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Salesforce and Monte Carlo

Salesforce and Monte Carlo

Salesforce recently announced a strategic partnership with Monte Carlo, a leading fashion brand, to revolutionize the company’s consumer engagement across multiple channels. This collaboration will help Monte Carlo evolve from a winter-wear icon into a year-round favorite in India’s competitive fashion industry, appealing to customers of all ages while maintaining its legacy in winter apparel. In a statement, Monte Carlo shared, “Our decision to adopt Salesforce CRM aligns with our vision of becoming a digital-first, data-driven organization that leverages cutting-edge technology to enhance customer experiences. With Salesforce, we aim to transform the customer journey by gaining a unified, 360-degree view of customers across online and offline channels.” Monte Carlo has embraced Salesforce Data Cloud to create a holistic view of each customer, enabling streamlined communication across all channels to ensure more seamless and efficient engagements. Additionally, Monte Carlo is committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences at every stage—before, during, and after a purchase. The brand is using Salesforce Service Cloud to implement a personalized loyalty solution that goes beyond traditional point-based rewards, offering customers a unique and memorable 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

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Oracle Fusion Cloud

Oracle Fusion Cloud

Oracle has unveiled over 50 role-based AI agents in the Oracle Fusion Cloud Applications Suite as of Wednesday. This suite offers a range of applications designed to help enterprises manage various functions. The newly introduced AI agents aim to assist employees and managers by automating business processes. According to Oracle executives at the CloudWorld 2024 conference in Las Vegas, these agents are tailored to improve efficiency across different functions. In Oracle Fusion Cloud Human Capital Management, the AI agents support shift scheduling, assist with hiring, manage requests to fill or create new positions, and help employees understand their benefits. In Oracle Fusion Cloud Supply Chain, Manufacturing AI Agents provide contextual insights and recommendations for handling order requests and suggest maintenance and repair actions for various assets. The AI agents within Oracle Fusion Cloud Customer Experience assist with planning and research tasks, automate contract workflow and approval processes, and facilitate communication with sales representatives. Oracle has yet to announce the release date for these AI agents. The Next Stage of GenAIThe introduction of AI agents represents an evolution of generative AI, moving beyond chatbots to technology that performs tasks autonomously. “These AI agents are engineered to automate routine tasks and offer personalized insights and recommendations,” noted Sid Nag, Gartner Research analyst. This development underscores a shift in the generative AI market from ideation to practical implementation. “These are very pragmatic and practical ideas,” said Mark Beccue, an analyst at TechTarget’s Enterprise Strategy Group. “It’s a use case we’ve been anticipating, where AI helps complete tasks effectively.” Oracle’s AI Agents for its Fusion Cloud Applications Suite align with the vision for enterprise software vendors, Beccue added. ServiceNow AI AgentsOracle is not alone in embedding AI agents into business applications. On September 10, ServiceNow announced plans to integrate agentic workflows into its platform. The initial AI Agent applications from ServiceNow will focus on Customer Service Management and IT Service Management. These agents are designed to identify and resolve issues independently while still being overseen by human operators. ServiceNow’s AI Agents are expected to launch in November 2024 as part of a limited release. The company also introduced the Now Assist Skill Kit, enabling enterprises to develop custom generative AI skills tailored to specific business needs. Single Task vs. Multitask AgentsA key consideration with AI agents is whether they can handle single tasks or multitask across multiple applications. Mark Beccue suggests that the ability to perform tasks across various applications could lead to a new user interface where AI agents manage tasks seamlessly across different systems. “It’s a vision for the future of AI agents,” Beccue remarked. It remains to be seen how these AI agents will address industry-specific regulations and compliance requirements, particularly in highly regulated sectors such as finance. Additional AI FeaturesOracle has also introduced new AI capabilities in other applications. Oracle Cloud ERP now includes predictive cash forecasting, narrative reporting, and automated transaction records within Oracle Fusion Cloud Sustainability. In Oracle Cloud CX, new features include assisted authoring to help sales teams engage buyers with AI-generated content and advanced AI capabilities in Oracle CX Unity for detecting signals based on role, title, and topic engagement. 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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Salesforce Org Merge Risks

Salesforce Org Merge Risks

Managing Multiple Salesforce Instances: Challenges and Solutions For growing enterprises, managing multiple Salesforce instances can be a significant challenge. Each instance may house critical business data and processes, which often need to be consolidated, particularly during mergers, acquisitions, or different stages of Salesforce adoption. This consolidation is essential to reduce operating costs and enhance efficiency. Salesforce Org Merge Risks. Salesforce Org Merge Risks Overview Salesforce consolidation involves merging several instances into a single Salesforce organization. This process aims to improve operational efficiency, data visibility, and process standardization while minimizing the total cost of ownership. It may require setting up a new Salesforce organization to facilitate the merger. Typical Salesforce Consolidation Plan A comprehensive consolidation plan typically includes the following steps: Complexity and Benefits of Salesforce Consolidation While Salesforce consolidation offers significant benefits, such as improved efficiency and reduced costs, it is a complex process requiring careful planning and execution. Many companies partner with Salesforce experts, like Tectonic, to navigate the intricacies of consolidation successfully. Salesforce Org Merge Risks Risk 1: Under-Scoping Data Mapping, Migration, and Merging Risk 2: Overlooking Metrics, Measurements, and Reports Risk 3: Limiting Stakeholder Engagement and Change Management Conclusion While meticulous planning cannot guarantee a flawless Salesforce migration, it fosters communication among Salesforce, data, and business leaders, making challenges more manageable. Although managing and consolidating systems might seem straightforward, guiding people, processes, and data through the consolidation process is inherently complex and demanding. 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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Salesforce and Tenyx

Salesforce and Tenyx

Salesforce has announced its acquisition of AI voice agent firm Tenyx, with the deal expected to close in the third quarter. While the financial terms have not been disclosed, Tenyx’s co-founders, CEO Itamar Arel and CTO Adam Earle, along with their team, will join Salesforce as part of the acquisition. This move comes after Salesforce, under pressure from activist investors, previously shifted away from acquisitions and increased its share buybacks following the dissolution of its mergers and acquisitions committee. However, the company is now pursuing strategic acquisitions to boost revenue growth. Conversational AI forthe Enterprise Tenyx Voice is an Interactive Virtual Agent (IVA) built from the ground up leveraging today’s modern AI stack. Built by a team with a proven track record in voice AI, and leveraging a unique core AI and voice platform, Tenyx promises to redefine customer interactions for the enterprise. Tenyx Voice is an Interactive Virtual Agent (IVA) built from the ground up leveraging today’s modern AI stack. Built by a team with a proven track record in voice AI, and leveraging a unique core AI and voice platform, Tenyx promises to redefine customer interactions for the enterprise. Industries and Use Cases If 2023 was the year of large language models (LLMs), 2024 is shaping up to be the year of voice agents. When ChatGPT made waves globally, startups, tech firms, and entrepreneurs rushed to discover business use cases for the new technology. The ideal applications targeted tasks that are costly, time-consuming, and hard to scale. Voice agents and automated customer service systems quickly emerged as one of the most promising solutions. However, many companies deploying these systems aren’t fully considering their impact on customers. That’s why Tenyx is launching its inaugural Voice AI Consumer Report. We surveyed hundreds of Americans across different age groups, races, geographies, and genders to better understand their preferences and experiences with AI-powered voice agents. Here are the key findings: What this means: Frustrating Calls Hurt Your Brand Imagine calling customer service for a quick solution, only to be met by an automated voice agent that can’t understand your request or handle complex issues. It’s a common and frustrating experience. Our data shows that nearly 7 in 10 people express frustration or annoyance with today’s automated voice agents—sentiments that can severely damage customer loyalty and business outcomes. “Our report highlights a major disconnect between consumer expectations and the performance of current automated voice agents,” says Itamar Arel, CEO of Tenyx. “While these systems promise efficiency and cost savings, they often fall short when it comes to addressing consumers’ nuanced needs.” Incomplete AI Systems Drive Customer Churn Subpar AI systems are driving customers away. Two-thirds of respondents said they wouldn’t return to a company after a negative experience with its AI voice agent. In fact, 67% still prefer interacting with human agents over automated ones. Why? Current AI voice agents struggle with complex issues and fail to provide the empathy and problem-solving skills that human agents, or more advanced AI systems, offer. Selective Deployment and Industry-Specific Agents Matter Our data shows that consumers are more accepting of voice agents in certain industries than others. Sectors like healthcare, restaurants, and telecoms saw the highest satisfaction with AI voice agents, while airlines, banking, and hotels ranked the lowest. This highlights the importance of selective deployment and tailoring voice agents for specific industries to better meet customer needs. Looking Ahead: The Promise of Perfect Automation Despite the skepticism, there’s hope. Two-thirds of respondents indicated they’d embrace automated voice agents if these systems could match the performance of human agents. This is exactly what we’re working on at Tenyx—building scalable, reliable AI agents that serve businesses and customers globally. “As leaders in voice AI technology, Tenyx is dedicated to closing the gap between consumer expectations and technological capabilities,” Arel says. “Our mission is to equip businesses with AI solutions that not only streamline operations but also boost customer satisfaction.” Like1 Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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Should AI Bug Us?

Should AI Bug Us?

Today marks the 77th anniversary of the first computer bug, which occurred when a moth became lodged in the 25-ton Harvard Mark II. The incident led programmer Grace Hopper to file what is now recognized as the first bug report. Wait, you weren’t even alive yet? Which begs the question. Should AI Bug Us? If asked what the most popular topic on the internet is today, one might confidently answer: AI. This year has seen a variety of perspectives on the subject. Data scientist Stephanie Kirmer reminded readers that generative AI still hasn’t become profitable. Margaret Efron highlighted words that give away AI-generated content (such as the overuse of “robust”). Meanwhile, Jim the AI Whisperer addressed a quirky tendency of ChatGPT to overuse the word “delve” due to its reliance on British English in its training data. Beyond these discussions, a deeper conversation is emerging about what AI means for humanity on an existential level. Writers are increasingly considering how AI impacts our perception of ourselves. Paul Siemers, PhD, who focuses on the philosophy of technology, explores this topic in his essay The Ontological Shock of AI. Ontology, the study of existence, traces how humans have categorized the world over millennia. Siemers notes that over the last two centuries, humanity has split existence into living and non-living categories. However, AI is starting to blur those lines. He argues that humanity needs to reconsider this dualistic view and accept new forms of existence. As unsettling as this may seem, it could explain part of society’s current discomfort with AI. Katharine Esty, PhD, who celebrated her 90th birthday this summer, published a guide for navigating life in your 80s. Her reflections on life and reinvention offer inspiration to readers of all ages. Practical Wisdom for Your Day: Live Life in Semesters A useful approach to structuring life is to think in “semesters”—15 to 17 weeks of focused work. This timeframe is long enough to accomplish something significant, but short enough to avoid burnout. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more 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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Army of AI Bots

Army of AI Bots

Salesforce Inc. has announced a significant upgrade with the launch of Industries AI, a new automation platform designed to handle a wide range of time-consuming tasks, enhancing productivity across various sectors. We are NOT advocating that the next war will be fought with AI Bots. We aren’t even suggesting there is anything negative about these bots. However, if the next war were to be information and data based, who knows. Industries AI will be integrated into all 15 of Salesforce’s cloud platforms, including Sales Cloud, Data Cloud, Service Cloud, Commerce Cloud, and Marketing Cloud. This expansive solution is capable of managing over 100 common tasks, from matching patients with clinical trials and providing maintenance alerts for vehicles and machinery, to streamlining recruitment processes and enhancing government services. The launch of Industries AI responds to findings from Salesforce’s Trends in AI for CRM Report, which indicated that over 75% of business leaders are concerned about missing out on AI advancements if they do not adopt the technology soon. With a 700% increase in urgency to implement AI over the past six months, many organizations struggle with the resources and expertise needed to develop and train AI models. Salesforce aims to address this by offering a ready-made framework for creating AI agents tailored to industry-specific needs, utilizing each customer’s proprietary data within the Salesforce platform. Industries AI will provide a foundation for quickly deploying autonomous agents, with setup times estimated at just a few minutes. To assist customers in leveraging AI automation, Salesforce has created use case libraries for each of its cloud platforms, featuring over 100 capabilities at launch. These capabilities span multiple industries: Salesforce will begin rolling out Industries AI capabilities in October 2024, with some features available by February 2025. The company plans to regularly update Industries AI with new capabilities as part of its annual Salesforce releases. Jeff Amann, executive vice president and general manager of Salesforce Industries, emphasized that this innovation aims to make powerful AI accessible to all enterprises, regardless of size or budget. “Organizations can now easily start with AI solutions tailored to their specific challenges, enhancing efficiency and productivity across various functions,” he said. 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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Predictive Analytics

Predictive Analytics

Industry forecasts predict an annual growth rate of 6% to 7%, fueled by innovations in cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and data engineering. In 2023, the global data analytics market was valued at approximately $41 billion and is expected to surge to $118.5 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.1%. This significant expansion reflects the growing demand for advanced analytics tools that provide actionable insights. AI has notably enhanced the accuracy of predictive models, enabling marketers to anticipate customer behaviors and preferences with impressive precision. “We’re on the verge of a new era in predictive analytics, with tools like Salesforce Einstein Data Analytics revolutionizing how we harness data-driven insights to transform marketing strategies,” says Koushik Kumar Ganeeb, a Principal Member of Technical Staff at Salesforce Data Cloud and a distinguished Data and AI Architect. Ganeeb’s leadership spans initiatives like AI-powered Salesforce Einstein Data Analytics, Marketing Cloud Connector for Data Cloud, and Intelligence Reporting (Datorama). His expertise includes architecting vast data extraction pipelines that process trillions of transactions daily. These pipelines play a crucial role in the growth strategies of Fortune 500 companies, helping them scale their data operations efficiently by leveraging AI. Ganeeb’s visionary work has propelled Salesforce Einstein Data Analytics into the forefront of business intelligence. Under his guidance, the platform’s advanced capabilities—such as predictive modeling, real-time data analysis, and natural language processing—are now pivotal in transforming how businesses forecast trends, personalize marketing efforts, and make data-driven decisions with unprecedented precision. AI and Machine Learning: The Next Frontier Beginning in 2018, Salesforce Marketing Cloud, a leading engagement platform used by top enterprises, faced challenges in extracting actionable insights and enhancing AI capabilities from rapidly growing data across diverse systems. Ganeeb was tasked with overcoming these hurdles, leading to the development of the Salesforce Einstein Provisioning Process. This process involved the creation of extensive data import jobs and the establishment of standardized patterns based on consumer adoption learning. These automated jobs handle trillions of transactions daily, delivering critical engagement and profile data in real-time to meet the scalability needs of large enterprises. The data flows seamlessly into AI models that generate predictions on a massive scale, such as Engagement Scores and insights into messaging and language usage across the platform. “Integrating AI and machine learning into data analytics through Salesforce Einstein is not just a technological enhancement—it’s a revolutionary shift in how we approach data,” explains Ganeeb. “With our advanced predictive models and real-time data processing, we can analyze vast amounts of data instantly, delivering insights that were previously unimaginable.” This innovative approach empowers organizations to make more informed decisions, driving unprecedented growth and operational efficiency. Real-World Success Stories Under Ganeeb’s technical leadership, Salesforce Einstein Data Analytics has delivered remarkable results across industries by leveraging AI and machine learning to provide actionable insights and enhance business performance. In the past year, leading companies like T-Mobile, Fitbit, and Dell Technologies have reported significant improvements after integrating Einstein. Ganeeb’s proficiency in designing and scaling data engineering solutions has been critical in helping these enterprises optimize performance. “Scalability with Salesforce Einstein Data Analytics goes beyond managing data volumes—it ensures that every data point is converted into actionable insights,” says Ganeeb. His work processing petabytes of data daily underscores his commitment to precision and efficiency in data engineering. Navigating Data Ethics and Quality Despite the rapid growth of predictive analytics, Ganeeb emphasizes the importance of data ethics and quality. “The accuracy of predictive models depends on the integrity of the data,” he notes. Salesforce Einstein Data Analytics addresses this by curating datasets to ensure they are representative and free from bias, maintaining trust while delivering reliable insights. By implementing rigorous data quality checks and ethical considerations, Ganeeb ensures that Einstein Analytics not only delivers actionable insights but also fosters transparency and trust. This balanced approach is key to the responsible use of predictive analytics across various industries. Future Trends in Predictive Analytics The future of predictive analytics looks bright, with AI and machine learning poised to further refine the accuracy and utility of predictive models. “Success lies in embracing technological advancements while maintaining a human touch,” Ganeeb notes. “By combining AI-driven insights with human intuition, businesses can navigate market complexities and uncover new opportunities.” Ganeeb’s contributions to Salesforce Einstein Data Analytics exemplify this balanced approach, integrating cutting-edge technology with human insight to empower businesses to make strategic decisions. His work positions organizations to thrive in a data-driven world, helping them stay agile and competitive in an evolving market. Balancing Benefits and Challenges – Predictive Analytics While predictive analytics offers vast potential, Ganeeb recognizes the challenges. Ensuring data quality, addressing ethical concerns, and maintaining transparency are crucial for its responsible use. “Although challenges remain, the future of AI-based predictive analytics is promising,” Ganeeb asserts. His work with Salesforce Einstein Data Analytics continues to push the boundaries of marketing analytics, enabling businesses to harness the power of AI for transformative 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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Salesforce AI Agents Explained

Salesforce AI Agents Explained

Salesforce’s AI Agents: Revolutionizing Enterprise Sales and Service for the Future In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), Salesforce continues to lead the charge, transforming enterprise operations with cutting-edge AI agents. With the introduction of Agentforce, Salesforce is not just enhancing sales and service departments but reshaping business processes across sectors. This comprehensive exploration highlights how Salesforce’s AI agents are changing the game, offering enterprise-level executives insights into their revolutionary potential. Salesforce AI Agents Explained. AI Agents: Beyond Autonomous Vehicles A fitting analogy to grasp the progression of AI agents is the evolution of autonomous vehicles. Just as self-driving cars advance from basic driver assistance to full autonomy, AI agents evolve from simple automation to more complex decision-making. Salesforce’s Chief Product Officer, David Schmaier, draws this comparison: “In the autonomous driving world, we have levels of autonomy, from level zero to level five. AI agents for enterprises follow a similar path.” At the core of this evolution is what Salesforce defines as the “agentic” phase of AI. Unlike generative AI that follows instructions to create content, agentic AI autonomously determines and takes actions based on broader goals. Schmaier notes, “We’re at the point where AI not only creates content but takes strategic actions. It’s like having an infinite pool of interns handling mundane tasks so human employees can focus on higher-value activities.” Agentforce: Salesforce’s Next-Generation AI Platform Agentforce is the latest addition to Salesforce’s AI arsenal, unveiled during their Q2 ’25 earnings call and now positioned as a significant milestone in AI development. With Agentforce, organizations can build and manage autonomous agents for tasks across various business functions—not just customer service. This versatility is highlighted by Marc Benioff, Salesforce’s CEO, who described the energy around Agentforce during a recent briefing as “palpable.” Agentforce builds on Salesforce’s data management, security, and customization expertise, uniting these capabilities into an AI framework. Schmaier explains, “It’s about creating trusted, enterprise-ready agents, not just deploying a large language model. We’ve developed over 100 out-of-the-box use cases, from sales account summaries to service reply recommendations, all customizable and easy to deploy.” Agentforce “In Every App” A key announcement is the integration of Agentforce in every app across Salesforce’s product suite, including Sales, Service, Marketing, and Commerce Agents. The Atlas reasoning engine, Agent Builder, and a partner network were also introduced to further enhance its capabilities. The Atlas Reasoning Engine acts as the “brain” behind Agentforce, autonomously generating plans and refining them based on actions it needs to perform, such as running business processes or engaging customers through preferred channels. What Makes an AI Agent? Salesforce AI Agents Explained Building an AI agent with Agentforce requires five key elements: These components leverage existing Salesforce infrastructure, making it easier for businesses to deploy agents through Agent Builder, which is part of the new Agentforce Studio. Agents vs. Chatbots Unlike traditional chatbots, which provide pre-programmed responses, Salesforce’s AI agents use large language models (LLMs) and generative AI to interpret and autonomously execute customer requests based on CRM data. This distinction allows AI agents to perform tasks that go beyond simple queries, driving efficiency in customer service, sales, and other business areas. Practical Applications: Sales, Service, and Marketing Salesforce’s AI agents offer tangible business benefits. For instance, Sales Agent, available as both a Sales Development Representative (SDR) and Sales Coach, automates lead nurturing and inquiry management. It utilizes CRM data to deliver personalized pitches, handle objections, and even suggest meeting times—freeing sales teams to focus on more strategic tasks. In customer service, AI agents manage routine inquiries, allowing human representatives to address more complex customer needs. In marketing, AI agents generate data-driven insights to personalize campaigns, improving customer engagement and conversion rates. The Security and Trust Foundation Security and trust remain core to Salesforce’s approach to AI. The Einstein Trust Layer ensures that data protection, privacy, and ethical guidelines are maintained throughout AI interactions. Schmaier emphasizes, “Our platform defines what data agents can access and how they use it, adhering to strict data integrity standards.” The Trust Layer also prevents AI from training on customer data without consent, ensuring transparency and security. A Partnership Between Humans and AI-Salesforce AI Agents Explained Salesforce’s vision emphasizes the synergy between human employees and AI agents. As Schmaier points out, “AI agents handle routine tasks and deliver insights, allowing employees to focus on more creative and strategic work.” This human-AI partnership boosts productivity and innovation, ultimately improving business outcomes. The Future of AI in Business As AI technology advances, Salesforce is already working on next-generation capabilities for Agentforce, including predictive analytics and more sophisticated autonomous agents. Schmaier forecasts, “These agents will handle a wider range of tasks and provide deeper insights and recommendations.” With Agentforce launching in October 2024, businesses can expect significant returns on investment, thanks to its cost-efficient model starting at $2 per conversation. In summary, Salesforce’s Agentforce is a game-changing innovation, blending AI and human intelligence to transform sales, service, and marketing. As more details unfold, it’s clear that Agentforce will redefine the future of business operations—driving efficiency, personalization, and strategic success. Like1 Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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AI in Performance Management

AI in Performance Management

AI in Performance Management: Benefits and Use Cases AI is making its way into all aspects of the workplace, and performance management is no exception. While the technology can streamline performance reviews and enhance feedback quality, HR leaders should be mindful of potential drawbacks, such as impersonal or overly generic feedback. Here’s a look at how AI can be used in performance management, along with its advantages and some challenges to consider. 4 Benefits of Using AI in Performance Management AI can offer several advantages for companies in terms of improving employee feedback and overall performance. Here are four key benefits: 1. Faster Employee Feedback Creation AI can help managers draft initial feedback for employees, saving time and effort. By setting parameters like years in the role or specific job metrics, AI-generated feedback can be more accurate. However, managers should review and personalize the feedback to ensure it feels relevant and human. 2. Enhanced Feedback Quality AI tools can analyze performance review drafts, identifying issues like repetitive wording, biased language, or inappropriate tone. By refining the text, AI helps managers deliver more thoughtful and effective feedback. 3. Better Reporting and Dashboards AI can analyze performance data and generate reports or dashboards, providing senior leaders and HR teams with a clear overview of employee performance. This capability is especially useful for large companies with substantial data, helping decision-makers track progress and identify trends. 4. Boosted Employee Performance By simplifying the review process, AI can encourage managers to provide feedback more frequently. Regular, timely feedback keeps employees focused, motivated, and aligned with company goals, enhancing their development and overall experience. 4 Use Cases for AI in Performance Management AI’s role in performance management goes beyond feedback creation. Here are four specific ways AI can streamline the process: 1. Employee Data Analysis AI can aggregate and analyze various employee data sources—such as past performance reviews or internal communications—summarizing key insights for managers. This saves time spent on manual data gathering, though managers should still verify the data and focus on the most relevant information. 2. Generating Discussion Topics AI can generate discussion prompts for managers to use in one-on-one meetings with employees, such as future career goals or project challenges. While this saves time, managers should tailor the AI suggestions to the individual employee to ensure relevance. 3. Career Path Generation AI can suggest potential career paths for employees, pointing out skills or training required for advancement. While helpful, managers should rely on company-specific career progression frameworks when available, as these tend to be more tailored to the organization’s needs. 4. Feedback Reminders AI can automatically remind managers to provide feedback to their direct reports, helping maintain a regular cadence of performance reviews. Additionally, AI can flag anomalies in feedback frequency, ensuring that employees receive consistent input throughout the year. Key Takeaways for HR Leaders While AI can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of performance management, it’s essential to remember that human oversight is critical. AI can automate processes and improve feedback, but managers should always review AI-generated content for accuracy and appropriateness to maintain a personal connection with their employees. By leveraging AI thoughtfully, companies can improve performance management processes, offer more frequent feedback, and drive better employee outcomes. 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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Salesforce to Enhance AI-Powered Tools With Tenyx

Salesforce to Enhance AI-Powered Tools With Tenyx

Salesforce to Acquire Tenyx, Enhancing AI-Powered Solutions Salesforce has announced its decision to acquire Tenyx, a California-based startup specializing in AI-driven voice agents. This acquisition aims to bolster Salesforce’s AI capabilities and further its commitment to enhancing customer service through innovative technology. The deal, set to close in the third quarter of 2024, will integrate Tenyx’s advanced voice AI solutions with Salesforce’s existing services. About Tenyx Founded in 2022, Tenyx has quickly established itself in various industries including e-commerce, healthcare, hospitality, and travel. The startup, led by CEO Itamar Arel and CTO Adam Earle, is renowned for developing AI voice agents that create natural and engaging conversational experiences. Salesforce’s Strategic Move This acquisition is part of Salesforce’s broader strategy to reinvigorate its growth and strengthen its AI capabilities. Following a year of focus on share buybacks and a reduction in acquisitions under pressure from activist investors, Salesforce is now pivoting to integrate cutting-edge technology. This move reflects a renewed emphasis on acquiring top-tier AI talent to drive innovation and maintain a competitive edge. Industry Context The acquisition aligns Salesforce with a growing trend in the tech industry, where major players like Microsoft and Amazon are also investing heavily in AI. Microsoft recently acquired talent from AI startup Inflection for $650 million, while Amazon brought in co-founders and employees from Adept. These strategic acquisitions highlight the escalating competition for AI expertise and tools. What This Means for Salesforce With Tenyx’s technology, Salesforce will enhance its AI-powered solutions, particularly within its Agentforce Service Agent platform. This integration aims to deliver more intuitive and seamless customer interactions, setting new standards in customer experience. Conclusion Salesforce’s acquisition of Tenyx is a strategic move to advance its AI-driven solutions and maintain its leadership in customer service technology. By integrating Tenyx’s innovative voice AI, Salesforce is positioned to redefine customer engagement and service standards. The deal is expected to close by the end of the third quarter of Salesforce’s fiscal year 2025, concluding on October 31, 2024, pending customary closing conditions. 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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Adopting Salesforce Security Policies

Adopting Salesforce Security Policies

Data breaches reached an all-time high in 2023, affecting more than 234 million individuals, and there’s no sign of the trend slowing down. At the center of this challenge is how organizations allocate resources to safeguard customer data. One of the most critical systems for managing this data is CRM platforms like Salesforce, used by over 150,000 U.S. businesses. However, security blind spots within Salesforce continue to pose significant risks. To address these concerns, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) offers a strategic framework for Salesforce security teams. In February 2024, NIST released Version 2.0 of its Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), marking the first major update in a decade. Key improvements include the introduction of a new “Govern” function, streamlining of categories to simplify usability, and updates to the “Respond” function to enhance incident management. This framework now applies across all industries, not just critical infrastructure. For Salesforce security leaders, these changes will significantly affect how they manage security, from aligning Salesforce practices with enterprise risk strategies to strengthening oversight of third-party apps. Here’s how these updates will influence Salesforce security going forward. What is the NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0? The NIST Cybersecurity Framework, first launched in 2014, was developed after an executive order by President Obama, aiming to provide a standardized set of guidelines to improve cybersecurity across critical infrastructure. The framework’s objectives include: The newly updated NIST CSF 2.0, released in 2024, expands on the original framework, providing organizations with structured, yet flexible, guidance for managing cybersecurity risks. It revolves around three core components: the CSF Core, CSF Profiles, and CSF Tiers. Key Components of NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 These components help organizations understand, assess, and improve their cybersecurity posture, forming the basis for risk-informed strategies that align with organizational needs and the evolving threat landscape. Key Updates in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 and Their Impact on Salesforce Security The 2024 updates to NIST CSF offer insights that Salesforce security leaders can use to align their strategies with evolving cybersecurity risks. Implementation Strategies for Salesforce Security Leaders To incorporate CSF 2.0 into Salesforce security operations, leaders should: Conclusion: Embracing NIST CSF 2.0 to Strengthen Salesforce Security The 2024 NIST Cybersecurity Framework updates offer crucial insights for Salesforce security leaders. By adopting these practices, organizations can enhance data protection, strengthen incident response capabilities, and ensure business continuity—critical for those relying on Salesforce for managing sensitive customer data. 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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Citizen Development

Citizen Development

As we progress through the era of digital transformation, citizen development has emerged as a key trend in the business landscape. This approach empowers end-users to create their applications, streamlining workflows and reshaping corporate operations. However, like any innovation, citizen development presents both advantages and challenges. In this article, we will explore the benefits, pros and cons of citizen development, and strategies to effectively leverage it within your organization. 1. The Rise of Citizen Development The popularity of citizen development is on the rise, as reflected by Statista, which reports a remarkable 24.6% growth in this sector since 2020. The increasing demand for software solutions in the corporate environment has made the traditional model of IT departments solely managing application development unsustainable. By enabling non-technical personnel to develop their applications, businesses can relieve pressure on IT teams, speed up solution delivery, and cultivate a more agile business model. Furthermore, investing in citizen development platforms fosters an inclusive and innovative workplace, allowing diverse perspectives to generate unique applications that meet specific workflow needs. 2. Benefits of Citizen Development for Companies 2.1 Accelerated Pace and Flexibility Citizen development tools facilitate rapid prototyping and quicker application rollouts. Non-technical personnel can design, modify, and launch applications according to immediate needs, enhancing agility and responsiveness. 2.2 Boosted Creativity Empowering your staff to create applications unlocks a wealth of untapped potential. Citizen development nurtures a culture of innovation, leading to tailored solutions that address specific business challenges. 2.3 Tailored App Design Citizen developers, as end-users, possess an in-depth understanding of their workflow requirements. This perspective enables them to develop applications that align closely with user needs, improving adoption and utility. 2.4 Heightened Productivity By reducing the back-and-forth between IT departments and end-users, citizen development streamlines operations, leading to enhanced efficiency. 2.5 Cost-Effectiveness Citizen development significantly cuts costs associated with traditional application development, such as hiring professional developers or outsourcing tasks. Rapid application rollouts also help seize business opportunities quickly, optimizing ROI. 2.6 Reduced Workload for IT Staff Enabling non-technical personnel to handle minor application development tasks lightens the load on IT teams, allowing them to focus on high-priority projects. 2.7 Enhanced Visibility and Accountability Many citizen development platforms include built-in analytics and reporting features, offering insights into application usage and performance. This transparency helps businesses track initiatives, make data-driven decisions, and continuously improve processes. 3. Implementing Citizen Development with Salesforce Solutions Given its extensive benefits, citizen development is a strategy many businesses are eager to adopt. Salesforce provides a powerful platform to effectively harness citizen development. Salesforce’s platform caters to both professional and citizen developers, offering a comprehensive suite of user-friendly tools for building applications and managing workflows. With built-in safeguards for data security and regulatory compliance, Salesforce for Public Sector and Tribal Governments ensures a smooth and secure citizen development process. Their clear deployment roadmap and thorough training programs equip businesses for success in their citizen development journey. 4. Partnering with Tectonic for Public Sector and Tribal Government Solutions Consider Tectonic as your trusted partner for PSS solutions. Tectonic is a distinguished provider of technology solutions with extensive expertise in Salesforce and process management. With a proven track record of successful projects, Tectonic has earned the trust of clients globally. Tectonic maintains a close partnership with Salesforce, ensuring a deep understanding of its advanced features, including process automation. As a Salesforce partner, Tectonic keeps clients updated on the latest advancements, delivering cutting-edge solutions tailored to their specific needs. By selecting Tectonic as your implementation partner for public sector Salesforce, you benefit from their vast experience and specialized knowledge. Tectonic provides a dedicated public sector team that excels in implementing secure and efficient solutions, working closely with our clients to address their unique challenges. Tectonic offers a comprehensive range of services, from initial implementation to ongoing support and maintenance. Their offerings include process modeling, application design, automation implementation, and roles management. With Tectonic’s expertise, you can ensure seamless integration of automation into your pss projects. To learn more about Tectonic’s public sector services, visit our services page, where you can explore their offerings, including Salesforce Managed Services. Tectonic’s Managed Services provide full support to ensure your public sector environment runs smoothly, covering automation management, data governance, and performance optimization. 5. Final Thoughts While citizen development presents both advantages and challenges, the benefits largely outweigh the potential drawbacks. Although there are concerns about data security and the need for proper governance, the positive impact of citizen development makes it a vital component of the digital transformation narrative. Successful implementation hinges on selecting the right platform and tools that align with your business model and workflow needs. Salesforce Public Sector Solution excels in this regard, offering a user-friendly suite of tools with a clear roadmap for deployment and top-notch support. Brining your public sector tech into the 21st century is an imperative. To fully realize the benefits of citizen development, businesses must strike a balance between empowerment and control. Establishing an environment that fosters innovation and efficiency, while also implementing a governance structure to mitigate risks, is essential. With careful planning, the right tools, and a culture of collaboration, the rewards of citizen development can be substantial. Whether you’re looking to enhance speed and agility, optimize costs, or cultivate a culture of innovation, citizen development offers a promising pathway forward. Embrace citizen development in Salesforce PSS, and set your business on the road to success. If you have any questions about implementing Salesforce Public Sector Solutions and its benefits, feel free to contact us to discuss your project. 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

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Strong AI Scalability

Strong AI Scalability

The rapid pace of digital transformation has made scalability essential for any business looking to remain competitive. The stakes are high—without the ability to scale, businesses risk falling behind as customer demands and market conditions shift. So, what does it take to build a scalable business that can grow without compromising performance or customer satisfaction? In this Tectonic insight, we’ll cover key steps to future-proof your operations, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure your business doesn’t just keep pace with the market, but leads it. Master Scalability with Scale Center Scalability doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Salesforce’s Scale Center, available on Trailhead, provides a comprehensive learning path to help you optimize your scalability strategy. Why Scalability Is a Must-Have Scalability is critical to long-term success. As your business grows, so will the demands on your applications, infrastructure, and resources. If your systems aren’t prepared, you risk performance issues, outages, lost revenue, and dissatisfied customers. Unexpected spikes in demand—from increased customer activity or internal changes like onboarding large numbers of employees—can push systems to their limits, leading to overloads or downtime. A strong scalability plan helps prevent these issues. Here are three best practices to help scale your operations smoothly and sustainably. 1. Prioritize Proactive Scale Testing Scale testing should be a key part of your application lifecycle. Many businesses wait until performance issues arise before addressing them, which can result in maintenance headaches, poor user experiences, and challenges in supporting growth. Proactive steps to take: 2. Use the Right Tools for Seamless Scalability Choosing the right technology is crucial when scaling your business. Equip your team with tools that support growth management, and follow these tips for success: By integrating the right tools and technologies, you’ll not only stay ahead of the curve but also build a culture ready to scale. 3. Focus on Sustainable Growth Strategies Scaling requires a long-term approach. From development to deployment, a strategy that emphasizes scalability from the outset can help you avoid costly fixes down the road. Key practices include: DevOps Done Right Building secure, scalable AI applications and agents requires bridging the gap between tools and skills. Focus on crafting a thoughtful DevOps strategy that supports scalability. Scalability: A Marathon, Not a Sprint Scaling effectively is an ongoing process. Customer needs and market conditions will continue to change, so your strategies should evolve as well. Scalability is about more than just handling increased demand—it’s about ensuring stability and performance across the board. Consider these steps to enhance your approach: Committing to Scalability Scalability isn’t a one-time achievement—it’s a continuous commitment to growing smarter and stronger across all areas of your business. By embedding best practices into your day-to-day operations, you’ll ensure that your systems meet demand and prepare your business for future breakthroughs. As you develop your scalability strategy, remember that customer experience and trust should always guide your decisions. Tackling scalability proactively ensures your business can thrive no matter how market conditions change. It’s more than just a bonus feature—it’s a critical element of a smoother user experience, reduced costs, and the flexibility to pivot when necessary. By embracing these strategies, you’ll not only avoid potential challenges but also build lasting trust with your customers. In a world where loyalty is earned through exceptional experiences, a strong scalability plan is your key to long-term success. 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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Data Quality Critical

Data Quality Critical

Data quality has never been more critical, and it’s only set to grow in importance with each passing year. The reason? The rise of AI—particularly generative AI. Generative AI offers transformative benefits, from vastly improved efficiency to the broader application of data in decision-making. But these advllucantages hinge on the quality of data feeding the AI. For enterprises to fully capitalize on generative AI, the data driving models and applications must be accurate. If the data is flawed, so are the AI’s outputs. Generative AI models require vast amounts of data to produce accurate responses. Their outputs aren’t based on isolated data points but on aggregated data. Even if the data is high-quality, an insufficient volume could result in an incorrect output, known as an AI hallucination. With so much data needed, automating data pipelines is essential. However, with automation comes the challenge: humans can’t monitor every data point along the pipeline. That makes it imperative to ensure data quality from the outset and to implement output checks along the way, as noted by David Menninger, an analyst at ISG’s Ventana Research. Ignoring data quality when deploying generative AI can lead to not just inaccuracies but biased or even offensive outcomes. “As we’re deploying more and more generative AI, if you’re not paying attention to data quality, you run the risks of toxicity, of bias,” Menninger warns. “You’ve got to curate your data before training the models and do some post-processing to ensure the quality of the results.” Enterprises are increasingly recognizing this, with leaders like Saurabh Abhyankar, chief product officer at MicroStrategy, and Madhukar Kumar, chief marketing officer at SingleStore, noting the heightened emphasis on data quality, not just in terms of accuracy but also security and transparency. The rise of generative AI is driving this urgency. Generative AI’s potential to lower barriers to analytics and broaden access to data has made it a game-changer. Traditional analytics tools have been difficult to master, often requiring coding skills and data literacy training. Despite efforts to simplify these tools, widespread adoption has been limited. Generative AI, however, changes the game by enabling natural language interactions, making it easier for employees to engage with data and derive insights. With AI-powered tools, the efficiency gains are undeniable. Generative AI can take on repetitive tasks, generate code, create data pipelines, and even document processes, allowing human workers to focus on higher-level tasks. Abhyankar notes that this could be as transformational for knowledge workers as the industrial revolution was for manual labor. However, this potential is only achievable with high-quality data. Without it, AI-driven decision-making at scale could lead to ethical issues, misinformed actions, and significant consequences, especially when it comes to individual-level decisions like credit approvals or healthcare outcomes. Ensuring data quality is challenging, but necessary. Organizations can use AI-powered tools to monitor data quality, detect irregularities, and alert users to potential issues. However, as advanced as AI becomes, human oversight remains critical. A hybrid approach, where technology augments human expertise, is essential for ensuring that AI models and applications deliver reliable outputs. As Kumar of SingleStore emphasizes, “Hybrid means human plus AI. There are things AI is really good at, like repetition and automation, but when it comes to quality, humans are still better because they have more context.” Ultimately, while AI offers unprecedented opportunities, it’s clear that data quality is the foundation. Without it, the risks are too great, and the potential benefits could turn into unintended consequences. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more 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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Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud Focuses Resources

Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud Focuses Resources

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) is currently exploring how to harness the AI capabilities within Salesforce’s Nonprofit Cloud to enhance its mission-driven services. Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud Focuses Resources allowing PanCan to focus on cancer. Pancreatic cancer is among the most aggressive and deadly forms of cancer, with a five-year survival rate of just 12.8% in the U.S. Despite accounting for only 3.3% of new cancer cases, it is responsible for 8.5% of all cancer-related deaths, making it the third leading cause of cancer mortality after lung and colon cancer. Founded in 1999, PanCAN is dedicated to researching this devastating disease and advocating for patients nationwide. The organization also provides critical information and resources to help patients make informed decisions, thereby supporting a community of patients and their families. One of PanCAN’s key services is connecting patients with specialists in their area. Julie Fleshman, President, CEO, and PanCAN’s first employee, emphasizes the importance of this program: “Our patient service program, particularly our call center, is the cornerstone of what we offer. When someone is diagnosed, they are understandably scared. Our trained case managers provide support and recommend that each patient sees a specialist. We maintain a database of specialists across the U.S. and can provide a list of surgeons or oncologists based on how far patients are willing to travel.” This case management system allows patients and their families to work with the same case manager consistently, ensuring a seamless, free-of-charge service and simplifying the information-gathering process. Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud Focuses Resources PanCAN also helps patients find clinical trials in their area, an essential service given the current state of treatment for pancreatic cancer. Nonprofit Cloud focuses on technical resources allowing PanCAN to focus on patient services. Fleshman explains: “Clinical trials often offer the most cutting-edge treatments, which is why we recommend patients consider them. We maintain a database of trials and can quickly inform patients of their options during phone consultations. This allows them to discuss potential trials with their physician and determine the best course of action.” Evolving Technology to Better Serve Patients PanCAN’s initial case management system was developed in-house about a decade ago. As it neared the end of its life, searches could take up to two hours, prompting the organization to seek a more efficient solution. PanCAN enlisted a Salesforce consulting partner to evaluate options and develop a technology strategy aligned with its goals. In June, a new system based on Salesforce’s Nonprofit Cloud Person Accounts module was launched. The new system has significantly reduced the time required to search for information, enabling case managers to assist more patients daily—a crucial improvement given the projected 66,440 new pancreatic cancer diagnoses in the U.S. this year alone. Additionally, the system’s user-friendliness has led to higher job satisfaction among employees. Fleshman stresses the importance of involving a multifunctional team in the implementation process: “It’s essential to be clear about your objectives from the start, but it’s equally important to include the right people. If we had only involved the patient services team and not the tech team responsible for maintenance and security, or the finance team whose system needed to integrate with ours, the project would have been siloed and incomplete.” Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud Focuses Resources and Solutions for Nonprofits The updated system includes advanced features like the OmniStudio process automation tool, which has streamlined the patient questionnaire process, and an integrated data processing engine capable of saving multiple records simultaneously. Leveraging AI to Enhance Impact Looking ahead, PanCAN is assessing how to leverage the AI capabilities within Salesforce’s Nonprofit Cloud to further enhance its services. Fleshman outlines the next steps: “Providing information and resources to patients is crucial, but we also need to use data to optimize our programs and allocate our resources effectively. We hope AI will help us analyze data to better understand our impact and patient experiences. For instance, AI could reveal trends in how often we refer patients to specific doctors or studies, identify gaps in our services, or highlight areas where we should focus more of our efforts. Understanding these factors will help us allocate our time, energy, and resources more efficiently.” Despite the benefits, managing change has been key to addressing employee concerns about AI potentially threatening their jobs. Fleshman notes: “While there was excitement about getting a faster, more efficient tool, there was also anxiety about job security. Our focus was on demonstrating how AI could enhance our ability to provide better reports and insights rather than replacing jobs. We believe that even the best tools are useless if people aren’t trained to use them effectively.” A Vision for the Future PanCAN has developed a five-year technology roadmap that includes upgrading its grant management and financial systems, as well as introducing marketing applications to better understand its target audience, improve outreach, and personalize interactions. As Fleshman concludes: “Our executive team recognizes that without cutting-edge technology, we won’t achieve our ambitious goals. In our sector, technology often gets deprioritized, but updating systems allows us to deliver our mission more productively and efficiently, ultimately better serving those we’re here to help.” Our Take According to Salesforce’s sixth Nonprofit Trends Report, many charities view AI with a mix of optimism, curiosity, and caution. PanCAN’s approach to adopting AI—focusing on its potential to optimize resources and better support patients—demonstrates the organization’s forward-thinking and commitment to its mission. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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