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Copilots in the Workplace
14Aug

Copilots in the Workplace

The Rise of AI-Powered Copilots in the Workplace: The New Age of Office Helpers As more businesses embrace AI tools, the tech world is buzzing with a new kind of office assistant: the AI-powered copilot. These digital sidekicks are here to revolutionize how we interact with information—think of them as the high-tech, caffeine-free version of your office buddy who always knows where the stapler is. Copilots in the Workplace are here. AI-powered copilots use large language models (LLMs) to help users wade through vast amounts of data, often with the grace of a caffeinated librarian. By facilitating conversations instead of requiring precise queries, these tools let you ask for help without needing to channel your inner tech wizard. Hugo Sarrazin, Chief Product and Technology Officer at UKG, points out that many of these AI copilots are essentially “search functions dressed up in a snazzy new outfit.” UKG’s own digital assistant, UKG Bryte, made its debut last November—just in time to help you find out why your vacation request hasn’t been approved yet. These AI assistants offer an enhanced chatbot experience by understanding a wide range of queries through generative AI. Imagine asking your chatbot, “Hey, what’s the deadline for open enrollment?” and getting a response that doesn’t involve translating your question into a techie dialect. “Generative AI isn’t stuck on keywords and rigid queries. It’s like a magic eight ball with a PhD,” Sarrazin explains. Traditional systems often force users through pre-set menus and workflows—kind of like a bureaucratic maze—but copilots let you skip the detours and get straight to the point. With AI copilots, you can ask in plain language and receive useful answers without needing to consult a human. Picture this: an HR chatbot that knows exactly what the per diem is for your conference, or which days you’re free for the next company holiday—like having a personal assistant who never needs a coffee break. Salesforce employees, for instance, are getting a taste of this futuristic help with their Einstein copilot. Since the introduction of Einstein, Salesforce has seen an uptick in productivity and a drop in mundane tasks. Nathalie Scardino, Salesforce’s Chief People Officer, says the company has been working to seamlessly integrate AI tools into daily workflows—because nothing says “we care” like a virtual assistant who understands your workload better than you do. After Salesforce acquired Slack in 2020, the Einstein-powered Slack app launched in February. This tool helps with scheduling, document summarization, and general inquiries, effectively turning your to-do list into a “done” list. Research showed that desk workers spend 41% of their time on tasks that aren’t exactly rocket science, and Einstein is here to tackle those chores. Scardino and Salesforce’s CIO, Juan Perez, have been busy ensuring that AI tools fit perfectly into the company’s workflow. Einstein is also making waves in HR by integrating with Basecamp, Salesforce’s hub for employee info. This integration has answered over 88,000 queries and cut resolution times from two days to just 30 minutes—making it the office hero you didn’t know you needed. “The big win here is bringing all those disparate systems together and making information accessible without needing a PhD,” Scardino quips. “No more hopping between six systems just to find out about your healthcare benefits.” In this brave new world of AI-assisted work, copilots like Einstein are proving that getting the right information quickly is no longer a sci-fi dream. They’re here to make our office lives smoother, smarter, and a little less dependent on those old-fashioned human helpers. Like1 Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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August 14, 2024in Generative AI
The Role of Data to Harness AI
13Aug

The Role of Data to Harness AI

Harnessing AI for Enhanced Sales and Service: The Role of Data Organizations are racing to leverage AI to enhance their sales and service experiences. The Role of Data to Harness AI cannot be underestimated. However, great AI solutions rely on quality data. Traditionally, companies have managed structured data—neatly organized into rows and columns, such as customer engagement data from CRM systems. But businesses also hold a wealth of unstructured data in formats like documents, images, audio, and video recordings. This unstructured data can be highly valuable, offering deeper AI insights that are more accurate and comprehensive, grounded in real customer interactions. Yet, many organizations struggle to effectively access, integrate, and utilize their unstructured data to gain a holistic customer view. With advancements in large language models (LLMs) and generative AI, organizations can now bridge this gap. To succeed in the AI era, companies need to develop integrated, federated, intelligent, and actionable solutions across all customer touchpoints while managing complexity. Leveraging Unstructured Data for Superior AI Performance For instance, when a customer seeks help with a recent purchase, they typically start with a company’s chatbot. To ensure a relevant and positive experience, the chatbot must be informed by comprehensive customer data, including recent purchases, warranty details, and past interactions. Additionally, the chatbot should draw on broader company data, such as insights from other customers and internal knowledge base articles. This data can be spread across structured databases and unstructured files, like warranty contracts or knowledge articles. Accessing and utilizing both types of data is crucial for a satisfying interaction. The key to accurate AI responses is augmenting LLMs with both real-time structured and unstructured data from within a company’s systems. An effective approach is Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG), which combines proprietary data with generative AI to enhance contextuality, timeliness, and relevance. Ensuring Relevance Across Scenarios A unified view of customer data—both structured and unstructured—provides the most relevant information for any situation. For example, financial institutions can leverage this comprehensive data to offer real-time market insights tailored to individual banking needs, providing actionable advice based on current information. Companies are increasingly exploring RAG technology to improve internal processes and deliver precise, up-to-date information to employees. This approach enhances contextual assistance, personalized support, and decision-making efficiency across the organization. The Role of Data to Harness AI Preparing Data for AI: Key Steps By addressing these areas, organizations can harness the full potential of AI, transforming customer interactions and enhancing service efficiency. Talk to Tectonic today if your data is ina disarray. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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August 13, 2024in Generative AI
Impact on Salesforce Org During Maintenance
13Aug

Impact on Salesforce Org During Maintenance

Salesforce Maintenance and Instance Refresh FAQs In addition to the three major releases each year, Salesforce continuously enhances our application infrastructure to better serve our customers. Impact on Salesforce Org During Maintenance. We post scheduled maintenance details on trust.salesforce.com, which provides a forward 12-month view. To minimize the impact of maintenance windows, we have implemented read-only capabilities, allowing customers to view their data even during maintenance. Here are some frequently asked questions about how Salesforce maintenance might affect your org. Please note that actions may be required on your part. Frequently Asked Questions Impact on Salesforce Org During Maintenance Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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August 13, 2024in Salesforce
Everyone Is Implementing AI
12Aug

Everyone Is Implementing AI

AI is undoubtedly a generational change in software, with its full trajectory still unpredictable. There is a perceived divide between the “Haves” and “Have Nots.” Companies like OpenAI, Microsoft, and Databricks are seen as understanding AI’s potential, with Nvidia providing the necessary hardware support. Many hot start-ups are Gen AI native, continuing to attract unicorn valuations. Meanwhile, several SaaS leaders appear to be lagging behind. We say, Everyone Is Implementing AI. Marc Benioff stated in their latest quarterly call: “Now, we’re working with thousands of customers to power generative AI use cases with our Einstein Copilot, our prompt builder, our Einstein Studio, all of which went live in the first quarter. And we’ve closed hundreds of copilot deals since this incredible technology has gone GA. And in just the last few months, we’re seeing Einstein Copilot develop higher levels of capability. We are absolutely delighted and cannot be more excited about the success that we’re seeing with our customers with this great new capability.” Everyone Is Implementing AI However, it remains unclear whether simply adding AI to classic B2B SaaS products accelerates growth. Despite significant investments in AI, companies like Salesforce, Asana, and ZoomInfo are growing at less than 10% annually. The main point is that while “AI Washing” might impress some investors, AI must significantly accelerate revenue growth to achieve more than market parity. It is essential to see how AI can add real value and integrate it effectively. But AI alone may not be a growth accelerant. Everyone Is Implementing AI Recent data from Emergence Capital shows that 60% of VC-backed SaaS companies have already released GenAI features, with another 24% planning to do so. Achieving “AI Parity” is crucial, but simply adding GenAI features may not be disruptive in the B2B space. Companies must go further to stand out, despite the challenges. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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August 12, 2024in Generative AI
Salesforce Text Messaging
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

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August 12, 2024in Data, Salesforce
Rubrick and Salesforce
11Aug

Rubrick and Salesforce

According to Gartner®, by 2028, 75% of enterprises will view the backup of SaaS applications as a critical necessity, up from just 15% in 2024. Salesforce, a key CRM tool for many of the world’s largest organizations, plays a pivotal role in driving business operations and accelerating revenue growth. Given its central role as the single source of truth for many financial applications, Salesforce users must safeguard against costly downtime caused by accidental errors or cyber events, which can have a cascading impact on interconnected systems. To support these organizations, Rubrik is launching Salesforce Data Protection. Rubrik’s Data Protection Capabilities The new Salesforce Data Protection solution by Rubrik leverages robust security features from Rubrik Security Cloud—a unified platform that integrates data protection across SaaS, cloud, and on-premises environments. This advanced offering builds on Rubrik’s existing data protection solutions for SaaS tools like M365 and Jira. Key Features of Rubrik’s Salesforce Data Protection: Rubrik’s Salesforce Data Protection is now available on the AppExchange and will be showcased at Dreamforce 2024, scheduled for September 17-19 in San Francisco. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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August 11, 2024in Salesforce
APIs and Software Development
11Aug

APIs and Software Development

The Role of APIs in Modern Software Development APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are central to modern software development, enabling teams to integrate external features into their products, including advanced third-party AI systems. For instance, you can use an API to allow users to generate 3D models from prompts on MatchboxXR. The Rise of AI-Powered Applications Many startups focus exclusively on AI, but often they are essentially wrappers around existing technologies like ChatGPT. These applications provide specialized user interfaces for interacting with OpenAI’s GPT models rather than developing new AI from scratch. Some branding might make it seem like they’re creating groundbreaking technology, when in reality, they’re leveraging pre-built AI solutions. Solopreneur-Driven Wrappers Large Language Models (LLMs) enable individuals and small teams to create lightweight apps and websites with AI features quickly. A quick search on Reddit reveals numerous small-scale startups offering: Such features can often be built using ChatGPT or Gemini within minutes for free. Well-Funded Ventures Larger operations invest heavily in polished platforms but may allocate significant budgets to marketing and design. This raises questions about whether these ventures are also just sophisticated wrappers. Examples include: While these products offer interesting functionalities, they often rely on APIs to interact with LLMs, which brings its own set of challenges. The Impact of AI-First, API-Second Approaches Design Considerations Looking Ahead Developer Experience: As AI technologies like LLMs become mainstream, focusing on developer experience (DevEx) will be crucial. Good DevEx involves well-structured schemas, flexible functions, up-to-date documentation, and ample testing data. Future Trends: The future of AI will likely involve more integrations. Imagine: AI is powerful, but the real innovation lies in integrating hardware, data, and interactions effectively. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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August 11, 2024in Salesforce
AI All Grown Up
10Aug

Generative AI Tools

One of the most significant use cases for generative AI in business is customer service and support. Most of us have likely experienced the frustration of dealing with traditional automated systems. However, today’s advanced AI, powered by large language models and natural language chatbots, is rapidly improving these interactions. While many still prefer human agents for complex or sensitive issues, AI is proving highly capable of handling routine inquiries efficiently. Here’s an overview of some of the top AI-powered tools for automating customer service. Although the human element will always be essential in customer experience, these tools free up human agents from repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on more complex challenges requiring empathy and creativity. Cognigy Cognigy is an AI platform designed to automate customer service voice and chat channels. It goes beyond simply reading FAQ responses by delivering personalized, context-sensitive answers in multiple languages. Cognigy’s AI Copilot feature enhances human contact center workers by offering real-time AI assistance during interactions, making both fully automated and human-augmented support possible. IBM WatsonX Assistant IBM’s WatsonX Assistant helps businesses create AI-powered personal assistants to streamline tasks, including customer support. With its drag-and-drop configuration, companies can set up seamless self-service experiences. The platform uses retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) to ensure that responses are accurate and up-to-date, continuously improving as it learns from customer interactions. Salesforce Einstein Service Cloud Einstein Service Cloud, part of the Salesforce platform, automates routine and complex customer service tasks. Its AI-powered Agentforce bots manage “low-touch” interactions, while “high-touch” cases are overseen by human agents supported by AI. Fully customizable, Einstein ensures that responses align with your brand’s tone and voice, all while leveraging enterprise data securely. Zendesk AI Zendesk, a leader in customer support, integrates generative AI to boost its service offerings. By using machine learning and natural language processing, Zendesk understands customer sentiment and intent, generates personalized responses, and automatically routes inquiries to the most suitable agent—be it human or machine. It also provides human agents with real-time guidance on resolving issues efficiently. Ada Ada is a conversational AI platform built for large-scale customer service automation. Its no-code interface allows businesses to create custom bots, reducing the cost of handling inquiries by up to 78% per ticket. By integrating domain-specific data, Ada helps improve both support efficiency and customer experience across omnichannel support environments. More AI Tools for Customer Service There are numerous other AI tools designed to enhance automated customer support: While AI tools are transforming customer service, the key lies in using them to complement human agents, allowing for a balance of efficiency and personalized care. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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August 10, 2024in AI Tools, Data, Enterprise, Generative AI, Salesforce, Salesforce Einstein
Small Language Models
10Aug

Small Language Models

Large language models (LLMs) like OpenAI’s GPT-4 have gained acclaim for their versatility across various tasks, but they come with significant resource demands. In response, the AI industry is shifting focus towards smaller, task-specific models designed to be more efficient. Microsoft, alongside other tech giants, is investing in these smaller models. Science often involves breaking complex systems down into their simplest forms to understand their behavior. This reductionist approach is now being applied to AI, with the goal of creating smaller models tailored for specific functions. Sébastien Bubeck, Microsoft’s VP of generative AI, highlights this trend: “You have this miraculous object, but what exactly was needed for this miracle to happen; what are the basic ingredients that are necessary?” In recent years, the proliferation of LLMs like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude has been remarkable. However, smaller language models (SLMs) are gaining traction as a more resource-efficient alternative. Despite their smaller size, SLMs promise substantial benefits to businesses. Microsoft introduced Phi-1 in June last year, a smaller model aimed at aiding Python coding. This was followed by Phi-2 and Phi-3, which, though larger than Phi-1, are still much smaller than leading LLMs. For comparison, Phi-3-medium has 14 billion parameters, while GPT-4 is estimated to have 1.76 trillion parameters—about 125 times more. Microsoft touts the Phi-3 models as “the most capable and cost-effective small language models available.” Microsoft’s shift towards SLMs reflects a belief that the dominance of a few large models will give way to a more diverse ecosystem of smaller, specialized models. For instance, an SLM designed specifically for analyzing consumer behavior might be more effective for targeted advertising than a broad, general-purpose model trained on the entire internet. SLMs excel in their focused training on specific domains. “The whole fine-tuning process … is highly specialized for specific use-cases,” explains Silvio Savarese, Chief Scientist at Salesforce, another company advancing SLMs. To illustrate, using a specialized screwdriver for a home repair project is more practical than a multifunction tool that’s more expensive and less focused. This trend towards SLMs reflects a broader shift in the AI industry from hype to practical application. As Brian Yamada of VLM notes, “As we move into the operationalization phase of this AI era, small will be the new big.” Smaller, specialized models or combinations of models will address specific needs, saving time and resources. Some voices express concern over the dominance of a few large models, with figures like Jack Dorsey advocating for a diverse marketplace of algorithms. Philippe Krakowski of IPG also worries that relying on the same models might stifle creativity. SLMs offer the advantage of lower costs, both in development and operation. Microsoft’s Bubeck emphasizes that SLMs are “several orders of magnitude cheaper” than larger models. Typically, SLMs operate with around three to four billion parameters, making them feasible for deployment on devices like smartphones. However, smaller models come with trade-offs. Fewer parameters mean reduced capabilities. “You have to find the right balance between the intelligence that you need versus the cost,” Bubeck acknowledges. Salesforce’s Savarese views SLMs as a step towards a new form of AI, characterized by “agents” capable of performing specific tasks and executing plans autonomously. This vision of AI agents goes beyond today’s chatbots, which can generate travel itineraries but not take action on your behalf. Salesforce recently introduced a 1 billion-parameter SLM that reportedly outperforms some LLMs on targeted tasks. Salesforce CEO Mark Benioff celebrated this advancement, proclaiming, “On-device agentic AI is here!” Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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August 10, 2024in Generative AI
What is a CRM
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

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August 9, 2024in Salesforce
Einstein Chatbot
09Aug

Einstein Chatbot

Businesses have increasingly adopted “chatbots” to provide quick answers to customer queries outside regular business hours or to route customers to the appropriate department after answering preliminary questions. While these chatbots can be useful, they often fall short in delivering the same level of value as human interaction, sometimes leading to frustration. Today, chatbots are advancing significantly, with Salesforce’s Einstein Service Agent leading this evolution. This technology offers notable benefits but also presents challenges that businesses must address for effective implementation. Advantages of Einstein Service Agent Seamless Integration with Salesforce: Unlike standalone AI tools, Einstein Service Agent leverages comprehensive customer profiles, purchase histories, and previous interactions to offer personalized responses. Its integration within established Salesforce workflows allows for rapid deployment, reducing both time and cost associated with implementation. Experience has shown that selecting technologies with built-in CRM or ERP integration is a significant advantage over those requiring separate integration efforts. Built on Salesforce’s Trust Layer: Einstein Service Agent ensures secure handling of customer data, adhering to relevant regulations. This enhances trust among businesses and their customers, facilitating smoother adoption. GenAI Capabilities: The AI can manage complex, multi-step tasks like processing returns or refunds, and deliver tailored responses based on specific customer needs, enhancing the overall customer experience. Scalability Across Salesforce Clouds: Einstein Service Agent is adaptable to various business needs and can evolve as those needs change. Whether a company expands, introduces new services, or shifts its customer service strategy, the agent can be scaled and customized to maintain long-term value and utility. Challenges in Implementing AI Agents Data Quality and Integration: The effectiveness of AI tools relies heavily on the quality of the data they access. Incomplete, outdated, or poorly maintained data can lead to inaccurate or ineffective responses. To address this, businesses should prioritize data quality through regular audits and ensure comprehensive and up-to-date customer information. Change Management and Employee Training: The introduction of AI can lead to resistance from employees concerned about job displacement or unfamiliarity with new technology. Businesses should invest in change management strategies, including clear communication about AI as a complement to, not a replacement for, human agents. Training programs should focus on helping employees work alongside AI tools, enhancing skills where human judgment and empathy are crucial. Balancing Customer Service: Over-reliance on AI may diminish the personal touch essential in customer service. AI should handle straightforward and repetitive inquiries, while more complex or sensitive issues should be escalated to human agents who can provide personalized responses. Considerations for a Successful Deployment Customization and Flexibility: Tailoring the AI to fit unique processes and customer service requirements may require additional configuration or custom development to align with the company’s goals and service expectations. Ethical and Bias Concerns: AI systems can unintentionally perpetuate biases present in their training data, leading to unfair interactions. Businesses must actively identify and mitigate biases, ensuring that their AI operates fairly and equitably. This includes regularly reviewing training data for biases, implementing safeguards, and maintaining a commitment to ethical AI practices. Customer Acceptance and User Experience: Some customers may be hesitant to interact with AI or have negative perceptions of automated service. To improve acceptance, businesses should design user-friendly AI interactions, ensure transparency, and provide clear options for escalating issues to human agents. Einstein Chatbot Implementing AI agents like Salesforce’s Einstein Service Agent can significantly enhance customer service efficiency, personalization, and scalability. However, businesses must carefully navigate challenges related to data quality, change management, and maintaining trust. A thoughtful approach to AI deployment can transform customer service operations and drive business 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 The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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August 9, 2024in Salesforce Einstein, Salesforce Marketing Automation
Salesforce Bulk API Mappings
09Aug

Salesforce Bulk API Mappings

Using Salesforce Bulk API and Bulk API 2.0 in Mappings and Mapping Tasks The Salesforce Bulk API and Bulk API 2.0 allow you to efficiently process and retrieve large datasets from Salesforce sources with minimal API calls. These APIs are particularly useful for handling extensive data loads in mappings and mapping tasks. Salesforce Bulk API The Salesforce Bulk API processes large volumes of data by dividing it into manageable batches. Key limitations to consider: Salesforce Bulk API 2.0 Bulk API 2.0 offers enhanced scalability and automation for even larger datasets: Recommendations for Bulk API 2.0 To take full advantage of Bulk API 2.0: By leveraging these APIs, you can seamlessly manage and process large-scale Salesforce data, optimizing performance and minimizing API call overhead. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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August 9, 2024in Data
Demandbase One for Sales iFrame
09Aug

Demandbase One for Sales iFrame

Understanding the Demandbase One for Sales iFrame in Salesforce The Demandbase One for Sales iFrame (formerly known as Sales Intelligence) allows sales teams to access deep, actionable insights directly within Salesforce. This feature provides account-level and people-level details, including engagement data, technographics, intent signals, and even relevant news, social media posts, and email communications. By offering this level of visibility, sales professionals can make informed decisions and take the most effective next steps on accounts. Key Points: Overview of the Demandbase One for Sales iFrame The iFrame is divided into several key sections: Account, People, Engagement, and Insights tabs. Each of these provides critical information to help you better understand and engage with the companies and people you’re researching. Account Tab People Tab Engagement Tab Final Notes: The Demandbase One for Sales iFrame is a powerful tool that provides a complete view of account activity, helping sales teams make informed decisions and drive results. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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August 9, 2024in Data
Unified Omnichannel Retail Platform
08Aug

Unified Omnichannel Retail Platform

Salesforce has signed a definitive agreement to acquire PredictSpring, a leading unified omnichannel retail platform in the retail POS market. This acquisition aims to enhance Salesforce’s Customer 360 capabilities by integrating PredictSpring’s technology into physical retail environments. Jeff Amann, EVP of Salesforce Industries, emphasized the potential synergies: “Consumers demand a retail experience that seamlessly blends physical and digital shopping. The combined talent, resources, and innovation of Salesforce and PredictSpring will empower brands and retailers to drive frictionless and personalized engagement across all touchpoints.” PredictSpring’s modern POS software offers a fast checkout service centered around customer experience. It advocates for intelligent and user-friendly technology to revolutionize in-store operational efficiency. On its website, PredictSpring details how its unified retail platform enables consistent shopping experiences by incorporating features such as diverse payment options, inventory access, customer data management, and personalized recommendations. This alignment supports Salesforce’s 360-degree customer view, multi-tender payment management, and streamlined customer experiences. PredictSpring also provides Cloud POS solutions, enabling mobile transactions within stores, and includes features like Store Operations, Clienteling, Endless Aisle, and Store Fulfilment to enhance worker efficiency and shopper experience. Its Content Management System (CMS) allows retailers to create customizable experiences matching company branding, promotions, and loyalty programs. Already a Salesforce partner, PredictSpring has integrated Commerce Cloud and Service Cloud. Its customers include Movado, LoveSac, Steve Madden, Suitsupply, Bouclair, and Deceim. Nitin Mangtani, Founder & CEO of PredictSpring, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are excited about the future of PredictSpring and what this means for the retail industry at large. We’re energized by the opportunity to make an even greater impact on the future of shopping as part of Salesforce.” Why PredictSpring mPOS? Retailers have become acutely aware of the detrimental impact that outdated legacy point of sale systems are having on their brand’s reputation and overall customer satisfaction. The consequence is evident in prolonged queues and an unsatisfactory shopping experience. However, the remedy to this challenge presents itself in the form of a modern solution: the mobile point of sale (mPOS). Forward-looking brands are embracing the concept of prioritizing mobile-first POS systems as the natural progression, and the integration process is surprisingly straightforward – a seamless extension to existing point of sale infrastructure. Facilitate cash payments with a mobile point of sale, streamlining the payment experience. With the Modern POS, store devices are wirelessly connected to a cash drawer so payment can be taken from anywhere in-store, leading to a higher engagement and conversion rate with customers. According to research released by Capterra, “48% of retail workers prefer using mPOS”. PredictSpring True Omnichannel Replace the need for separate technology stacks with a completely unified retail platform. PredictSpring ensures in-store experiences benefit from the same functionality as online ones. This includes the same payment options, company-wide inventory access, customer data management and personalized product recommendations. With these capabilities, stores are empowered by a truly Modern POS that provides seamless cross-channel personalization, inventory management, order management and order fulfilment. Encompassing the power of a full Modern POS, the system offers brands 50+ 00TB modules of integrated technology, including mPOS, clienteling, order fulfilment, order management and inventory management features. The Modern POS platform provides store associates with a 360 view of customers and access to a global inventory, resulting in a fully integrated brand experience at every touchpoint. This way, when a customer visits in-store they can interact with the physical products and receive a high-touch service while also still benefiting from the same access to inventory, reviews and recommendations as an online customer. APIs and Integrations PredictSpring is built for integrations. With the REST API, developers can access and seamlessly integrate PredictSpring functionalities into existing operations as well as other third-party applications. The platform’s API layer allows data to be shared securely across channels while minimizing risk. With this added flexibility comes the ability to create individually personalized and completely seamless experiences both online and in-store. Leverage easy integrations to offer more payment options for global customer bases. PredictSpring supports integrations with third-party payment providers such as Adyen, Elavon and Stripe to simplify the collection of global payments. PredictSpring fully supports omni channel order management. Ensure orders arrive on time while incurring the lowest costs with item-level smart order routing and rules-based configurations. Leverage inventory, location and fulfilment data to ensure order routing is optimized for orders on all channels – whether in-store or eCommerce. Leverage enterprise-wide inventory data and integrate with third-party logistics platforms to maintain a full, real-time picture of inventory. As well as cycle counts and easy inventory adjustments, the platform supports integration with RFID to ensure accurate inventory data. As well as offering BOPIS and curbside pickup solutions, the PredictSpring platform natively supports find in store and ship to store capabilities to maximize fulfilment options. Pick and pack allows fulfilment from any location with orders also able to be routed from store to store. PredictSpring allows the device’s own camera to be used as a barcode scanner, with no additional hardware required, to ensure easy order tracking functions for associates. Salesforce Commerce Cloud With a secure integration with Salesforce Commerce Cloud, PredictSpring offers even more flexibility. Users can choose to utilize features as a combined offering or independently to suit requirements. With this partnership, PredictSpring customers can benefit from the deployment of key Salesforce features including, customer data insights, order management, cart synchronization, product information management and more. AI-Based Voice Assistant Natural Language Based Voice Assistant for Modern POS Retail in the digital era is a story of constantly rising customer expectations. These days, customers demand seamless omnichannel experiences, so they can shop whenever and wherever they want. They expect personalized in-person shopping experiences, instant gratification, and fast, reliable delivery options. The only way to continue to meet these expectations at scale without breaking the bank is to harness the capabilities of AI—which is where the PredictSpring Modern POS comes in. As Modern POS systems have evolved into a complete operating system for stores with functionality ranging from checkout, returns, store fulfillment, clienteling,

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August 8, 2024in Salesforce Commerce Cloud

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