Quip Archives - gettectonic.com

24Apr

Salesforce Integrates Own Co. Capabilities

Salesforce Integrates Own Co. Capabilities to Strengthen Data Resilience, Security, and AI Readiness Salesforce has fully integrated Own Co.’s data backup, recovery, and security solutions into its platform, equipping partners and customers with enhanced tools for data resilience, compliance, and security—critical foundations as businesses adopt AI-driven solutions. Marla Hay, Vice President of Product Management for Security, Privacy, and Data Management at Salesforce, emphasized in an interview with CRN that these new capabilities are essential as partners guide customers through AI adoption. “Before launching any major AI initiative, ensuring robust data backup and hygiene is critical,” Hay said. “With AI and autonomous agents, the quality of insights depends entirely on the integrity of your data. These new tools help businesses minimize risk while maximizing AI’s potential.” Key Enhancements for AI and Security The integration empowers solution providers to: “Clean, well-managed data isn’t just about compliance—it accelerates operations, enhances customer experiences, and ensures accuracy,” Hay added. Salesforce announced its acquisition of Own Co. in September 2023, bringing over 7,000 customers into its ecosystem. The newly integrated features include: 1. Secure Data Masking & Sandbox Testing 2. Enhanced Monitoring & Threat Detection 3. Robust Backup & Recovery 4. AI-Ready Data Insights with Salesforce Discover 5. Cost-Efficient Data Archiving Why This Matters for AI Adoption As businesses increasingly rely on AI agents and predictive analytics, ensuring data integrity, security, and recoverability is non-negotiable. Salesforce’s integration of Own Co.’s capabilities provides a low-risk pathway to cleaner, more resilient data—ultimately leading to: For partners and customers, these enhancements mean smoother AI deployments, reduced risk, and better business outcomes. Interested in leveraging these new capabilities? Contact Tectonic 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 Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

April 24, 2025in Agentforce Platform, Data, Salesforce, Salesforce Data Cloud, Salesforce Shield, Salesforce Tableau0 Comments

Agentforce: Modernizing 311 and Case Management

Join Tectonic for an informational webinar on Salesforce Agentforce, Modernizing 311 services, and Case management. In this webinar you will hear: For more information fill out the contact us form below or reach out to the Public Sector team PublicSector@GetTectonic.com Get ready for the Next Frontier in Enterprise AI: Shaping Public Policies for Trusted AI Agents! AI agents are a technological revolution – the third wave of artificial intelligence after predictive and generative AI. They go beyond traditional automation, being capable of searching for relevant data, analyzing it to formulate a plan, and then putting the plan into action. Users can configure agents with guardrails that specify what actions they can take and when tasks should be handed off to humans. Agentic AI is already here. Innovative organizations have started deploying and benefitting from AI agents in concrete ways. However, for governments, enterprises, and the workforce to be able to harness the full potential of AI agents, they will need more than just the right technology; they will need the right public policies to help them become agent-ready. At a time when global policymakers seek pathways to economic growth, the advent of AI agents offers a unique opportunity to think deeply about the policies that will enable the diffusion of trusted AI in government and the enterprise, and equip the workforce with the necessary skills to unlock AI’s full potential for enhanced productivity and more meaningful work. AI agents build on earlier innovations, including chatbots and AI assistants. These all play a role in task automation; however, there are differences in their levels of sophistication and personalization in serving their users and the range of tasks they can perform. Key considerations for AI agents: Government services as a role model for agentic AI and humans together Governments today face ever-increasing pressures to serve citizens with constrained resources. Research surveying people in over 40 countries has shown that 75% expect government service quality to be on par with leading private sector companies, while 72% are comfortable with personalized government digital services. Amidst these pressures, there is clear demand for trusted innovative tools from government workers themselves – a recent survey across 14 countries estimated that 49% of government workers have used unapproved generative AI tools at work. Governments have enormous opportunities to safely leverage AI agents – in particular their speed, responsiveness, personalization – to enhance citizen-facing services. For example, if a citizen wants to check on the status of their application for a license or a public benefit, an agent-powered interface could at any hour assist them in ascertaining the status of their application, locate public information on policies and application procedures, or schedule an appointment to access a related service. These interactions would have previously taken the citizen far longer, required valuable government employee time, may have only been available during business hours, or been left undone altogether. By deploying agents in these contexts governments can make the most of their limited resources while building citizen satisfaction with and trust in services. In addition to leading by example in digital transformation, governments can play a pivotal role in boosting diffusion of trusted AI solutions, including AI agents, in the private sector. As governments search for new ways to promote economic growth and combat inflation, this is a key moment for national economies. The rapid development and commercialization of AI tools have created opportunities for businesses large and small around the world to rapidly become more productive and gain a competitive edge by adopting frontier technologies. But to achieve the benefits, businesses need to overcome resource constraints, rapidly acquire new commercial knowledge and practical skills, and have regulatory clarity. For governments to position their businesses for success, they need to set ambitious goals and identify and remedy the blockers that hold back the uptake of new technologies by enterprises. For the past 25 years, Salesforce has led their customers through every major technological shift: from cloud, to mobile, to predictive and generative AI, and, today, agentic AI. We are at the cusp of a pivotal moment for enterprise AI that has the opportunity to supercharge productivity and change the way we work forever. This will require governments working together with industry, civil society, and all stakeholders to ensure responsible technological advancement and workforce readiness. We look forward to continuing our contributions to the public policy discussions on trusted enterprise AI agents. 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 Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

April 23, 2025in Agentforce Platform, Agentic AI, AI Tools, Artificial Intelligence, Data, Enterprise, Generative AI, Generative AI Tools, Public Sector Solutions, Salesforce, Salesforce Development Services, Salesforce Implementation Services, Salesforce Optimization, Salesforce Public Sector Solutions, Technology0 Comments

18Apr

How AI Can Help Canadian Manufacturers Stay Competitive in a Changing Economy

Canada’s manufacturing sector faces mounting pressures—from a weak Canadian dollar to persistent supply chain disruptions. According to Salesforce’s Trends in Manufacturing Report, 63% of Canadian manufacturers say supply chain issues that began years ago still linger today, while unexpected equipment downtime costs large producers 8% of annual revenue. To navigate these challenges and future-proof operations, Canadian manufacturers must embrace AI-driven modernization—leveraging data intelligence, predictive analytics, and autonomous AI agents to boost efficiency, cut costs, and unlock new revenue streams. The Data Accessibility Challenge While 84% of Canadian manufacturers recognize the need to modernize, many struggle to extract real value from their digital investments. Key findings reveal: The problem? Siloed data prevents manufacturers from delivering real-time insights to frontline workers and AI tools—hindering predictive maintenance, inventory optimization, and customer service improvements. How AI Agents Drive Manufacturing Efficiency To maximize AI’s impact, manufacturers need a unified data platform (like Salesforce’s Manufacturing Data Cloud) that integrates: Autonomous AI agents (powered by natural language processing) can then automate decision-making, such as:✅ Detecting sales contract deviations and auto-correcting pricing or fulfillment issues.✅ Predicting equipment failures and scheduling proactive maintenance.✅ Optimizing stock levels by auto-reordering when inventory dips. 3 Key Areas Where AI Delivers Immediate ROI The Path Forward: Building an AI-Ready Foundation With economic uncertainty looming, Canadian manufacturers must act now to:🔹 Break down data silos (integrate IoT, ERP, and CRM systems).🔹 Deploy AI agents for autonomous decision-making in sales, maintenance, and logistics.🔹 Train teams to work alongside AI—not against it. The bottom line? AI isn’t just a competitive advantage—it’s becoming a necessity for survival in modern manufacturing. By harnessing connected data and intelligent automation, Canadian manufacturers can cut costs, boost productivity, and secure their future in an unpredictable global market. Ready to modernize? Start by auditing your data infrastructure—because AI is only as powerful as the insights it can access. Tectonic can help. 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 Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

April 18, 2025in Agentforce Platform, AI Tools, Data, Salesforce, Salesforce Manufacturing Automotive Energy0 Comments

14Apr

Tectonic Shook Things Up at AgentForce World Tour in Denver

The Tectonic team attended Salesforce’s Denver AgentForce World Tour this week. It was a great experience to develop our AgentBlazer team and a true seismic time was had by all! AI Agents were the topic of conversation and kept things lively! One almost expected to meet an Agentic Robot around every corner. We were all excited to network with Salesforce, customers, and partners alike. Key Takeaways Autonomous AI agents can understand and interpret customers’ questions using natural language, with minimal human intervention. Here’s what you need to know. The AI Assistant Revolution: Empowering Every Employee Imagine if every person in your company—from the CEO to frontline employees—had a dedicated assistant at their fingertips. An assistant who:✔ Knows your customers inside out✔ Delivers instant, data-driven insights✔ Helps prioritize next best actions Thanks to AI agents, this future is already here—and it’s transforming how businesses operate. How AI Agents Are Supercharging Teams 1. Instant Insights, No Manual Work 🔹 Generative AI agents analyze your trusted customer data in seconds—eliminating hours of manual research.🔹 Sales, service, and marketing teams get real-time recommendations, allowing them to focus on high-impact work. 2. Scaling Teams Without Adding Headcount 🔹 AI agents handle routine tasks—customer inquiries, data entry, meeting prep—freeing employees for strategic work.🔹 Quickly ramp up productivity during peak demand without overburdening staff. 3. Proactive Problem-Solving 🔹 AI doesn’t just react—it predicts.🔹 Identifies risks, suggests optimizations, and prevents small issues from becoming big ones. 4. Personalized Support for Every Role 🔹 Sales: AI suggests the best leads, crafts follow-ups, and forecasts deals.🔹 Service: Resolves common cases instantly, escalating only when needed.🔹 Leadership: Delivers real-time business insights for faster decisions. The Future of Work Is AI-Augmented AI agents aren’t replacing humans—they’re empowering them. By automating the mundane and enhancing decision-making, they help teams:✅ Work smarter, not harder✅ Deliver better customer experiences✅ Stay ahead of the competition The question isn’t if your company should adopt AI agents—it’s how soon you can start leveraging them. Tectonic, a trusted Salesforce partner, is here to help. Ready to explore AI-powered productivity? Let’s talk about the right AI strategy for your business. AI Agents: Your Intelligent Digital Workforce What Is an AI Agent? An AI agent is an autonomous artificial intelligence system that understands, processes, and responds to customer inquiries—without human intervention. Built using platforms like Agentforce, these agents leverage machine learning (ML) and natural language processing (NLP) to handle tasks ranging from simple FAQs to complex problem-solving. Unlike traditional AI, which requires manual programming for each task, AI agents continuously learn and improve from interactions, becoming smarter over time. How Do AI Agents Work? AI agents operate through a seamless four-step process: 💡 Result? Faster resolutions, happier customers, and more efficient teams. 6 Game-Changing Benefits of AI Agents Feature Impact 1. 24/7 Availability Instant support across time zones. 2. Hyper-Efficiency Handle thousands of queries simultaneously—no wait times. 3. Smarter Escalations Auto-route complex cases to the best-suited human agent. 4. Personalized Experiences Tailor responses using real-time customer data. 5. Scalability Grow support capacity without hiring more staff. 6. Data-Backed Insights Uncover trends to optimize operations & CX. “72% of companies already deploy AI—with generative AI adoption accelerating.” – McKinsey AI Agents in Action: Industry Use Cases 🏦 Finance ✔ Personalized wealth advice based on spending habits✔ Auto-summarize client cases for faster resolutions 🏭 Manufacturing ✔ Predict equipment failures before they happen✔ Optimize supply chain decisions with real-time data 🛒 Retail & Consumer Goods ✔ Smart inventory tracking (e.g., flagging stock discrepancies)✔ AI-generated promo content for targeted campaigns 🚗 Automotive ✔ Proactive vehicle maintenance alerts via telematics✔ Dynamic dealership promotions to boost sales 🏥 Healthcare ✔ Automated patient scheduling with the right specialist✔ Clinical trial matching using AI-driven eligibility checks Join the AI Revolution with Agentforce AI agents aren’t just tools—they’re productivity multipliers that help teams:✅ Work faster with automated workflows✅ Serve customers better with personalized AI assistance✅ Stay ahead with predictive insights 📈 Ready to transform your business? Connect with Tectonic today, or check out our Agentforce Quickstart offering. Connect with the Tectonic Agentforce team and launch your Agentic Revolution. AI Agents: The Ultimate Productivity Multiplier for Every Team AI agents aren’t just transforming customer service—they’re revolutionizing how every department operates. From 24/7 customer support to hyper-personalized marketing campaigns, AI agents help teams work smarter, move faster, and deliver exceptional experiences. Here’s how AI agents supercharge key business functions: 🤝 AI Agents for Service Teams Never miss a customer inquiry—even at 2 AM.✔ Instant, 24/7 support across email, chat, and social media✔ Smart escalation—AI routes complex cases to human agents with full context✔ Brand-consistent responses powered by your CRM data 🔹 With Agentforce for Service, deploy AI agents in minutes using prebuilt templates—or customize them for your unique needs. 💰 AI Agents for Sales Teams Turn every lead into a conversation—automatically.✔ Autonomous lead engagement—AI answers product questions & books meetings✔ Always-on SDRs—Agentforce Sales Development Reps qualify leads 24/7✔ Controlled escalation—Set rules for when & how AI hands off to your team 🔹 No more missed opportunities—AI keeps your pipeline full while your reps focus on closing. 🛍️ AI Agents for Commerce Teams Personal shopping assistants—powered by AI.✔ Smart product recommendations based on browsing & purchase history✔ Guided shopping experiences—AI helps customers find what they need faster✔ Omnichannel support—Engage shoppers on your site, WhatsApp, and more 🔹 Boost conversions with AI that acts like your best sales associate—for every customer. 📢 AI Agents for Marketing Teams Campaigns that write, optimize, and improve themselves.✔ AI-generated campaign briefs—audience targeting, messaging & KPIs✔ Automated content creation—draft ads, emails & social posts in your brand voice✔ Performance optimization—AI analyzes results & suggests improvements 🔹 With Agentforce Campaigns, launch better campaigns in hours—not weeks. Why AI Agents? The Bottom Line ✅ Scale operations without scaling headcount✅ Deliver instant, personalized experiences 24/7✅ Free your team to focus on high-value work “Companies using AI agents see 40% faster response times and 30% higher customer satisfaction.” Ready to deploy your AI workforce? See how Agentforce can transform your business #FutureOfWork

April 14, 2025in Agentforce Platform, Artificial Intelligence, Data, Generative AI, Salesforce0 Comments

11Apr

CaixaBank and Salesforce Partner to Revolutionize Banking with AI-Powered Personalization

Barcelona – CaixaBank, Spain’s leading digital bank, has deepened its collaboration with Salesforce to redefine customer experience through AI-driven personalization and data intelligence. The partnership will integrate Salesforce’s Agentforce AI assistants and Data Cloud solutions into CaixaBank’s operations, enhancing efficiency, decision-making, and customer engagement. Transforming Banking with AI Assistants and Real-Time Data Under the agreement, CaixaBank will deploy Salesforce’s Agentforce—a suite of AI-powered virtual assistants designed to: Additionally, Salesforce Data Cloud will enable real-time data unification, ensuring secure, instant access to customer insights for hyper-personalized interactions. Use Case: AI-Powered Remote Contracting Assistant A flagship implementation is CaixaBank’s Remote Contracting Support Assistant, which leverages generative AI to: The assistant will soon evolve into an Agentforce AI agent, autonomously suggesting products, scheduling follow-ups, and promoting tailored offers. Why This Matters CaixaBank’s AI Leadership With 100+ dedicated AI specialists, CaixaBank is a pioneer in generative AI for finance, already deploying cognitive assistants and now scaling transformative use cases. Looking Ahead: The partnership will expand Salesforce’s role as CaixaBank’s centralized platform for sales and service, with further AI integrations underway. Key Takeaways:🔹 Agentforce AI automates service and empowers advisors.🔹 Data Cloud unlocks real-time, secure customer insights.🔹 Remote Contracting Assistant cuts wait times to <2 minutes.🔹 CaixaBank cements its status as Spain’s top digital bank. 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 Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

April 11, 2025in Data, Generative AI, Salesforce, Salesforce Data Cloud0 Comments

08Apr

Tectonic Announces Partnership with GoMeddo

Revolutionizing Hospitality with Smart Guest Experiences The Future of Hospitality is Here – Powered by Salesforce, GoMeddo, and Tectonic Tectonic is thrilled to announce our partnership with GoMeddo to revolutionize hospitality with smart guest experiences! Today’s guests demand more than just great service—they expect personalized, seamless, and effortless experiences. That’s why Tectonic, a top-tier Salesforce implementation partner, and GoMeddo, the leading scheduling and booking platform, are teaming up to transform hospitality and restaurant operations with cutting-edge technology. There’s no time like the present to create the best possible guest experiences and no one better equipped to get you there than GoMeddo and Tectonic. 🚀 Key Benefits for Your Business:✔ Frictionless Bookings – Let guests reserve tables, rooms, or activities 24/7 from any device. Regardless the use case (golf, batting cages, party rooms, ski lessons, events, meetings or more) our frictionless booking tool delights your guests.✔ Hyper-Personalized Journeys – Leverage real-time data to anticipate needs and amaze every guest.✔ Smarter Operations – Automate scheduling, optimize staff efficiency, and reduce overhead. This powerful partnership is set to elevate guest satisfaction, boost revenue, and streamline operations—ensuring your business stays ahead in a competitive market. Why Guest Experience is the New Battleground The hospitality industry is evolving fast. Guests no longer just compare you to competitors—they compare you to Amazon, Uber, and Netflix. They want:🔹 Instant, digital-first service (no phone calls or waiting)🔹 Tailored recommendations (like Spotify’s “Made for You” playlists)🔹 Seamless omnichannel interactions (book online, modify via app, check in via kiosk) 80% of guests are more likely to return to brands that offer personalized experiences. Are you meeting these expectations? How GoMeddo + Tectonic Deliver Next-Level Hospitality 1️⃣ For Guests: Effortless, Personalized Experiences 2️⃣ For Staff: Smarter Operations 3️⃣ For Management: Data-Driven Growth Real Results: What This Partnership Unlocks 📈 20-30% higher table turnover with automated reservations💳 15% increase in upsells via personalized promotions⭐ Improved guest reviews from streamlined experiences “Technology should enhance human connection, not replace it. With GoMeddo and Salesforce, we’re giving staff superpowers to focus on what matters—creating unforgettable moments.”– Krystal Hicks, Sales Director at Tectonic The Bottom Line The hospitality brands winning today aren’t just competing on service—they’re competing on convenience, personalization, and tech-powered magic. With GoMeddo’s scheduling expertise and Tectonic’s Salesforce mastery, your business can:✅ Turn first-time guests into loyal regulars✅ Free staff from admin headaches✅ Future-proof your operations Ready to redefine guest experience? [Discover how our solutions work] or [Book a consultation]. #HospitalityInnovation #SmartRestaurants #GuestExperience #Salesforce #GoMeddo #Tectonic #CustomerExperience #CustomerEngagement #SalesforcePartner 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 Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

April 8, 2025in Data, GoMeddo, Salesforce, Salesforce Development Services, Salesforce Hospitality Travel and Transportation, Salesforce Implementation Services, Technology0 Comments

05Apr

The 5G Letdown

The 5G Letdown: How Hype Outpaced Reality When 5G first arrived, it wasn’t just sold as an upgrade—it was pitched as the backbone of a futuristic society. Telecom giants promised self-driving car networks, remote robotic surgeries, and hyper-connected smart cities. Five years later, most of those visions remain science fiction. So what happened? The Grand Promises vs. The Reality 1. Remote Surgery? Not So Fast Marketing campaigns showed doctors performing precision operations from miles away using 5G’s “ultra-low latency.” But in reality:✔ Wired connections are still more reliable for critical medical procedures.✔ Regulatory and ethical hurdles (like patient consent and sterile environments) were glossed over.✔ Most hospitals never needed 5G for this in the first place. 2. Autonomous Cars Didn’t Need 5G The vision: A seamless 5G-powered traffic grid where cars communicate to prevent accidents. The truth?✔ Self-driving systems rely on onboard sensors and AI, not constant wireless signals.✔ Network dropouts would be deadly—so engineers designed cars to function independently.✔ 5G’s spotty coverage makes it an unreliable backbone for safety-critical systems. 3. Smart Cities? More Like Slow Rollouts While some cities have deployed IoT sensors (like smart streetlights), most “smart city” projects:✔ Use existing 4G or Wi-Fi instead of 5G.✔ Face budget and bureaucracy issues—not tech limitations.✔ Don’t actually require the speed 5G theoretically offers. Why 5G Fell Short 1. Millimeter Wave Limitations 5G’s fastest frequencies (mmWave) can’t penetrate walls and require antennas every few hundred meters. Carriers skipped the expensive infrastructure, relying instead on:✔ “Non-standalone 5G”—a rebranded 4G/5G hybrid that delivers barely noticeable speed boosts.✔ Misleading coverage maps showing 5G in areas where it barely functions. 2. Consumers Didn’t Notice (or Care) Most people’s daily use—streaming, browsing, social media—works fine on 4G. The average user sees little benefit from 5G, especially when:✔ Real-world speeds often match LTE.✔ Battery drain is worse on 5G phones.✔ Rural areas still lack coverage, despite ads claiming nationwide availability. 3. The Real Winners Were Equipment Makers Carriers spent $100B+ on spectrum licenses and infrastructure, but struggled to monetize 5G. Meanwhile:✔ Ericsson, Nokia, and Qualcomm made billions selling hardware.✔ Lobbyists pushed 5G as a “national priority”—even though the benefits were exaggerated. The Conspiracies & Health Panics The rapid deployment of 5G towers sparked baseless fears over radiation, despite studies showing:✔ 5G emissions are well below safety limits.✔ FM radio waves are stronger than 5G signals.✔ Scam products (like “5G-blocking” stickers) exploited public confusion. Was 5G a Scam? Not entirely—but it was the most overhyped tech of the decade. The truth?✔ Some industries (like factories) benefit from private 5G networks.✔ 6G is already being hyped—will we fall for it again?✔ The lesson? Demand proof, not promises. Final Verdict: 5G delivered incremental upgrades, not a revolution. And with 6G looming, we should ask: Will the next “game-changer” actually change anything? 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 Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

April 5, 2025in Salesforce0 Comments

30Mar

Field Service Mobile Data Capture

Field Service Mobile Data Capture Using Discovery Framework Offline-Capable Dynamic Forms for Field Teams Transform field service operations with intelligent, structured data collection powered by Salesforce’s Discovery Framework. This solution enables: ✔ Offline functionality – Capture data without internet connectivity✔ Dynamic forms – Build responsive question flows in Flow Builder✔ Centralized question bank – Reuse and version assessment questions✔ Full audit trail – Track all form submissions and revisions Solution Capabilities Key Features Implementation Guide Prerequisites Setup Process Technical Considerations Supported Data Types Discovery Framework Type Flow Component Use Case Example Single-Select Picklist Radio Buttons Equipment Condition Multi-Select Picklist Checkbox Group Required Repairs Number Input Field Measurement Reading Date Date Picker Service Completion Text Text Area Customer Feedback Error Handling Mobile User Experience Field technicians can: Best Practices “Since implementing Discovery Framework forms, our first-time fix rate improved by 28% because technicians now capture complete information upfront,” reports Jessica Tan, Field Ops Director at Contoso Industrial. 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 Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

March 30, 2025in Data, Enterprise, Salesforce0 Comments

25Mar

Salesforce’s Marketing Intelligence

Introducing Salesforce’s Marketing Intelligence: The Future of Marketing Analytics For the past dozen years, many marketers have been enamored with a powerful marketing analytics tool—Datorama, now known as Salesforce Marketing Cloud Intelligence (MCI). Regarded as one of the most seamless solutions for unifying data across multiple sources, MCI was built by marketers for marketers. It enables users to effortlessly combine data, generate reports, and build dashboards using plain language and pre-built data models. Whether for simple smart-lens dashboards or complex automated reporting triggered by specific events, MCI has been a game-changer. To the delight of marketers everywhere, Salesforce announced on March 18, 2025, a new evolution of the tool: Marketing Intelligence (MI). Built on the Salesforce Platform, MI takes the best of MCI and integrates it with Data Cloud’s unified architecture while introducing agentic AI features that deliver actionable, conversational insights. So, without further ado, let’s explore this exciting new tool. What Is Marketing Intelligence? Marketing Intelligence (MI) is a new Salesforce application designed to simplify marketing data management, deliver trustworthy insights, and maximize marketing ROI. Built on Data Cloud and deeply connected to the Salesforce ecosystem, MI is fully extensible—equipping marketers with everything they need to create powerful, meaningful dashboards with minimal effort. Data Cloud for Marketers, Made Easy One of the standout features of MCI has always been its AI-powered data mapping, which auto-populates based on past usage and logical predictions. Additionally, many APIs come with prebuilt models, reducing the need for manual configuration. These capabilities have helped marketers transition smoothly into data modeling and dashboarding without requiring deep technical expertise. Happily, MI retains and enhances these features. Users can upload a TotalConnect file (a flat file of their choice) or connect via API—with options like Google Ads available at launch and more integrations coming soon. Selecting a connection like Google Ads pulls in formatted data, ready for quick mapping, allowing users to build dashboards in just three clicks. Clean, Intuitive Dashboards MI’s dashboards are sleek, fast-loading, and prebuilt—yet fully customizable. A major upgrade over MCI is the inclusion of generative AI summaries, which analyze campaigns and highlight what’s working (and what isn’t). This feature represents the future of dashboarding: not just displaying data trends but explaining them in plain language and suggesting next steps. Marketers can even ask their AI agent to take action based on these insights, streamlining optimization like never before. This functionality is particularly valuable in large implementations where different users extract different insights from the same dashboard. Instead of manually interpreting data, marketers can now ask their AI agent for recommendations—saving time and reducing guesswork. Harmonized Data Across Channels The core goal of any marketing analytics tool—whether Data Cloud, MCI, or MI—is to unify cross-channel data into actionable insights. Beyond standardized API mapping, MI harmonizes fields across datasets and uses a semantic model to logically connect data (e.g., aligning campaign names across paid media, CRM, and other tools—even when naming conventions differ). For Existing MCI Users: What’s New? Many longtime MCI users may wonder: Can a new version really live up to the original? The answer? Absolutely. Here’s why: 1. Normalization, Simplified In MCI, joining messy and clean data often requires manual effort—using formulas or restructuring campaigns. MI changes that. With Einstein AI-powered normalization, users can automatically standardize data without manual adjustments, making cross-channel reporting smoother than ever. 2. Semantic Modeling Flexibility While MCI offers prebuilt data models, MI introduces semantic modeling, allowing users to define custom relationships across datasets. This means greater flexibility in structuring data, adding fields, and evolving models as business needs change—all while maintaining seamless integration with Salesforce objects. 3. ROI & Attribution, Supercharged The best MCI implementations tie cost/engagement data to real ROI. MI takes this further by integrating with Sales Cloud objects, enabling clearer ROI visualization. Additionally, attribution modeling is now more robust, with support for first- and last-touch attribution—helping marketers validate performance and optimize spend. For New Users: Why Choose MI? 1. Best-in-Class Data Harmonization MCI has long been the gold standard for unifying marketing data. Now, MI enhances this with Data Cloud integration, AI normalization, and three-click setup—making it the ultimate solution for marketers. 2. Smarter, Faster Visualizations While MCI offers strong visualization options, MI improves on two key pain points: 3. Unmatched Customization Want to dynamically rename campaigns, merge traffic sources, or filter data based on custom logic? MI makes it possible with pattern extraction, semantic-layer calculated fields, and Einstein normalization—giving marketers unprecedented control. A New Era for Marketing Analytics Marketing Intelligence launched on March 18, 2025 (requiring Data Cloud and MI licenses). Marketers eager to explore this next-generation tool should contact their Salesforce account executive. MI represents a leap forward in intelligent dashboarding, streamlining marketing data in ways MCI only hinted at. For data-driven marketers, the future is here—and it’s more powerful than ever. 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 Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

March 25, 2025in Agentic AI, Data, Generative AI, Google, Marketing Intelligence, Salesforce, Salesforce Marketing Cloud0 Comments

20Mar

Return on Sales (ROS)

Return on Sales (ROS): Definition, Calculation & How to Improve It Want to know how efficiently your business converts sales into profit? Who doesn’t? Return on Sales (ROS) measures operational efficiency, helping you maximize earnings and identify wasteful spending. Even profitable businesses can struggle with cash flow if they overspend on marketing, R&D, or other expenses—leaving little profit despite high revenue. ROS answers: “How much profit do we keep from each dollar of sales?” Let’s break down what ROS is, how to calculate it, and strategies to improve it. What Is Return on Sales (ROS)? Return on Sales (ROS) is a profitability ratio that shows how much of your revenue turns into operating profit. Also called operating profit margin, it excludes interest and taxes, focusing purely on operational efficiency. Formula: ROS=(Operating ProfitNet Sales)×100ROS = (Net SalesOperating Profit)×100 ROS vs. ROI vs. Net Profit Margin Metric What It Measures Key Difference ROS Profit from operations (before interest & taxes) Focuses on operational efficiency ROI (Return on Investment) Profit generated from an investment Measures effectiveness of capital spent (e.g., new equipment, marketing) Net Profit Margin Profit after all expenses (taxes, interest, etc.) Shows final profitability after all costs How to Calculate ROS Step-by-Step Formula Example Calculation Item Amount Revenue $10,000,000 Returns $1,000,000 COGS $2,000,000 Operating Expenses (SG&A) $4,000,000 Operating Profit $3,000,000 Net Sales $9,000,000 ROS = (3,000,0009,000,000)×100=∗∗33.3%∗∗ROS=(9,000,0003,000,000)×100=∗∗33.3%∗∗ What Is a Good ROS? It depends on your industry. Here are average benchmarks: Industry Average ROS Healthcare 6-30%* Hotels 8-15% Manufacturing 6-8% Restaurants 3-7% Retail 2-5% Tech 10-20%+ *Higher for specialized services (e.g., surgical centers at 30%) Key Insight: If ROS declines as revenue grows, your costs may be rising too fast. 5 Ways to Improve Your ROS 1. Optimize Pricing Strategy 2. Reduce Costs 3. Boost Operational Efficiency 4. Improve Sales Process 5. Lower Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) Why ROS Matters Pro Tip: Monitor ROS quarterly—if it drops, investigate rising costs or pricing issues. Summary ROS is a powerful metric for assessing how well your business turns sales into profit. By optimizing pricing, cutting costs, and improving efficiency, you can increase profitability and ensure sustainable growth. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more 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 Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, 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

March 20, 2025in Salesforce Health and Life Sciences Solutions, Salesforce Hospitality Travel and Transportation, Salesforce Manufacturing Automotive Energy0 Comments

AI in Airport Operations

VINCI Airports Leverages AI to Enhance Passenger Experience and Optimize Operations Across airside, landside, and terminal operations, VINCI Airports— a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub— is harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform passenger experiences, streamline airport flow, and reduce CO2 emissions. As an Innovation Center of Excellence for VINCI Airports, Lyon Airport is at the forefront of testing and implementing Generative AI (GenAI) to enhance customer interactions and operational efficiency. “AI is more than a buzzword—it’s a powerful tool for driving efficiency, improving interactions, personalizing services, and saving time,” says César Clary, Head of Digital & Innovation at Aéroports de Lyon/VINCI Airports. However, he emphasizes that AI should serve as a means to an end, not just a goal in itself. “We are making significant strides in leveraging AI to personalize services, improve efficiency, and reshape airport management.” AI-Powered Enhancements at Lyon Airport With over 10 million passengers passing through Lyon Airport each year, maintaining a cutting-edge customer experience is a priority. VINCI Airports has integrated AI-driven solutions into key customer touchpoints through in-house development and strategic partnerships: “The goal is to create more personalized and seamless interactions for travelers while supporting our staff,” Clary explains. By enabling natural language communication, real-time insights, and personalized recommendations, GenAI and Agentic AI are revolutionizing customer interactions and setting the stage for future service innovations. AI in Airport Operations Beyond customer service, AI is enhancing operational efficiency through: Overcoming Challenges in AI Implementation Despite AI’s vast potential, its adoption comes with challenges. Effective AI integration requires: Clary offers a strategic approach for AI adoption: “Spend time on algorithms and technology, but above all, invest in people, processes, and change management. Start small, demonstrate value, and educate your teams to ensure successful adoption.” With Lyon Airport leading the way, VINCI Airports is proving that GenAI is not just a futuristic concept but a transformative force in modern mobility. 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 Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

March 17, 2025in Agentic AI, Artificial Intelligence, Data, Generative AI, Salesforce Hospitality Travel and Transportation, Technology0 Comments

17Mar

Salesforce Energy and Utilities Cloud Explained

Salesforce Energy and Utilities Cloud is a specialized industry solution built on the Salesforce platform, designed to meet the unique needs of energy and utility companies. It helps these organizations manage customer relationships, streamline operations, and drive digital transformation in an increasingly complex and regulated industry. The cloud solution provides tools for customer engagement, field service management, and regulatory compliance, among other functionalities. Key Features of Salesforce Energy and Utilities Cloud: Benefits of Salesforce Energy and Utilities Cloud: Use Cases: Implementation Considerations: In summary, Salesforce Energy and Utilities Cloud is a comprehensive solution designed to help energy and utility companies enhance customer engagement, streamline operations, and achieve regulatory compliance. By leveraging advanced technologies and industry-specific functionalities, utilities can drive digital transformation and improve overall performance. 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 Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

March 17, 2025in Data, Salesforce, Salesforce Einstein0 Comments

13Mar

Why Its Good to be Data-Driven

The Power of Data-Driven Decision Making Success in business hinges on the ability to make informed decisions. Every operational aspect, from minor choices like office furniture selection to critical investments such as multi-million-dollar marketing campaigns, is shaped by a series of interrelated decisions. While instinct and intuition may play a role, most business choices rely on relevant data—covering aspects such as objectives, pricing, technology, and potential risks. However, excess irrelevant data can be just as detrimental as insufficient accurate data. Why Its Good to be Data-Driven organization… The Evolution of Data-Driven Decision Making Organizations that prioritize data-driven strategies rely on accurate, relevant, complete, and timely data. Simply amassing large volumes of information does not equate to better decision-making; companies must democratize data access, ensuring it is available to all employees rather than limited to data analysts. The practice of using data to inform business decisions gained traction in the mid-20th century when researchers identified decision-making as dynamic, complex, and often ambiguous. Early techniques like decision trees and prospect theory emerged in the 1970s alongside computer-aided decision-making models. The 1980s saw the rise of commercial decision support systems, and by the early 21st century, data warehousing and data mining revolutionized analytics. However, without clear governance and organizational policies, these vast data stores often fell short of their potential. Today, the goal of data-driven decision-making is to combine automated decision models with human expertise, creativity, and critical thinking. This approach requires integrating data science with business operations, equipping managers and employees with powerful decision-support tools. Characteristics of a Data-Driven Organization A truly data-driven organization understands the value of its data and maximizes its potential through structured alignment with business objectives. To safeguard and leverage data assets effectively, businesses must implement governance frameworks ensuring compliance with privacy, security, and integrity standards. Key challenges in establishing a data-driven infrastructure include: The Benefits of a Data-Driven Approach Businesses recognize that becoming data-driven requires more than just investing in technology; success depends on strategy and execution. According to KPMG, four critical factors contribute to the success of data-driven initiatives: A data-driven corporate culture accelerates decision-making, enhances employee engagement, and increases overall business value. Integrating ethical considerations into data usage is crucial for mitigating biases and maintaining data integrity. Transitioning to a Data-Driven Business With the rapid advancement of generative AI, data-driven organizations are poised to unlock trillions of dollars in economic value. McKinsey estimates that AI-driven decision-making could add between .6 trillion and .4 trillion annually across key sectors, including customer operations, marketing, software engineering, and R&D. To successfully transition into a data-driven organization, companies must: By embracing a data-driven model, organizations enhance their ability to make automated yet strategically sound decisions. With seamless data integration across CRM, ERP, and business applications, companies empower human decision-makers to apply their expertise to high-quality, actionable insights—driving innovation and competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving marketplace. 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 Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

March 13, 2025in Data, Generative AI, Technology0 Comments

11Mar

Salesforce Introduces AgentExchange

Salesforce Introduces AgentExchange: Empowering Businesses with AI-Driven Digital Labor Salesforce has unveiled AgentExchange, a marketplace embedded directly within the Salesforce platform, designed to simplify the way businesses, developers, and partners build, discover, and monetize AI-driven digital labor. This launch extends Salesforce’s Agentforce ecosystem, reinforcing the company’s commitment to accelerating enterprise adoption of advanced, role-based AI agents. Shifting to Role-Based AI AgentExchange arrives as industries shift from task-based automation to standardized, role-based AI agents. These intelligent agents leverage structured metadata to autonomously perform specific business roles, enhancing operational efficiency and scalability. Salesforce joins key industry players like Workday, SAP, and ServiceNow in shaping this emerging landscape. “Agentic AI is transforming the way businesses operate. Traditional software is rigid — it’s clicks, code, and logic. With AI agents, solutions can now observe, reason, and act autonomously, driving digital labor that expands organizational capabilities.” Adam Evans, EVP and GM of Salesforce AI Marketplace Capabilities and Partner Ecosystem AgentExchange launches with over 200 trusted partners, including Google Cloud, DocuSign, Box, and Workday, offering a variety of secure and compliant pre-built components such as: Real-World Use Cases AgentExchange supports solutions across various industries: Metadata-Driven Integration A core feature of AgentExchange is its metadata standardization, which defines agent capabilities, interfaces, and compliance requirements. This metadata-centric approach simplifies integration, reduces deployment complexity, and empowers organizations to adopt AI agents with confidence. Competitive Edge and CRM-Centric Focus Salesforce distinguishes AgentExchange with its strong focus on CRM-related, customer-facing solutions. While competitors like Workday emphasize HR automation and SAP covers broader ERP functions, Salesforce leverages real-time customer data and Slack integration to enhance front-office interactions. This CRM-centric focus equips businesses with tools to improve customer experience management, further differentiating Salesforce in the AI-driven digital labor space. Enabling an Open AI Ecosystem AgentExchange signals Salesforce’s commitment to fostering an open AI ecosystem, empowering partners, developers, and the Agentblazer community to build and monetize AI-driven solutions. The marketplace includes hundreds of vetted solutions designed to accelerate the adoption of intelligent digital labor across industries. Mark Stewart, CEO and President of Goodyear, shared his excitement about the platform: “AgentExchange offers ready-to-use solutions that enhance our speed, efficiency, and customer experience. This innovation aligns perfectly with Goodyear’s focus on delivering value to our customers.” Partner Innovations Key partners are already contributing to AgentExchange with impactful solutions: Driving the Future of Digital Labor Brian Landsman, EVP & GM of Global Business Development & Partnerships at Salesforce, connected AgentExchange to Salesforce’s AppExchange legacy: “When we launched AppExchange in 2005, we unlocked new value for our platform. AgentExchange now builds on that success, inviting partners, startups, and developers to shape the future of digital labor.” AgentExchange empowers organizations to seamlessly adopt trusted AI solutions, enabling developers to leverage partner expertise and integrate industry-specific capabilities directly within Salesforce. This innovative marketplace positions Salesforce as a leader in AI-driven digital transformation, driving efficiency, innovation, and growth in the evolving digital labor economy. Let Tectonic guide you though this exciting new release aimed to get you up and running even faster with Agentforce! Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

March 11, 2025in AgentExchange, Agentic AI, Data, Enterprise, Google, Salesforce0 Comments

Shift From AI Agents to AI Agent Tool Use

03Mar

AI Agent Dilemma

The AI Agent Dilemma: Hype, Confusion, and Competing Definitions Silicon Valley is all in on AI agents. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman predicts they will “join the workforce” this year. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella envisions them replacing certain knowledge work. Meanwhile, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff has set an ambitious goal: making Salesforce the “number one provider of digital labor in the world” through its suite of AI-driven agentic services. But despite the enthusiasm, there’s little consensus on what an AI agent actually is. In recent years, tech leaders have hailed AI agents as transformative—just as AI chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT redefined information retrieval, agents, they claim, will revolutionize work. That may be true. But the problem lies in defining what an “agent” really is. Much like AI buzzwords such as “multimodal,” “AGI,” or even “AI” itself, the term “agent” is becoming so broad that it risks losing all meaning. This ambiguity puts companies like OpenAI, Microsoft, Salesforce, Amazon, and Google in a tricky spot. Each is investing heavily in AI agents, but their definitions—and implementations—differ wildly. An Amazon agent is not the same as a Google agent, leading to confusion and, increasingly, customer frustration. Even industry insiders are growing weary of the term. Ryan Salva, senior director of product at Google and former GitHub Copilot leader, openly criticizes the overuse of “agents.” “I think our industry has stretched the term ‘agent’ to the point where it’s almost nonsensical,” Salva told TechCrunch. “[It is] one of my pet peeves.” A Definition in Flux The struggle to define AI agents isn’t new. Former TechCrunch reporter Ron Miller raised the question last year: What exactly is an AI agent? The challenge is that every company building them has a different answer. That confusion only deepened this past week. OpenAI published a blog post defining agents as “automated systems that can independently accomplish tasks on behalf of users.” Yet in its developer documentation, it described agents as “LLMs equipped with instructions and tools.” Adding to the inconsistency, OpenAI’s API product marketing lead, Leher Pathak, stated on X (formerly Twitter) that she sees “assistants” and “agents” as interchangeable—further muddying the waters. Microsoft attempts to make a distinction, describing agents as “the new apps” for an AI-powered world, while reserving “assistant” for more general task helpers like email drafting tools. Anthropic takes a broader approach, stating that agents can be “fully autonomous systems that operate independently over extended periods” or simply “prescriptive implementations that follow predefined workflows.” Salesforce, meanwhile, has perhaps the widest-ranging definition, describing agents as AI-driven systems that can “understand and respond to customer inquiries without human intervention.” It categorizes them into six types, from “simple reflex agents” to “utility-based agents.” Why the Confusion? The nebulous nature of AI agents is part of the problem. These systems are still evolving, and major players like OpenAI, Google, and Perplexity have only just begun rolling out their first versions—each with vastly different capabilities. But history also plays a role. Rich Villars, GVP of worldwide research at IDC, points out that tech companies have “a long history” of using flexible definitions for emerging technologies. “They care more about what they are trying to accomplish on a technical level,” Villars told TechCrunch, “especially in fast-evolving markets.” Marketing is another culprit. Andrew Ng, founder of DeepLearning.ai, argues that the term “agent” once had a clear technical meaning—until marketers and a few major companies co-opted it. The Double-Edged Sword of Ambiguity The lack of a standardized definition presents both opportunities and challenges. Jim Rowan, head of AI at Deloitte, notes that while the ambiguity allows companies to tailor agents to specific needs, it also leads to “misaligned expectations” and difficulty in measuring value and ROI. “Without a standardized definition, at least within an organization, it becomes challenging to benchmark performance and ensure consistent outcomes,” Rowan explains. “This can result in varied interpretations of what AI agents should deliver, potentially complicating project goals and results.” While a clearer framework for AI agents would help businesses maximize their investments, history suggests that the industry is unlikely to agree on a single definition—just as it never fully defined “AI” itself. For now, AI agents remain both a promising innovation and a marketing-driven enigma. 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 Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Salesforce Enhances Service Cloud with AI-Driven Intelligence Engine Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming standard features in enterprise applications, Read more

March 3, 2025in AI Chatbots, Google, Salesforce

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