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Change The Flow
05Sep

Change The Flow

Salesforce has long been a leader in providing tools to automate business processes, with Workflow Rules and Process Builder as the go-to solutions for many organizations. However, as business demands grow more complex, Salesforce has introduced Flow—a more powerful and flexible automation tool that’s quickly becoming the standard. This insight will explore the key differences between Salesforce Flow, Process Builder, and Workflow Rules, and why Flow is considered the future of Salesforce automation. Workflow Rules: The Foundation of Salesforce Automation For years, Workflow Rules served as a reliable tool for automating basic tasks in Salesforce. Based on simple “if/then” logic, Workflow Rules automate actions such as sending email alerts, updating fields, and creating tasks. While effective for straightforward needs, Workflow Rules have significant limitations. They can’t create or update related records, and each rule can only trigger a single action—constraints that hinder more complex business processes. Process Builder: A Step Up in Complexity and Functionality Process Builder was introduced as a more advanced alternative to Workflow Rules, offering a visual interface that simplifies building automations. It allows for multiple actions to be triggered by a single event and supports more complex logic, including branching criteria. Process Builder also introduces a broader set of actions, such as creating records, posting to Chatter, and invoking Apex code. However, as businesses pushed Process Builder’s capabilities, its limitations in terms of performance and scalability became clear. Salesforce Flow: The Future of Automation Salesforce Flow combines the capabilities of both Workflow Rules and Process Builder while introducing powerful new features. Flows can automate nearly any process within Salesforce, from simple tasks like updating records to intricate workflows involving multiple objects and even external systems. Flow can be triggered by a variety of events, including record changes, scheduled times, and platform events, providing far more flexibility than its predecessors. One of Flow’s key strengths is its versatility. It can include screen elements for user interaction or run entirely in the background, making it suitable for a wide range of use cases. Whether automating internal processes or creating customer-facing applications, Flow’s adaptability shines. Salesforce continues to enhance Flow, closing the feature gaps that once existed between Flow and the older automation tools. This, coupled with a clear migration path, makes Flow the logical choice for the future. Why Salesforce Flow is the Way Forward Salesforce has already announced plans to retire Workflow Rules and Process Builder in favor of Flow, signaling a shift toward a more unified and scalable automation platform. Businesses still relying on the older tools should transition to Flow sooner rather than later. Not only will this ensure continued support and access to new features, but it will also allow organizations to leverage Salesforce’s most advanced automation tool. When comparing Salesforce Flow vs. Process Builder and Workflow Rules, it’s evident that Flow offers the most robust, flexible, and future-proof solution. Its ability to handle complex processes and its continuous enhancements make it the ideal choice for modern businesses. As Salesforce phases out Workflow Rules and Process Builder, migrating to Flow will equip your organization with the latest in automation capabilities. Ready to Make the Switch? Start exploring Salesforce Flow today and discover how it can transform your business processes for the better. Contact Tectonic for assistance. 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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September 5, 2024in Salesforce
Data Integration with AWS Glue
04Sep

Data Integration with AWS Glue

The rapid rise of Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions has led to data silos across different platforms, making it challenging to consolidate insights. Effective data analytics depends on the ability to seamlessly integrate data from various systems by identifying, gathering, cleansing, and combining it into a unified format. AWS Glue, a serverless data integration service, simplifies this process with scalable, efficient, and cost-effective solutions for unifying data from multiple sources. By using AWS Glue, organizations can streamline data integration, minimize silos, and enhance agility in managing data pipelines, unlocking the full potential of their data for analytics, decision-making, and innovation. This insight explores the new Salesforce connector for AWS Glue and demonstrates how to build a modern Extract, Transform, and Load (ETL) pipeline using AWS Glue ETL scripts. Introducing the Salesforce Connector for AWS Glue To meet diverse data integration needs, AWS Glue now supports SaaS connectivity for Salesforce. This enables users to quickly preview, transfer, and query customer relationship management (CRM) data, while dynamically fetching the schema. With the Salesforce connector, users can ingest and transform CRM data and load it into any AWS Glue-supported destination, such as Amazon S3, in preferred formats like Apache Iceberg, Apache Hudi, and Delta Lake. It also supports reverse ETL use cases, enabling data to be written back to Salesforce. Key Benefits: Solution Overview For this use case, we retrieve the full load of a Salesforce account object into a data lake on Amazon S3 and capture incremental changes. The solution also enables updates to certain fields in the data lake and synchronizes them back to Salesforce. The process involves creating two ETL jobs using AWS Glue with the Salesforce connector. The first job ingests the Salesforce account object into an Apache Iceberg-format data lake on Amazon S3. The second job captures updates and pushes them back to Salesforce. Prerequisites: Creating the ETL Pipeline Step 1: Ingest Salesforce Account Object Using the AWS Glue console, create a new job to transfer the Salesforce account object into an Apache Iceberg-format transactional data lake in Amazon S3. The script checks if the account table exists, performs an upsert if it does, or creates a new table if not. Step 2: Push Changes Back to Salesforce Create a second ETL job to update Salesforce with changes made in the data lake. This job writes the updated account records from Amazon S3 back to Salesforce. Example Query sqlCopy codeSELECT id, name, type, active__c, upsellopportunity__c, lastmodifieddate FROM “glue_etl_salesforce_db”.”account”; Additional Considerations You can schedule the ETL jobs using AWS Glue job triggers or integrate them with other AWS services like AWS Lambda and Amazon EventBridge for advanced workflows. Additionally, AWS Glue supports importing deleted Salesforce records by configuring the IMPORT_DELETED_RECORDS option. Clean Up After completing the process, clean up the resources used in AWS Glue, including jobs, connections, Secrets Manager secrets, IAM roles, and the S3 bucket to avoid incurring unnecessary charges. Conclusion The AWS Glue connector for Salesforce simplifies the analytics pipeline, accelerates insights, and supports data-driven decision-making. Its serverless architecture eliminates the need for infrastructure management, offering a cost-effective and agile approach to data integration, empowering organizations to efficiently meet their analytics needs. 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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September 4, 2024in Salesforce
Salesforce Data Migration
03Sep

Salesforce Data Migration

In today’s era of rapid digital transformation, efficient data migration has become increasingly important as cloud adoption gains momentum. Foundry’s research indicates that 63% of IT leaders have accelerated their cloud migrations, but 90% encounter challenges, often related to budget constraints. This emphasizes the need for meticulous planning and strategic execution. This insight focuses on Salesforce data migration, outlining why it’s essential and providing a nine-step plan for a successful migration. Additionally, we look into data preparation solutions and highlight Salesforce data migration tools, turning potential challenges into growth opportunities. Salesforce Data Migration Checklist Why is Data Migration Important? In 2011, we faced the challenge of transferring data from an old phone to a first smartphone. The contacts were especially important, but the outdated phone lacked any data transfer capabilities. Unwilling to manually re-enter everything, we researched extensively and discovered a method to extract the data into a CSV file. Converting it into vCard format, we successfully migrated all contacts. This personal experience illustrates the significance of data migration, not just for businesses but for everyday scenarios as well. For organizations, having a structured data migration plan is critical when transitioning from legacy systems to modern platforms like Salesforce. It enhances efficiency, scalability, and accessibility, supporting business growth through better data management, cost savings, and improved decision-making. Data migration also ensures integrity and security, aligning IT capabilities with evolving business needs and driving innovation in a fast-changing technological landscape. Learn how we helped Cresa migrate over 8,000 records to Salesforce with 100% accuracy. What is Salesforce Data Migration? Salesforce data migration refers to the process of transferring information from external systems—such as legacy CRM platforms or local databases—into Salesforce. This process not only preserves data integrity but also supports better decision-making, enhances customer service, and enables business growth. A well-planned Salesforce data migration strategy is critical for unlocking the full benefits of the platform and ensuring a seamless transition. Salesforce Data Migration Plan: 9 Key Steps Need Help with Data Migration to Salesforce?We offer consulting services to help you navigate your data migration challenges, from auditing to strategy execution. Contact Tectonic today. Practical Salesforce Data Migration ExampleUsing Data Loader, here’s a step-by-step guide to migrating a list of companies. After logging into Salesforce and selecting the Accounts object, you map fields from your CSV file, execute the migration, and review the logs to ensure accuracy. 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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September 3, 2024in Data
Converting 15-Character IDs to 18-Character in Salesforce
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

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September 2, 2024in Data, Google, Salesforce
360 SMS
29Aug

360 SMS

360 SMS: Revolutionizing Communication on Salesforce Built natively on the Salesforce platform, 360 SMS is a powerful messaging app that enables seamless communication with customers, prospects, and business partners across the globe. Whether sending single or bulk SMS/MMS, this app empowers teams to connect effectively while leveraging Salesforce’s capabilities. Its innovative features, such as automation, SMS templates, and URL shortening, make it a top choice for businesses seeking efficient and cost-effective communication. 360 SMS stands out as the “Top-Ranked Salesforce Messaging App” due to its versatility, ease of use, and advanced features. By enabling businesses to reach more clients with concise, impactful messages rather than long emails, 360 SMS drives engagement and enhances customer interactions. Additionally, businesses can save on SMS costs by utilizing shortened URLs, maximizing the efficiency of their Salesforce messaging campaigns. Build No-Code Salesforce Chatbots with 360 SMS Creating Salesforce chatbots no longer requires coding expertise or reliance on developers. With 360 SMS, businesses can easily configure no-code chatbots to automate tasks such as lead qualification, customer support, and answering FAQs. This streamlined solution helps enhance customer engagement and optimize workflows. The Salesforce chatbot integrates seamlessly with Salesforce, ensuring that all interactions are logged and accessible within the CRM for easy tracking and follow-up. It supports consistent, efficient communication across multiple touchpoints, enabling businesses to scale their customer support and sales operations effortlessly. Beyond Salesforce: No-Code Chatbots for Any CRM or Industry 360 SMS goes beyond Salesforce, offering drag-and-drop tools to create custom texting chatbots for other CRMs and industries. These chatbots support 11 built-in communication channels, allowing businesses to centralize their interactions and automate two-way communication effectively. Easily Configure Salesforce WhatsApp Chatbots WhatsApp, one of the most widely used communication platforms, is now easier than ever to integrate with Salesforce using 360 SMS. This no-code WhatsApp chatbot solution enables businesses to automate tasks such as customer support, lead qualification, and sales inquiries—all directly within the Salesforce ecosystem. By automating routine tasks like answering FAQs or guiding customers through product inquiries, businesses can improve response times and maintain meaningful customer connections. The chatbot logs every conversation in Salesforce, ensuring full visibility for tracking and follow-up. With 360 SMS, setting up a WhatsApp chatbot becomes a hassle-free process, delivering powerful automation without the need for coding expertise. 360 SMS: Your Partner in Smarter, Scalable CommunicationWhether you’re looking to optimize customer support, drive engagement, or enhance sales, 360 SMS empowers businesses with the tools they need to succeed—all while reducing costs and boosting productivity. 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 29, 2024in Salesforce

When to use Flow

When and Why Should You Use a Flow in Salesforce? Flow is Salesforce’s premier tool for creating configurable automation and guided user experiences. If you need to build a process that doesn’t require the complexity of Apex code, Flow should be your go-to solution. It’s versatile, user-friendly, and equipped to handle a wide range of business automation needs. Legacy tools like Process Builder and Workflow Rules are being phased out, with support ending in December 2025. While you may choose to edit existing automations in these tools temporarily, migrating to Flow should be a top priority for future-proofing your Salesforce org. Capabilities of FlowFlows allow you to: When Should You Avoid Using a Flow?Although Flow is powerful, it’s not the right choice in every scenario. Here are situations where it may not be suitable: Creating a Flow in Salesforce Pro Tips for Flow Building Flow vs. Apex: Which to Choose?Flows are simpler, faster to deploy, and accessible to admins without coding expertise. Apex, on the other hand, is suited for complex use cases requiring advanced logic or integrations. Here’s when Apex should be used instead: Why Flows Are the FutureSalesforce has positioned Flow as the central automation tool by deprecating Workflow Rules and Process Builder. With every release, Flow’s capabilities expand, making it easier to replace tasks traditionally requiring Apex. For instance: Final ThoughtsSalesforce admins should prioritize building and migrating automation to Flow. It’s a scalable and admin-friendly tool that ensures your org stays up-to-date with Salesforce’s evolving ecosystem. Whether you’re automating basic processes or tackling complex workflows, Flow provides the flexibility to meet your needs. 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 28, 2024in Data, Salesforce Flow
Introducing the New Nonprofit Cloud
26Aug

Salesforce Transforming Nonprofit Operations with AI

Salesforce Enhances Nonprofit Cloud with Generative AI Capabilities On August 6, 2024, Salesforce announced that its Nonprofit Cloud is now equipped with generative AI capabilities powered by the Einstein 1 Platform. This integration represents the first time Salesforce’s Industry Cloud portfolio has incorporated the Einstein 1 Platform, signaling a broader commitment to embedding AI tools across its product offerings. The update aims to revolutionize nonprofit operations by providing AI-powered tools for personalized donor engagement, operational efficiency, and funding discovery. Key features include AI-generated fundraising proposals and program summaries, which provide concise insights into grant details, donor histories, and program outcomes. Transforming Nonprofit Operations with AI The integration of generative AI into Nonprofit Cloud aligns with Salesforce’s strategy to empower nonprofits to navigate challenges such as donor fatigue, increased operational costs, and rising service demands. Notable enhancements include: Additionally, Salesforce launched Data Cloud for Nonprofits, enabling a unified, real-time view of donor, volunteer, and program data. This innovation breaks down data silos, empowering nonprofits to create tailored outreach strategies and assess program performance effectively. Four Pillars of AI Success Salesforce’s enhancements to Nonprofit Cloud embody its “four-pillar” approach to enterprise AI success: Key Innovations in Nonprofit Cloud Salesforce introduced three groundbreaking innovations to address nonprofit-specific challenges: These features, coupled with Nonprofit Cloud Einstein 1 Edition (which bundles Nonprofit Cloud, Data Cloud, Einstein, Experience Cloud, and Slack), provide nonprofits with comprehensive tools to drive impact. Nonprofit Adoption and Impact Nonprofits are already experiencing the transformative potential of AI. According to Salesforce’s Nonprofit Trends Report, organizations leveraging these AI tools have seen: Julie Fleshman, CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, shared her organization’s success with Nonprofit Cloud: “Salesforce has been instrumental in helping us connect patients with specialized healthcare providers and clinical trials, advancing our mission and saving valuable time.” Nonprofit Cloud vs. NPSP While Nonprofit Cloud offers a unified, scalable platform with AI-driven insights and advanced donor management tools, the Nonprofit Success Pack (NPSP) serves as a free, open-source solution for smaller organizations. Here’s a quick comparison: Feature Nonprofit Cloud NPSP Functionality Comprehensive CRM with advanced tools Free app with basic CRM functionality Integration Seamless with other Salesforce products Requires additional configuration Ease of Use User-friendly and designed for nonprofits May require technical expertise Cost Subscription-based Free with optional paid add-ons Scalability Built for growing organizations Requires customization for growth Ideal Users Large and mid-sized nonprofits Small nonprofits Maximizing Fundraising with Nonprofit Cloud Nonprofit Cloud offers nonprofits flexibility and efficiency in managing their fundraising efforts, helping them overcome challenges like donor fatigue and retention. Its advanced features include: By leveraging these tools, nonprofits can improve engagement, strengthen donor relationships, and make data-driven decisions, ultimately amplifying their impact. The Tectonic Role Tectonic has been instrumental in implementing Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud for multiple organizations, ensuring they harness its full potential to optimize operations, engage donors, and achieve their missions. With Salesforce’s AI-driven enhancements and Tectonic’s expertise, nonprofits are poised to navigate challenges, unlock new opportunities, and amplify their societal impact. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more 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 26, 2024in AI Tools, Data, Einstein 1 Platform, Enterprise, Generative AI, Salesforce, Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud
Loan Boarding and Approval
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

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August 24, 2024in Salesforce
SaaS Data Protection from Own
19Aug

SaaS Data Protection from Own

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Own, the industry leader for SaaS data protection and activation, today announced the release of Continuous Data Protection for Salesforce customers, further strengthening its product offering to include unprecedented recovery and analysis capabilities. In an industry-first approach, Own Continuous Data Protection provides a turn-key solution that delivers significant value to customers that have mission-critical, frequently changing, or highly valuable data within Salesforce. Own is the only SaaS data protection platform that proactively detects and stores data changes in Salesforce by leveraging platform events to prevent data loss. “This innovative approach to Continuous Data Protection will provide our Salesforce customers with an unparalleled advantage for capturing every change to their data ” said Adrian Kunzle, Chief Technology Officer at Own. “From the company’s inception almost 10 years ago, it has been our goal to ensure that no company operating in the cloud loses their data. At Own, we are the first to reimagine Continuous Data Protection for greater data resilience and scalability, and to ensure business continuity. This new solution offers true continuous data protection, and equips our customers with the most complete dataset to enable greater data fidelity to power AI models.” Own’s release of Continuous Data Protection (CDP) is a groundbreaking development in data protection and activation. Traditionally, backup and recovery solutions that specialize in protecting SaaS application data leverage a high-frequency model that provides multiple snapshots per week or day. Continuous Data Protection from Own pushes data changes to a backup as they happen, allowing businesses to capture changes in their data in near real-time. In addition to creating a more resilient and scalable approach, the higher-fidelity datasets this offering creates will enable organizations to unlock new ways of leveraging analytics and AI models across their vital information. “This innovative approach to Continuous Data Protection will provide our Salesforce customers with an unparalleled advantage for capturing every change to their data,” said Adrian Kunzle, Chief Technology Officer at Own. “From the company’s inception almost 10 years ago, it has been our goal to ensure that no company operating in the cloud loses their data. At Own, we are the first to reimagine Continuous Data Protection for greater data resilience and scalability, and to ensure business continuity. This new solution offers true continuous data protection, and equips our customers with the most complete dataset to enable greater data fidelity to power AI models.” Continuous Data Protection is a step forward in the world of SaaS data protection, enabling Own Recover for Salesforce customers to recover rapidly changing, mission-critical data faster, enhancing data resiliency and scalability. Continuous Data Protection provides the ability to: The Continuous Data Protection offering will be generally available on August 19, 2024. About Own Own is the industry leader in SaaS data protection and activation, trusted by thousands of organizations to ensure the availability, security, and compliance of mission-critical data, while unlocking new ways to gain deeper insights faster. Own ensures data resiliency and empowers organizations to bring historical context to life for predictive insights and inspiration. By partnering with some of the world’s largest SaaS ecosystems such as Salesforce, ServiceNow and Microsoft Dynamics 365, Own enables customers around the world to truly own their data and transform their business. It’s their platform. It’s your data. Own it. 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 19, 2024in Salesforce
Salesforce Data Snowflake and You
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 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

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August 19, 2024in Data, Enterprise, Salesforce, Salesforce Data Cloud, Snowflake
When The Customers Prefer Self-Service
14Aug

When The Customers Prefer Self-Service

Assistance is crucial for complex issues, but for simpler problems, customers typically prefer the convenience of self-service tools like account portals, FAQs, and chatbots. This preference is especially strong among digital natives, such as millennials and Gen Z. However, deploying self-service tools requires careful planning. For instance, over two-thirds of customers abandon a company’s chatbot after a single negative experience, underscoring the importance of a positive initial interaction. Statistics show that 72% of customers use self-service portals, and 55% engage with self-service chatbots. The willingness of nearly half of all customers, including 60% of millennials, to pay more for superior customer service highlights the importance of customer experience in an era of price sensitivity. Customers expect instant responses, creating a scalability challenge for service teams but also an opportunity to offer premium service. Instant responses can set a company apart, as even well-regarded brands often struggle to maintain quick and seamless connections between customers and agents. Self-service platforms must be easily adjustable, not only to address areas needing improvement but also to adapt to changing market demands. Customers now expect proactive service rather than the traditional reactive approach. Despite this, customer service is often perceived as reactive. The time and effort customers spend resolving service issues are significant, especially when service teams are inconsistently trained and equipped, leading to a perception that quality service is a matter of luck. Consistency across channels, devices, and departments is highly valued but often lacking. Many customers find themselves repeating information to different representatives, indicating a fragmented information environment. Poorly integrated technology and processes leave 55% of customers feeling as if they interact with separate departments rather than a unified company. Disconnected experiences are a major source of frustration. Prompt resolution of issues is a top priority for customers, and many find it quicker to search for answers themselves than to contact the company. Self-service not only facilitates quick problem-solving but also empowers customers to address issues at their own pace and learn as much or as little as they wish. In terms of preferences, over 67% of customers prefer some form of self-service over speaking with a representative. Additionally, 73% prefer using the company’s website for support rather than relying on social media, SMS, or live chat apps. Don’t always assume the “latest and greatest” solutions available are the best solutions for your customers. A self-service strategy involves providing customers with tools to resolve their needs independently, reducing the need for representative assistance. Reduce staffing needs and increase speed to answers for customers. Its a win win. However, implementing self-service can face challenges, such as confusing navigation, lack of ongoing attention, inflexibility, failure to incorporate feedback, constraints on users, extra work, lack of human interaction, difficulty in personalization, and the need for continuous analysis and monitoring. Successful self-service integration requires addressing these factors to meet customer expectations. Contact Tectonic for assistance bringing your self-service solutions to your customers. 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 Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more Top Ten Reasons Why Tectonic Loves the Cloud The Cloud is Good for Everyone – Why Tectonic loves the cloud You don’t need to worry about tracking licenses. Read more

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August 14, 2024in Salesforce Commerce Cloud, Salesforce Health and Life Sciences Solutions, Salesforce Hospitality Travel and Transportation, Salesforce Manufacturing Automotive Energy, Salesforce Optimization, Salesforce Service Cloud, Technology
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
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

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