will be upgraded, providing your organization with the Winter ’25 release experience. Connecting Unified Knowledge to Third-Party SystemsSteps to Implement: Before adding a connector, review the connector requirements in the Zoomin documentation. Then, in Setup, enter “Unified Knowledge” in the Quick Find box and select it. Click “Add a Source” and choose your desired connector. Help Agents Prioritize Cases with Milestone TrackingEnhance your agents’ ability to prioritize cases and maintain high service standards by tracking the time remaining for case milestones. With the “Time to Next Milestone” column in the case list view, agents can easily identify overdue, nearly due, or paused cases. This feature previously lacked a clear prioritization indicator, especially when managing multiple cases.Steps to Implement: Open the case list view and check the “Time to Next Milestone” column to see the time left for the current milestone and when the next one begins. Use sorting and filtering options to focus on cases with overdue or paused milestones. Feature Renaming and Retirement Developer’s Point of View Quickly Develop Lightning Web Components with Real-Time Preview (Beta)Speed up LWC development using Local Dev (beta), which provides a real-time preview of your Lightning app or Experience Cloud site. The preview updates automatically as you make code changes, helping you iterate faster without needing to deploy or refresh manually. This new experience is an improvement over the limited capabilities of the LWC Local Development Server.Steps to Implement: To enable Local Dev, go to Setup, search for “Local Dev” in the Quick Find box, and select it. Then, enable Local Dev (Beta) for all users in your org. Gain Insight into Component Code with LWS DistortionsDebug your Lightning Web Security (LWS) components by toggling specific distortions on and off to observe different behaviors. Steps to Implement: Enable debug mode in your Salesforce org. With your component loaded in a browser, open the developer console, list flags using $LWS.namespaces.c.distortions, and toggle distortions by setting their associated flags. Develop Lightning Web Components with TypeScript (Developer Preview)Improve productivity and code quality by developing LWCs with TypeScript. This new capability allows you to write and convert components using TypeScript. Steps to Implement: Install TypeScript v5.4.5 or later. Ensure your project has a tsconfig.json file with target set to “ESNext”. Configure the paths option for each LWC module. The Lightning Language Server extension for VS Code can automate this setup for Salesforce DX projects. Prepare for Native Shadow DOM in Base Lightning ComponentsSalesforce is updating base Lightning components to support native shadow DOM for better performance and standards compliance. Ensure your tests do not depend on the previous internal DOM structure of these components. Track Apex Exceptions with Free-Tier Event MonitoringNow, you can track unhandled exceptions in Apex code using free-tier Event Monitoring, which provides detailed logs for troubleshooting.Steps to Implement: Review and analyze Apex Unexpected Exception event logs instead of relying on email alerts. Understand SOQL Error ChangesRecent updates may affect Apex code that parses SOQL error messages, particularly dynamic SOQL code.Steps to Implement: Review these changes and update your code as necessary to handle new error messages. Consistent Behavior When Iterating SetsIn API version 62.0 and later, modifying set elements during iteration will throw an exception, providing more consistent behavior.Example Code: apex Copy code Set<String> set_string = new Set<String>{‘one’, ‘two’, ‘three’}; for (String str : set_string) { System.debug(str); set_string.remove(str); // This will throw an exception in API 62.0+ } Write Mock SOQL Tests for External ObjectsIncrease your Apex test coverage and quality by mocking SOQL queries for external objects using the new SOQL stub methods.Steps to Implement: Create mock test classes by extending the System.SoqlStubProvider class and overriding the handleSoqlQuery() method. Register the mock provider using Test.createSoqlStub(). Process Platform Events at Scale with Parallel SubscriptionsImprove the processing of high-volume platform events in Apex triggers by using parallel subscriptions, allowing simultaneous event processing.Steps to Implement: Use the Tooling API or Metadata API to configure parallel subscriptions by specifying the event field for partitioning and the number of partitions in PlatformEventSubscriberConfig. Salesforce Flow Enhancements Flow Orchestrator Enhancements Customize the Flow Orchestration Work Guide Component Overview: Tailor how the Flow Orchestration Work Guide component appears to users based on their assigned tasks. You can customize the component differently for each record page it’s added to. Note that changes you make will not affect the component’s appearance in Lightning App Builder. Features: Availability: Applies to Lightning Experience in Enterprise, Performance, Unlimited, and Developer editions. Customize SMS One-Time Password Delivery for Experience Cloud Sites Overview: Enhance identity verification for external users by creating an Apex handler to send one-time passwords (OTPs) via SMS. Personalize the content and short code of the message as needed. Updates: Implementation Steps: Note: Enabling this feature affects all Experience Cloud sites, so ensure you create an Apex handler for each site to avoid disruptions. Control Authenticated Callouts More Easily Overview: Simplify configuring permissions for named credentials, allowing users to make authenticated callouts to external systems more efficiently. Most standard permission sets and profiles now include access to the User External Credentials object by default. Note: For guest user profiles and custom permission sets, manual access to User External Credentials is still required. Availability: Applies to Lightning Experience and Salesforce Classic (not available in all orgs) in all editions. Improve Data Transmission Speed and Security with TLS 1.3 Overview: Salesforce now supports TLS 1.3 for outbound HTTPS callouts, enhancing security with stronger encryption and faster connection establishment. Note: Existing callouts using TLS 1.2 are not impacted. Availability: Applies to Lightning Experience, Salesforce Classic (not available in all orgs), and all mobile app versions in all editions. Enable LWC Stacked Modals Overview: As part of the internal migration from Aura to LWC, Lightning Experience now uses LWC for more modals, improving performance, especially for record creation and editing. Changes: Availability: First available in Summer ’24. Applies to Lightning Experience in all editions. Additional Enhancements Salesforce Platform Login License: Provides flexible

August 23, 2024in Unified Knowledge

02Jul

Salesforce Hotel Sales Enablement

Elevate Customer Experiences in Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Outstanding customer service is crucial for a positive travel experience. Customers expect personalized recognition and VIP treatment, necessitating enhanced personalization in communications and experiences across marketing, sales, and customer service. Salesforce Hotel Sales Enablement Salesforce provides a dynamic CRM platform tailored to the travel industry, featuring sales and marketing automation, data-driven analytics, and extensive customization options. It improves operational efficiency, customer engagement, and fosters innovation, offering travel agencies a competitive edge. Destination Success: Salesforce Hotel Sales Enablement for Travel Agents Travel agents often face challenges like dispersed customer data, real-time information gaps, and fragmented communication channels. Salesforce CRM offers a solution with an all-in-one platform for customer management, marketing automation, and data analysis. Leading travel companies like Hotel Tonight, Cleartrip, Caesars Entertainment, Anantara Vacation Club, and Intrepid Group use Salesforce products to enhance various aspects of their business. Why Travel & Hospitality Professionals Need Salesforce CRM Sales Cloud centralizes data storage, tracks customer requirements and preferences, manages bookings, provides real-time client information, enables personalized marketing, and facilitates data analysis for business performance. It also ensures secure collaboration and information access, boosting productivity. Explore key challenges below and how Salesforce Sales Cloud helps travel and hospitality agents overcome them: Key Challenges Salesforce Solutions Guest Experience Personalization Stores detailed customer profiles for tailored services and communication. Customer Data Management Consolidates customer information into a centralized database. Operational Automation Streamlines booking processes, guest communications, and other tasks. Enhanced Guest Communication Provides integrated communication tools for timely, personalized interactions. Revenue Optimization Offers insights into booking trends, guest spending habits, and market dynamics for dynamic pricing. Multiple Systems Integration Synchronizes data across various booking channels and integrates with financial, accounting, and other software. Adapting to Market Changes Provides flexible, scalable solutions for quick adaptation to market conditions and technological advancements. How Service Cloud Can Streamline Customer Support Salesforce Service Cloud enhances customer support by providing automated request management and deeper understanding of customer interactions. For instance, Anantara Vacation Club improved response times and customer satisfaction by transitioning to Service Cloud, achieving significant growth and high satisfaction scores. How Salesforce Can Facilitate Partnership Management Salesforce’s Partner Relationship Management (PRM) system and partner portals powered by Experience Cloud enhance collaboration with partners and affiliates. For example, Pernod Ricard used Experience Cloud to improve interactions with distributors and create customer communities. How Experience Cloud Helps Create Smooth Booking Management Salesforce Experience Cloud allows travel and hospitality businesses to create custom web portals for managing reservations, checking real-time availability, and processing booking modifications. How Marketing Cloud Helps Deliver Marketing Excellence Salesforce Marketing Cloud and Marketing Cloud Account Engagement provide sophisticated marketing automation tools for executing targeted campaigns and personalized guest engagement, as demonstrated by Intrepid Travel’s improved customer engagement and personalized journeys. How CRM Analytics Provides Strategic Insights CRM Analytics offers advanced analytics capabilities for data-driven decision-making, identifying trends, forecasting demand, and optimizing pricing strategies. This helps improve investment returns and predict future trends. How Salesforce-Powered Web Portals Can Enhance Travel & Hospitality Operations Salesforce Experience Cloud enables the creation of connected digital experiences for travel and hospitality businesses. Custom web portals built on Salesforce provide personalized digital experiences for customers, streamline booking processes for travel agents and partners, and improve internal collaboration for hospitality staff. Solutions Built on Salesforce Experience Cloud For Whom What Can Be Built Solution Benefits Customers Personalized Travel Portals, Self-Service Support Centers Easier travel planning, management, and access to support and travel advisories. Travel Agents and Partners Agent and Partner Portals Streamlined booking processes and better visibility into revenue and reservations. Employees Internal Collaboration Platforms, Training Platform Improved task management and access to real-time business insights. Examples of Custom Solutions Expert Salesforce Consulting with Tectonic Tectonic helps travel and hospitality businesses maximize Salesforce’s potential by creating customized self-service portals, booking portals, and integrated web platforms. With over 650 successful projects, Tectonic ensures proper configuration, data migration, ongoing support, and training for Salesforce products. Sales Enablement Strategy Sales enablement is crucial for evolving sales teams to sell with the latest technologies. Equip your sales teams with the right blend of assets and information using an elegant platform to help them increase sales and convert leads faster. Sell Faster with Sales Programs Sales Programs built into CRM guide sellers to success with AI-powered coaching and relevant resources, improving productivity and connecting programs to sales results. Best practice templates and intelligent, automated program delivery make it easy. Challenges Reps Face Reps often struggle with identifying stakeholders, strategy, and deal details. Sales enablement provides the necessary education and guidance to advance prospects through the sales pipeline effectively. Benefits of Sales Enablement Investing in a strong sales enablement process lifts the entire sales team and the company, connecting sellers to key players, ensuring consistent messaging, and increasing productivity. Content updated August 2023. 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

July 2, 2024in Marketing Automation, Salesforce Data Cloud, Salesforce Experience Cloud, Salesforce Hospitality Travel and Transportation, Salesforce Implementation Services, Salesforce Marketing Automation, Salesforce Marketing Cloud, Salesforce Marketing Cloud Account Engagement (Pardot), Salesforce Optimization, Salesforce Personalization, Salesforce Sales Cloud, Salesforce Service Cloud, Unified Knowledge

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