Software Archives - gettectonic.com

16May

AI Agents and Open APIs

How AI Agents and Open APIs Are Unlocking New Rebundling Opportunities While much of the 2023-24 excitement surrounding AI has focused on the capabilities of foundational models, the true potential of AI lies in reconfiguring value creation across vertical value chains, not just generating average marketing content. The Vertical AI Opportunity Most AI hype has centered on horizontal B2C applications, but the real transformative power of AI is in vertical B2B industries. This article delves into the opportunities within vertical AI and explores how companies can excel in this emerging space. Short-Term and Long-Term Strategies in Vertical AI In the short term, many vertical AI players focus on developing proprietary, fine-tuned models and user experiences to gain a competitive advantage. These niche models, trained on domain-specific data, often outperform larger foundational models in latency, accuracy, and cost. As models become more fine-tuned, changes in user experience (UX) must integrate these benefits into daily workflows, creating a flywheel effect. Vertical AI companies tend to operate as full-stack providers, integrating interfaces, proprietary models, and proprietary data. This level of integration enhances their defensibility because owning the user interface allows them to continually collect and refine data, improving the model. While this approach is effective in the short term, vertical AI players must consider the broader ecosystem to ensure long-term success. The Shift from Vertical to Horizontal Though vertical AI solutions may dominate in specific niches, long-term success requires moving beyond isolated verticals. Users ultimately prefer unified experiences that minimize switching between multiple platforms. To stay competitive in the long run, vertical AI players will need to evolve into horizontal solutions that integrate across broader ecosystems. Vertical Strategies and AI-Driven Rebundling Looking at the success of vertical SaaS over the last decade provides insight into the future of vertical AI. Companies like Square, Toast, and ServiceTitan have grown by first gaining adoption in a focused use case, then rapidly expanding by rebundling adjacent capabilities. This “rebundling” process—consolidating multiple unbundled capabilities into a comprehensive, customer-centric offering—helps vertical players establish themselves as the hub. The same principle applies to vertical AI, where the end game involves going vertical to later expand horizontally. AI’s Role in Rebundling The key to long-term competitive advantage in vertical AI lies not just in addressing a single pain point but in using AI agents to rebundle workflows. AI agents serve as a new hub for rebundling, enabling vertical AI players to integrate and coordinate diverse workflows across their solutions. Rebundling Workflows with AI Business workflows are often fragmented, spread across siloed software systems. Managers currently bundle these workflows together to meet business goals by coordinating across silos. But with advances in technology, B2B workflows are being transformed by increasing interoperability and the rise of AI agents. The Rebundling Power of AI Agents Unlike traditional software that automates specific tasks, AI agents focus on achieving broader goals. This enables them to take over the goal-seeking functions traditionally managed by humans, effectively unbundling goals from specific roles and establishing a new locus for rebundling. Vertical AI Players: Winners and Losers The effectiveness of vertical AI players will depend on the sophistication of their AI agents and the level of interoperability with third-party resources. Industries that offer high interoperability and sophisticated AI agents present the most significant opportunities for value creation. The End Game: From Vertical to Horizontal Ultimately, the goal for vertical AI players is to leverage their vertical advantage to develop a horizontal hub position. By using AI agents to rebundle workflows and integrate adjacent capabilities, vertical AI companies can transition from niche providers to central players in the broader ecosystem. This path—going vertical first to then expand horizontally—will define the winners in the AI-driven future of business transformation. 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

May 16, 2024in Data, Salesforce, Technology

10May

Salesforce and Loop

Loop, the premier returns and reverse logistics platform, has extended its acclaimed returns management software to merchants using Salesforce Commerce Cloud, marking a significant expansion beyond Shopify’s realm. This integration offers enterprise merchants on Salesforce Commerce Cloud access to Loop’s renowned returns management solution, effectively easing the complexities associated with customer returns. Merchants leveraging Salesforce Commerce Cloud will now have the advantage of Loop’s user-friendly returns management software, facilitating streamlined reverse logistics processes. This integration aims to bolster profit margins by reducing the costs associated with returns and providing customers with a modern, exchange-centric returns experience. Key benefits for merchants include: Jonathan Poma, CEO of Loop, expressed enthusiasm about extending Loop’s acclaimed returns solution to Salesforce Commerce Cloud merchants, citing the increasing demand from brands outside the Shopify ecosystem. He highlighted Loop’s commitment to delivering a seamless experience characterized by ease of use, operational efficiency, and cost savings. Loop’s integration with Salesforce Commerce Cloud enables merchants to effortlessly manage item exchanges, synchronize order data, automate returns processes, leverage analytics for continuous improvement, and more. Merchants operating on Salesforce Commerce Cloud can explore early adoption opportunities by scheduling a demo with Loop’s team. Loop will also be present at Salesforce Connections 2024 in Chicago, inviting interested parties to schedule meetings to discover how Loop can streamline reverse logistics processes and reduce costs associated with returns. About Loop: Loop is a leading post-purchase platform specializing in returns, exchanges, and reverse logistics for over 3,500 renowned brands worldwide. With innovative features like Workflows, Instant Exchanges, Shop Now, and Bonus Credit, Loop empowers brands to unlock cost savings, enhance customer lifetime value, and retain more revenue. Having processed over 40 million returns to date, Loop continues to redefine post-purchase experiences. Learn more at www.loopreturns.com. 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

May 10, 2024in Salesforce Commerce Cloud

10May

Net Promoter Score Explained

When a friend or colleague takes the time to tell you about a product or service, you probably pay attention. Your friend is more reliable than a Yelp review, right? Word of mouth is the most common way people hear about brands. But how can you tell if your existing customers like your company enough to recommend it to their friends? One way is by tracking your Net Promoter Score (NPS). Is NPS really the best way to measure customer loyalty? Some service leaders aren’t convinced. We wanted to explore the pros and cons of this popular (and sometimes controversial) metric by reviewing what it is, why it’s important, and why some Service Trailblazers choose to measure loyalty in other ways. What is a Net Promoter Score? The Net Promoter Score is a customer experience metric that captures how likely a customer is to recommend your products, services, or brand. Created by Fred Reichheld in 2003, NPS has since been widely adopted. To find NPS, businesses ask customers: “On a scale from 0 to 10, how likely would you be to recommend our company to a friend or colleague?” Typically, companies follow up with an open-ended question to understand why a customer chose their score. Customers are categorized as promoters, passives, or detractors based on their scores: By understanding these categories, businesses can gain insights into customer loyalty and take action to improve customer experiences and foster stronger relationships. How to Calculate Net Promoter Score A company’s NPS is calculated by subtracting the percentage of detractors from the percentage of promoters. For instance, if you have responses from 100 customers, with 30 promoters and 18 detractors, your NPS would be 12. Why is the Net Promoter Score Important? Companies use NPS to gain insights into individual customer experiences and understand the overall perception of their products, services, and brand. NPS feedback helps address individual issues, enhance product offerings, and apply customer service principles effectively. An improving NPS indicates positive changes that matter to customers, while a sudden drop signals potential issues that need attention. What is a Good Net Promoter Score? NPS can range from -100 to +100. While anything above 0 indicates more promoters than detractors, industry-specific benchmarks provide a more nuanced view. For example, the average NPS in the insurance industry is 74, whereas in healthcare, it’s only 45. According to Bain & Company, the creators of NPS, a score above 0 is considered good. Scores over 20 are favorable, over 50 are excellent, and above 80 are world-class. Comparing your NPS to industry benchmarks helps gauge your customer experience relative to competitors, though it’s important to consider the context, such as company size and market scope. What is a Bad Net Promoter Score? Any NPS below zero is considered bad, as it means more customers are dissatisfied than satisfied. A significantly lower NPS compared to competitors may indicate the need to re-evaluate your customer service experience and address gaps that cause dissatisfaction. What Can You Measure Using NPS? NPS provides insights into: Bain & Company’s data shows that companies with long-term profitable growth have an NPS twice as high as the average company. How to Run Surveys and Collect Feedback Running an NPS survey involves asking a single question, collecting responses, and calculating your NPS. Surveys can be distributed via email, text, in-store, or online at checkout, using a survey builder or NPS app for automation. When to Run NPS Surveys The timing of NPS surveys varies: Staggering surveys over time can provide a more organic picture of customer satisfaction. How to Collect NPS Feedback Following up with an open-ended question like, “What’s the primary reason for your score?” helps gather actionable insights. This feedback can highlight areas for improvement and strengths to build on. How to Improve Your Net Promoter Score Improving NPS requires both individual and broad strategies: Implementing Net Promoter Score Invest in NPS survey software that integrates with your CRM platform. Automate survey distribution and workflows to manage responses efficiently. Designate responsibilities for customer follow-ups and NPS analysis. Measuring Your NPS is Just the Beginning Your NPS provides valuable insights into customer loyalty and satisfaction. However, the follow-through on these insights is crucial for engaging customers and delivering better experiences. Measuring your NPS is the first step towards enhancing your overall customer experience. 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

May 10, 2024in Agentforce Platform, Salesforce Service Cloud

08May

Salesforce-Powered Nonprofit Events

Salesforce has cemented its position as the #1 CRM, becoming an essential tool for businesses improving their marketing, sales, and support processes. But there’s another powerful feature you should explore: managing events directly within Salesforce. Salesforce’s versatility allows you to organize a successful event of any size, whether it’s online, offline, or a hybrid meeting. However, like any business endeavor, a well-thought-out strategy is crucial to ensure your event planning turns into a major success. In this insight, you’ll learn how events contribute to a business’s lifecycle, how to manage them effectively, and the essential tools you’ll need for successful event management in Salesforce. The Role of Events in Nonprofits If your company hasn’t yet ventured into event organization, it’s time to reconsider. Events are a great way to fuel engagement, foster data-driven decisions, and build a thriving community. On a larger scale, event planning offers a range of business benefits, including: Common Event Management Challenges Even with the best intentions, event planning comes with challenges that can derail your efforts if not addressed. Let’s review some common challenges and how Salesforce can help: How Salesforce Elevates Event Management Salesforce brings significant advantages to event planning, offering: Your Salesforce Event Planning Checklist To ensure your event management with Salesforce is effective, follow this simple checklist: Our Thoughts Building a robust event management process with Salesforce is not only a logical choice but a strategic one. It ensures smooth event execution, supports business growth, and boosts your brand’s equity. By leveraging the right tools, such as Salesforce, your event planning process becomes more efficient, data-driven, and ultimately more successful. For expert support in managing Salesforce-powered events, consider reaching out to a partner like Tectonic to guide you through the process. 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

May 8, 2024in Salesforce Einstein, Salesforce Experience Cloud, Salesforce for Nonprofits, Salesforce Implementation Services, Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud

06May

Rise of AI Agents

The Rise of AI Agents in Enterprise Automation Rise of AI Agents… It sound a bit like a B grade satire movie. But its not satire or scary. AI Agents, powered by large language models (LLMs), represent a groundbreaking paradigm shift in software. Unlike previous automation technologies, AI agents can reason, collaborate, and act in ways similar to human behavior. This new era of Enterprise AI Agents marks a significant evolution from traditional Robotic Process Automation (RPA), expanding the scope from simple task-level automation to enhancing complex knowledge work. RPA stands for Robotic Process Automation, which uses software bots to automate digital tasks and streamline processes. RPA can help reduce costs and improve efficiency. There are three main types of RPA: attended, unattended, and hybrid From RPA to AI Agents: A Strategic Shift A decade after the emergence of RPA, the enterprise landscape is poised for another transformation with intelligent AI agents. These agents are not merely incremental improvements but a revolutionary technology requiring new skills and tools. They transcend the limitations of RPA, moving beyond rule-based automation to dynamic, context-aware operations. Transitioning from RPA to AI agents is a strategic initiative necessitating executive sponsorship. This shift also offers automation leaders and Centers of Excellence (CoEs) the chance to reimagine their roles as strategic enablers within the enterprise. The Evolution of Enterprise Automation Automating Tasks: RPA RPA gained popularity in the mid-2010s through companies like UiPath, leveraging record-and-playback style UI automation. Despite early skepticism about its fragility, RPA established itself as a cornerstone of low-code business applications. Automating Processes: Intelligent Automation (IA) IA extends beyond RPA by incorporating techniques like API automation and OCR. It signals a shift from point-and-click automation to process automation, often blending coding with low-code tools. However, IA remains rule-based, suitable for structured processes. Automating Work: Intelligent AI Agents AI agents introduce a new agentic planning and execution workflow. They natively understand unstructured data and processes, making them ideal for tasks described in natural language rather than rigid rules. AI agents can self-correct and seek human feedback, enhancing resilience compared to pre-programmed bots. Strategic Applications of AI Agents AI agents expand the possibilities of enterprise automation. While RPA remains effective for repetitive, structured tasks, AI agents bring new capabilities to areas requiring flexible reasoning and decision-making. Tactical Automation AI agents can augment existing RPA workflows, addressing tasks that precede or follow RPA routines. This initial integration helps expand automation’s reach within the enterprise. Standard Decisions in Standard Contexts For work involving standard decisions within platforms like ServiceNow or Salesforce, AI and automation solutions from these vendors are beneficial. These platforms continue to innovate, enhancing their data and process capabilities. Strategic Core Business Workflows The most significant impact of AI agents lies in complex, custom-context tasks central to the enterprise’s operations. Here, built-for-purpose enterprise AI agents can drive substantial value, allowing human workers to focus on more strategic activities. Implementing AI Agents: Steps to Get Started The Urgency of Adopting AI Agents The rapid pace of AI advancements necessitates immediate action. Traditional strategies that plan for future technology must pivot to embrace AI today. Forward-looking companies are already reaping significant benefits from AI, and delaying adaptation risks losing competitive advantage. AI agents are not just the next step in automation; they are a transformative technology redefining enterprise workflows. By acting now, businesses can harness AI agents’ full potential, driving innovation and maintaining relevance in an ever-evolving market. 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

May 6, 2024in Salesforce Einstein

05May

Technical Debt

In the software industry, “Technical Debt” is perhaps the most frustrating term. This may be controversial, and clean architecture enthusiasts might disagree, but let’s dip into this topic. Defining Technical Debt During interviews, candidates are often asked to define “tech debt,” and surprisingly, each one provides a different answer. The industry seems to lack a consensus. These responses can generally be classified into a few categories: Common Issues with Definitions: The Ubiquity of Tech Debt Regardless of the definition, every company has tech debt. There’s always some code that is difficult to modify, not optimized, or based on an outdated framework. For instance, in 2014, parts of Amazon’s retail website were written in Perl, even though Java had become the standard. Despite its age and the lack of Perl expertise, this code was crucial and used daily by millions. Consensus on Tech Debt Despite varied definitions, one thing is consistent: tech debt is viewed negatively. Candidates often express concern when a company admits to having tech debt. Some even state they would not want to work for a company with tech debt. The Cost of Tech Debt The primary argument against tech debt is its cost. However, unlike financial loans with clear interest rates, tech debt is difficult to quantify. Observations of team velocity, for example, showed slower progress with monolithic architectures compared to microservices initially. Yet, as the number of microservices grew, maintenance burden increased, slowing progress despite cleaner architecture. Similarly, velocity comparisons between Android and iOS teams revealed that clean architecture principles did not always correlate with faster development or fewer bugs. Respecting Legacy Code The conversation about tech debt often implies that past decisions were mistakes. This presumption overlooks the context in which those decisions were made. For example, at Amazon, the use of an internal key-value storage system (Beaver) instead of DynamoDB was criticized, until it was pointed out that DynamoDB did not exist when the project started. Assuming good intentions and understanding the original constraints can provide valuable insights into past choices. Reevaluating Technical Debt Technical debt, like financial debt, can accumulate interest over time, making it more challenging to address the longer it is ignored. However, debt itself is not inherently bad. Just as financial debt can enable significant investments like buying a house or starting a company, technical debt can facilitate rapid development and market entry. For example, a startup’s initial mobile app, built quickly using React Native by a single front-end engineer, enabled the company to acquire thousands of clients and secure funding, ultimately allowing for the development of a native app by a dedicated team. Technical debt should be viewed as a tool rather than a liability. It can be beneficial if managed properly, enabling projects and growth. It is crucial to respect the decisions made by predecessors, recognizing the context and constraints they faced. Properly leveraging technical debt can provide time, attract clients, and unblock projects, turning it into a strategic advantage rather than a hindrance. 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

May 5, 2024in Salesforce

04May

Unified Knowledge for Service Agents

Salesforce has introduced a new intelligence source for service agents called Unified Knowledge. This solution aggregates information from third-party sources and integrates it into Salesforce, enhancing the customer data available in Data Cloud. Unified Knowledge Overview Enhanced Service with Unified Knowledge Unified Knowledge aggregates data from sources like SharePoint, Confluence, Google Drive, and brand websites, making it accessible within Salesforce Service Cloud. While Service Cloud has primarily utilized data from Data Cloud via Einstein for Service to assist service agents, Unified Knowledge expands this by including additional third-party information. Broader Integration Across Salesforce Although Service Cloud is a primary focus, Unified Knowledge will also integrate with Salesforce Field Service, Sales Cloud, Health Cloud, and Financial Services Cloud. This solution was developed in partnership with Zoomin Software. Technical Approach and Future Plans The initial version of Unified Knowledge does not utilize Data Cloud. Instead, it stores third-party knowledge in the KnowledgeArticle object on Core and uses Zoomin for integration. Salesforce plans to eventually transition this solution to Data Cloud for both storage and integration. This transition involves multiple dependencies and significant refactoring of the Knowledge product. For now, the current approach allows for quicker market entry. Once moved to Data Cloud, customers will need Data Cloud credits to use Unified Knowledge. Response by email from Salesforce: “The beta version of Unified Knowledge does not leverage Data Cloud. The third-party Knowledge is stored on Core in the KnowledgeArticle object, and Salesforce uses ZoomIn to integrate with third-party systems. Salesforce’s long-term vision is to move to Data Cloud — initially for the storage of third-party knowledge, and eventually for the connector/integration piece as well. This involves multiple dependencies on Data Cloud however and significant refactoring of the Knowledge product, so in order to get this solution to market more quickly, this initial version is built on Core. Once we move Unified Knowledge to Data Cloud, customers will have to purchase Data Cloud credits to use the product.” Benefits and Features of Unified Knowledge Unified Knowledge enhances the information available to service agents, potentially leading to better service experiences. Its generative AI capabilities include: By expanding the data available to service agents, Unified Knowledge aims to improve service quality and efficiency. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more 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

May 4, 2024in Generative AI, Salesforce Service Cloud, Unified Knowledge

29Apr

Blockers to IT Success and Salesforce Implementation Solutions

The CIO’s website recently delved into the primary obstacles to achieving success in IT. Tectonic echoes these concerns and offers insights and remedies based on our Salesforce Implementation Solutions. Issues such as data challenges, technical debt, and talent shortages can significantly hinder the progress of IT organizations and departments in executing high-value projects. Several CIOs have shared their approaches to tackling these challenges. Tectonic poses solutions based upon the Salesforce ecosystem. Carm Taglienti, Chief Data Officer and Distinguished Engineer at Insight, reflects on the dual nature of the recent surge in artificial intelligence (AI). While AI advancements have undoubtedly enhanced efficiency and productivity across technology departments, lines of business, and business units, the rapid proliferation of AI technologies, particularly generative AI, has disrupted numerous IT plans. Taglienti emphasizes the need for organizations to adapt swiftly to these technological shifts to avoid derailing critical projects. Tectonic recently looked at challenges the public sector face in regards to AI. Read more here. The rapid evolution of technology poses a continuous challenge for IT leaders. The relentless pace of technological advancements, exemplified by the rise of AI, demands proactive resource allocation to stay competitive. Ryan Downing, CIO of Principal Financial Group, underscores the necessity of adopting a strategic approach to navigate the complexities of multicloud environments effectively. Tectonic echoes the multicloud challenge. We address this for our clients with Salesforce implementation, optimization, consulting, and ongoing managed services. Salesforce remains the world’s number one CRM solution for a reason. Cloud solutions for marketing, personalization, patient data privacy, manufacturing, feedback management, and more are just a small sampling of the IT solutions Salesforce and Tectonic present. Unaddressed data issues pose a significant impediment to realizing the full potential of analytics, automation, and AI. Many organizations are grappling with legacy systems and inadequate data management practices, hindering their progress in succesfully deploying advanced technologies. Working with a Salesforce partner can address this challenge. The scarcity of skilled talent remains a pressing concern for CIOs, as highlighted in the State of the CIO Study by Foundry. Despite efforts to train internal staff and leverage contractors, filling critical tech positions remains challenging, impeding transformation initiatives. Managed services providers help address this skill gap. Technical debt and legacy systems present additional hurdles for IT departments. The maintenance of outdated infrastructure drains resources and limits innovation, forcing CIOs to strike a delicate balance between modernization efforts and operational demands. Addressing cybersecurity threats and compliance with evolving regulations further strains IT resources, necessitating proactive measures to safeguard organizational assets and maintain regulatory compliance. Striking the right balance between sustaining existing operations, fostering growth, and driving transformative initiatives is another challenge facing CIOs. Scott Saccal of Cambrex emphasizes the importance of aligning resource allocation with strategic objectives to avoid market displacement. The allure of new technologies, coupled with executive pressure to explore shiny objects, can divert focus from core priorities, hampering strategic execution. Shadow IT and the lack of organizational agility pose additional barriers to IT success, highlighting the need for CIOs to foster collaboration, align IT initiatives with business goals, and cultivate a culture of adaptability within their departments. ‘Shadow IT’ refers to the unsanctioned use of software, hardware, or other systems and services within an organization, often without the knowledge of that organization’s information technology (IT) department. CIOs must navigate a myriad of challenges, from technological disruptions to talent shortages, while maintaining a laser focus on strategic objectives to drive organizational success in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Tectonic is here to consult and achieve your IT challenges. Contact us today. 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

April 29, 2024in Generative AI, Salesforce, Salesforce Einstein

28Apr

Patent for Group-Based Messaging With Graphical Identifier Actuators

Salesforce has secured a patent for a group-based communication interface designed to facilitate efficient communication within and across different channels. The patented method involves users selecting multiple channels through graphical identifiers on the interface and posting messages across those chosen channels. Group-Based Messaging With Graphical Identifier Actuators. According to GlobalData’s company profile on Salesforce, social media analytics emerged as a key area of innovation from their patents. As of February 2024, Salesforce’s grant share stands at 69%, calculated based on the ratio of granted patents to the total number of patents. Group-Based Messaging With Graphical Identifier Actuators Patent Granted One of the recently granted patents (Publication Number: US11923998B2) describes a method, apparatus, and computer-readable medium for posting messages across multiple channels within a communication system. This method includes receiving a user’s message posting request, displaying channel identifiers on the interface, allowing users to select multiple channels, and subsequently posting the message across those selected channels. The apparatus consists of a processor, memory, and executable instructions stored in the computer-readable medium to carry out the method. The Patent Additionally, the patent outlines further features such as message updating across channels, receiving requests via web browsers or software applications, and ensuring user authorization for channel access. The innovation aims to streamline communication processes by enabling users to efficiently share messages across various channels within the communication system. This patent represents a significant advancement in improving user experience and interaction within digital communication platforms. What could be coming next from Salesforce? Group-Based Messaging With Graphical Identifier Actuators 1. An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one non-transitory memory comprising program code, the at least one non-transitory memory and the program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: 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

April 28, 2024in Salesforce

18Apr

Salesforce Slack and AI

Salesforce, the customer relationship management software giant, has announced the availability of Slack AI to all paid Slack customers with expanded language support. Slack AI utilizes a company’s conversational data to assist end users and employees in quickly grasping processes and communications. It generates summaries and introduces new search capabilities based on the client company’s conversations. Slack, a workplace messaging and productivity app, was acquired by Salesforce for approximately $28 billion in 2021. It competes directly with Microsoft’s Teams and Google Chat. The Slack AI add-on is now available for all paid Slack plans (Pro and Business+) at $10 per user per month. It supports English, Spanish, and Japanese languages initially, with more languages coming soon. This development allows businesses of all sizes to leverage an intuitive AI experience seamlessly integrated with Slack, enhancing productivity within the platform. Previously, Slack AI was accessible only to large enterprises paying for Slack. The latest features of Slack AI include a recap feature providing daily morning digests with channel summaries, personalized search answers, and conversation summaries. According to internal analysis, customers using Slack AI in pilot programs are saving an average of 97 minutes per user each week by leveraging AI to find answers, distill knowledge, and generate ideas. One of Slack’s customers, Beyond Better Foods, a healthy dessert brand, uses Slack AI extensively for logistics planning. Their operations team benefits from enhanced search capabilities and channel recaps, saving time and improving focus. Andy Kung, Vice President of Operations at Beyond Better Foods, shared his experience: “When I need to get my CEO a fast answer at 2 pm on a Friday, I can use Slack AI’s search function. I’ve only been using Slack AI for about a month, but it’s already helped me quickly find answers countless times, and AI is saving me at least 30 minutes a day.” This announcement marks a significant step in making Slack AI accessible to a broader range of businesses, empowering them to work smarter and more efficiently within the Slack platform. 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

April 18, 2024in Salesforce, Salesforce Slack

13Apr

How AI is Raising the Stakes in Phishing Attacks

Cybercriminals are increasingly using advanced AI, including tools like ChatGPT, to execute highly convincing phishing campaigns that mimic legitimate communications with uncanny accuracy. As AI-powered phishing becomes more sophisticated, cybersecurity practitioners must adopt AI and machine learning defenses to stay ahead. What are AI-Powered Phishing Attacks? Phishing, a long-standing cybersecurity issue, has evolved from crude scams into refined attacks that can mimic trusted entities like Amazon, postal services, or colleagues. Leveraging social engineering, these scams trick people into clicking malicious links, downloading harmful files, or sharing sensitive information. However, AI is elevating this threat by making phishing attacks more convincing, timely, and challenging to detect. General Phishing Attacks Traditionally, phishing emails were often easy to spot due to grammatical errors or poor formatting. AI, however, eliminates these mistakes, creating messages that appear professionally written. Additionally, AI language models can gather real-time data from news and corporate sites, embedding relevant details that create urgency and heighten the attack’s credibility. AI chatbots can also generate business email compromise attacks or whaling campaigns at a massive scale, boosting both the volume and sophistication of these threats. Spear Phishing Spear phishing involves targeting specific individuals with highly customized messages based on data gathered from social media or data breaches. AI has supercharged this tactic, enabling attackers to craft convincing, personalized emails almost instantly. During a cybersecurity study, AI-generated phishing emails outperformed human-crafted ones in terms of convincing recipients to click on malicious links. With the help of large language models (LLMs), attackers can create hyper-personalized emails and even deepfake phone calls and videos. Vishing and Deepfakes Vishing, or voice phishing, is another tactic on the rise. Traditionally, attackers would impersonate someone like a company executive or trusted colleague over the phone. With AI, they can now create deepfake audio to mimic a specific person’s voice, making it even harder for victims to discern authenticity. For example, an employee may receive a voice message that sounds exactly like their CFO, urgently requesting a bank transfer. How to Defend Against AI-Driven Phishing Attacks As AI-driven phishing becomes more prevalent, organizations should adopt the following defense strategies: How AI Improves Phishing Defense AI can also bolster phishing defenses by analyzing threat patterns, personalizing training, and monitoring for suspicious activity. GenAI, for instance, can tailor training to individual users’ weaknesses, offer timely phishing simulations, and assess each person’s learning needs to enhance cybersecurity awareness. AI can also predict potential phishing trends based on data such as attack frequency across industries, geographical locations, and types of targets. These insights allow security teams to anticipate attacks and proactively adapt defenses. Preparing for AI-Enhanced Phishing Threats Businesses should evaluate their risk level and implement corresponding safeguards: AI, and particularly LLMs, are transforming phishing attacks, making them more dangerous and harder to detect. As digital footprints grow and personalized data becomes more accessible, phishing attacks will continue to evolve, including falsified voice and video messages that can trick even the most vigilant employees. By proactively integrating AI defenses, organizations can better protect against these advanced phishing threats. 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

April 13, 2024in Data, Technology

13Apr

Gen AI Depends on Good Data

Accelerate Your Generative AI Journey: A Call to Action for Data Leaders Generative AI is generating immense excitement across organizations, with boards of directors conducting educational workshops and senior management teams brainstorming potential use cases. They need to keep in mind, Gen AI Depends on Good Data. Individuals and departments are already experimenting with the technology to enhance productivity and effectiveness. There needs to be as much effort into data quality as to the technology. The critical work required for generative AI success falls to chief data officers (CDOs), data engineers, and knowledge curators. Unfortunately, many have yet to begin the necessary preparations. A survey in late 2023 of 334 CDOs and data leaders, sponsored by Amazon Web Services and the MIT Chief Data Officer/Information Quality Symposium, coupled with interviews, reveals a gap between enthusiasm and readiness. While there’s a shared excitement about generative AI, much work remains to get organizations ready for it. The Current State of Data Preparedness Most companies have yet to develop new data strategies or manage their data to effectively leverage generative AI. This insight outlines the survey results and suggests next steps for data readiness. Maximizing Value with Generative AI Historically, AI has worked with structured data like numbers in rows and columns. Generative AI, however, utilizes unstructured data—text, images, and video—to generate new content. This technology offers both assistance and competition for human content creators. Survey findings show that 80% of data leaders believe generative AI will transform their business environment, and 62% plan to increase spending on it. Yet, many are not yet realizing substantial economic value from generative AI. Only 6% of respondents have a generative AI application in production deployment. A significant 16% have banned employee use, though this is decreasing as companies address data privacy issues with enterprise versions of generative AI models. Focus on Core Business Areas Experiments with generative AI should target core business areas. Universal Music, for instance, is aggressively experimenting with generative AI for R&D, exploring how it can create music, write lyrics, and imitate artists’ voices while protecting intellectual property rights. Gen AI Depends on Good Data For generative AI to be truly valuable, organizations need to customize vendors’ models with their own data and prepare their data for integration. Generative AI relies on well-curated data to ensure accuracy, recency, uniqueness, and other quality attributes. Poor-quality data yields poor-quality AI responses. Data leaders in our survey cited data quality as the greatest challenge to realizing generative AI’s potential, with 46% highlighting this issue. Jeff McMillan, Chief Data, Analytics, and Innovation Officer at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, emphasizes the importance of high-quality training content and the need to address disparate data sources for successful generative AI implementation. Current Efforts and Challenges Most data leaders have not yet made significant changes to their data strategies. While 93% agree that a data strategy is critical for generative AI, 57% have made no changes, and only 11% strongly agree their organizations have the right data foundation. Organizations making progress are focusing on specific tasks like data integration, cleaning datasets, surveying data, and curating documents for domain-specific AI models. Walid Mehanna, Group Chief Data and AI Officer at Merck Group, and Raj Nimmagadda, Chief Data Officer for R&D at Sanofi, stress the importance of robust data foundations, governance, and standards for generative AI success. Focus on High-Value Data Domains Given the monumental effort required to curate, clean, and integrate all unstructured data for generative AI, organizations should focus on specific data domains where they plan to implement the technology. The most common business areas prioritizing generative AI development include customer operations, software engineering, marketing and sales, and R&D. The Time to Start is Now While other important data projects exist, including improving transaction data and supporting traditional analytics, the preparation for generative AI should not be delayed. Despite some slow pivoting from structured to unstructured data management, and competition among CDOs, CIOs, CTOs, and chief digital officers for leadership in generative AI, the consensus is clear: generative AI is a transformative capability. Preparing a large organization’s data for AI could take several years, and the time to start is now. 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

April 13, 2024in Generative AI

12Apr

Harnessing Sales Data

Harnessing Sales Data for Better Insights and Rapid Deal Closure Sales data is a critical asset for gaining insights and closing deals swiftly. With the ever-expanding data footprint, including customer response rates, leads in the pipeline, and quota attainment, tracking these metrics is essential. Ignoring them can be detrimental, as nearly all sales professionals recognize the importance of real-time data in meeting customer expectations, according to the Trends in Data and Analytics for Sales Report. However, concerns about data setup for generative AI and data accuracy persist. Sixty-three percent of sales professionals report that their company’s data isn’t optimized for AI, and only 42% are confident in their data’s accuracy. The demand for sales data has become a focal point for sales leaders and representatives, who increasingly rely on data to enhance customer engagement and productivity through trusted sources and AI integration. What is Sales Data? Sales data encompasses two main categories: external data, which includes information about prospects such as demographics, interests, behavior, and engagement; and internal sales data, including deal attributes and sales performance metrics. This data helps inform deal actions, assess progress toward sales targets or key performance indicators (KPIs), and supports tools like AI to enhance efficiency. Why is Sales Data Important? Sales data provides a measurable framework for all sales activities, enabling the setting of performance benchmarks and targets. It helps identify risks in the pipeline and highlights opportunities for upselling or fostering competition among sales reps. The data is also crucial for leveraging generative AI, which can automate tasks such as email drafting and sales pitch creation, provided the data is accurate and well-organized. Types of Sales Data Collecting and Utilizing Sales Data To effectively collect and utilize sales data, invest in a CRM system that serves as a centralized data repository with analytics capabilities. Automate data collection within the CRM, integrate data from other tools, and prioritize the security of sensitive information. Visualizing data through dashboards can help track progress toward business goals and make informed decisions. Real-Life Application: A Case Study A global consulting firm used sales data to enhance win rates and accelerate deal velocity. By integrating CRM analytics with data from various sources, the firm identified key deal attributes impacting success and adjusted strategies accordingly. The use of AI-driven “opportunity scores” further enabled the firm to monitor deal health and optimize resource allocation. Essential Tools for Harnessing Sales Data Turning Sales Data into Actionable Insights Regularly reviewing CRM-generated insights and adjusting strategies based on these insights is crucial for closing more deals and delivering consistent value to customers. By focusing on data-driven decision-making, sales teams can stay competitive and meet evolving customer 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

April 12, 2024in Generative AI

12Apr

Government CRM System

Explore How Governments Can Modernize Services for Citizens with Government CRM System What is CRM in Government? CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems in government streamline administrative tasks, allowing public servants to concentrate on enhancing citizens’ daily lives. Does the US Government Use Salesforce? Salesforce is valuable to the US federal government due to its highly customizable nature, catering to diverse agency needs and projects. Understanding AI in Government: Reshaping Public Sector Services Enhancing Workforce Skills for Better Constituent Experiences and Efficient Agency Operations The AI revolution presents opportunities for governments to enhance efficiency and service delivery. AI technologies can significantly improve data processing, cybersecurity, public planning, and other critical areas. Government agencies must raise awareness about the benefits of AI and upskill employees to bridge the AI skills gap. This transformation enables workers to better serve the public and foster trust between sectors. However, the rapid adoption of AI also raises concerns about a potential skills crisis, as highlighted by a survey revealing insufficient high-quality AI and machine learning resources. While AI promises to create new jobs, it may also displace certain roles. Organizations must prepare employees for this shift, ensuring they transition to higher-value work and acquire the necessary AI skills. Data Modernization: Paving the Way for an AI-Optimized Future Modernizing data infrastructure is essential for leveraging AI effectively. Employees can upskill in data science and AI, facilitating this transition from traditional workflows to AI-driven processes. Applications of AI in Government AI offers transformative potential across various government functions, such as traffic management, healthcare delivery, and administrative tasks like paperwork processing. Government agencies can enhance operations through AI-driven insights, improving efficiency, and service delivery for citizens. Challenges and Opportunities in AI Adoption Despite the promise of AI, many public agencies lack sufficient AI and data management capabilities among their workforce. Effective Education and Training for AI Implementation Organizations must prioritize AI education and responsible usage to better serve the public while upholding stringent security standards. Understanding Government Cloud Salesforce Salesforce Government Cloud and Government Cloud Plus provide dedicated instances of Salesforce’s Customer 360 suite, tailored to meet government requirements. Enhancing Government Efficiency with Modern CRM Solutions Explore How CRM Software Can Revolutionize Citizen Engagement and Government Operations CRM systems empower local governments to establish meaningful connections with citizens, improving service delivery and operational efficiency. Key Features of Local Government CRM Software Discover essential CRM features for local government agencies, including workflow automations, communication tools, data security, citizen contact management, real-time analytics, and business intelligence reporting. Evaluating CRM Data-Quality Solutions Evaluate CRM solutions based on security, flexibility, scalability, interoperability, ease of use, and customization capabilities to enhance government operations effectively. Strategies for Implementing CRM Workflows in Government Implement CRM systems strategically to improve service delivery and constituent engagement, focusing on data integration and minimizing the need for complex coding during deployment. By embracing modern CRM technologies and AI solutions, governments can enhance efficiency, transparency, and citizen satisfaction, ushering in a new era of effective public service delivery. Government CRM System. 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

April 12, 2024in Mulesoft, Salesforce Experience Cloud, Salesforce Public Sector Solutions

Salesforce for Travel, Transportation, and Hospitality

08Apr

Hotel Salesforce CRM for Hospitality

Salesforce offers hospitality professionals the tools to address marketing, sales, and customer support needs through the Marketing, Service, and Sales Cloud. Hotel Salesforce CRM for Hospitality. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software tailored for hotels assists in engaging guests, managing reservations, coordinating projects, and streamlining communications. Hotel CRM software simplifies operations within the hospitality sector. Salesforce for Hospitality Customer Experience In the travel industry, particularly in hotels, customer experience reigns supreme. Hotels serve as temporary homes for guests, making their experience pivotal in determining future patronage. However, with the surge in travel and advancements in technology, the demand for personalized experiences has escalated. Meeting these expectations is essential not only for standing out in a competitive market but also for maintaining a positive online reputation. As travel becomes more accessible and prices decrease, managing a large volume of customers while delivering personalized experiences presents a significant challenge. Hotels must deepen their understanding of customers to avoid losing them amid the crowd. This is where CRM comes into play. CRMs for Hospitality CRM entails managing customer expectations, interactions, and loyalty to provide the most personalized journey possible. Modern CRM solutions, often cloud-based and mobile-compatible, leverage AI and big data to comprehend customers better and deliver proactive solutions, ensuring timely and relevant interactions. Hotel CRMs are specifically designed to address the unique needs of the hospitality industry. They assist in monitoring online reviews and social media chatter, enabling prompt responses to maintain a positive online reputation. Quick problem-solving is crucial in hotels, and CRM tools streamline issue resolution by providing relevant customer information promptly. Moreover, hotel CRMs enhance guest experiences by facilitating personalized journeys from initial contact to post-stay interactions. Mobile access is essential for guests, and many CRM platforms offer tools for building mobile apps and portals to enhance convenience. Hotel Salesforce CRM for Hospitality Ultimately, CRM systems empower hotels to manage customer loyalty effectively, offering better communication, multi-channel advertising, and useful employee tools. For hotels seeking these benefits, choosing the right CRM is crucial. Salesforce stands out as a top platform for hotel CRM, providing comprehensive solutions to meet diverse industry needs. In today’s travel and hospitality industry, efficiency and exceptional guest experiences are paramount. To achieve this, companies must focus on automating routine tasks, unifying data, and leveraging AI for insights. Exceptional experiences remain the best way to attract and retain customers, driving efficient growth even in challenging times. If your hotel or hospitality destination is looking to increase guest satisfaction, contact Tectonic about Salesforce today. 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

April 8, 2024in Salesforce, Salesforce Hospitality Travel and Transportation

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