Financial Services

07Dec

Ushering in the Era of AI-Driven Workforces

Agentforce: Ushering in the Era of AI-Driven Workforces “Agentforce is redefining what’s possible in business and beyond, ushering in a new era of AI abundance and limitless workforces that augment every employee, build deeper customer relationships, and drive unprecedented growth and profitability.”— Marc Benioff, Salesforce CEO Key Features and Takeaways Out-of-the-Box AI Agents Agentforce introduces pre-built, customizable agents that are deployable with low-code or no-code tools, working tirelessly across any channel. Its first generally available solution, the Agentforce Service Agent, surpasses traditional chatbots by handling a diverse range of tasks—from simple inquiries to complex scenarios. Key capabilities include: Seamless Integration with Salesforce Platform Agentforce eliminates the complexity of building AI solutions from scratch. Unlike other platforms that demand intricate data integration and custom automation, Agentforce is fully embedded within the Salesforce ecosystem. With Agentforce, businesses can: Always-On Automation Agentforce operates independently of human intervention. Agents can be triggered by changes in data, predefined business rules, or pre-built automations, ensuring uninterrupted workflows. This blend of autonomous operation and human collaboration creates a symbiotic relationship between people and AI, enhancing productivity and customer satisfaction. A Competitive Edge in the AI Space Salesforce emphasizes that Agentforce goes beyond chatbots and copilots, setting a new benchmark for enterprise AI. In a strategic swipe at competitors, Marc Benioff likened rival offerings—like Microsoft’s Dynamics 365 AI agents—to “Clippy 2.0,” critiquing their inaccuracies and risks of corporate data leaks. By contrast, Agentforce builds on Salesforce’s proven Einstein AI platform, ensuring reliability, scalability, and secure integration. Redefining Customer Success Agentforce isn’t just about automation—it’s about driving outcomes. By enabling businesses to automate complex processes, deepen customer relationships, and scale operations, it paves the way for limitless growth in the age of AI. Ready to transform your workforce? With Agentforce, the future of AI-driven business is already here. 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 7, 2024in Agentforce Platform, Data, Enterprise, Mulesoft, Salesforce0 Comments

13Nov

2025: The Rise of AI Agents and Industry-Focused Innovation

Over the past few years, CX vendors have rapidly integrated generative AI (GenAI) across the customer experience landscape. This wave of innovation has brought advancements like auto-summarization, customer response recommendations, and intent analysis, especially within Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS) solutions. However, as these capabilities become standard, differentiation now hinges on more advanced AI solutions, orchestration of cross-platform workflows, and collection of industry-specific datasets. AI Agents and Industry-Focused Innovation. Agentic AI, where bots autonomously handle tasks without human intervention, is emerging as a critical differentiator. This shift is reshaping sector-specific processes. Take network providers, for instance; they can leverage agentic AI to detect service outages, create affected customer segments, and proactively send alerts. Salesforce exemplifies this trend with its Agentforce platform, which debuted at Dreamforce 2024, introducing 100 pre-configured, autonomous bots designed for specific industries. By 2025, such bots will likely proliferate, expanding across ecosystems like Workday to facilitate cross-functional automation. Toward a More Autonomous Enterprise As autonomous AI agents advance, they are poised to manage complex, multi-step workflows collaboratively. This move will help organizations move closer to an autonomous enterprise model, where human oversight drives the deployment, testing, and optimization of AI agents. In this model, collaboration platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Zoom will serve as operational hubs for managing and refining AI-driven processes. While this full vision may take longer to achieve, 2025 promises substantial advancements in sector-specific efficiencies through AI agents. Not all industries, however, are equally poised to benefit; while healthcare, financial services, and retail lead in AI-enabled CX solutions, other sectors such as hospitality, travel, and education still lag. The Need for Sector-Specific Use Case Libraries CX vendors could empower businesses by providing industry-specific AI use case libraries, building confidence in AI-agent-driven experiences. For example, bots in the finance sector could streamline billing, invoice processing, and ledger management, while spotting and correcting errors. Other industries would benefit from AI innovations tailored to their unique challenges, but such solutions will require co-innovation across CX platforms. 2025 Strategic Technology Trends Gartner’s top technology trends for 2025 provide a framework for CIOs aiming to future-proof their organizations. These trends fall into three themes: AI imperatives, new computing frontiers, and human-machine synergy. These trends will push organizations to adopt cloud, AI, and sustainability-focused architectures, despite challenges. As AI capabilities evolve, so will the risks, emphasizing the need for robust security and ethical frameworks. Salesforce charges up its game with its Agentforce platform, which debuted at Dreamforce 2024, introducing 100 pre-configured, autonomous bots designed for specific industries. By 2025, such bots will likely proliferate, expanding across ecosystems like Workday to facilitate cross-functional automation. Preparing for 2025: Upskilling for the Future As organizations embrace these transformative trends, they must also address a persistent skill gap. Pluralsight’s recent survey reveals that 20% of organizations have deployed AI, while 55% are planning to. However, without strategic business alignment, technology adoption won’t necessarily translate to customer value. For organizations, a focus on responsible innovation and proactive skills development in AI, cloud security, and sustainability will be vital. By preparing for these 2025 trends, businesses can navigate the complexities of the tech landscape and position themselves for long-term success. AI Agents and Industry-Focused Innovation As you prepare for 2025. Tectonic can help you align your goals with your road map. Contact us today! 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 13, 2024in Agentforce Platform, Data, Enterprise, Generative AI, Salesforce, Technology0 Comments

11Nov

Pioneering AI-Driven Customer Engagement

With Salesforce at the forefront of the AI revolution, Agentforce, introduced at Dreamforce, represents the next phase in customer service automation. It integrates AI and human collaboration to automate repetitive tasks, freeing human talent for more strategic activities, ultimately improving customer satisfaction. Tallapragada emphasized how this AI-powered tool enables businesses, particularly in the Middle East, to scale operations and enhance efficiency, aligning with the region’s appetite for growth and innovation.

November 11, 2024in Agentforce Platform, Data, Generative AI, Hyperforce, Salesforce Development Services0 Comments

10Nov

Insurance Brokerage Financial Services Cloud

Salesforce has introduced Financial Services Cloud for Insurance Brokerages, an AI-powered platform set to launch in February 2025, designed to automate and enhance client management, policy servicing, and commission processing for insurance brokerages. Built on Salesforce’s core CRM system, Insurance Brokerage Financial Services Cloud streamlines traditionally time-consuming tasks like policy renewals, employee benefits management, and commission splits, aiming to consolidate operations and reduce operational expenses.

November 10, 2024in Data, Enterprise, Salesforce Data Cloud, Technology0 Comments

04Nov

MuleSoft Empowering AI Agents

Empowering AI Agents with Real-Time Data: MuleSoft’s Full Lifecycle AsyncAPI Support MuleSoft has officially launched full lifecycle AsyncAPI support, providing organizations with the tools to connect real-time data to AI agents via event-driven architectures (EDAs). This integration empowers businesses to deploy AI agents that can autonomously act on dynamic, real-time events across various operations. MuleSoft Empowering AI Agents. AI Agents in Action with AsyncAPI The integration of Agentforce, Salesforce’s AI agent suite, with AsyncAPI takes automation to a new level. By utilizing real-time data streams, businesses can create AI agents capable of immediate, autonomous decision-making. Why AsyncAPI Matters Event-driven architectures are critical for real-time data processing, yet 43% of IT leaders struggle to integrate existing systems with their EDAs. AsyncAPI provides a scalable, standardized way to connect applications and AI agents, overcoming these challenges. Key Features of MuleSoft’s AsyncAPI Support Why It’s a Game-Changer for AI Agents AsyncAPI integration enables AI agents to function asynchronously within EDAs, meaning they can process tasks without waiting for updates. For example: Driving Innovation Across Industries Organizations in sectors like retail, IT, and financial services can leverage these capabilities: Expert Insights Andrew Comstock, VP of Product, Integration at Salesforce:“AI is reshaping how we think about modern architectures, but connectivity remains foundational. By supporting AsyncAPI, we’re empowering businesses to build event-driven, autonomous systems on a flexible and robust platform.” Maksim Kogan, Solution Architect, OBI Group Holding:“Integrating AsyncAPI into Anypoint Platform simplifies the developer experience and increases resilience, enabling real-time services that directly enhance customer satisfaction.” Availability MuleSoft’s full lifecycle AsyncAPI support is now available via the Anypoint Platform, with compatibility for Kafka, Solace, Anypoint MQ, and Salesforce Platform Events. Tools like Anypoint Code Builder and Anypoint Exchange further streamline the development process. MuleSoft Empowering AI Agents With full AsyncAPI support, MuleSoft unlocks the potential for AI agents to operate seamlessly within real-time event-driven systems. From improving customer experiences to enhancing operational efficiency, this innovation positions businesses to thrive in today’s fast-paced digital landscape. Learn more about empowering your AI agents with MuleSoft’s AsyncAPI capabilities today. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

November 4, 2024in Data, Mulesoft, Salesforce

30Oct

AI Agents Interview

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

October 30, 2024in Generative AI

18Oct

AI Agents and Digital Transformation

In the rapidly developingng world of technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing industries and reshaping how we interact with digital systems. One of the most promising advancements within AI is the development of AI agents. These intelligent entities, often powered by Large Language Models (LLMs), are driving the next wave of digital transformation by enabling automation, personalization, and enhanced decision-making across various sectors. AI Agents and digital transformation are here to stay. What is an AI Agent? An AI agent, or intelligent agent, is a software entity capable of perceiving its environment, reasoning about its actions, and autonomously working toward specific goals. These agents mimic human-like behavior using advanced algorithms, data processing, and machine-learning models to interact with users and complete tasks. LLMs to AI Agents — An Evolution The evolution of AI agents is closely tied to the rise of Large Language Models (LLMs). Models like GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) have showcased remarkable abilities to understand and generate human-like text. This development has enabled AI agents to interpret complex language inputs, facilitating advanced interactions with users. Key Capabilities of LLM-Based Agents LLM-powered agents possess several key advantages: Two Major Types of LLM Agents LLM agents are classified into two main categories: Multi-Agent Systems (MAS) A Multi-Agent System (MAS) is a group of autonomous agents working together to achieve shared goals or solve complex problems. MAS applications span robotics, economics, and distributed computing, where agents interact to optimize processes. AI Agent Architecture and Key Elements AI agents generally follow a modular architecture comprising: Learning Strategies for LLM-Based Agents AI agents utilize various learning techniques, including supervised, reinforcement, and self-supervised learning, to adapt and improve their performance in dynamic environments. How Autonomous AI Agents Operate Autonomous AI agents act independently of human intervention by perceiving their surroundings, reasoning through possible actions, and making decisions autonomously to achieve set goals. AI Agents’ Transformative Power Across Industries AI agents are transforming numerous industries by automating tasks, enhancing efficiency, and providing data-driven insights. Here’s a look at some key use cases: Platforms Powering AI Agents The Benefits of AI Agents and Digital Transformation AI agents offer several advantages, including: The Future of AI Agents The potential of AI agents is immense, and as AI technology advances, we can expect more sophisticated agents capable of complex reasoning, adaptive learning, and deeper integration into everyday tasks. The future promises a world where AI agents collaborate with humans to drive innovation, enhance efficiency, and unlock new opportunities for growth in the digital age. AI Agents and Digital Transformation By partnering with AI development specialists at Tectonic, organizations can access cutting-edge solutions tailored to their needs, positioning themselves to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving AI-driven market. Agentforce 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 Agentforce Platform, Artificial Intelligence, Data, Enterprise, Salesforce Copilots, Technology

10Oct

Collaboration Between Humans and AI

The Future of AI: What to Expect in the Next 5 Years In the next five years, AI will accelerate human life, reshape behaviors, and transform industries—these changes are inevitable. Collaboration Between Humans and AI. For much of the early 20th century, AI existed mainly in science fiction, where androids, sentient machines, and futuristic societies intrigued fans of the genre. From films like Metropolis to books like I, Robot, AI was the subject of speculative imagination. AI in fiction often over-dramatized reality and caused us to suspend belief in what was and was not possible. But by the mid-20th century, scientists began working to bring AI into reality. A Brief History of AI’s Impact on Society The 1956 Dartmouth Summer Research Project on Artificial Intelligence marked a key turning point, where John McCarthy coined the term “artificial intelligence” and helped establish a community of AI researchers. Although the initial excitement about AI often outpaced its actual capabilities, significant breakthroughs began emerging by the late 20th century. One such moment was IBM’s Deep Blue defeating chess champion Garry Kasparov in 1997, signaling that machines could perform complex cognitive tasks. The rise of big data and Moore’s Law, which fueled the exponential growth of computational power, enabled AI to process vast amounts of information and tackle tasks previously handled only by humans. By 2022, generative AI models like ChatGPT proved that machine learning could yield highly sophisticated and captivating technologies. AI’s influence is now everywhere. No longer is it only discussed in IT circles. AI is being featured in nearly all new products hitting the market. It is part of if not the creation tool of most commercials. Voice assistants like Alexa, recommendation systems used by Netflix, and autonomous vehicles represent just a glimpse of AI’s current role in society. Yet, over the next five years, AI’s development is poised to introduce far more profound societal changes. How AI Will Shape the Future Industries Most Affected by AI Long-term Risks of Collaboration Between Humans and AI AI’s potential to pose existential risks has long been a topic of concern. However, the more realistic danger lies in human societies voluntarily ceding control to AI systems. Algorithmic trading in finance, for example, demonstrates how human decisions are already being replaced by AI’s ability to operate at unimaginable speeds. Still, fear of AI should not overshadow the opportunities it presents. If organizations shy away from AI out of anxiety, they risk missing out on innovations and efficiency gains. The future of AI depends on a balanced approach that embraces its potential while mitigating its risks. In the coming years, the collaboration between humans and AI will drive profound changes across industries, legal frameworks, and societal norms, creating both challenges and opportunities for the future. Tectonic can help you map your AI journey for the best Collaboration Between Humans and AI. 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

October 10, 2024in AI Tools, Artificial Intelligence, Data, Generative AI, Laws

10Oct

AI Causes Job Flux

AI Barometer Signals Job Disruption Amid Global Productivity Gains A recent PwC report highlights significant productivity improvements worldwide, but also points to potential job disruption due to artificial intelligence (AI). Described as the “Industrial Revolution of knowledge work,” AI is transforming how workers utilize information, generate content, and deliver results at unprecedented speed and scale. The 2024 AI Jobs Barometer, released by PwC, aims to provide empirical data on the impact of AI on global employment. AI Causes Job Flux but not necessarly job loss. AI Causes Job Flux The analysis involved examining over half a billion job ads across 15 advanced economies, including the U.S., Canada, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, and several European nations. PwC sought to uncover the effects of AI on jobs, skills, wages, and productivity by monitoring the rise of positions requiring specialist AI skills across various industries and regions. The findings show that AI adoption is accelerating, with workers proficient in AI commanding substantial wage premiums. Broader Workforce Impact Interestingly, the impact of AI extends beyond workers with specialized AI skills. According to PwC, the majority of workers leveraging AI tools do not require such expertise. In many cases, a small number of AI specialists design tools that are then used by thousands of customer service agents, analysts, or legal professionals—none of whom possess advanced AI knowledge. This trend is driven largely by generative AI applications, which can typically be operated using simple, everyday language without technical skills. AI’s Economic Promise AI is leading a productivity revolution. Labor productivity growth has stagnated in many OECD countries over the past two decades, but AI may offer a solution. To better understand its effect on productivity, PwC analyzed jobs based on their “AI exposure,” indicating the extent to which AI can assist with tasks within specific roles. The report found that industries with higher AI exposure are experiencing much greater labor productivity growth. Knowledge-based jobs, in particular, show the highest AI exposure and the greatest demand for workers with advanced AI skills. Sectors such as financial services, professional services, and information and communications are leading the way, with AI-related job shares 2.8x, 3x, and 5x higher, respectively, than other industries. Overall, these sectors are witnessing nearly fivefold productivity growth due to AI integration. AI is also playing a role in alleviating labor shortages. Jobs in customer service, administration, and IT, among others, are still growing but at a slower rate. AI-driven productivity may help fill gaps caused by shrinking working-age populations in advanced economies. Wage Premiums for AI Skills Workers in AI-specialist roles are seeing significant wage premiums—up to 25% on average. Since 2016, demand for these roles has outpaced the growth of the overall job market. The highest wage premiums are found in the U.S. (25%) and the U.K. (14%), with data specialists commanding premiums of over 50% in both countries. Financial analysts, lawyers, and marketing managers also enjoy substantial wage boosts. The Disruption of Job Markets The skills required for AI-exposed jobs are evolving rapidly. PwC’s report reveals that new skills are emerging 25% faster in AI-exposed occupations compared to those less affected by AI. Jobs requiring AI proficiency have grown 3.5 times faster than other roles since 2016, and this trend predates the rise of popular tools like ChatGPT. However, while AI is driving demand for new skills, it is also reducing the need for certain old ones. Jobs in fields like IT, design, sales, and data analysis are seeing slower growth, as tasks in these areas are increasingly automated by AI technologies. The Future of Work The PwC report stresses that AI will not necessarily result in fewer jobs overall, but will change the nature of work. Instead of asking whether AI can replicate existing tasks, the focus should be on how AI enables new opportunities and industries. Tectonic recommends you work on this trail of thought by implementing AI Acceptable Use Policies in your company. Encourage your teams to explore AI tools that increase productivity but clearly outline what is and is not acceptable AI usage. PwC outlines several steps for policymakers, business leaders, and workers to take to ensure a positive transition into the AI era. Policymakers are encouraged to promote AI adoption through supportive policies, digital infrastructure, and workforce development. Business leaders should embrace AI as a complement to human workers, focusing on generating new ways to create value. Meanwhile, workers must build AI-complementary skills and experiment with AI tools to remain competitive in the evolving job market. Ultimately, while AI is disrupting the job landscape, it also presents vast opportunities for those who are willing to adapt. Like past technological revolutions, those who embrace change stand to benefit the most from AI’s transformative power. 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

October 10, 2024in AI Tools, Artificial Intelligence, Data, Generative AI

03Oct

Supercharged Sales and Service Excellence

When sales and service teams are seamlessly aligned, organizations can transform every service interaction into a powerful opportunity to drive revenue and build customer loyalty. By delivering contextual, personalized offers at the right time, businesses can turn each customer touchpoint into a chance to solve problems, create value, and enhance engagement. With the help of real-time data and AI, we move beyond treating customer interactions as isolated events. Instead, we focus on understanding the unique needs and preferences of each customer, whether they’re reaching out for support, visiting a store, or engaging online. Every touchpoint becomes an opportunity to deliver tailored solutions, strengthen loyalty, and increase revenue. These examples are just a glimpse of the solutions we help our clients deploy. With our deep expertise in AI implementation and industry-specific insights, Tectonic is ideally positioned to guide you through activating AI agents that build on your successes. Our extensive experience across diverse sectors enables us to identify the most impactful opportunities for AI, ensuring tailored solutions that align with your business strategy. Tectonic’s proven approach ensures AI agents are deployed efficiently and effectively, driving ROI and delivering measurable results. Agentforce: Open, Extensible, and Transformative Agentforce is designed to foster smooth interactions between agents created on the platform and external agents and applications. With integration into Salesforce Data Cloud, it enables real-time data access for better, faster decision-making. Tectonic can help facilitate this interconnectivity across various channels and platforms, ensuring seamless operations. In a society that prioritizes digital, artificial intelligence is changing sales and service tactics. Adopting AI agents is crucial for business leaders to keep ahead of the competition and develop more effective and efficient methods of customer and employee support. AI agents are not just upgrades—they are transformative forces that redefine what’s possible. They empower organizations to move from envisioning possibilities to realizing a future of enhanced sales performance, streamlined operations, and unmatched customer satisfaction, all powered by AI. Salesforce’s Agentforce: Scaling Your Workforce with Autonomous AI Agents Agentforce provides fully customizable autonomous AI agents that can integrate with enterprise data and take action across sales, service, marketing, and commerce. The Agent Builder allows users to create agents that automate any business process, in any industry, using existing Salesforce tools such as workflows, Apex code, and prompt templates. Leading companies like The Adecco Group, BACA Systems, OpenTable, Saks, and Wiley are already leveraging Agentforce Service Agents to deliver faster, more personalized customer responses while improving operational efficiency. Salesforce (NYSE: CRM), the world’s #1 AI CRM, has announced the general availability of Agentforce. This new platform layer enables businesses to create and deploy AI agents that autonomously take action across any business function. Unlike traditional chatbots and copilots, Agentforce agents possess advanced reasoning abilities to make decisions and take actions such as resolving customer issues, qualifying sales leads, and optimizing marketing efforts. These agents operate independently—triggered by changes in data, business rules, pre-built automations, or external signals from APIs. Agentforce includes out-of-the-box agents that can be easily customized and deployed with low-code or no-code tools, working around the clock across any channel. The first of these, the Agentforce Service Agent, outperforms traditional chatbots by handling a wide range of tasks—from simple to complex—using pre-built topics and actions for customer support. These agents are fully customizable to serve various industries, such as retail with order management or financial services with billing and payment support. “Agentforce is redefining business possibilities, ushering in an era of AI-driven abundance and limitless workforces that enhance every employee’s capabilities, strengthen customer relationships, and fuel unprecedented growth,” said Marc Benioff, Chair and CEO of Salesforce. “Built on Salesforce’s trusted, fully customizable platform—integrating enterprise data, metadata, AI models, workflows, security, and applications—Agentforce is everything AI was meant to be.” The Power of Agentforce With Agentforce, there’s no need for DIY AI. Unlike other platforms that require complex integrations and custom builds, Agentforce is natively built into the Salesforce Platform. Customers can instantly convert their existing Flows, prompt templates, Apex code, and APIs into agent actions, seamlessly connecting to enterprise data and security models. With the added power of native tools like Data Cloud, Slack, and MuleSoft, Agentforce offers a streamlined and efficient approach to scaling your workforce with AI. The new Agent Builder empowers Salesforce admins and developers to easily create AI agents with natural language instructions and guardrails, enabling even more customization and control. 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 3, 2024in Agentforce Platform, Data, Enterprise, Mulesoft, Salesforce, Salesforce Data Cloud

30Sep

Financial Services Cloud and Core

Remember When Salesforce First Launched Financial Services Cloud in 2016? The managed package introduced a standardized data model that transformed how banks, credit unions, and implementation partners utilized Salesforce. It was a game-changer! But Salesforce hasn’t stopped innovating. Since 2019, they’ve been enhancing the core platform to meet demands for greater performance and flexibility. Now, in 2024, Salesforce has rolled out its biggest core release yet: Financial Account Management Standard Objects. This strategic update could redefine how financial data is managed within Financial Services Cloud (FSC). Understanding these updates is essential for all FSC users. The introduction of standard objects signals a major shift in the platform. Staying informed ensures that your institution remains innovative and fully leverages Financial Services Cloud. Let’s explore what’s changing and why it matters. 1. A New Era for Financial Accounts Say goodbye to limitations and hello to flexibility! The core platform introduces a modern way to manage financial accounts: The elimination of financial account triggers is a huge win for performance. Salesforce’s new data model is designed to handle real-time integrations, which can be a game-changer for many institutions. But real-time integration isn’t necessary for everyone. Depending on your organization’s needs, you might find that a combination of batch integration, on-demand integration, and data visualization works best. If you’re dealing with slow nightly batch data loads due to financial account triggers, exploring the new standard objects could be the solution to your performance woes. 2. Core Offers Benefits for Everyone 3. The FSC Managed Package is Still Supported Salesforce has reassured customers that the FSC Managed Package will continue to be supported. However, with Core advancements, Salesforce is re-evaluating its long-term strategy to provide more streamlined and scalable solutions. While migration to Core isn’t mandatory, Salesforce’s ongoing focus on this new architecture suggests that aligning with the core platform may offer increasing benefits over time. To stay ahead of the curve and access the latest features, it’s wise to explore the potential advantages of migration. Tectonic can help assess your current environment, weigh the benefits of moving to Core, and develop a strategy that aligns with your business goals. 4. Exciting Core Enhancements Core introduces powerful new features that simplify financial data management, such as: 5. The Future Is Core, and You Need the Right Partner to Chart Your Course Salesforce’s shift toward Core highlights the platform’s future direction. While the managed package remains relevant for now, Core offers a more modern, flexible solution for managing financial data. To make the most of these changes and ensure a smooth transition, partnering with an experienced team like Tectonic is crucial. Transitioning to Core requires careful planning. Here’s a roadmap to guide you: Ready to Explore the Power of Core? Contact Tectonic today to learn how we can help guide your transition to Core and capture the full potential of these new features to drive your business forward. 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

September 30, 2024in Data, Salesforce Financial Services Solutions, Salesforce Implementation Services

28Sep

Benefits of AI in Banking

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly gaining traction in the banking and finance sector, with generative AI (GenAI) emerging as a transformative force. Financial institutions are increasingly adopting AI technologies to automate processes, cut operational costs, and boost overall productivity, according to Sameer Gupta, North America Financial Services Organization Advanced Analytics Leader at EY. While traditional machine learning (ML) techniques are commonly used for fraud detection, loan approvals, and personalized marketing, banks are now advancing to incorporate more sophisticated technologies, including ML, natural language processing (NLP), and GenAI. Gupta notes that EY is observing a growing trend of banks using ML to enhance credit approvals, improve fraud detection, and refine marketing strategies, leading to greater efficiency and better decision-making. A recent survey by Gartner’s Jasleen Kaur Sindhu reveals that 58% of banking CIOs have either deployed or plan to deploy AI initiatives in 2024, with this number expected to rise to 77% by 2025. “This indicates not only the growing importance of AI but also its fundamental role in shaping how banks operate and deliver value to their customers,” Sindhu said. “AI is becoming essential to the success of banking institutions.” Here are five key benefits of AI applications in banking: Despite the benefits, concerns about AI in banking persist, particularly regarding data privacy, bias, and ethics. AI can inadvertently extract personal information and raise privacy issues. Regulatory challenges and the potential for AI systems to perpetuate biases are also major concerns. As AI technology evolves, banks are investing in robust governance frameworks, continuous monitoring, and adherence to ethical standards to address these risks. Looking ahead, AI is expected to revolutionize banking by delivering personalized services, enhancing customer interactions, and driving productivity. Deloitte forecasts that GenAI could boost productivity by up to 35% in the top 14 global investment banks, generating significant additional revenue per employee by 2026. 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

September 28, 2024in Artificial Intelligence, Data, Generative AI, 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

27Sep

Salesforce AI Evolves with the Generative AI Landscape

Salesforce AI: Powering Customer Relationship Management Salesforce is a leading CRM solution that has long delivered cutting-edge cloud technologies to manage customer relationships effectively. In recent months, the platform has further advanced with the integration of generative AI and AI-powered features, primarily through its AI engine, Einstein. Salesforce AI Evolves with the Generative AI Landscape. To explore how AI operates within the Salesforce ecosystem and how various business teams can leverage these innovations, this guide delves into Salesforce’s AI capabilities, products, and features. Salesforce AI: Transforming CRM Capabilities Salesforce remains a top choice in the CRM software market, offering one of the most comprehensive solutions for managing relationships across departments, industries, and initiatives. Through dedicated cloud platforms, Salesforce enables teams to oversee marketing, sales, customer service, e-commerce, and more, with tools focused on delivering enhanced customer experiences supported by powerful data analytics. With the introduction of generative AI, Salesforce has significantly elevated its native automation, workflow management, data analytics, and assistive capabilities for customer lifecycle management. Einstein Copilot exemplifies this innovation, aiding internal users with tasks such as outreach, analysis, and improving external user experiences. What is Salesforce Einstein? Salesforce Einstein is an AI-driven suite of tools integrated natively into various Salesforce Cloud applications, including Sales Cloud, Marketing Cloud, Service Cloud, and Commerce Cloud. It also operates through assistive technologies like Einstein Copilot. Einstein is built on a multitenant platform and incorporates numerous automated machine learning features to unify organizational data with CRM capabilities. Designed to make intelligent, data-driven decisions, Einstein requires no additional installation, offering a seamless user experience when paired with a compatible subscription plan. 7 Key Features of Salesforce Einstein 7 Applications of Salesforce Einstein Future Trends in Salesforce AI Bottom Line: Salesforce AI Evolves with the Generative AI Landscape Salesforce continues to enhance its AI-powered features, keeping pace with advancements in generative and predictive AI. Whether new to the platform or a seasoned user, Salesforce offers innovative, AI-centric solutions to streamline customer relationship management and business operations. 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

September 27, 2024in AI Tools, Data, Einstein 1 Platform, Generative AI, Mulesoft, Salesforce, Salesforce Einstein

23Sep

Oracle Advertising Sundown

Oracle Shifts Focus to B2B CX, Introduces New Fusion Cloud Features Despite winding down its online advertising products, Oracle is doubling down on its investment in customer experience (CX) technology, particularly in enabling B2B buying and supporting subscription and consumption models. During the Oracle CloudWorld conference on Wednesday, the company unveiled new capabilities for its Fusion Cloud Customer Experience and Unity Customer Data Platform. These enhancements empower Oracle CX users to analyze customer profiles to assemble B2B buying teams, leverage generative AI tools like native analytics, and utilize industry-specific accelerators to speed up the adoption of customer data tools. Key features include the ability to create self-service sites for individual accounts, enabling customers to review and summarize contracts using generative AI, receive quotes, and renew subscriptions. Other features enhance “assisted buying experiences,” blending self-service and human interaction, while tools like account onboarding and AI-powered email drafting simplify full-service sales processes. Subscription models, though still in their early stages for B2B, offer a streamlined alternative to traditional procurement processes. As Liz Miller, an analyst at Constellation Research, noted, subscription-based buying is easier and quicker, avoiding the lengthy procurement cycles many B2B buyers are familiar with. “The pain of traditional B2B buying is still fresh in everyone’s mind,” she said. Oracle Advertising Shuts Down Oracle’s advertising product support will end on September 30, as confirmed by CEO Safra Catz during the company’s June earnings call. The Oracle Advertising Data Management Platform (DMP), built from its BlueKai acquisition, is being retired, following in the footsteps of Salesforce, which discontinued its Audience Studio in 2021. Despite Oracle winding down its ad platform, this move shouldn’t be seen as a shift away from customer experience. Oracle founder Larry Ellison remains deeply involved in shaping the company’s CX strategy, with a focus on marketing tools and Apex low-code platforms, said Rob Pinkerton, Oracle’s senior vice president. Oracle’s modernized CX suite, built on the Fusion Cloud platform, has evolved significantly in recent years, though questions remain about whether it’s too late to regain market share. “Oracle as a CX platform has fallen off the radar for many buyers,” said Miller, adding that customers are no longer debating between Oracle, Microsoft, and Salesforce in the CX space. New Industry-Specific Tools for CX Oracle has also expanded its CX platform with industry-specific tools designed to accelerate the adoption of its customer data platform (CDP) across sectors such as high tech, manufacturing, professional services, telecommunications, utilities, financial services, travel, and retail. According to Rebecca Wettemann, CEO of research firm Valoir, Oracle’s Fusion platform has matured significantly and now supports the complexity of modern customer needs. Wettemann highlighted how common components like customer interaction summaries can be adapted for multiple industries, delivering faster results than traditional applications. Oracle’s Clinical Digital Assistant is one such example of this approach, illustrating the platform’s versatility and AI-driven enhancements. With these developments, Oracle continues to refine its CX offerings to better meet the unique demands of B2B customers, providing tools that streamline operations and enhance customer experiences across various industries. 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 23, 2024in Generative AI

MuleSoft Empowering AI Agents

AI Agents and Digital Transformation

Collaboration Between Humans and AI

AI Causes Job Flux

Benefits of AI in Banking

Integrate Digital Delivery and Human Connection

Recent Posts

Understanding the Causes of Disillusionment with Generative AI

Meta Joins the Race to Reinvent Search with AI

Google Prepares AI-Powered Jarvis Agent

Is the Future Agentic for ERP?

AI is Transforming Threat Detection

Contact Us

Be in touch today — and start your business on a path to success.

Category

Archives