Relationships

02Sep

Converting 15-Character IDs to 18-Character in Salesforce

In Salesforce, every record is assigned a unique Record ID, which is essential for managing data, writing formulas, and referencing records as an admin or developer. There are two types of Record IDs: a 15-character version and an 18-character version, each suited for different scenarios. Converting 15-character IDs to 18-character ones can be time-consuming when done manually, but several tools and methods can simplify the process, allowing for instant conversion with just a click. Understanding Salesforce Record IDs 15-Character Record ID The 15-character Record ID is case-sensitive and typically used in Salesforce’s user interface for tasks like editing records and generating reports. However, its case sensitivity can create issues with systems that do not recognize differences between uppercase and lowercase letters. 18-Character Record ID To mitigate case sensitivity issues, Salesforce offers an 18-character ID, which is used in APIs and tools such as Data Loader. This ID adds three additional characters to the 15-character version and is always returned by these tools during data exports. When to Use Each ID For consistency, the 18-character ID is preferable, especially when working with external systems. It’s best practice to use the 18-character ID in formulas, API calls, or any data comparisons to avoid errors caused by case sensitivity. Converting IDs Using a Formula Field in Salesforce Salesforce recommends creating a formula field with the CASESAFEID(Id) function to convert the 15-character ID to an 18-character ID. Here are some key points to consider: Implementation Steps: Once completed, this formula field will display the 18-character ID on relevant records. APIs and Software DevelopmentIf you need a more scalable or efficient solution, consider using Salesforce APIs or third-party tools for ID conversion. While online tools may suffice for small tasks, they can become unwieldy when handling hundreds or thousands of records in a CSV or Excel file. Streamlining ID Conversion with Xappex Tools Imagine the frustration of manually copying and pasting IDs! That’s where the XL-Connector and G-Connector from Xappex come into play. These tools work directly in Excel or Google Sheets, simplifying the ID conversion process. Instead of juggling multiple tools or navigating complex processes, you can seamlessly convert Salesforce IDs within your spreadsheet, saving significant time and effort. Using XL-Connector for ID Conversion in Excel Using G-Connector (Google Sheets) for ID Conversion G-Connector is Xappex’s integration tool for Google Sheets and Salesforce. If you haven’t installed it yet, do so and log in to your Salesforce org. The sheet will automatically update with the new 18-character IDs and provide links to open the records directly in Salesforce. Conclusion In summary, managing Salesforce Record IDs doesn’t have to be a hassle. While converting 15-character IDs to 18-character IDs is crucial for consistency, doing it manually can be tedious. With XL-Connector and G-Connector, you can streamline ID conversion with just a click in Excel or Google Sheets, making your workflow much more efficient. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

September 2, 2024in Data, Google, Salesforce

30Aug

Tectonic Guide to Rag Part 2

The first notable change in the field of language models is the significant expansion of context window sizes and a reduction in token costs. For instance, Anthropic’s largest model, Claude, has a context window exceeding 200,000 tokens, while recent reports indicate that Gemini’s context window can reach up to 10 million tokens. Under such circumstances, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) may no longer be necessary for many tasks, as all required data can be accommodated within the expanded context window. Several financial and analytical projects have already demonstrated that tasks can be solved without needing a vector database as intermediate storage. This trend of reducing token costs and increasing context window sizes is likely to continue, potentially decreasing the need for external mechanisms in LLMs, although they are still relevant for the time being. If the context window remains insufficient, methods for summarization and context compression have been introduced. LangChain, for example, offers a class called ConversationSummaryMemory to address this challenge. pythonCopy codellm = OpenAI(temperature=0) conversation_with_summary = ConversationChain( llm=llm, memory=ConversationSummaryMemory(llm=OpenAI()), verbose=True ) conversation_with_summary.predict(input=”Hi, what’s up?”) Knowledge Graphs As the volume of data continues to grow, navigating through it efficiently becomes increasingly critical. In certain cases, understanding the structure and attributes of data is essential for effective use. For example, if the data source is a company’s wiki, an LLM might not recognize a phone number unless the structure or metadata indicates that it’s the company’s contact information. Humans can infer meaning from conventions, such as the subdirectory “Company Information,” but standard RAG may miss such connections. This challenge can be addressed by Knowledge Graphs, also known as Knowledge Maps, which provide both raw data and metadata that illustrates how different entities are interconnected. This method is referred to as Graph Retrieval-Augmented Generation (GraphRAG). Graphs are excellent for representing and managing structured, interconnected information. Unlike vector databases, they excel at capturing complex relationships and attributes among diverse data types. Creating a Knowledge Graph The process of creating a knowledge graph typically involves collecting and structuring data, which requires expertise in both the subject matter and graph modeling. However, LLMs can automate a significant portion of this process by analyzing textual data, identifying entities, and recognizing their relationships, which can then be represented in a graph structure. In many cases, an ensemble of vector databases and knowledge graphs can improve accuracy, as discussed previously. For example, search functionality might combine keyword search through a regular database (e.g., Elasticsearch) and graph-based queries. LangChain can also assist in extracting structured data from entities, as demonstrated in this code example: pythonCopy codedocuments = parse_and_load_data_from_wiki_including_metadata() graph_store = NebulaGraphStore( space_name=”Company Wiki”, tags=[“entity”] ) storage_context = StorageContext.from_defaults(graph_store=graph_store) index = KnowledgeGraphIndex.from_documents( documents, max_triplets_per_chunk=2, space_name=space_name, tags=[“entity”] ) query_engine = index.as_query_engine() response = query_engine.query(“Tell me more about our Company”) Here, searching is conducted based on attributes and related entities, instead of similar vectors. If set up correctly, metadata from the company’s wiki, such as its phone number, would be accessible through the graph. Access Control One challenge with this system is that data access may not be uniform. For instance, in a wiki, access could depend on roles and permissions. Similar issues exist in vector databases, leading to the need for access management mechanisms such as Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC), and Relationship-Based Access Control (ReBAC). These access control methods function by evaluating paths between users and resources within graphs, such as in systems like Active Directory. To ensure the integrity of data during the ingestion phase, metadata related to permissions must be preserved in both the knowledge graph and vector database. Some commercial vector databases already have this functionality built in. Ingestion and Parsing Data needs to be ingested into both graphs and vector databases, but for graphs, formatting is especially critical since it reflects the data’s structure and serves as metadata. One particular challenge is handling complex formats like PDFs, which can contain diverse elements like tables, images, and text. Extracting structured data from such formats can be difficult, and while frameworks like LLama Parse exist, they are not always foolproof. In some cases, Optical Character Recognition (OCR) may be more effective than parsing. Enhancing Answer Quality Several new approaches are emerging to improve the quality of LLM-generated answers: While these advancements in knowledge graphs, access control, and retrieval mechanisms are promising, challenges remain, particularly around data formatting and parsing. However, these methods continue to evolve, enhancing LLM capabilities and efficiency. 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 Alphabet Soup of Cloud Terminology As with any technology, the cloud brings its own alphabet soup of terms. This insight will hopefully help you navigate Read more

August 30, 2024in Data

29Aug

Connected Vehicles

Revolutionizing the Automotive Industry: Salesforce’s Connected Car App The automotive industry has always been a beacon of innovation, consistently pushing the boundaries to enhance the driving experience. From the iconic Model T and the assembly line to today’s electric and autonomous vehicles, the evolution of automobiles has been driven by an unyielding pursuit of progress. I actually purchased a new-to-me car today, and with the connected vehicle on the horizon I’m kind of glad I’ll be able to upgrade in a couple years. Bluetooth and back up cameras are great. But a car that can tell the dealership to get me on the horn before some automotive calamity occurs? The future is here, my friends. Connected Vehicles for Better Experiences Now, as digital transformation reshapes industries, a new chapter is emerging in automotive innovation: the connected car. Leading this charge is Salesforce, a global powerhouse in customer relationship management (CRM), with the introduction of its groundbreaking Connected Car App, poised to redefine in-car experiences for both drivers and passengers. From my personal buying experience today, the car business could use some customer relationship management! The Future of In-Car Connectivity Salesforce’s Connected Car App is more than just a technological enhancement; it represents a fundamental shift in how we interact with our vehicles. By leveraging Salesforce’s Customer 360 platform, this app creates personalized, engaging experiences that go far beyond traditional automotive features. The Connected Car App is designed to make every journey more intuitive and efficient, offering real-time insights and services tailored to the unique needs of each driver. Whether it’s maintenance alerts, optimized route suggestions based on traffic, or personalized entertainment options, the app transforms the car into a truly smart companion on the road. A GPS feature? I guess I can plan on deleting Waze off my phone in the near future! Powered by Salesforce Customer 360 At the heart of the Connected Car App is Salesforce’s Customer 360 platform, which delivers a comprehensive, 360-degree view of each customer. This integration ensures that the app provides tailored experiences based on a deep understanding of the driver’s preferences, habits, and history. It isn’t going to just know you by a vehicle loan number, a VIN number, or even just an email address. For instance, a driver who frequently takes long road trips might receive customized recommendations for rest stops, dining options, and attractions along their route. Meanwhile, commuters could benefit from real-time updates on traffic, weather, and parking availability. The app’s ability to anticipate and respond to the driver’s needs in real time distinguishes it from traditional in-car systems. I can just hear my car now, advising me it has been one hour since I stopped for coffee, and she’s worried about my sanity. Enhancing Customer Loyalty and Satisfaction with Connected Vehicles The Connected Car App offers significant potential to boost customer loyalty and satisfaction. By delivering a personalized driving experience, automakers can strengthen relationships with customers, transforming each driving journey into an opportunity to build brand loyalty. If Toyota is suddenly going to treat me like Shannan Hearne instead of customer # xxxxx would be ecstatic. Additionally, the app’s capability to collect and analyze data in real time opens new avenues for automakers to engage with their customers. Predictive maintenance reminders, targeted promotions, and special offers are just a few examples of how the app fosters a deeper connection between the brand and the driver. Oh, yeah. My connected vehicle app is DEFINITELY going to be talking to me about changing my oil (I’m not exactly diligent), how great the latest model of Toyota is (I drove a Corolla for 18 years and have also owned a Tacoma, a Tundra, and a Prius), and if it would add coffee coupons I would be golden. A New Era of Automotive Innovation Salesforce’s Connected Car App marks a pivotal moment in the automotive industry’s digital transformation. As vehicles become increasingly connected, the opportunities for innovation are boundless. Salesforce is at the forefront with a solution that not only enhances the driving experience but also empowers automakers to build stronger, more meaningful relationships with their customers. In a world where customer expectations are constantly growing, the Connected Car App is a game-changer. Customers, even car owners, expect their brands to know them and recognize them. By integrating Salesforce’s CRM capabilities directly into vehicles, the app creates a seamless, personalized experience that stands out. As we look ahead, it’s clear that the Connected Car App is just the beginning of an exciting new era of automotive innovation. As a marketer at heart and a technologist by trade, I’m really excited about the potential here. Connected Vehicle: A Unified Digital Foundation Salesforce’s Connected Vehicle platform provides automakers with a unified, intelligent digital foundation, enabling them to reduce development time and roll out features and updates faster than ever before. This platform allows seamless integration of vehicle, Internet of Things (IoT), driver, and retail data from various sources, including AWS IoT FleetWise and Snapdragon® Car-to-Cloud Connected Services Platform, to enhance driver experiences and ensure smooth vehicle operation. Can you imagine a smart app like the Connected Vehicle talking to your loyalty apps for gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores? I would be driving down the interstate and the app will tell me there is a Starbucks ahead AND I have a 10% off coupon. Automakers and mobility leaders like Sony Honda Mobility are already exploring the use of Connected Vehicle to deliver better experiences for their customers. The platform’s ability to access and integrate data from any source in near real time allows automakers to personalize driver experiences, in-car offers, and safety upgrades. Why It Matters By 2030, every new vehicle sold will be connected, and the advanced, tech-driven features they provide will be increasingly important to consumers. A recent Salesforce survey revealed that drivers already consider connected features to be nearly as important as a car’s brand. Connected Vehicle accelerates this evolution, enabling automakers to immediately deliver branded, customized experiences tailored to

August 29, 2024in Salesforce Implementation Services, Salesforce Managed Services, Salesforce Manufacturing Automotive Energy

28Aug

AI Capabilities for Nonprofit Cloud

Nonprofit organizations must ensure that every dollar they raise is not only accounted for but also allocated in ways that best support their mission. With its ability to streamline processes, optimize outcomes, and enhance data transparency, AI is poised to significantly impact the nonprofit sector. Salesforce has introduced new AI capabilities for Nonprofit Cloud designed to help organizations harness AI-driven decision-making and maximize their impact. AI-Powered Proposals and Summaries The latest AI and data enhancements in Nonprofit Cloud are designed to boost efficiency, personalize donor engagement, and ultimately increase fundraising opportunities. Built on the Einstein 1 Platform, Salesforce has introduced the following features: Closing Thoughts “Every nonprofit wants to provide the best experience for donors, volunteers, board members, staff — and most importantly, the people and causes they serve,” says Lori Freeman, VP & Global GM of Nonprofit at Salesforce. “But they have a lot to accomplish with limited resources. With industry-specific AI and data tools, Salesforce is helping nonprofits boost productivity by augmenting staff with AI, using data more effectively to build deeper relationships with their stakeholders, and ultimately, raising the funds needed to meet their mission.” The nonprofit sector stands to gain significantly from GenAI. By building on its existing Nonprofit Cloud, Salesforce addresses key challenges within the industry. What’s particularly noteworthy about these updates is the duality of outcomes supported by GenAI: it not only simplifies the tracking and sharing of campaign metrics, enabling better-informed decision-making, but it also enhances the personalization of donor engagement. While the ultimate goal is to increase funding, these advancements also underscore GenAI’s flexibility and its potential to rapidly transform organizational operations. Availability Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

August 28, 2024in Einstein 1 Platform, Salesforce for Nonprofits, Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud

24Aug

Loan Boarding and Approval

Streamlining Loan Boarding and Approval Processes with Salesforce Technology The financial services industry is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by the need for greater efficiency and improved customer experiences. One area where this shift is particularly evident is in the loan boarding and approval processes. Leveraging Salesforce technology, financial institutions can streamline these essential workflows, enhancing both speed and accuracy while delivering a superior borrower experience. Understanding Loan Boarding Loan boarding is the process of transitioning a loan from its origination phase into servicing. This involves several key steps, including data entry, document management, and compliance checks. Traditionally, this process has been manual, cumbersome, and prone to errors. However, Salesforce offers robust capabilities that allow organizations to automate and optimize these tasks, significantly reducing inefficiencies. Automating Data Entry Salesforce facilitates automated data entry through its customizable forms and integration capabilities. Tools like Salesforce Flow and Apex enable businesses to create workflows that automatically populate fields based on predefined criteria or data extracted from documents using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology. This automation reduces manual errors and accelerates the loan boarding process. Efficient Document Management Effective document management is crucial in loan boarding. Salesforce provides a centralized platform for secure storage and easy access to all necessary documents. Features like Salesforce Files enable organizations to manage documentation efficiently, allowing for easy retrieval, sharing, and version control. This streamlined document management ensures that all relevant information is readily available throughout the loan lifecycle. Streamlining Handoff and Approval Processes After a loan is boarded, it must go through a series of approvals before disbursement. The handoff between departments such as underwriting and risk assessment can cause delays if not properly managed. Salesforce’s collaborative tools facilitate seamless communication among stakeholders, ensuring a smooth transition through the approval process. Customizable Approval Workflows Salesforce allows for the creation of customizable approval workflows, enabling organizations to define specific criteria for each stage of loan approval. This flexibility ensures that loans are reviewed by the appropriate personnel based on their complexity or risk profile. Automated alerts notify relevant team members when their input is needed, minimizing bottlenecks and keeping the process moving efficiently. Enhanced Visibility with Real-Time Dashboards One of Salesforce’s standout features is its ability to generate real-time dashboards that provide insights into various stages of the loan process. Stakeholders can monitor key metrics, such as the average time for approvals or the number of loans pending at each stage, through intuitive visualizations. This transparency promotes quicker decision-making and fosters accountability within the team. Seamless Disbursement Process Once loans are approved, the disbursement phase is the next critical step. Salesforce’s integration capabilities with payment processing systems, such as NACHA/ACH solutions, allow organizations to automate fund transfers directly within the platform, streamlining the disbursement process. Automating Payment Processing Automated triggers for payments can be set up within Salesforce, reducing the need for manual intervention. This automation speeds up the disbursement process and minimizes the risk of errors associated with manual data entry during fund transfers, ensuring a smooth and reliable process. Comprehensive Portfolio Management Managing a large loan portfolio requires meticulous tracking of various elements, including amortization schedules, repayments, interest accruals, and fees. Salesforce excels in these areas, offering tools to manage all aspects of a loan portfolio effectively. Dynamic Amortization and Repayment Schedules Salesforce enables the creation of dynamic amortization schedules tailored to individual borrower agreements, easily accessible via custom borrower portals. These portals enhance borrower engagement by providing real-time information about repayment obligations and remaining balances, improving transparency and customer satisfaction. Fee Automation Automating fee calculations within Salesforce reduces administrative burdens and ensures accurate billing according to agreed-upon terms. This feature helps avoid discrepancies and delays, providing a seamless experience for both the lender and the borrower. Risk Management and Collections In today’s volatile economic environment, effective risk management is essential for financial institutions. Salesforce’s advanced analytics and performance rating tools allow organizations to proactively identify potential risks before they escalate, enabling more informed lending decisions. Performance and Risk Ratings By analyzing historical data, Salesforce enables lenders to assign risk ratings based on borrowers’ past behaviors and external market conditions. This data-driven approach supports more accurate and strategic lending decisions, helping to mitigate risk. Effective Collections Strategies For overdue accounts, Salesforce’s task management features automate reminders and follow-ups, ensuring timely communication and effective debt recovery. Maintaining open communication channels with borrowers during the collections process is crucial for preserving relationships and achieving successful outcomes. Conclusion: Embracing Digital Transformation By embracing digital transformation through Salesforce technology, financial institutions can significantly streamline their loan boarding and approval processes. This not only enhances operational efficiency but also positions them competitively in a tech-driven marketplace, delivering the high-quality service that today’s consumers demand. Salesforce’s powerful tools enable institutions to meet the unique needs of their borrowers effectively, ensuring both efficiency and excellence in service delivery. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

August 24, 2024in Salesforce

22Aug

Repayment Schedules With Salesforce

Simplifying Repayment Schedules: Elevating Borrower Experience with Salesforce In the rapidly changing financial services industry, managing loan repayment schedules efficiently is vital for both lenders and borrowers. A well-designed system can significantly enhance the borrower experience, streamline operations, and boost overall efficiency. Salesforce software emerges as a powerful solution that simplifies repayment schedules and fosters better communication between lenders and borrowers. This article explores how Salesforce can revolutionize repayment management with its comprehensive features. Understanding Repayment Schedules Repayment schedules define how a borrower will pay back their loan over time, detailing payment amounts, due dates, interest rates, and the total loan duration. A clear and well-structured repayment schedule not only helps borrowers manage their finances but also ensures that lenders receive timely payments. The complexity of repayment schedules can vary based on factors like loan terms, interest rates, and borrower profiles. Therefore, having an effective system to manage these variables is crucial for maintaining accuracy and transparency throughout the borrowing process. The Role of Salesforce in Loan Management Salesforce offers an extensive suite of tools designed to enhance customer relationship management (CRM) across various industries, including finance. By utilizing Salesforce’s capabilities, lenders can develop customized solutions that address key aspects of loan management, such as: 1. Automated Amortization SchedulesSalesforce enables the automated creation of amortization schedules tailored to individual loans. This feature minimizes manual errors and ensures accurate calculations from the start. Automation allows lenders to provide borrowers with clear payment plans, including details on principal reductions and interest accruals over time. 2. Custom Borrower PortalsOne of Salesforce’s major strengths is the ability to create custom borrower portals. These portals allow clients to access their repayment schedules anytime, view upcoming payments, track their balances in real-time, and even make payments through secure channels. This transparency builds trust between lenders and borrowers, enhancing overall satisfaction. 3. Document ManagementEffective document management is essential for maintaining organized records related to loans and repayments. Salesforce’s document management features enable lenders to securely store important documents—such as contracts, amendments, or communications—within each borrower’s profile. This accessibility simplifies audits and reviews while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Streamlined Communication with Automated Alerts A common challenge for borrowers is keeping track of payment deadlines and understanding when payments are due. Salesforce addresses this by offering automated alerts via email or text message, reminding borrowers of upcoming due dates or changes in payment schedules. These notifications help keep borrowers informed about their obligations without overwhelming them, balancing proactive communication with user-friendliness. Enhanced Reporting & Analytics Salesforce provides powerful reporting tools that allow lenders to effectively analyze repayment patterns across different portfolios. By identifying trends related to timely payments, defaults, or late fees, financial institutions can strategically tailor their offerings. Detailed dashboards also present key performance indicators (KPIs) related to collection efficiency, aiding in risk assessment and decision-making processes. Portfolio Management Integration Integrating portfolio management features within Salesforce allows lenders to monitor individual loans and gain insights into overall portfolio health. This includes tracking repayments received versus outstanding balances owed by all clients collectively. This holistic view supports decision-making around refinancing options for struggling clients and identifying growth opportunities based on historical data trends. This integration enhances lender profitability while improving borrower experiences. Conclusion: Transforming the Borrower Experience Integrating Salesforce software into loan repayment scheduling represents a significant advancement in enhancing borrower experiences in the financial services industry. From automating complex amortization calculations to providing personalized customer portals, Salesforce empowers both lenders and borrowers at every stage of the process. By embracing technology like Salesforce, lenders can streamline communication, reduce administrative burdens, and position themselves favorably against competitors. This buildss long-lasting relationships built on trust and reliability, ultimately benefiting all parties involved. Contact Tectonic today to explore lending solutions from Salesforce. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

August 22, 2024in Salesforce Financial Services Solutions, Salesforce Managed Services, Salesforce Optimization

Why Choose Salesforce as Your Mortgage CRM?

22Aug

Banking Complaints to Profits

Tectonic: Elevating Complaint Management in Banking with Salesforce Customer satisfaction is key in banking, but complaints are unavoidable. Banking Complaints to Profits is not only learning from complaints but increasing revenue by them. Banking complaints also present a unique opportunity. Handled effectively, complaints can offer valuable insights that drive process improvements and ultimately strengthen customer relationships. Banking Complaints to Profits Banks need a robust, strategic complaint management system to capitalize on this opportunity. Such a system must go beyond simply documenting and resolving grievances. It must enable banks to proactively identify trends, assess root causes, and implement targeted solutions that address individual complaints and prevent future issues. Salesforce offers a comprehensive platform that can transform your complaint management process. Let’s explore how its key features align perfectly with the needs of a strategic approach. Streamlining Complaint Intake Salesforce simplifies and customizes the process of collecting customer complaints, aligning with your specific policies and regulatory needs. Its dynamic intake process ensures a smooth and compliant experience for your customers and your team. Efficient Complaint Lifecycle Management Salesforce streamlines the entire complaint management process, ensuring seamless routing to the right teams and individuals for swift resolution. Automated assignments, milestone tracking, and clear follow-up expectations (including Service Level Agreements) guarantee accountability and efficiency at every stage. Automated escalations expedite resolutions when needed, ensuring regulatory compliance and maximizing customer satisfaction. Securing Your Complaint Data Salesforce prioritizes data security with Shield and Financial Services Cloud’s Compliance Data Sharing Model to ensure the confidentiality of sensitive complaint information through robust access controls and permissions. This guarantees that only authorized personnel can view and interact with sensitive data, maintaining the highest levels of privacy and compliance. Centralizing and Unifying Your Data Beyond security, Salesforce eliminates information silos by centralizing complaint data from across your organization. This creates a single source of truth, providing a comprehensive and unified view of customer feedback. This holistic perspective enables deeper analysis, informed decision-making, and a more proactive and practical approach to complaint management. Harnessing Complaint Data for Continuous Improvement Financial Services Cloud’s Case Management and Data Processing Engines can give you a complete view of customer complaints and their lifecycle. By harnessing this case data within CRM Analytics, you can enhance the customer 360, proactively monitor trends, prioritize areas for improvement, and enhance the customer experience while effectively mitigating risk. The Future of Complaint Management: Salesforce as a Strategic Advantage In an increasingly competitive and regulated landscape, banks must be equipped to address customer complaints efficiently and leverage them for continuous improvement. By combining Salesforce’s power with a strategic, customer-centric approach, banks can turn complaints into a catalyst for growth, ensuring a more resilient and customer-focused future. At Tectonic, we’ve watched firsthand how a well-designed complaint management system can transform customer interactions from points of friction into opportunities for improvement. Our experience in the financial services sector has taught us that technology is only part of the equation. A comprehensive approach, encompassing data-driven insights, staff training, and ongoing process optimization, is essential for maximizing the benefits of any system. Chat with our financial services experts to learn how Salesforce can transform your complaint management process to deliver exceptional service and strengthen trusted customer relationships. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

August 22, 2024in Salesforce Financial Cloud, Salesforce Financial Services Solutions, Salesforce Optimization

20Aug

Winter 25 Release Notes

The Winter ’25 release is available through the pre-release program. On August 30, 2024, Sandboxes will be upgraded, providing your organization with the Winter ’25 release experience. Set Up Your Pay Now Store Quickly and Easily Use the streamlined automated setup to get your Pay Now store up and running effortlessly. The guided process walks you through each step needed to configure your store. This feature is available in Salesforce Payments for Enterprise, Unlimited, and Developer editions. How to Set Up: Gain Insight into How User Permissions Are Granted Simplify user management with visibility into the profiles, permission sets, and permission set groups that grant permissions to a user. The User Access Summary now provides detailed information about a user’s assigned object, field, user, and custom permissions. Previously, identifying the source of a user’s permissions required multiple steps, but now you can access this information with just a few clicks. This change applies to Lightning Experience in all editions. How to Use: See How Object Access Is Granted in Object Manager Quickly view the permission sets, permission set groups, and profiles that grant access to an object, along with the level of access provided. The read-only Object Access Summary in Object Manager allows for quick checks during troubleshooting, reviews, or when deciding how to grant user access. This update is available in Lightning Experience across all editions. How to Access: Improve Performance for List Views on Custom and Standard Objects To enhance performance and meet the latest accessibility standards, list views for both custom and standard objects now render using Lightning Web Components (LWC) instead of Aura. LWC, Salesforce’s latest framework, delivers data faster and enables new features for list views. Previously, only custom object list views in sandboxes used LWC. This update applies to Lightning Experience in all editions. How to Use: Configure Record Highlights in Lightning App Builder Enhance your Lightning pages with the new Dynamic Highlights Panel, which lets you configure important fields directly within the Lightning App Builder. Previously, this was only possible through compact layouts in Setup. The Dynamic Highlights Panel can hold up to 12 fields and adjusts responsively to browser size. This feature is available in Group, Professional, Enterprise, Performance, Unlimited, and Developer editions. How to Implement: Make Record Fields Stand Out with Conditional Formatting Highlight key information on record pages using conditional formatting in Lightning App Builder. On Dynamic Forms-enabled pages, you can assign custom icons and colors to fields based on defined criteria, such as field values or other conditions on the page. This feature is available on a rolling basis starting in early September 2024 for Group, Professional, Enterprise, Performance, Unlimited, and Developer editions. How to Use: Save Time with New Messaging Components for Enhanced Bots (Generally Available) Empower customers and save service agents’ time with the new messaging components for enhanced bots. These include authentication, custom, form, and payment messaging components, which can handle more complex use cases on enhanced Apple Messages for Business channels. The form component is also available for Messaging for In-App and Web. These updates apply to Lightning Experience and Salesforce Classic in Enterprise, Performance, Unlimited, and Developer editions, with bot setup available only in Lightning Experience. How to Implement: Enhance Your LWR Site Experience by Curating Data Providers on a Page (Beta) Enhance LWR site pages by adding and configuring data providers in Experience Builder. This feature allows you to access data from different sources, such as Apex or Record data providers, directly within your site page and its components. This change is available in Professional, Enterprise, Unlimited, and Developer editions for LWR sites accessed through Lightning Experience. A community license is required to use this feature. How to Use: To configure data providers on an LWR Site page in Experience Builder: Enabling or Disabling Modernized Record Experience in Aura Sites You can now use upgraded record components based on Lightning web component technology to see stylistic changes in your Aura sites. These updates, previously limited to sandbox environments, are now available in production environments for the Create Record Form, Record Banner, and Record Detail components. This update is applicable to Aura sites accessed through Lightning Experience and Salesforce Classic in Enterprise, Performance, Unlimited, and Developer editions. When you enable the Use Lightning web components on your record pages in Aura sites setting, the Create Record Form, Record Banner, and Record Detail components display minor style changes. Some key updates include: Daily Summary of Service Appointments Requiring Immediate Attention Boost dispatcher productivity by using Einstein Copilot Field Service actions to get a daily summary of service appointments needing immediate attention, such as those with rule violations, overlaps, SLA risks, or emergencies. Each category in the summary is converted into a filter in the appointment list for quick resolution. Customize the summary to include additional categories. This feature is available in Lightning Experience in the Einstein 1 Field Service Edition with the Field Service Managed Package installed. To use this feature: Assigning Opportunity Splits to Territories Sales teams can now assign opportunity splits and opportunity product splits to territories, enabling them to report on how territories contribute to overall sales. Previously, splits could only be associated with the parent opportunity’s territory. Now, teams can also forecast based on split amounts across territories. This update applies to Lightning Experience in Enterprise, Performance, Unlimited, and Developer editions. To enable this feature: Strategic Planning with Account Plan Enhance your strategic planning with Account Plans by nurturing existing relationships and growing key accounts. Use Account Plans to research and analyze accounts, set objectives with actionable metrics, and monitor growth and development from a single repository within Salesforce. This feature applies to Lightning Experience in Enterprise, Performance, and Unlimited editions and in Einstein 1 Sales Edition. This feature will be rolled out to production environments after the Winter ’25 release and will be available to all customers by October 29, 2024. It is accessible in sandboxes only after its production release. To use Account Plans: Forecast Submissions Forecast submissions

August 20, 2024in Generative AI, Snowflake, Unified Knowledge

19Aug

Salesforce Data Snowflake and You

Unlock the Full Potential of Your Salesforce Data with Snowflake At Tectonic, we’ve dedicated years to helping businesses maximize their Salesforce investment, driving growth and enhancing customer experiences. Now, we’re expanding those capabilities by integrating with Snowflake.Imagine the power of merging Salesforce data with other sources, gaining deeper insights, and making smarter decisions—without the hassle of complex infrastructure. Snowflake brings this to life with a flexible, scalable solution for unifying your data ecosystem.In this insight, we’ll cover why Snowflake is essential for Salesforce users, how seamlessly it integrates, and why Tectonic is the ideal partner to help you leverage its full potential. Why Snowflake Matters for Salesforce Users Salesforce excels at managing customer relationships, but businesses today need data from multiple sources—e-commerce, marketing platforms, ERP systems, and more. That’s where Snowflake shines. With Snowflake, you can unify these data sources, enrich your Salesforce data, and turn it into actionable insights. Say goodbye to silos and blind spots. Snowflake is easy to set up, scales effortlessly, and integrates seamlessly with Salesforce, making it ideal for enhancing CRM data across various business functions.The Power of Snowflake for Salesforce Users Seamless Data IntegrationSnowflake’s cloud-native architecture lets you combine structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data effortlessly. Salesforce users can extend their data capabilities by integrating insights from external sources, such as web analytics, other CRMs, or real-time IoT data, all while keeping the setup simple. This provides a comprehensive view of each customer and enables faster, data-driven decisions. Scalability without ComplexitySnowflake is a fully managed, cloud-native platform that scales to meet your growing data needs without heavy infrastructure demands. This allows Salesforce users to expand their data strategy without altering their CRM setup or adding IT resources. Advanced Analytics and AI/ML ReadinessFrom predictive lead scoring to customer churn analysis, Snowflake supports AI and machine learning workloads, enabling Salesforce users to develop models that deliver actionable insights. By unifying data across platforms, Snowflake allows for more accurate and robust AI/ML models, driving smarter decisions across areas like customer support and product recommendations. Enterprise-Grade Security & GovernanceSnowflake ensures that your data is secure and compliant. With top-tier security and data governance tools, your customer data remains protected and meets regulatory requirements across platforms, seamlessly integrating with Salesforce. Cross-Cloud Data SharingSnowflake’s Snowgrid feature makes it easy for Salesforce users to share and collaborate on data across clouds. Teams across marketing, sales, and operations can access the same up-to-date information, leading to better collaboration and faster, more informed decisions. Real-Time Data ActivationCombine Snowflake’s data platform with Salesforce Data Cloud to activate insights in real-time, enabling enriched customer experiences through dynamic insights from web interactions, purchase history, and service touchpoints. Tectonic + Snowflake: Elevating Your Salesforce Experience Snowflake offers powerful data capabilities, but effective integration is key to realizing its full potential—and that’s where Tectonic excels. Our expertise in Salesforce, now combined with Snowflake, ensures that businesses can maximize their data strategies. How Tectonic Helps: Strategic Integration Planning: We assess your current data ecosystem and design a seamless integration between Salesforce and Snowflake to unify data without disrupting operations. Custom Data Solutions: From real-time dashboards to data enrichment workflows, we create solutions tailored to your business needs. Ongoing Support and Optimization: Tectonic provides continuous support, adapting your Snowflake integration to meet evolving data needs and business strategies. Real-World Applications Retail: Integrate in-store and e-commerce sales data with Salesforce for real-time customer insights. Healthcare: Unify patient data from wearables, EMRs, and support interactions for a holistic customer care experience. Financial Services: Enhance Salesforce data with third-party risk assessments, enabling quicker, more accurate underwriting. Looking Ahead: The Tectonic Advantage Snowflake opens up new possibilities for Salesforce-powered businesses. Effective integration, however, requires strategic planning and hands-on expertise. Tectonic has a long-standing track record of helping clients get the most out of Salesforce, and now, Snowflake adds an extra dimension to our toolkit. Whether you want to better manage data, unlock insights, or enhance AI initiatives, Tectonic’s combined Salesforce and Snowflake expertise ensures you’ll harness the best of both worlds. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into Snowflake’s features, such as Interoperable Storage, Elastic Compute, and Cortex AI with Arctic, and explore how Tectonic is helping businesses unlock the future of data and AI. Ready to talk about how Snowflake and Salesforce can transform your business? 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 Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

August 19, 2024in Data, Enterprise, Salesforce, Salesforce Data Cloud, Snowflake

17Aug

SigFig

SigFig, a leading provider of digital wealth management solutions, has upgraded its Engage platform with advanced AI features designed to enhance the effectiveness of financial advisors. The Engage platform seamlessly combines human expertise with state-of-the-art technology, equipping financial advisors and their teams with a range of tools to boost their efficiency. New AI-driven functionalities in Engage include smart tips that deliver real-time prompts and tailored recommendations during meetings, helping advisors identify new growth opportunities. The platform also proactively presents the most relevant content, tools, paperwork, and workflows to streamline discussions. To further optimize advisors’ workflows, Engage now automates the creation of transcripts, meeting summaries, and post-meeting notes. This automation frees up advisors to focus more on building client relationships rather than managing administrative tasks. Mike Sha, founder and CEO of SigFig, stated, “AI can significantly enhance the productivity and effectiveness of financial advisors. Advisors need to concentrate on developing meaningful relationships with their clients and understanding their goals and challenges. Engage serves as a central hub for creating richer, more personalized client interactions while managing time-consuming administrative duties.” Engage integrates smoothly with popular systems such as Salesforce, Docusign, Microsoft, and Google. Its CRM integration features bi-directional data sync, allowing advisors to access client data within Engage and automatically update Salesforce with meeting notes, client details, and follow-ups. This integration accelerates the sales process and boosts client conversion rates. The platform also fosters a collaborative environment, enabling clients to engage actively in the financial planning process. This collaboration supports clients’ financial well-being and enhances advisors’ understanding of individual financial situations. SigFig has developed various customizable modules for different aspects of financial services, including client prospecting, retirement planning, account opening, and annual reviews. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

August 17, 2024in Salesforce

16Aug

Salesforce Rollups

70% of Sales Teams Rely on CRM Systems, but 43% Struggle with Data Management—Here’s a Solution CRM platforms like Salesforce have become indispensable tools for modern sales teams aiming to optimize workflows and gain critical insights. Despite their importance, many teams still face challenges with data management, often due to the sheer volume of data that must be processed, organized, and analyzed. This growing need for streamlined data management has paved the way for innovative solutions like automated rollups in Salesforce. Ksolves has developed RollUp Magic, a one-stop solution for seamless Salesforce data management. Why RollUp Magic? RollUp Magic is designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of sales teams by automating the calculation of rollup summaries based on specific criteria. This tool significantly reduces the burden of manual data handling, providing instant access to key metrics and ensuring the power of CRM systems is fully realized. In this insight, we’ll explore how RollUp Magic works, its key features, and how it can boost the efficiency of your sales team. Introduction to Automated Rollups Automated rollups in Salesforce aggregate data across related records without manual intervention, continuously updating key metrics like sums, averages, or counts. This automation not only saves time but also ensures consistency and accuracy in reporting, empowering organizations to make decisions based on the most current data. Manual vs. Automated Rollups Manual Rollups: Automated Rollups: Automated rollups offer a more efficient, accurate, and reliable way to manage and analyze Salesforce data compared to manual methods. Benefits of Automated Rollups for Sales Teams RollUp Magic: The Ultimate Tool for Automated Data Insights RollUp Magic simplifies and automates the data rollup process in Salesforce, allowing businesses to create custom rollups for any data, including lookup relationships. Here’s how RollUp Magic enhances Salesforce capabilities: Key Features of RollUp Magic for Sales Teams Metrics Sales Teams Can Track with RollUp Magic Conclusion Investing in Salesforce automation is a strategic move for any sales team. As industries move towards modern practices, Ksolves’ RollUp Magic emerges as a crucial tool, enabling teams to create rollup summaries for objects with lookup relationships, overcoming the limitations of standard fields. By leveraging Salesforce, sales teams can streamline workflows, enhance cross-department collaboration, and deliver exceptional client experiences. From optimizing deal forecasting to ensuring compliance, Salesforce equips sales professionals with the tools needed to succeed 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 Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

August 16, 2024in Salesforce

13Aug

Qwary Salesforce Integration

Qwary Enhances Customer Insights with New Salesforce Integration HERNDON, Va., Aug. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — While surveys have long been a staple for gathering customer feedback, data entry often poses a challenge in obtaining comprehensive insights. Qwary’s new Salesforce integration aims to resolve this issue by enabling seamless data transfer and synchronization between the two platforms. This integration allows teams to consolidate customer information into a single hub, providing real-time visibility and enhancing strategic planning and collaboration. Key features include creating email campaigns, importing contacts, mapping survey results, and automating event-based workflows. What Is Qwary’s Salesforce Integration? Qwary’s Salesforce integration is designed to streamline the analysis of Salesforce survey data, offering a more efficient way to understand customer interactions with your brand. By integrating survey feedback with CRM data, this tool helps you quickly adapt your products and services to meet evolving customer needs. It tracks customer journeys, collects feedback, and reveals pain points, enabling you to deliver tailored solutions. Benefits of Using Qwary’s Salesforce Integration Qwary’s integration offers several notable benefits: Automate Feedback Collection The integration automates the feedback collection process by triggering surveys at strategic points in the customer lifecycle. This allows your team to act swiftly to foster engagement and generate leads. Gain Actionable Insights Seamlessly integrating with Salesforce CRM, Qwary scores, analyzes, and enriches customer data, helping your team identify emerging trends and seize opportunities for personalization and customer development. Synchronize Data Automatically With Qwary’s integration, your contact data is consolidated into a single, reliable source of truth. Whether you’re using Salesforce or Qwary, automated data synchronization ensures consistency and provides real-time updates. Collaborate Effectively The integration promotes effective teamwork by sharing data between Salesforce and Qwary, enabling your team to solve problems collaboratively and refine strategies to boost customer retention. Key Capabilities Qwary’s Salesforce integration excels in managing customer feedback, automating workflows, and consolidating contact data: Salesforce Workflow Automation The integration simplifies scheduling and automating survey triggers, eliminating manual processes. Surveys can be initiated via email or following significant events, with responses seamlessly mapped into Salesforce. This creates a comprehensive view of customer behavior, helping your team act on insights, strengthen connections, and enhance satisfaction. Contact Data Importation Qwary facilitates quick access to Salesforce contacts, providing a holistic view of your customer base. The integration streamlines contact data importation and updates, eliminating manual data entry and speeding up data management. Potential Business Impacts By combining automation, synchronization, and data consolidation with a user-friendly interface, Qwary’s Salesforce integration enhances your sales team’s ability to collect and leverage customer feedback. Immediate access to comprehensive consumer insights allows your business to respond promptly to customer needs, improving satisfaction and loyalty. Real-time data aggregation helps your company adapt quickly and refine offerings to exceed customer expectations. Stay Ahead with Qwary’s Salesforce Integration Qwary continuously updates its solutions to meet the evolving needs of businesses focused on customer engagement. Leveraging automation, synchronization, and advanced analytics through an accessible platform, Qwary’s Salesforce integration empowers your team to enhance offerings and connect with customers efficiently. By optimizing the use of survey data and Salesforce feedback, Qwary keeps your business at the forefront of market trends, enabling you to consistently delight your customers. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

August 13, 2024in Generative AI, Marketing Automation, Salesforce Data Cloud, Salesforce Einstein, Salesforce Implementation Services, Salesforce Managed Services, Salesforce Marketing Automation, Salesforce Optimization, Salesforce Personalization

12Aug

Salesforce Text Messaging

Salesforce Text Messaging: Boost Customer Engagement Directly from Your CRM In this insight, we’ll explore why Salesforce SMS is a powerful tool for your business, how to make your SMS campaigns stand out, and how to send messages through Salesforce with minimal technical complexity. Salesforce Text Messaging. What is Salesforce Text Messaging? Salesforce SMS is a feature that enables users to send SMS messages directly from Salesforce. By integrating SMS with Salesforce, businesses can communicate efficiently with their customers, enhancing engagement and streamlining operations. Benefits and Use Cases of Salesforce SMS Effective customer engagement is crucial for every business, and Salesforce SMS offers an efficient way to connect with your audience. Here are some of the top advantages: 1. Enhanced Customer Engagement SMS boasts a 99% open rate, making it one of the most effective communication channels. Salesforce SMS helps businesses: 2. Real-Time Communication Timely communication is essential in customer service. Salesforce SMS enables businesses to send relevant, real-time information such as: 3. Automation and Efficiency Salesforce SMS allows for automated messaging, saving time and reducing errors. Benefits include: 4. Personalized SMS Messaging Leverage customer data in Salesforce to create personalized, targeted messages that resonate with recipients. Use Salesforce SMS to: 5. Employee Ease of Use Integrating SMS into Salesforce means employees can manage communication through a familiar platform. Benefits include: Additional Advantages of SMS in Salesforce Best Practices for Salesforce SMS Campaigns To ensure successful SMS campaigns, follow these best practices: 1. Obtain Explicit Consent It’s important to get clear consent from customers before sending SMS messages. This builds trust and ensures compliance with regulations like TCPA in the U.S. and GDPR in the EU. 2. Make Opt-in Easy Simplify the process for customers to opt-in and clarify the types and frequency of messages they will receive. 3. Provide Opt-out Options Make it easy for customers to unsubscribe at any time to maintain trust. 4. Use Clear Calls to Action (CTA) Each SMS should guide the recipient on what to do next, using actionable language such as “Click here” or “Buy now” to prompt immediate responses. 5. Monitor and Analyze Performance Regularly assess the success of your campaigns by tracking key metrics like open rates and opt-outs. Use A/B testing to optimize performance and customer feedback to refine your approach. LINK Mobility Integration with Salesforce SMS LINK Mobility‘s SMS integration (one Salesforce SMS tool) enhances your Salesforce SMS campaigns with powerful features: Enhance Customer Engagement and Efficiency with Salesforce SMS Salesforce SMS enables businesses to engage customers in real-time, enhancing relationships and operational efficiency. Whether sending order updates, appointment reminders, or personalized promotions, Salesforce SMS creates a strong foundation for meaningful communication with your customer base. Need help with Salesforce SMS? If you’re looking for assistance in configuring SMS within Salesforce or need expert guidance, Tectonic is here to help you maximize the benefits of SMS integration for your business. Contact us today. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

August 12, 2024in Data, Salesforce

09Aug

What is a CRM?

Ask ten small and midsize business (SMB) owners to define a customer relationship management (CRM) system, and you’ll likely receive ten different answers. For some, a CRM supports their sales process; for others, it measures sales or stores customer histories. However, the true value of a CRM lies beyond these basic functions, according to Adam Alfano, EVP of Small Business Sales at Salesforce. “Unlocking the real enterprise value comes when the CRM becomes a front office platform that leverages one of your business’s most valuable assets—your data,” Alfano explains. An effective CRM with comprehensive capabilities helps your front office team, those interacting directly with customers, serve clients more efficiently. It also aids sales teams in automating and refining their processes. By understanding the full potential of today’s CRM solutions, you can harness data to: These elements can lead to transformative results for your business. Here’s how: Building a Solid Data Foundation Most business leaders acknowledge the importance of data, but making meaningful use of it can be challenging. According to a global AWS survey, over half (53 percent) of SMBs are unsure what insights their data could reveal. A common problem is data siloing, where information is scattered across different platforms, making it difficult to gain a comprehensive view and derive actionable insights. The most valuable CRMs integrate back-office and front-office processes, providing a unified platform. Salesforce CRM, powered by Salesforce’s Data Cloud, connects all your CRM data and integrates other data sources, eliminating silos that hinder productivity and growth. “When all your data is centralized, your employees can deliver better customer experiences with a unified view of customers and business,” Alfano says. Quick Wins with AI A 2024 survey by Inc. and Salesforce reveals that 91 percent of CEOs are optimistic about AI’s potential. However, impactful AI applications don’t need to be complex or grand. Alfano suggests starting with simple AI applications to boost efficiency. “Successful companies often create a checklist of tasks they can automate,” Alfano notes. Identify friction points and repetitive tasks that can be automated. A robust CRM will include integrated AI to handle functions such as: By automating routine tasks, salespeople can focus on more strategic activities, like engaging with customers and having value-driven conversations. Salesforce’s Sales Cloud, for instance, features AI technology that includes predictive AI for accurate forecasting and recommendations on the “next best action” to close deals and build relationships. Partnering for Success The most successful CRM implementations involve stakeholders from across the organization, along with gathering feedback from employees and customers to refine processes and explore new use cases. Choosing a technology provider that acts as a true partner is also crucial. They should offer guidance on leveraging the platform to achieve your goals. With the right CRM, SMBs can operate more efficiently, boost sales, enhance customer and employee experiences, and compete effectively with larger enterprises. “You can accomplish more with fewer resources and scale your processes without needing a larger workforce,” Alfano explains. “SMBs are already demonstrating impressive competitive and operational capabilities, largely due to these advanced tools.” Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

August 9, 2024in Salesforce

09Aug

Salesforce Enhances Nonprofit Cloud

Salesforce Enhances Nonprofit Cloud with AI and Data Tools Salesforce has introduced new artificial intelligence (AI) and data capabilities to its Nonprofit Cloud, aimed at helping organizations boost efficiency, personalize donor engagement, and increase funding. Learn how Salesforce Enhances Nonprofit Cloud. Among the new features are AI tools that generate personalized gift proposals and concise summaries of program success, grant details, donor histories, and more. Additionally, Salesforce announced the launch of Data Cloud for Nonprofits, which unifies and harmonizes data to provide a comprehensive view of donors, volunteers, and program participants. Key new features include: “Every nonprofit strives to deliver the best experience for donors, volunteers, board members, staff, and, most importantly, the people and causes they serve. However, they often face the challenge of doing more with limited resources,” said Lori Freeman, Vice President and Global General Manager of Nonprofit at Salesforce. “With industry-specific AI and data tools, Salesforce empowers nonprofits to enhance productivity by augmenting staff with AI, use data more effectively to build deeper relationships with stakeholders, and ultimately raise the funds needed to fulfill their mission.” Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

August 9, 2024in Generative AI, Salesforce for Nonprofits, Salesforce Implementation Services, Salesforce Optimization

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