The current phase of disillusionment is not a dead end but rather a recalibration. As enterprises and vendors align expectations with the technology’s capabilities, generative AI can move beyond the hype to deliver sustainable value.
Meta Joins the Race to Reinvent Search with AI Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is stepping into the evolving AI-driven search landscape. As vendors increasingly embrace generative AI to transform search experiences, Meta aims to challenge Google’s dominance in this space. The company is reportedly developing an AI-powered search engine designed to provide conversational, AI-generated summaries of recent events and news. These summaries would be delivered via Meta’s AI chatbot, supported by a multiyear partnership with Reuters for real-time news insights, according to The Information. AI Search: A Growing Opportunity The push comes as generative AI reshapes search technology across the industry. Google, the long-standing leader, has integrated AI features such as AI Overviews into its search platform, offering users summarized search results, product comparisons, and more. This feature, now available in over 100 countries as of October 2024, signals a shift in traditional search strategies. Similarly, OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has been exploring its own AI search model, SearchGPT, and forging partnerships with media organizations like the Associated Press and Hearst. However, OpenAI faces legal challenges, such as a lawsuit from The New York Times over alleged copyright infringement. Meta’s entry into AI-powered search aligns with a broader trend among tech giants. “It makes sense for Meta to explore this,” said Mark Beccue, an analyst with TechTarget’s Enterprise Strategy Group. He noted that Meta’s approach seems more targeted at consumer engagement than enterprise solutions, particularly appealing to younger audiences who are shifting away from traditional search behaviors. Shifting User Preferences Generational changes in search habits are creating opportunities for new players in the market. Younger users, particularly Gen Z and Gen Alpha, are increasingly turning to platforms like TikTok for lifestyle advice and Amazon for product recommendations, bypassing traditional search engines like Google. “Recent studies show younger generations are no longer using ‘Google’ as a verb,” said Lisa Martin, an analyst with the Futurum Group. “This opens the playing field for competitors like Meta and OpenAI.” Forrester Research corroborates this trend, noting a diversification in search behaviors. “ChatGPT’s popularity has accelerated this shift,” said Nikhil Lai, a Forrester analyst. He added that these changes could challenge Google’s search ad market, with its dominance potentially waning in the years ahead. Meta’s AI Search Potential Meta’s foray into AI search offers an opportunity to enhance user experiences and deepen engagement. Rather than pushing news content into users’ feeds—an approach that has drawn criticism—AI-driven search could empower users to decide what content they see and when they see it. “If implemented thoughtfully, it could transform the user experience and give users more control,” said Martin. This approach could also boost engagement by keeping users within Meta’s ecosystem. The Race for Revenue and Trust While AI-powered search is expected to increase engagement, monetization strategies remain uncertain. Google has yet to monetize its AI Overviews, and OpenAI’s plans for SearchGPT remain unclear. Other vendors, like Perplexity AI, are experimenting with models such as sponsored questions instead of traditional results. Trust remains a critical factor in the evolving search landscape. “Google is still seen as more trustworthy,” Lai noted, with users often returning to Google to verify AI-generated information. Despite the competition, the conversational AI search market lacks a definitive leader. “Google dominated traditional search, but the race for conversational search is far more open-ended,” Lai concluded. Meta’s entry into this competitive space underscores the ongoing evolution of search technology, setting the stage for a reshaped digital landscape driven by AI innovation. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more
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GenAI: Transforming the Role of Data Science Teams Challenges, Opportunities, and the Evolving Responsibilities of Data Scientists Generative AI (GenAI) is revolutionizing the AI landscape, offering faster development cycles, reduced technical overhead, and enabling groundbreaking use cases that once seemed unattainable. However, it also introduces new challenges, including the risks of hallucinations and reliance on third-party APIs. For Data Scientists and Machine Learning (ML) teams, this shift directly impacts their roles. GenAI-driven projects, often powered by external providers like OpenAI, Anthropic, or Meta, blur traditional lines. AI solutions are increasingly accessible to non-technical teams, but this accessibility raises fundamental questions about the role and responsibilities of data science teams in ensuring effective, ethical, and future-proof AI systems. Let’s explore how this evolution is reshaping the field. Expanding Possibilities Without Losing Focus While GenAI unlocks opportunities to solve a broader range of challenges, not every problem warrants an AI solution. Data Scientists remain vital in assessing when and where AI is appropriate, selecting the right approaches—whether GenAI, traditional ML, or hybrid solutions—and designing reliable systems. Although GenAI broadens the toolkit, two factors shape its application: For example, incorporating features that enable user oversight of AI outputs may prove more strategic than attempting full automation with extensive fine-tuning. Differentiation will not come from simply using LLMs, which are widely accessible, but from the unique value and functionality they enable. Traditional ML Is Far from Dead—It’s Evolving with GenAI While GenAI is transformative, traditional ML continues to play a critical role. Many use cases, especially those unrelated to text or images, are best addressed with ML. GenAI often complements traditional ML, enabling faster prototyping, enhanced experimentation, and hybrid systems that blend the strengths of both approaches. For instance, traditional ML workflows—requiring extensive data preparation, training, and maintenance—contrast with GenAI’s simplified process: prompt engineering, offline evaluation, and API integration. This allows rapid proof of concept for new ideas. Once proven, teams can refine solutions using traditional ML to optimize costs or latency, or transition to Small Language Models (SMLs) for greater control and performance. Hybrid systems are increasingly common. For example, DoorDash combines LLMs with ML models for product classification. LLMs handle cases the ML model cannot classify confidently, retraining the ML system with new insights—a powerful feedback loop. GenAI Solves New Problems—But Still Needs Expertise The AI landscape is shifting from bespoke in-house models to fewer, large multi-task models provided by external vendors. While this simplifies some aspects of AI implementation, it requires teams to remain vigilant about GenAI’s probabilistic nature and inherent risks. Key challenges unique to GenAI include: Data Scientists must ensure robust evaluations, including statistical and model-based metrics, before deployment. Monitoring tools like Datadog now offer LLM-specific observability, enabling teams to track system performance in real-world environments. Teams must also address ethical concerns, applying frameworks like ComplAI to benchmark models and incorporating guardrails to align outputs with organizational and societal values. Building AI Literacy Across Organizations AI literacy is becoming a critical competency for organizations. Beyond technical implementation, competitive advantage now depends on how effectively the entire workforce understands and leverages AI. Data Scientists are uniquely positioned to champion this literacy by leading initiatives such as internal training, workshops, and hackathons. These efforts can: The New Role of Data Scientists: A Strategic Pivot The role of Data Scientists is not diminishing but evolving. Their expertise remains essential to ensure AI solutions are reliable, ethical, and impactful. Key responsibilities now include: By adapting to this new landscape, Data Scientists will continue to play a pivotal role in guiding organizations to harness AI effectively and responsibly. GenAI is not replacing them; it’s expanding their impact. 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
Without measurement, a business is flying by the seat of its pants. In business, as in many areas of life, tracking progress is essential for growth. For example, one individual has been tracking cycling times on the same routes for over five years, and while performance has slowed, improvements in other areas, like taking more time off with family and building stronger client relationships, have been evident. Despite this, many businesses still fail to measure enough, particularly when it comes to understanding key performance indicators. A recent Salesforce survey found that 60% of small businesses rely primarily on cash flow as their key metric, often neglecting other important indicators of business health. For many, the primary measure of success is simply how much money is in the bank account, which, while important, is only a small part of the larger picture. The importance of measurement and metrics for business success and growth cannot be over emphasized. By tracking the right indicators, businesses gain a competitive edge and the ability to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing market. The Importance of Measurement Today, measuring business performance is more critical than ever for several reasons: Key Metrics to Measure While industry-specific metrics are important, there are several universal indicators that every management team should focus on. Thanks to new digital tools, gathering and analyzing these metrics is easier than ever, offering a comprehensive view of a business’s health. The Consequences of Not Measuring Without measurement, businesses are essentially operating without road signs. Small businesses, in particular, may not measure enough, while larger organizations may suffer from “analysis paralysis” by over-measuring and becoming overwhelmed by data. Measurement makes a difference. Just as an individual may track cycling times without measuring other variables like weight or diet, businesses must decide which metrics are most relevant to their success. While some aspects of business may be left unmeasured, others—such as sales, margins, and marketing performance—are vital for growth and strategic decision-making. In conclusion, businesses that embrace measurement are better equipped to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and ultimately, thrive in a competitive market. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more
The Nature Tech Revolution: From “Do No Harm” to “Nature-Positive” In January, ERM, Salesforce, Planet, and NatureMetrics launched the NatureTech Alliance at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The Alliance’s mission is clear: empower companies to leverage advanced data and technology to address pressing nature-related challenges. This integrated effort focuses on: After engaging with clients in early 2024, the Alliance identified recurring challenges across value chains. Through interviews with industry leaders, it uncovered actionable insights into corporate efforts to overcome these hurdles. Seven key takeaways highlight the obstacles and opportunities for effective nature-positive strategies. Seven Key Insights for Corporate Nature Action 1. Nature Risk is Both Global and Highly Local Nature-related risks, such as water scarcity or biodiversity loss, vary significantly by region. However, many companies rely on coarse, global data that overlooks critical local nuances like community-level resource usage or ecosystem dynamics. This mismatch creates blind spots that can hinder decision-making, disrupt operations, or lead to regulatory non-compliance. 2. Nature Risk Lacks Integration with Enterprise Strategy Nature-related risks often remain siloed from broader enterprise risk frameworks, despite deep ties to issues like climate change. For instance, deforestation exacerbates biodiversity loss and water stress while releasing carbon into the atmosphere. Integrating nature data into strategic planning is essential for resilience and sustainable performance. 3. Gaps in Understanding Hinder Progress Corporate decision-makers and investors frequently struggle to interpret complex nature-related data, slowing the adoption of nature-positive strategies. Bridging this gap with accessible tools and clear communication is critical to driving meaningful action. 4. A Shift from “Do No Harm” to “Net Positive” Businesses are evolving from mitigating harm (e.g., reducing deforestation) to pursuing net-positive outcomes, such as reforestation or ecosystem restoration. While promising, many of these efforts remain in pilot phases due to challenges in site-level data and measuring impacts. 5. Financial Institutions Lag but Hold Scaling Potential The financial sector trails industries like agriculture in incorporating nature-related data into decision-making. However, as institutions recognize risks like biodiversity loss and soil degradation, they are poised to influence capital flows and set new standards for nature-positive investments. 6. The Future Lies in Outcome-Based Metrics Companies are shifting from input-based metrics (e.g., reduced fertilizer use) to measuring real-world outcomes for biodiversity and ecosystem health. Outcome-based metrics offer better clarity on environmental impacts and link corporate actions to business value. However, challenges like standardized methodologies and reliable data collection persist. 7. Data Fragmentation, Not Technology, is the Biggest Barrier Although technologies like AI and remote sensing are widely available, fragmented and inconsistent data remains a significant hurdle. Many organizations collect localized data but struggle to integrate it across supply chains and operations. Advanced platforms that consolidate disparate datasets are critical for actionable insights. A Shared Vision for Nature-Positive Solutions The NatureTech Alliance envisions a transformative approach to addressing these challenges, built on five pillars: Achieving a Nature-Positive Future By aligning corporate strategies with these principles, businesses can move beyond “do no harm” to actively restoring ecosystems and driving nature-positive outcomes. This transition requires advanced tools, collaboration, and a commitment to measurable impact—paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future. 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
AI in Business Intelligence: Uses, Benefits, and Challenges AI tools are increasingly becoming integral to Business Intelligence (BI) systems, enhancing analytics capabilities and streamlining tasks. In this article, we explore how AI can bring new value to BI processes and what to consider as this integration continues to evolve. AI’s Role in Business Intelligence Business Intelligence tools, such as dashboards and interactive reports, have traditionally focused on analyzing historical and current data to describe business performance—known as descriptive analytics. While valuable, many business users seek more than just a snapshot of past performance. They also want predictive insights (forecasting future trends) and prescriptive guidance (recommendations for action). Historically, implementing these advanced capabilities was challenging due to their complexity, but AI simplifies this process. By leveraging AI’s analytical power and natural language processing (NLP), businesses can move from descriptive to predictive and prescriptive analytics, enabling proactive decision-making. AI-powered BI systems also offer the advantage of real-time data analysis, providing up-to-date insights that help businesses respond quickly to changing conditions. Additionally, AI can automate routine tasks, boosting efficiency across business operations. Benefits of Using AI in BI Initiatives The integration of AI into BI systems brings several key benefits, including: Examples of AI Applications in BI AI’s role in BI is not limited to internal process improvements. It can significantly enhance customer experience (CX) and support business growth. Here are a few examples: Challenges of Implementing AI in BI While the potential for AI in BI is vast, there are several challenges companies must address: Best Practices for Deploying AI in BI To maximize the benefits of AI in BI, companies should follow these best practices: Future Trends to Watch AI is not poised to replace traditional BI tools but to augment them with new capabilities. In the future, we can expect: In conclusion, AI is transforming business intelligence by turning data analysis from a retrospective activity into a forward-looking, real-time process. While challenges remain, such as data governance, ethical concerns, and skill shortages, AI’s potential to enhance BI systems and drive business success is undeniable. By following best practices and staying abreast of industry developments, businesses can harness AI to unlock new opportunities and deliver better insights. 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
Salesforce’s latest financial results delivered strong numbers, but the real story of the moment is Agentforce—a revolutionary step into the emerging Digital Labor market. CEO Marc Benioff has made it clear that this platform will be the centerpiece of Salesforce’s strategy moving into 2025. Financial Performance In Q3, Salesforce posted an impressive $9.44 billion in revenue, an 8% year-over-year increase, with net income rising 25% to $1.5 billion. Here’s the breakdown of revenue by cloud segment: The company also raised its revenue guidance for the fiscal year, now projecting $37.8–$38 billion, up 8%–9% year-over-year. Following the announcement, Salesforce shares jumped 10%. Enter Agentforce: The Future of Work The post-earnings call focused heavily on Agentforce, which Benioff describes as more transformative than the data management market itself. Launched in late October, Agentforce has already secured 200 deals and boasts a significant pipeline of potential transactions. According to Benioff: “Agentforce is the next evolution of Salesforce—a platform where AI agents work alongside humans in a digital workforce, amplifying and augmenting human capabilities while delivering unparalleled speed.” Benioff envisions a world where these AI agents not only assist humans but also transform entire industries. He stated: “Agentforce will drive a new era of economic growth by unlocking a scalable digital workforce, providing businesses the ability to achieve both scale and efficiency simultaneously.” Early Adoption and Use Cases Agentforce’s potential is already being realized by customers across industries, including FedEx, Adecco, Accenture, ACE Hardware, IBM, and RBC Wealth Management. For instance: Internally, Salesforce has integrated Agentforce into its operations, using it to handle over 60 million help portal sessions and 2 million support cases annually. This internal transformation hints at broader industry impacts as businesses adopt Agentforce to automate and optimize workflows. Implications for the Workforce Benioff addressed how Agentforce will reshape traditional workforces, emphasizing that this shift doesn’t necessarily mean job losses. Instead, companies will need to rebalance their headcounts, focusing on areas critical for growth while automating routine tasks. Salesforce itself is hiring 1,400 sales account executives globally to capitalize on Agentforce’s growing demand. Benioff argued: “History has shown us that disruption brings new opportunities. Entire industries will emerge, fueled by creativity and innovation, as Agentforce enables organizations to solve challenges and reach new heights.” Competitive Landscape Salesforce faces competition in the AI agent space, particularly from Microsoft’s Copilot. However, Benioff was quick to point out that Salesforce’s AI solutions are deeply integrated with its platform and customer data, offering a unique advantage: “While others tout AI, Salesforce operates its company on its platform with low hallucination rates, thanks to training on 300 petabytes of real company data.” Looking Ahead As Salesforce heads into 2025, Agentforce is set to dominate its strategy. This shift mirrors past pivotal moments in tech, such as Microsoft’s 1995 pivot to the internet. Salesforce executives, led by Benioff, are laser-focused on driving Agentforce adoption, positioning it as the linchpin of the company’s growth and innovation. Chief Operating Officer Brian Millham reinforced this vision, highlighting the potential for Agentforce across all Salesforce clouds—from Service Cloud to Marketing Cloud and Data Cloud: “The initial 200 deals are just the tip of the iceberg. The opportunity ahead for Agentforce is massive.” Conclusion Salesforce’s Q3 results showcased strong financial performance, but the real excitement lies in Agentforce. By spearheading the Digital Labor revolution, Salesforce is not only reshaping its own operations but also helping businesses worldwide unlock new levels of productivity, innovation, and economic growth. As 2025 unfolds, all eyes will be on Salesforce to see how it delivers on this bold vision. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more
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The Rise of Digital Workers: Unlocking a New Era of Opportunity Over the past two years, advancements in artificial intelligence have sparked a revolution in how humans work, live, and connect. While impressive generative AI models have garnered significant attention, a new paradigm of autonomous AI agents is emerging, promising transformative changes to industries and societies alike. Unlike traditional “predictive AI,” which analyzes data for recommendations, and “generative AI,” which creates content based on learned patterns, autonomous AI agents go a step further. These agents operate independently, executing tasks, making decisions, and even negotiating with other agents. This evolution introduces an intelligent digital workforce capable of scaling operations, reducing costs, and enhancing productivity. Consider a large retailer during the holiday season. Instead of relying on human workers or pre-programmed software to address customer inquiries or update inventory, autonomous agents can seamlessly manage customer interactions, monitor stock levels, reorder items, and coordinate shipping—all without human intervention. This level of automation represents a groundbreaking shift, enabling businesses to operate on an unprecedented scale. Expanding the Reach of Digital Labor Autonomous AI agents are breaking traditional barriers of human availability and physical constraints, enabling businesses to scale globally and more efficiently. These digital workers are not limited by geography, opening opportunities previously restricted to specific locations. However, this shift comes with challenges. Ensuring trust, accountability, and transparency in AI systems is critical. Equally important is investing in human-centric skills such as creativity, critical thinking, and adaptability, which remain uniquely human. Sustainability is another concern, as AI-driven technologies place increasing demands on energy and resources. By addressing these issues, societies can unlock the full potential of digital labor while safeguarding the planet and human values. Transforming Everyday Lives Beyond businesses, autonomous agents are poised to transform personal lives. Personalized agents can act as tutors for students, guiding them through their learning journeys. For individuals, these agents can manage everyday tasks, from scheduling appointments to coordinating complex logistics. In healthcare, AI agents are already alleviating administrative burdens on providers. For example, intelligent agents can handle patient communications, monitor progress, and schedule follow-ups, freeing doctors and nurses to focus on complex cases. Such innovations hold the potential to revolutionize patient care and improve outcomes across the board. Navigating Disruption and Change Like any transformative technology, the rise of autonomous agents will bring disruptions. Some industries will struggle to adapt, and jobs will inevitably evolve—or, in some cases, disappear. History shows, however, that technological revolutions often create far more opportunities than they displace. For example, the U.S. workforce grew by over 100 million jobs between 1950 and 2020, many in industries that didn’t exist before. The key lies in preparing workers for new roles through education and training. Autonomous agents are essential in addressing global challenges such as labor shortages and stagnant productivity growth. They amplify human capabilities, driving innovation and boosting economic output. For example, in the third quarter of 2024, U.S. productivity rose by 2.2%, fueled in part by AI advancements. Driving Innovation and Collaboration AI agents are also fostering innovation, sparking the creation of new companies and industries. More than 5,000 AI-focused startups have emerged in the past decade in the U.S. alone. This trend mirrors the technological revolutions driven by past innovations like microchips, the internet, and smartphones. However, effectively harnessing agentic AI requires collaboration among governments, businesses, nonprofits, and academia. Initiatives like the G7’s framework for AI accountability and the Bletchley Declaration emphasize transparency, safety, and data privacy, offering critical guardrails as AI adoption accelerates. A Vision for the Future Autonomous agents represent a powerful force for change, offering unprecedented opportunities for businesses and individuals alike. By leveraging these technologies responsibly and investing in human potential, societies can ensure a future of abundance and progress. As Marc Benioff, CEO of Salesforce, emphasizes, “AI has the potential to elevate every company, fuel economic growth, uplift communities, and lead to a future of abundance. If trust is our north star, agents will empower us to make a meaningful impact at an unprecedented scale.” 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
How to Transform Customer Experiences with AI and Sub-Second E2E Real-Time Data Sync Introducing Data Cloud’s Sub-Second E2E Real-Time FeatureDeliver hyper-personalized experiences in real time, no matter how or where customers engage with your brand. Exceptional customer experiences hinge on unifying interactions across every touchpoint. Yet, fragmented data dispersed across systems, channels, and clouds often stands in the way. Salesforce Data Cloud eliminates these silos by delivering a synchronized, real-time customer data ecosystem, enabling brands to create personalized, seamless experiences instantly—regardless of how or where customers connect. We’re excited to announce that the Sub-Second E2E Real-Time feature in Salesforce Data Cloud is now available. This innovation processes and analyzes data as it’s generated, empowering brands to make immediate, data-driven decisions. Combined with Einstein Personalization—which leverages advanced machine learning (ML) and rules-based automation—businesses can deliver individualized experiences across all channels, driving deeper engagement and improved outcomes. What is Sub-Second Real-Time? Sub-second real-time refers to the ability to process and deliver data or responses in less than one second, ensuring ultra-low latency and near-instantaneous results. This capability is critical for applications requiring immediate data updates, such as live analytics, responsive user interfaces, and time-sensitive decision-making. The Sub-Second E2E Real-Time feature empowers industries like fraud detection, predictive maintenance, and real-time marketing with instant insights. By synchronizing data across systems, channels, and clouds, Data Cloud ensures a unified, real-time customer view, giving businesses a competitive edge. Real-World Examples of Sub-Second Real-Time in Action 1. Real-Time Web Personalization Imagine a user browsing a website. As they interact with products, Data Cloud instantly captures this activity and updates their customer profile. Using Einstein Personalization, the system processes this data in milliseconds to tailor their browsing experience. For instance, personalized product recommendations can appear as the user clicks, leveraging insights from their behavior across platforms such as websites, point-of-sale systems, mobile apps, and other data sources. This seamless personalization is made possible by Data Cloud’s integrations, including zero-copy ingestion from major data warehouses like Snowflake, Databricks, and Redshift. The result? A continuously updated, 360-degree customer view that enhances every touchpoint. 2. Real-Time Support with Agentforce Now, consider a customer engaging in a live chat for assistance. As they browse, their actions are captured and updated in real time. When they initiate a chat, whether through Agentforce AI agents or human support, the agent has immediate access to their full activity history, updated within milliseconds. This enables the agent to provide tailored responses and solutions, ensuring a frictionless and engaging customer support experience. Why Sub-Second Real-Time Matters From personalization to support, the Sub-Second E2E Real-Time feature in Data Cloud ensures every customer interaction feels relevant, timely, and connected. By bridging the gap between data silos and intelligent automation, businesses can unlock new opportunities to exceed customer expectations—at scale and in real time. Explore how Salesforce Data Cloud can transform your customer experience 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
The Salesforce Winter ’25 release is packed with game-changing updates tailored to manufacturers. With features designed to optimize asset management, inventory, and sales agreements, Salesforce is redefining how manufacturers stay competitive in today’s fast-paced market. Let’s explore the key highlights. Connected Assets The enhanced Connected Assets functionality is a standout feature in this release. By leveraging advanced IoT integrations, manufacturers can monitor and manage equipment in real time, enabling predictive maintenance and reducing downtime. Picture this: foreseeing potential machine issues before they escalate. This proactive approach helps manufacturers schedule maintenance at optimal times, saving both time and money. Enhanced visibility into asset performance also empowers teams to make data-driven decisions, boosting operational efficiency. Asset Service Lifecycle Management The Asset Service Lifecycle Management updates streamline the entire lifecycle of an asset—from installation to decommissioning. For manufacturers, where equipment performance is pivotal, these updates are a game-changer. Key features include: These enhancements not only improve service delivery but also boost customer satisfaction by keeping production schedules on track. Inventory Search and Transfer Efficient inventory management is critical for manufacturers, and the Inventory Search and Transfer update addresses this need directly. By improving visibility and accessibility, manufacturers can operate with greater agility and responsiveness, ensuring smooth operations even under tight timelines. Sales Agreement Enhancements Sales agreements are a cornerstone of manufacturing transactions, and the Winter ’25 release introduces significant improvements to streamline this process. These enhancements reduce negotiation time, minimize risks of misunderstandings, and enable manufacturers to close deals faster—key advantages in a competitive market. Sales Agreement Summary To complement these updates, the new Sales Agreement Summary feature provides a concise overview of all active agreements, including key dates, terms, and stakeholders. This enhanced visibility fosters better collaboration among teams and helps businesses stay ahead of their goals. Why It Matters for Manufacturers Salesforce’s Winter ’25 release is more than just an update—it’s a tool kit for driving growth and operational excellence. From predictive asset management to streamlined inventory control and faster sales cycles, these innovations empower manufacturers to: Ready to Transform?Leverage these powerful tools to gain a competitive edge. At Tectonic, we specialize in guiding manufacturers through their Salesforce journey, helping you maximize the impact of these updates. Reach out to our team today to get started! 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
AI is Revolutionizing Salesforce: Transforming Sales Teams in the Era of AI Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the sales landscape, disrupting traditional processes, and redefining how businesses interact with customers. The rapid adoption of AI-native systems is altering how data is captured, how sales teams engage, and how the entire sales cycle is structured. The shift toward AI-driven solutions is fueling unprecedented opportunities for sales organizations to achieve more by doing less manual work. Success in this transformation will favor those who use AI to make smarter, data-driven decisions, shifting the focus from activities to meaningful achievements. From Rolodex to Real-Time Insights: The Evolution of Sales The history of sales is one of continual evolution. From the bartering days of ancient commerce to the introduction of Rolodexes in the mid-20th century, and later to early CRM tools like Act! and Siebel Systems, the industry has always innovated to meet changing customer needs. Salesforce’s arrival in 1999 brought CRM to the cloud, empowering sales teams with unparalleled accessibility. Yet, all these systems had one thing in common—they relied on human input. Logging calls, updating lead statuses, and noting feedback all depended on sales reps’ diligence. That dependency is now being disrupted by AI, which captures and processes data autonomously. AI-Native Systems: Capturing Context Without Human Input AI-native systems represent a seismic shift. Unlike traditional CRMs, these systems capture data in real-time without relying on human intervention. From emails and Slack messages to Zoom calls and social media interactions, AI aggregates unstructured data into actionable insights. This creates a rich, context-driven record of customer behavior, reducing reliance on manual entry and unlocking deeper understanding. Automating the Mundane: Eliminating Data Entry AI is erasing the inefficiencies of manual processes. Sales development representatives (SDRs) once spent countless hours cold-calling, sending follow-ups, and updating records—a monotonous grind that yielded limited value. Today, AI automates these tasks, enabling SDRs to focus on high-impact activities like relationship-building and deal-closing. This automation, often referred to as intelligent pipeline management, identifies prospects, crafts personalized outreach, and schedules meetings—effortlessly managing the early stages of the sales funnel. AI as a Partner: Voice Agents and Real-Time Coaching AI is not just automating tasks; it’s enhancing human performance. AI-powered voice agents can now assist sales reps during live calls by offering real-time coaching. When a prospect raises an objection, the AI provides instant suggestions based on historical data, empowering salespeople to respond more effectively. This real-time guidance helps sales teams navigate complex conversations with confidence, boosting close rates and accelerating results. Personalization at Scale: Tailored Engagement Across Pipelines Personalization has long been a cornerstone of effective sales, but AI has made it scalable. AI tools analyze customer behaviors and preferences, allowing sales teams to tailor messages, proposals, and outreach at an individual level—even for thousands of prospects. From detecting website visits to auto-generating customized content, AI enables hyper-relevant interactions that build stronger connections with leads and customers. Breaking Down Silos: Unifying Sales, Marketing, and Customer Success AI is bridging organizational divides. Historically, sales, marketing, and customer success operated in silos, each pursuing independent goals. AI aligns these functions around a shared understanding of the customer, fostering collaboration and a unified go-to-market strategy. By consolidating data from every customer touchpoint into a single system of record, AI empowers teams to work together seamlessly, ensuring a consistent and coordinated customer experience. Systems of Record for the AI Age: The Importance of Context Unlike traditional CRMs that rely on structured fields, AI-powered systems excel at capturing unstructured data—conversations, social media mentions, and survey responses. These systems provide the context sales teams need to make better decisions. This rich contextual data benefits not just sales but also product development, marketing, and customer success teams, enabling them to refine strategies and create more responsive organizations. Redefining Metrics: From Activities to Achievements Traditional sales metrics often emphasized activity—calls made, emails sent, meetings booked. AI is shifting the focus to outcomes. By tracking the quality and impact of interactions, rather than the volume, sales leaders can better understand what drives success and optimize their strategies accordingly. The Future of Sales: Empowered by AI AI is not replacing salespeople; it’s empowering them. By automating repetitive tasks and delivering actionable insights, AI frees up teams to focus on building relationships, solving problems, and closing deals. To thrive in this new era, organizations must embrace AI as a core part of their strategy. The question for sales leaders is no longer whether to adopt AI but how quickly they can leverage it to gain a competitive edge. Embrace the future of sales—where intelligent systems drive outcomes, and human ingenuity takes center stage. AI is revolutionizing Salesforce by helping businesses improve customer relationships, streamline operations, and make better decisions: 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
Not Just Another Insight on Salesforce Agentforce This isn’t your typical rundown of Salesforce Agentforce—the AI innovation everyone’s buzzing about. Instead of merely explaining what it is and calling it a day, we’re diving straight into what matters most: how it can transform operations for nonprofits and educational organizations. If you’re in these sectors and are curious about leveraging Agentforce to drive efficiency, deepen engagement, and scale impact, you’re in the right place. What is Salesforce Agentforce? Introduced at Dreamforce 2024, Salesforce Agentforce is an AI-driven solution within Service Cloud, designed to streamline operations using autonomous, intelligent agents. With no-code setup and pre-built templates, organizations can deploy AI agents tailored to specific industries, like banking, healthcare, or retail. These agents assist in customer interactions, case routing, meeting scheduling, and real-time data gathering. They don’t just automate tasks—they enhance processes by making informed decisions powered by Salesforce’s Customer 360 metadata. Inside Agentforce’s AI-Driven Core Agentforce integrates several cutting-edge tools: For example, you can define an agent’s role with natural language prompts and specify the tasks it will handle, such as donor outreach or event management. Why Nonprofits & Educational Institutions Should Care Agentforce isn’t just for Fortune 500 companies—it’s equally transformative for mission-driven organizations. From automating administrative tasks to delivering personalized experiences, here’s how Agentforce empowers nonprofits and educational institutions: Six Agentforce Use Cases Tailored for Nonprofits & Education To inspire your Agentforce journey, here are six impactful use cases: 1. Automating Volunteer Onboarding Streamline volunteer engagement by automating training resources, scheduling, and shift assignments. Agents can even notify backup volunteers in case of last-minute cancellations. 2. Assessing Student Knowledge Enable adaptive learning by tailoring modules based on performance data. AI agents can identify gaps in knowledge and recommend resources or interventions for students. 3. Aligning Investors with Startups For nonprofits fostering innovation, Agentforce matches investors with startups aligned to their goals, automating onboarding and facilitating collaboration. 4. Coordinating Events & Fundraisers From ticketing and donation tracking to live Q&A sessions, Agentforce simplifies event management while capturing valuable engagement data for future use. 5. Supporting Student Admissions Automate admissions processes by routing inquiries, sending personalized reminders, and tracking application progress. This ensures no step is missed during peak enrollment cycles. 6. Matching Donations to Needs For organizations redistributing goods or funds, Agentforce matches donations to recipients efficiently, summarizing opportunities and streamlining logistics. Ready to Get Started? Agentforce marks a new era of AI-driven operations, empowering nonprofits and educators to maximize impact. With its versatility and ease of use, you can create intelligent workflows that align with your mission. Feeling overwhelmed by where to begin? Our team at Advanced Communities can help you navigate Agentforce and tailor it to your unique needs. Let’s take your organization’s impact to the next level. 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
Is Travel Retail Ready for Gen Z? New Research Highlights Gaps in Alignment The latest research from Swiss-based travel retail agency m1nd-set sheds light on the shopping and travel behaviors of Gen Z—a group poised to become the largest segment of traveling shoppers within the next few years. The findings reveal a pressing need for the travel retail industry to better align its offerings with the unique expectations and values of this influential generation. Gen Z: A Generation with Distinct Values and Habits Peter Mohn, CEO and Owner of m1nd-set, emphasized the importance of prioritizing Gen Z consumers, noting their markedly different behaviors compared to other generations. “Like the focus placed on Millennials and Chinese consumers in recent years, it’s critical to give equal or greater attention to Gen Z. This generation exhibits distinct traits, particularly in their consumer habits, lifestyle preferences, and media consumption,” Mohn said. Key insights from m1nd-set’s research include: How Gen Z is Reshaping Travel and Retail The research highlights how Gen Z is redefining the travel industry by prioritizing experiences that are authentic, eco-conscious, and culturally meaningful over traditional luxury goods and activities. “Gen Zs are reshaping tourism,” Mohn explained, “by focusing on flexible, short-haul travel and unique experiences. They spend a significant portion of their budgets on international travel, favoring local and sustainable options over dining or shopping at home. Cultural experiences resonate far more than nightlife or traditional tourism.” Key data points from m1nd-set’s study include: Challenges in Engaging Gen Z in Travel Retail Despite their growing presence, the research highlights key challenges in converting Gen Z travelers into loyal shoppers in duty-free and travel retail spaces: Opportunities for Travel Retail: Winning Over Gen Z Mohn emphasized the vital role of shop floor sales staff in boosting Gen Z conversion rates, noting that interactions with staff positively influence purchase decisions for over 70% of Gen Z shoppers who engage with them. To capture the attention of this discerning generation, m1nd-set recommends that travel retail businesses: A Generation of Growing Influence By 2030, Gen Z and their successors, Gen Alpha, are expected to spend three times as much as all other generations combined. Currently, Gen Z already wields a staggering $200 billion in spending power, solidifying their position as a key demographic for travel retail. However, to fully tap into this potential, the industry must evolve quickly to meet the demands of this purpose-driven, tech-savvy, and sustainability-focused generation. As Mohn concluded, “Travel retail must become more than just a place to shop—it should be an engaging, socially conscious destination that resonates deeply with Gen Z values.” 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
