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AI and Legacy
13Oct

AI and Legacy

In most new application builds, AI is rarely considered an active consumer. The prevailing assumption seems to be that AI is just a variation of reporting, which essentially translates to “not my problem” for application developers. In this mindset, the data platform gets treated like an afterthought, receiving the “exhaust fumes” of the application without much concern for data quality. Even when data or AI is acknowledged as important, it’s often sidelined, with data becoming one of the first things sacrificed during the development process. In the past, this was merely a “minor” problem that led to the rise of the data quality industry. AI and Legacy. But as we move forward, this will become a significant issue due to one undeniable fact: AI will be the primary consumer of applications and data. Old Thinking Creates Instant Legacy What this means is that if you’re building a new application—whether it’s a website, ERP, CRM, or anything else—and you’re not considering AI as a user, you’re actively choosing to implement a legacy system. Even if your system has an AI solution baked in, if the core application isn’t designed for a data-driven world, the best you’ll achieve is an AI sidecar—just a nice wrapper, but limited in scope. Tools like Microsoft Copilot or Salesforce Agentforce, for instance, can easily be implemented in a way that minimizes or even eliminates opportunities for AI to thrive. If you’re building applications that treat data as merely a reporting tool and assume AI is a downstream consumer, you’re engaging in legacy thinking in a world increasingly powered by AI. Don’t Build Legacy Systems Avoiding legacy systems isn’t difficult. If you believe AI and data are important, treat them as such from the outset. This boils down to one simple principle: Design for the destination. If you think AI will be a primary consumer of applications in the next one, two, or five years, you should design your applications with that challenge in mind. This means considering AI personas, figuring out how AI assistants will integrate into human workflows, and planning how AI automation bots will function within the system. It also requires embracing a crucial decision: Your design should prioritize data, and assume AI is a primary consumer. This doesn’t mean just designing a robust database schema. It means ensuring your application’s operational reality can accurately reflect the business situation for both human and AI users. It’s not about technical database design—it’s about understanding the business’s accountability for digital accuracy and establishing the mechanisms to maintain that accuracy and represent it effectively. Building Legacy Is a Choice Everyone Is Making To be clear, this isn’t about adopting some “holistic” view or designing for every possible scenario. It’s about designing from a data and digital perspective first. Instead of treating use cases or business processes as the main design focus, the primary design thread should be the ability to reflect the reality of the business. Use cases and business processes still matter at the execution level, but they should not drive application design in a data-driven, AI-enabled world. You must assume that AI will be the primary consumer of your application and design accordingly, rather than focusing solely on human users and screens. Right now, nearly every application is still built as though data is a byproduct of transactions, with the assumption that AI is merely a sidecar, not an active participant. AI and Legacy. In the words of Sir Humphrey, that is a “courageous” decision. 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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October 13, 2024in Data, Salesforce
Autonomous Agents on the Agentforce Platform
12Oct

Autonomous Agents on the Agentforce Platform

In early September, Salesforce introduced its latest innovation: Salesforce Agentforce. This AI-powered suite is part of Salesforce’s expanding portfolio aimed at enhancing efficiency and streamlining business operations. Autonomous Agents on the Agentforce Platform are here. What is Salesforce Agentforce? Salesforce Agentforce is a platform designed to build autonomous AI agents, allowing businesses to manage critical tasks without requiring human involvement. What are Autonomous Agents on the Agentforce Platform ? Autonomous AI Service AgentsAn AI agent is an intelligent assistant that autonomously handles customer service and sales functions. These agents operate continuously, addressing basic queries without needing complex dialog systems, Natural Language Processing (NLP), or pre-configured workflows. Autonomous Agents on the Agentforce Platform Agentforce Service Agent The Agentforce Service Agent is an AI-powered customer support assistant that delivers autonomous, natural service. Unlike traditional chatbots, these generative AI agents provide brand-aligned responses while handling tasks, making decisions, and operating around the clock across self-service portals and messaging channels. Key Benefits of Agentforce Service Agent: Agentforce SDR Agent The Agentforce SDR Agent is designed to help businesses engage and qualify inbound leads. It manages prospect inquiries, addresses objections, and leverages customer insights to schedule meetings with the appropriate sales representatives. Key Benefits of Agentforce SDR Agent: Agentforce is Already Delivering Results! As a premier pilot partner for Salesforce we has been working with customers to implement Agentforce, generating rapid success. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and opportunities with Agentforce! 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

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October 12, 2024in Agentforce Platform, Generative AI
Transforming Business with Agentforce Agents
11Oct

Transforming Business with Agentforce Agents

Agents are autonomous software systems that assist users by reasoning, planning, and taking actions based on user input or environmental conditions. These digital assistants combine expert knowledge with access to relevant data to achieve specific tasks or goals, resembling intelligent digital assistants in their function and scope. Agents are poised to become integral to everyday life, reshaping how businesses operate and engage with customers. For instance, a service agent can act as a company’s most knowledgeable support representative, available around the clock. A marketing agent, similar to a self-driving car, can respond to real-time business conditions by proactively adjusting pricing or launching campaigns. This article explores the AI advancements driving the rise of agents and how these systems are transforming businesses while revolutionizing software development. Powered by Large Language Models (LLMs) Agents are powered by large language models (LLMs), which provide two key capabilities: However, LLMs alone have limitations, including: A New Software Paradigm Agents bridge the gap between the language capabilities of LLMs and the practical needs of businesses, introducing a new approach to software. Instead of building full-fledged applications, companies can develop granular building blocks of functionality, referred to as actions, which can be orchestrated by agents. In Salesforce, these actions (such as “Locate Order” or “Change Order Address”) are grouped under functional areas known as topics (e.g., “Order Management”). An agent operates by: The Ultimate Application Composition Platform This new paradigm allows agents to handle requests that weren’t anticipated in advance, solving problems on the fly by composing actions in novel ways. For example, Salesforce’s Agentforce agents can access a wide range of actions across Sales Cloud, Service Cloud, Marketing Cloud, Commerce Cloud, and more. Developers can further extend the agents’ capabilities with custom actions built via code, APIs, or prompt templates. Agents gain essential capabilities through actions, including: Levels of Autonomy Agents can operate at varying levels of autonomy: Regardless of their autonomy, establishing guardrails is essential for maintaining reliability, security, and business practices. Agentforce uses a multi-layered approach to enforce these guardrails, including the Einstein Trust Layer, which secures LLM interactions, and Agentforce Analytics, which provides insights into performance and reliability. Ready-to-Use Agents for Sales and Service Salesforce has introduced prebuilt agents, including: Creating and Customizing Agents with Agentforce Salesforce’s Agentforce empowers users to create, customize, and deploy agents that combine AI, data, and actions. Key components of this platform include: Conclusion: Transforming Business with Agentforce Agents Agents are becoming pervasive, changing how businesses operate by enabling systems to reason, take action, and provide personalized experiences. Agentforce Agents lead this transformation by being: As businesses evolve, Agentforce Agents are at the forefront of creating a more efficient, intelligent future. 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

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October 11, 2024in Data, Enterprise, Salesforce
collaboration between humans and AI
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

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

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October 10, 2024in AI Tools, Artificial Intelligence, Data, Generative AI
Slack Fuels Productivity
08Oct

Set Up Salesforce and Slack Integration

Set Up Salesforce and Slack Integration for Sales Elevate and Salesforce Channels To use Sales Elevate or Salesforce channels in Slack, establish a connection between Salesforce and Slack. This setup allows your team members to access these features seamlessly. You can map Salesforce accounts to corresponding Slack accounts to ensure the right individuals access the right tools. Note: You must have Salesforce Admin permissions to complete the setup in Salesforce. Prepare Your Salesforce Org Before connecting Salesforce and Slack, complete the following steps in Salesforce: Step 1: Create and Configure a Salesforce Integration User An Integration User ensures proper permissions and prevents disconnection if your personal Salesforce account is deactivated or updated. Step 2: Allow the Integration User to Bypass SSO If your organization uses single sign-on (SSO), you’ll need to bypass it for the Integration User to complete authentication. Step 3: Assign Permissions to the Integration User Grant the Integration User access to Salesforce objects and fields used in Slack. Connect Slack to Salesforce With your Integration User ready, connect your Salesforce org to Slack. You can connect up to 25 Salesforce orgs to Slack. Step 1: Request a Connection in Slack Step 2: Approve the Connection in Salesforce Step 3: Activate the Connection in Slack Manually Map Member Accounts If you opt out of automatic mapping, you can manually map accounts: Remove Member Mapping Salesforce Admins can remove and reset member mappings: Assign Access to Salesforce Tools in Slack Manage access to Sales Elevate and Salesforce channels by assigning the Slack Elevate User permission set in Salesforce: This configuration streamlines collaboration, giving your team access to powerful Salesforce tools directly in Slack. 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

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October 8, 2024in Salesforce
Weekly Opportunity Report
08Oct

Weekly Opportunity Report

Building a Weekly Opportunity Report with Different Criteria for Various Opportunity Types An individual was attempting to create a weekly opportunity report using complex filter logic to accommodate different criteria for various types of opportunities. Initially, they tried using the standard “Gifts with Payments” report type but faced challenges due to the nature of the opportunities. Some opportunities needed to be included based on the Close Date, while others were based on the GL Post Date. Since some opportunities have multiple payments, they wanted to use the GL Post Date from the payment record. However, not all opportunities have payment records, such as in-kind gifts. When they filtered by the Payment GL Post Date, it excluded all in-kind gifts, even though this filter was not relevant to them. The in-kind gifts matched the logic for the Close Date (e.g., 2 AND NOT 4 AND NOT 6 AND 8), but they were still being excluded. Here’s the challenge they faced: They also highlighted that the General Ledger Post Date and Payment GL Post Date are custom fields populated manually. The individual is looking for a solution to resolve this issue, allowing them to generate a report that properly includes opportunities based on the necessary criteria while keeping in-kind gifts in the report. 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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October 8, 2024in Salesforce
Salesforce Agentforce Integration
07Oct

Salesforce Agentforce Integration

The rise of AI-powered solutions is transforming customer service, support, and automation. For organizations such as nonprofits, national associations, and large enterprises, delivering seamless customer experiences has become crucial. Salesforce’s Agentforce, a next-generation conversational AI tool, plays a vital role in this transformation. Designed to elevate customer support and interaction, Agentforce provides an intelligent and scalable solution for integrating AI chatbots into content management systems (CMS) like WordPress, Drupal, and HubSpot. Salesforce Agentforce Integration. In this detailed feature review, we will dive into the extensive capabilities of Salesforce Agentforce, analyzing its role as a conversational tool, its technical requirements, and the benefits it provides for nonprofits, national associations, and businesses. We’ll also compare its applications across various CMS platforms like Drupal, WordPress, and HubSpot, exploring its potential as a powerful AI assistant for website automation and customer interaction. Salesforce Agentforce: A Technical Perspective Salesforce Agentforce is an advanced AI-driven conversational assistant that seamlessly integrates into the Salesforce environment. By tapping into Salesforce CRM’s vast data resources, Agentforce serves as an intelligent interface, automating everything from initial customer inquiries to more personalized interactions. Utilizing natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning, it continually refines responses and scales interactions, making it an indispensable tool for organizations aiming to enhance customer service workflows. Agentforce integrates smoothly with Salesforce Service Cloud, automating both live chat support and chatbot responses. Additionally, it can connect with third-party platforms, including popular CMS solutions like WordPress, Drupal, and HubSpot, allowing organizations to centralize customer service operations in one interface. Core Features and Technical Architecture of Agentforce Natural Language Understanding (NLU) and Processing (NLP) Agentforce’s NLP capabilities are its backbone, allowing it to understand complex human language and respond contextually. This empowers it to manage initial inquiries as well as more sophisticated support requests. Agentforce’s NLU also enables it to work across different languages, dialects, and industry-specific terminology, making it particularly valuable for global organizations and national associations serving diverse audiences. Machine Learning for Continuous Improvement Agentforce’s machine learning feature enhances its ability to improve accuracy and understanding over time. Each interaction helps the chatbot evolve, making it more effective at delivering relevant, real-time responses. This model integrates directly with Salesforce’s data infrastructure, giving Agentforce access to historical data and interactions to offer highly personalized, context-aware answers. Deep Integration with Salesforce CRM As a Salesforce-native tool, Agentforce can harness CRM data in ways other AI tools cannot. By accessing customer histories, purchase data, and previous interactions, it creates personalized experiences that build customer trust. Nonprofits and associations can use this data to improve donor or member interactions, offering targeted support and outreach. Agentforce can also be tailored to retrieve specific datasets, such as an individual’s support history or ongoing service case updates. Cross-Platform Flexibility and API Integration Agentforce offers flexible APIs that enable integration with third-party systems, including CMS platforms like WordPress, Drupal, and HubSpot. This flexibility ensures that AI-powered chatbots can be deployed on organizational websites, providing a seamless experience for customers, donors, and members alike. Whether it’s a nonprofit using Drupal or a business on WordPress, Agentforce acts as the central hub for support and engagement, offering fluid interactions on top of your CMS. HubSpot users can further leverage Agentforce’s marketing features to align lead generation with personalized, chat-based interactions. Use Cases for Agentforce in Nonprofits, National Associations, and Businesses Nonprofit Organizations For nonprofits managing donor, volunteer, and beneficiary relationships, Agentforce offers scalable, automated support: National Associations National associations can use Agentforce to handle high volumes of inquiries from members and professionals: Businesses For service-based enterprises, Agentforce is essential for customer service: Salesforce Agentforce and CMS Integration: WordPress, Drupal, and HubSpot WordPress and Salesforce Agentforce Integration For WordPress users, Agentforce offers customizable chatbot widgets that enhance customer engagement, handle ecommerce inquiries, and integrate with WooCommerce for product support. Drupal and Agentforce Integration Drupal’s modular architecture allows Agentforce to automate membership management, provide multilingual support, and distribute content for nonprofits and associations. HubSpot and Agentforce Integration HubSpot users benefit from Agentforce’s ability to automate lead nurturing, sales and marketing workflows, and customer support, all while keeping HubSpot and Salesforce CRM data synchronized. Tectonic and Salesforce Agentforce Integration At Tectonic, we understand that adopting AI-powered solutions like Salesforce Agentforce is only the first step toward delivering exceptional customer experiences. We specialize in crafting, training, and implementing tailored AI chatbot solutions that enhance engagement, streamline processes, and drive growth, all while seamlessly integrating with your current website or mobile app. As a full-service digital strategy firm, Tectonic excels in integrating advanced tools like Salesforce Agentforce into platforms like WordPress, Drupal, and HubSpot, ensuring your automation strategies are executed with precision. From custom chatbot implementations to comprehensive digital strategy services, our team is dedicated to optimizing your website for engagement and lead generation. 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

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October 7, 2024in Agentforce Platform, AI Tools, Data, Enterprise, Salesforce, Salesforce Service Cloud
Tableau Einstein Alliance
07Oct

Tableau Einstein Alliance

We’re expanding our commitment to the future of data and analytics with the launch of the Tableau Einstein Alliance, an initiative designed to foster an ecosystem of visionary and innovative partners. These partners will help integrate Agentforce across every facet of analytics, positioning our customers to harness the full potential of AI. The future of data-driven insights is here, and our partners play a vital role in this journey. —Ryan Aytay, CEO, Tableau Salesforce Introduces Tableau Einstein Alliance Salesforce recently unveiled the Tableau Einstein Alliance, a new partner community for its Tableau Einstein users. This initiative aims to empower partners to excel in the “agent era” by offering exclusive benefits to support their development and implementation of AI-driven solutions and analytics agents. Members of the Alliance will gain access to product roadmaps, in-house expertise, and dedicated marketing support, as well as opportunities for co-selling. Moreover, Salesforce is offering these partners the ability to leverage the Alliance for building AI agents, apps, and solutions that maximize their clients’ investments in AI and data. What is Tableau Einstein? Launched in September, Tableau Einstein is an AI-powered visual analytics platform designed to scale and enhance data-driven workflows. It seamlessly integrates with Salesforce tools like Agentforce and its privacy framework, providing data professionals with the ability to create semantic models using real-time customer data. Tableau Einstein also features a marketplace where organizations can share analytical assets, and its APIs facilitate seamless collaboration. Teams can easily work together on data models, visualizations, and dashboards in a unified, drag-and-drop interface. Why Tableau Einstein Matters In discussing the platform, Ryan Aytay highlighted its transformative capabilities: “By leveraging high-performance AI to connect data, actions, and humans, autonomous and assistive agents are redefining business efficiency. They ensure that the data foundation you’re already using will continue to support your needs into the future. You no longer need to sift through data silos or be a specialist to access critical insights—data is now accessible to everyone.” With Tableau Einstein, Salesforce is setting a new standard for how businesses can achieve success with AI-powered, data-driven 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 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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October 7, 2024in Data, Salesforce, Salesforce Tableau
New Salesforce Maps Experience Auto-Enabled in Winter ‘25 (October) Release
07Oct

New Salesforce Maps Experience Auto-Enabled in Winter ‘25 (October) Release

To enhance your experience in Salesforce Maps on desktop, the new features currently available in all environments will be auto-enabled in the Winter ’25 release this October. The production rollout for Salesforce Maps will begin the night of October 8th and will be completed with all organizations updated by October 18th. The Enhanced User Experience setting in the admin configuration settings will remain and can be manually disabled until the Spring ‘25 release. Take Action Now To ensure a smooth transition, please take the following actions prior to the production release.In Production: From Setup, in the Quick Find box, enter Remote Site Settings, and then select Remote Site Settings. Find and activate the following remote sites: https://lookup.search.hereapi.com, https://autosuggest.search.hereapi.com, and https://revgeocode.search.hereapi.comFailure to do so may result in disruptions to the Points of Interest Search and Click2Create featuresPrior to the deployment to production, we encourage you to explore the enhanced experience in your sandbox environments. All sandbox environments have been updated with the enhanced experience enabled by default. What to Expect Experience a drastic improvement in performance and rendering, plotting layers and mapping content up to 6x as fast!View Maps with updated styling and designs across many parts of the application, such as modernized marker pop-ups, updated drawing tools, and new cluster styling. In addition, map content along with base maps are displayed with increased detail and clarity.Combine the power of ESRI Living Atlas with CRM data directly inside Salesforce Maps. ESRI provides an evolving collection of ready-to-use global geographic content, such as imagery, base maps, demographics, landscape, and boundary data. Identify new leads and opportunities, analyze key geographical-based data, and gain valuable industry insight with lightning speed. Instructions on visualizing Living Atlas data in Maps can be found here.View plotted records in our redesigned List View, providing new capabilities and features for your users, such as the ability to dynamically build a sublist of data.For a full breakdown, please refer to the Maps Summer ‘24 Release Notes and Maps Winter ‘25 Release Notes.How can I get more information or help? Contact your account team or open a case with Salesforce Customer Support. 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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October 7, 2024in Data, Google, Salesforce
Ethical AI Implementation
06Oct

Ethical AI Implementation

AI technologies are rapidly evolving, becoming a practical solution to support essential business operations. However, creating true business value from AI requires a well-balanced approach that considers people, processes, and technology. Ethical AI Implementation. AI encompasses various forms, including machine learning, deep learning, predictive analytics, natural language processing, computer vision, and automation. To leverage AI’s competitive advantages, companies need a strong foundation and a realistic strategy aligned with their business goals. “Artificial intelligence is multifaceted,” said John Carey, managing director at AArete, a business management consultancy. “There’s often hype and, at times, exaggeration about how ‘intelligent’ AI truly is.” Business Advantages of AI Adoption Recent advancements in generative AI, such as ChatGPT and Dall-E, have showcased AI’s significant impact on businesses. According to a McKinsey Global Survey, global AI adoption surged from around 50% over the past six years to 72% in 2024. Some key benefits of adopting AI include: Prerequisites for AI Implementation Successfully implementing AI can be complex. A detailed understanding of the following prerequisites is crucial for achieving positive results: 13 Steps for Successful AI Implementation Common AI Implementation Mistakes Organizations often stumble by: Key Challenges in Ethical AI Implementation Human-related challenges often present the biggest hurdles. To overcome them, organizations must foster data literacy and build trust among stakeholders. Additionally, challenges around data management, model governance, system integration, and intellectual property need to be addressed. Ensuring Ethical AI Implementation To ensure responsible AI use, companies should: Ethical AI implementation requires a continuous commitment to transparency, fairness, and inclusivity across all levels of the organization. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more Top Ten Reasons Why Tectonic Loves the Cloud The Cloud is Good for Everyone – Why Tectonic loves the cloud You don’t need to worry about tracking licenses. Read more

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October 6, 2024in Generative AI
Salesforce Einstein Conversation Mining
05Oct

Salesforce Einstein Conversation Mining

What Is Salesforce Einstein Conversation Mining? Imagine truly understanding your customers—knowing what drives their satisfaction, common reasons for support requests, and more. That’s the power of Einstein Conversation Mining (ECM). This AI-powered tool leverages customer interactions—via chats, emails, or calls—to uncover valuable insights. By analyzing these conversations, ECM helps businesses identify patterns, track sentiment, and prioritize what matters most to their customers. Take Your Salesforce Flows to the Next Level Einstein Conversation Mining employs advanced natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning to: Far from being tech for tech’s sake, ECM provides actionable insights that empower service and sales teams to: Key Features and Benefits Einstein Conversation Mining transforms customer conversations into strategic insights. Here’s how: 1. Automatic Call Transcriptions Converts spoken interactions into text, eliminating manual note-taking. These transcripts are analyzed to ensure critical details are captured and actionable. 2. Sentiment Analysis Automatically detects customer emotions (positive, negative, or neutral), enabling teams to address frustrations or identify upsell opportunities. 3. Topic Identification Highlights key topics from interactions, allowing teams to focus on areas of interest or concern and prioritize impactful actions. 4. Actionable Insights Provides AI-driven recommendations for the next steps, enabling more personalized and proactive customer interactions. 5. Trend Analysis Identifies recurring issues or successful strategies, helping teams refine processes and maintain effective practices. 6. Conversation Summarization Generates concise summaries of calls, streamlining the review process and saving time. 7. Customizable Dashboards Tailored reporting ensures teams can focus on the metrics that matter most, driving data-informed decisions. How Does Einstein Conversation Mining Work? Here’s an example of how ECM transforms customer interactions into insights: Scenario: Rescheduling an Appointment Setting Up Einstein Conversation Mining ECM is available on Performance, Unlimited, and Developer Editions of Salesforce. Reporting and Dashboards To generate actionable reports: Considerations and Best Practices Before implementing ECM, keep these in mind: ECM vs. Einstein Conversation Insights (ECI) Why Einstein Conversation Mining Matters In today’s competitive landscape, personalized customer service is critical. Einstein Conversation Mining equips teams to: Despite limitations, ECM’s AI-driven insights enable businesses to work smarter, improve processes, and deliver exceptional customer experiences. Transform Your Customer Interactions Today Embrace Einstein Conversation Mining to turn customer conversations into your greatest asset! 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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October 5, 2024in Data, Salesforce Einstein, Salesforce Flow
AI Revolution in Government
05Oct

AI Revolution in Government

The AI Revolution in Government: Unlocking Efficiency and Public Trust As the AI boom accelerates, it’s essential to explore how artificial intelligence can streamline operations for government and public sector organizations. From enhancing data processing to bolstering cybersecurity and improving public planning, AI has the potential to make government services more efficient and effective for both agencies and constituents. AI Revolution in Government. The Role of AI in Public Sector Efficiency AI presents significant opportunities for government agencies to optimize their operations. By integrating AI-driven tools, public agencies can improve service delivery, boost efficiency, and foster greater trust between the public and private sectors. However, with these advancements comes the challenge of bridging the AI skills gap — a pressing concern as organizations ramp up investments in AI without enough trained professionals to support its deployment. According to a survey by SAS, 63% of decision-makers across various sectors, including government, believe they lack the AI and machine learning resources necessary to keep pace with the growing demand. This skills gap, combined with rapid AI adoption, has many workers concerned about the future of their jobs. Predictions from Goldman Sachs suggest that AI could replace 300 million full-time jobs globally, affecting nearly one-fifth of the workforce, particularly in fields traditionally considered automation-proof, such as administrative and legal professions. Despite concerns about job displacement, AI is also expected to create new roles. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report estimates that 75% of companies plan to adopt AI, with 50% anticipating job growth. This presents a crucial opportunity for government organizations to upskill their workforce and ensure they are prepared for the changes AI will bring. Preparing for an AI-Driven Future in Government To fully harness the benefits of AI, public sector organizations must first modernize their data infrastructure. Data modernization is a key step in setting up a future-ready organization, allowing AI to operate effectively by leveraging accurate, connected, and real-time data. As AI automates lower-level tasks, government workers need to transition into more strategic roles, making it essential to invest in AI training and upskilling programs. AI Applications in GovernmentAI is already transforming various government functions, improving operations, and meeting the needs of citizens more effectively. The possibilities are vast: While AI holds immense potential, its successful adoption depends on having a digital-ready workforce capable of managing these applications. Yet, many government employees lack the data science and AI expertise needed to manage large citizen data sets and develop AI models that can improve service delivery. Upskilling the Government Workforce for AI Investing in AI education is critical to ensuring that government employees can meet the demands of the future. Countries like Finland and Singapore have already launched national AI training programs to prepare their populations for the AI-driven economy. For example, Finland’s “Elements of AI” program introduced AI basics to the public and has been completed by over a million people worldwide. Similarly, AI Singapore’s “AI for Everyone” initiative equips individuals and organizations with AI skills for social good. In the U.S., legislation is being considered to create an AI training program for federal supervisors and management officials, helping government leaders navigate the risks and benefits of AI in alignment with agency missions. The Importance of Trust and Data Security As public sector organizations embrace AI, trust is a critical factor. AI tools are only as effective as the data they rely on, and ensuring data integrity, security, and ethical use is paramount. The rise of the Chief Data Officer highlights the growing importance of managing and protecting government data. These roles not only oversee data management but also ensure that AI technologies are used responsibly, maintaining public trust and safeguarding privacy. By modernizing data systems and equipping employees with AI skills, government organizations can unlock the full potential of AI and automation. This transformation will help agencies better serve their communities, enhance efficiency, and build lasting trust with the people they serve. The Future of AI in Government The future of AI in government is bright, but organizations must take proactive steps to prepare for it. By unifying and securing their data, investing in AI training, and focusing on ethical AI deployment, public sector agencies can harness AI’s power to drive meaningful change. Ultimately, this is an opportunity for the public sector to improve service delivery, support their workforce, and build stronger connections with citizens. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more Top Ten Reasons Why Tectonic Loves the Cloud The Cloud is Good for Everyone – Why Tectonic loves the cloud You don’t need to worry about tracking licenses. Read more

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October 5, 2024in Salesforce Government Cloud, Salesforce Optimization, Salesforce Public Sector Solutions
Salesforce for K-12 and Higher Education
04Oct

Technology to Showcase the Value of Education

How Can Technology Convince Students of the Value of Higher Education? With fewer high school graduates choosing college, technology has a unique role in reigniting students’ belief in higher education. Imagine a high school student eagerly checking the mail and finding an acceptance letter from their dream college, ready to start a journey filled with opportunities, lifelong friends, and a promising future. Just a couple of decades ago, that was a common story. Today, many high schoolers aren’t looking for acceptance letters at all, uncertain if college is the best or even most practical path to success. Higher education now faces a new challenge: proving its worth to students who are increasingly weighing their options. Universities no longer simply wait for students to apply—they need to actively demonstrate that the investment will pay off. Enrollment Data Signals a Shift Away from College Once seen as a distinctive achievement, college attendance has become less of a given. In 1980, only 49% of high school graduates went on to higher education. By 2009, that number had surged to over 70%, but has since declined; by 2022, just 62% of graduates were heading straight to college. Now, with the “enrollment cliff”—a projected decrease in college-aged students due to lower birth rates—looming, colleges face intense competition to attract students. Personalization Is Key to Connecting with Students The days of “Dear applicant” are over. Today’s digital-native students want a personalized approach that speaks directly to them. If they don’t feel personally addressed through email, text, video, or even traditional mail, they may tune out and explore other options. Universities must build meaningful connections to engage students and keep their attention through every stage of the student journey. Student lifecycle management platforms, like Salesforce’s Education Cloud, have become essential tools for higher education institutions. By tracking and analyzing a student’s data—academic performance, extracurricular interests, and social behaviors—these platforms create personalized experiences that engage students from admission to graduation. Salesforce Education Cloud, for example, uses AI and robust data analytics to create a comprehensive student profile, enabling colleges to send tailored communications, schedule regular check-ins, and even reach out to parents. This personalized approach fosters a sense of connection that encourages students to enroll and stay engaged throughout their academic journey. Comprehensive Lifecycle Management and Student Support Beyond admissions, student lifecycle platforms offer extensive features that address other critical areas, from helping students who are academically struggling to managing alumni relationships and fundraising. With years of experience in supporting institutions nationwide, CDW Education partners with colleges to implement these technologies, strengthening their ability to attract, engage, and retain students. In an era when students have more educational choices than ever, colleges must actively communicate the value of a college degree and make that message resonate with each individual. By investing in technology that personalizes the student experience, higher education institutions can create a compelling case for the unique value they offer. 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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October 4, 2024in Data, Salesforce Education Cloud, Technology
Tableau Einstein Alliance to Help Partners Drive Success in the Agent Era
03Oct

Tableau Einstein Alliance to Help Partners Drive Success in the Agent Era

Salesforce Unveils Tableau Einstein Alliance to Empower Partners in the AI-Driven Agent Era Salesforce today announced the launch of the Tableau Einstein Alliance, a new partner community designed to create and deliver AI-driven solutions and analytical agents for Tableau Einstein. Built on the Salesforce platform and integrated with Agentforce, this initiative aims to help partners accelerate success in the emerging AI landscape. Tableau Einstein Alliance to Help Partners Drive Success in the Agent Era The Tableau Einstein Alliance offers partners a range of exclusive benefits, including early access to Salesforce’s product roadmaps, in-house AI experts, marketing support, and co-selling opportunities. Through the Alliance, partners will be able to develop agents, apps, and AI-driven solutions, enabling customers to navigate the autonomous AI revolution and rapidly extract value from their data and AI investments. The Alliance is set to launch in February 2025 with 25 founding members, including Tectonic, Capgemini, Deloitte, IBM, and Slalom. Solutions developed within the Alliance will be available on both the Salesforce AppExchange and the forthcoming Tableau Marketplace, offering developers a platform to create, share, and monetize analytical assets. Why It Matters:Partner ecosystems have been crucial in advancing major technological innovations, from cloud computing to software-as-a-service. With the rise of Agentforce, building a dynamic partner community is more critical than ever to drive the next wave of AI and analytics adoption. Salesforce’s Perspective: “Tableau’s success is deeply rooted in our partners’ commitment to our customers. Now, we’re investing in the Tableau Einstein Alliance to cultivate an ecosystem of visionary and innovative partners who will integrate Agentforce into every facet of analytics. The future of data and analytics is here, and our partners are essential to this journey.”— Ryan Aytay, CEO, Tableau Industry Perspectives: “Atrium has championed the vision of unified analytics since Tableau joined the Salesforce ecosystem. We’ve seen the incredible potential of Data Cloud and Tableau Cloud together, and we’re thrilled to help bring Tableau Einstein to market. Its integrated features will offer customers unprecedented productivity.”— Chris Heineken, CEO, Atrium “Tectonic’s “Insight to Action” methodology (i2a) is directly improved by the launch of the Tableau Einstein Alliance. By utilizing automated AI-solutions to power data-driven insights, we are able to deliver additional value to our customers.”— Dan Grossnickle, Tectonic “Tableau Einstein represents the next step in Salesforce’s data platforms and generative AI products. The value for clients from these data-driven insights is immense. We’re excited to help lead the way through the Tableau Einstein Alliance.”— Jean-Marc Gaultier, Head of Group Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships, Capgemini “Deloitte has long benefited from Tableau’s capabilities, and we’re excited to see how this next iteration will further empower our teams with data to drive growth. Integrating key features into tools like Salesforce and Slack will unlock even greater potential for us.”— Moritz Schieder, Tableau Alliance Leader and Director, Deloitte Germany “IBM is eager to leverage Tableau Einstein to deliver more value to our customers, regardless of where they work. As a strategic Agentforce partner and Salesforce customer, we are excited to be part of the next generation of analytics alongside Salesforce.”— Mary Rowe, Global Head of IBM Consulting Salesforce Practice Tableau Einstein Alliance to Help Partners Drive Success in the Agent Era and Tectonic, an insights 2 actions company, is excited to be a part of the 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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October 3, 2024in Data, Generative AI, Salesforce, Salesforce Development Services, Salesforce Tableau

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