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Public Sector Spring 25 Advances
24Jan

Public Sector Spring 25 Advances

The Salesforce Spring ’25 Release: Transforming Public Sector Operations The Salesforce Spring ’25 release has arrived, bringing transformative updates to public sector workflows, including faster document generation, AI-powered household insights, and smarter grantmaking processes. At Tectonic, we’re passionate about driving digital transformation for our clients. Here’s a deep dive into the key enhancements and how they can elevate your public sector operations. 1. Faster, More Flexible Document Generation OmniStudio Document Generation 2.0 introduces significant improvements in speed and flexibility for public sector workflows. With higher batch limits, support for custom fonts, and a document previewer, teams can generate documents more efficiently and accurately. Whether you’re managing applications, approvals, or citizen communications, this update reduces processing times and enhances overall workflows. This transition also improves performance by moving PDF generation from client-side to server-side, ensuring a seamless upgrade with minimal regression impact. The enhanced functionality makes it easier to handle high-demand periods and large document volumes. Pro Tip: Transition to OmniStudio Document Generation 2.0 before Document Generation 1.0 is retired in July 2025. Use the preview tool to refine templates during peak times. 2. AI-Powered Household Overviews for Caseworkers Salesforce Generative AI introduces a new household overview feature, empowering caseworkers with detailed insights into benefit applicants’ households. This tool streamlines eligibility assessments, enabling faster and more accurate decisions. It even automates energy savings calculations for Clean Energy Programs, aligning citizen support with sustainability goals. By simplifying data collection and decision-making, caseworkers can focus on high-priority cases, ensuring faster and more equitable approvals. Pro Tip: Pair this feature with Energy Cloud insights to enhance decision-making and allocate resources more effectively for citizens in need. 3. Supercharge Grantmaking with Stage Management Stage Management automates key grantmaking tasks, ensuring compliance and improving efficiency. Grant managers can bulk-assign reviews, reducing manual workload and freeing up time for high-priority tasks. This feature provides better control by defining each stage of the grant process, enabling faster and more accurate progress. With automated workflows and robust progress tracking, Stage Management ensures timely execution of grant operations. Pro Tip: Use automated workflows to manage multiple grants simultaneously, ensuring deadlines are met and every stage is completed on time. 4. Empower Employees with Personalized Care Plans Spring ’25 introduces personalized care plans, a game-changer for public sector organizations. These plans allow agencies to create and assign tailored growth and well-being strategies for employees. By setting customizable goals and aligning benefits with individual needs, organizations can foster a supportive work environment that drives employee engagement and retention. This targeted approach enhances morale and supports professional development, making it invaluable for workforce motivation and talent retention. Pro Tip: Use personalized care plans during onboarding to set new hires up for success or integrate them into professional development initiatives for ongoing growth and engagement. 5. Unified Voice Routing for Seamless Citizen Interaction (Beta) Unified Voice Routing consolidates communication channels in Salesforce, streamlining citizen interactions. By routing voice calls based on skills or specific representatives, public sector teams can reduce wait times and deliver more effective service. This feature also introduces a new Reassign button, enabling teams to transfer work between queues, service reps, AI agents, skills, or Omni-Channel flows. Reassigned tasks are automatically routed to the correct destination. Pro Tip: Combine Unified Voice Routing with Amazon Connect to route calls to the most qualified representatives, ensuring quick and effective resolutions. Conclusion The Salesforce Spring ’25 updates are a game-changer for public sector organizations, enabling teams to deliver faster, more efficient, and more impactful services. From AI-powered household insights to smarter grantmaking and seamless communication, these tools empower organizations to better serve their communities. At Tectonic, we’re excited to help you leverage these updates to optimize your operations and make a greater impact in your community. Want to learn more about how these tools can transform your workflows? Contact us today, and let’s explore the possibilities together! 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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January 24, 2025in Data, Generative AI, Salesforce0 Comments
Agentforce for Retail
21Jan

Agentforce for Retail

Salesforce Introduces Agentforce for Retail: A Sector-Specific Skills Library for AI Innovation Salesforce has unveiled Agentforce for Retail, an industry-specific skills library designed to empower retailers to develop AI agents tailored to their unique business needs. This release provides tools for retailers to enhance customer service, assist store associates, and engage customers in innovative ways. For example, AI agents can now automate and streamline processes like order management, guided shopping, and appointment scheduling. While Salesforce had previously launched 100 preconfigured, industry-specific AI agents for the core Agentforce platform, this new retail-focused release represents a shift toward providing specialized tools that enable retailers to build AI agents with greater precision and flexibility. Driving Seamless, Unified Retail Experiences Nitin Mangtani, SVP & GM of Retail at Salesforce, described the vision behind Agentforce for Retail: “Salesforce is helping retailers deliver seamless, unified shopping experiences across both the physical and digital realms of retail, driving productivity advancements and business growth across their entire enterprise.” This move aligns with Salesforce’s broader commitment to delivering sector-specific AI innovations, expanding the Agentforce offering into targeted solutions that meet the distinct demands of industries like retail. Agentforce for Retail: Core Capabilities Commerce Skills for Order Management These skills empower retailers to offer self-service order support, helping reduce costs while boosting customer loyalty. Customers can: Commerce Skills for Guided Shopping Using natural language, customers can receive personalized product recommendations based on behavior, inventory, and operational data. They can also: Field Service Skills for Appointment Scheduling Service representatives can use AI-powered tools to streamline the scheduling of deliveries, installations, or consultations. Real-time availability updates improve efficiency and enhance customer satisfaction. Marketing Skills for Loyalty Promotion Creation Marketers can use conversational prompts informed by shopper data, point-of-sale (POS) insights, and segmentation to design loyalty campaigns. These tools also assist in creating personalized email content and subject lines to drive higher engagement. Retail Cloud with Modern POS: A Complementary Innovation In addition to Agentforce for Retail, Salesforce announced the Retail Cloud with Modern POS, a cloud-based point-of-sale solution designed to unify online and offline shopping experiences. Key features include: The POS system also incorporates AI capabilities such as: Shoppers benefit from flexible fulfillment options, including buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS) and omni-exchanges. Each cart item can have unique fulfillment methods, optimizing supply chain costs while enhancing convenience. Mangtani noted, “Together, AI-fueled digital labor and a modern POS can unlock a new scale of operational capacity for retailers.” The Evolution of Agentforce: A Platform for Digital Labor In late 2024, Salesforce launched Agentforce 2.0, branding it as “The Digital Labor Platform.” This expanded version introduced enhanced capabilities aimed at helping businesses streamline operations and adopt AI-driven automation on a larger scale. Agentforce for Retail builds on this foundation, offering retailers the tools to reimagine customer engagement, boost efficiency, and drive business growth. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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January 21, 2025in Agentforce Platform, Data, Enterprise, Salesforce0 Comments
Native Salesforce App to Simplify Event Management
20Jan

Native Salesforce App to Simplify Event Management

Why a Native Salesforce App Changes Everything Streamlined Event Operations Blackthorn.io’s platform eliminates the need for external integrations by operating entirely within Salesforce. This means event data—registrations, payments, and attendee interactions—is instantly accessible and linked to existing CRM records in real-time. Case in Point: USC Marshall School of Business Facing inefficiencies in manual data entry and registration processes, USC Marshall School adopted Blackthorn.io’s solution. They leveraged branded event pages, automated attendee check-ins, and simplified scaling for admissions events. The Salesforce-native architecture streamlined data analysis, ensuring a single source of truth and improving follow-ups with prospective students. Harnessing Salesforce Data for Personalization Blackthorn.io’s platform empowers organizations to personalize event experiences using CRM data. For example: Traditional event tech systems only pull basic fields into Salesforce. In contrast, Blackthorn.io leverages all standard and custom Salesforce fields, enabling planners to design deeply personalized event experiences. Addressing Integration Challenges Event planners often face inefficiencies caused by integrating third-party platforms with Salesforce, such as data flow disruptions, duplicate management, and delays. Blackthorn.io removes these obstacles by unifying event data with CRM data. This seamless approach enables real-time management of everything from registration to post-event follow-ups, cutting hours of manual work. 🔔🔔  Follow us on LinkedIn  🔔🔔 Applications Across Industries Corporate Events Higher Education Healthcare Nonprofits Associations AI and Automation: Redefining Event Planning Leverage Salesforce AI Blackthorn.io taps into Salesforce’s AI capabilities to deliver advanced insights, such as correlating event attendance with conversion likelihood. This reduces planning time and enhances decision-making. AgentForce AI AgentForce from SalesforceLaunching in 2025, Blackthorn.io’s upcoming AgentForce-based AI will analyze multiple data sources for insights beyond traditional reporting. It will answer questions like, “Which events are most effective for donor acquisition?” Scaling with Personalization Key Features Clients Love The Blackthorn Advantage By operating natively within Salesforce, Blackthorn.io simplifies event management while empowering organizations to deliver personalized, data-driven experiences. Its unified approach to event data eliminates inefficiencies, scales effortlessly, and opens up new opportunities for meaningful engagement across industries. Ready to transform your event management? Discover the power of Blackthorn.io with Tectonic and start planning smarter today. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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January 20, 2025in Agentforce Platform, Data, Generative AI, Google, Salesforce0 Comments
Salesforce Foundations
17Jan

Salesforce Foundations

We are excited that Agentforce Service Agents are now live! Agentforce Service Agent is the autonomous conversational AI assistant to help your customers with their service and support needs. What does this mean for Foundations Customers?Salesforce Foundations is required for all customers in order to try or buy Agentforce. Additionally, customers who have Foundations can try Agentforce Agents for free with a limited number of credits to test a use case or deploy a proof of concept. Salesforce Foundations is not a product or add-on. It’s a multi-cloud feature set that will be added to Sales and Service Cloud — no integration needed, with no additional upfront cost for our customers. It includes foundational features from Sales, Service, Marketing, Commerce, and Data Cloud. Salesforce Foundations provides a 360-degree view of your customer relationships across sales, service, marketing, and commerce through integrated applications and unified data. It also boosts productivity with streamlined, visually friendly user interface improvements, that you can turn on or off per your requirements. If you’re a Salesforce Sales Cloud or Service Cloud customer, you’ve become accustomed to the power, convenience, and full-featured functionality of our trusted CRM. Adding the additional functionality and engagement capabilities of a new Salesforce Cloud is exciting, but it’s also a big change for your organization to consider when you’re not sure about the value it brings. So, what if you could use essential features in the most popular Salesforce Clouds and turn them on when you’re ready? Now you can with Salesforce Foundations. Salesforce Foundations is a new, no-cost addition to your existing CRM that equips you to expand your business reach. The suite gives Salesforce customers on Enterprise, Unlimited, and Einstein 1 editions the power of Data Cloud, and access to essential Salesforce sales, service, Agentforce, marketing, and commerce capabilities. This suite is built into your existing CRM, and provides new functionality to give you a more robust 360-degree view of your customers. This chart shows the Salesforce Foundations features you get with your current Sales Cloud or Service Cloud package. You get Sales for Salesforce Foundations You get Service for Salesforce Foundations You get Marketing for Salesforce Foundations You get Commerce for Salesforce Foundations You get Data Cloud for Salesforce Foundations You get Agentforce for Salesforce Foundations If you already have Sales Cloud * Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes If you already have Service Cloud Yes * Yes Yes Yes Yes If you already have Sales & Service Clouds * * Yes Yes Yes Yes *Your current Salesforce product. Benefits of Salesforce Foundations The features you get with Salesforce Foundations open doors to all sorts of new ways your teams can work more efficiently and engage with your customers on a more personal level. The benefits listed below are only a few of the ways Salesforce Foundations can help your business grow and thrive. Check out Discover Salesforce Foundations to see the full list of capabilities included with Salesforce Foundations. With Salesforce Foundations, your organization benefits from: Sales features that help you take care of your entire sales pipeline, from prospecting to closing. You can manage your leads, opportunities, accounts, and contacts in the preconfigured Sales Console. Service features that make it easy to provide proactive, personalized support to your customers through the preconfigured Service Console. Omni-channel case routing makes sure the most qualified agents work each case, Knowledge Management helps agents provide accurate and relevant help articles to customers, and macros help agents complete repetitive tasks with a single click. Agentforce brings the power of conversational AI to your business. Try out an intelligent, trusted, and customizable AI agent and help your users get more done with Salesforce. Agentforce’s autonomous apps use LLMs and context to assist customers and human agents. Marketing features that allow you to join data from disparate sources, better understand and analyze your customers, and choose how to connect with your audiences. You can create customized marketing campaigns powered by Salesforce Flows to send at the right time. Commerce features that help boost sales with a Direct to Customer (D2C) online storefront. You can define customer experiences like search, carts, and checkout. Pay Now lets you generate secure payment links for customers when opportunities close, so you get paid faster. Data Cloud functionality that creates unified profiles by aggregating data from all of your data sources into a single view so you can better understand your customers. Create customer segments to more accurately target campaigns, analyze your customers, and manage consent data. Data Cloud also powers features so you can send online store order confirmation emails and marketing messages. 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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January 17, 2025in Data, Enterprise, Salesforce, Salesforce Flow, Salesforce Foundations, Salesforce Sales Cloud0 Comments
salesforce agentforce rapid deployment
14Jan

Agentforce: Your Partner in Seamless Customer Experiences

Building Deeper Customer Relationships with Agentforce In today’s competitive landscape, building meaningful relationships with customers is no longer optional—it’s essential. Customers expect brands to know them, anticipate their needs, and deliver seamless, personalized experiences across every interaction. While data and AI have the potential to help marketers achieve these goals, many organizations struggle to realize their full potential. In fact, only 32% of marketers report being completely satisfied with how they use customer data to create relevant experiences, according to our State of Marketing report. So, how can marketers close this gap? Meet Agentforce—a proactive, autonomous application designed to provide specialized, always-on support for employees and customers alike. With Agentforce, marketers can strengthen relationships through personalized conversations, proactive engagement, and seamless customer experiences. 1. Automate Personalized, Two-Way Conversations on WhatsApp Interacting one-on-one with every customer responding to a promotional campaign on WhatsApp has historically been a challenge. Limited chatbot capabilities or a complete lack of response options often resulted in missed opportunities. Agentforce changes the game by introducing a customer-facing AI agent that acts as a personal concierge directly within WhatsApp. Imagine a customer receiving an exclusive offer for a product they’ve shown interest in. They reply with a question, and the agent instantly provides tailored product recommendations, current promotions, or details about complementary products. If the customer decides to make a purchase, the agent guides them through the entire checkout process—from completing the transaction to sending real-time order updates. For more complex needs, the agent seamlessly transfers the conversation to a human service representative, ensuring continuity. Why it matters: This approach not only increases conversions but also builds customer satisfaction and loyalty through timely, relevant responses. By reducing the workload on support teams, Agentforce delivers a consistent brand experience that feels personal and effortless. 2. Create Personalized Agendas for Event Attendees Events are powerful tools for fostering customer connections and delivering value. However, ensuring attendees find the most relevant sessions and resources can be daunting. Self-guided experiences often result in missed opportunities or abandoned registrations. Agentforce for Marketing solves this by providing personalized, 1:1 assistance to every visitor on your event website. The agent recommends sessions based on visitor interests and helps attendees create personalized agendas. Leveraging past attendance and engagement data, Agentforce curates agendas tailored to each attendee’s priorities, from keynote presentations to breakout sessions. For repeat attendees, it suggests new content based on their history, completing the registration process with their customized agenda. Why it matters: Personalized agendas enhance the event experience, leading to higher satisfaction and loyalty. By making the registration journey seamless, Agentforce reduces bounce rates and builds long-term engagement with your events. 3. Capture and Qualify Leads Effortlessly on Your Website Visitors often abandon self-guided website experiences before converting into leads. With Agentforce, you can proactively engage them by providing tailored product recommendations, exclusive content offers, and opportunities to share contact information. Depending on visitor behavior, the agent might suggest gated assets like case studies or demo videos—or even register them for an event or webinar. For highly engaged prospects, the agent can schedule follow-up meetings with sales reps, ensuring visitors receive immediate value without friction. Why it matters: Automated lead capture accelerates qualification and increases conversions. By guiding visitors to the right solutions and reducing friction, Agentforce nurtures leads naturally, creating higher-quality opportunities and loyal customers. 4. Improve Customer Journeys with Intelligent Reprioritization Balancing customer engagement with respect for their communication preferences is critical. Before customers hit their communication limit, Agentforce can dynamically reprioritize their journey based on both their interests and your business goals. For example, if a customer is close to their communication cap, the agent can prioritize sending a VIP event invitation or product announcement over less relevant messages. This ensures high-value content is delivered at the right time, without overwhelming the customer. Why it matters: Intelligent reprioritization improves conversion rates, reduces unsubscribe rates, and strengthens customer relationships. By ensuring every interaction is timely and relevant, Agentforce helps keep customers engaged without feeling inundated. 5. Reduce Churn with Proactive, Personalized Promotions Retaining customers is just as important as acquiring new ones. Agentforce can identify at-risk customers using churn indicators—such as low engagement or declining purchase frequency—and automatically send tailored promotions. For instance, if a customer’s churn score nears a threshold, the agent can proactively offer a loyalty discount or renewal incentive. It can guide the customer through the redemption process, rekindling their interest before they decide to leave. Why it matters: Proactive retention strategies powered by AI increase customer lifetime value, reduce churn, and foster loyalty. With minimal effort, Agentforce ensures that marketers stay connected to customers who might otherwise disengage. Agentforce: Your Partner in Seamless Customer Experiences More than just an automation tool, Agentforce is an essential partner for delivering the personalized experiences your customers expect. By implementing these use cases, marketers can: Ready to take your marketing strategy to the next level? With Agentforce, meaningful customer relationships are within reach. 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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January 14, 2025in Agentforce Platform, Agentic AI, Data0 Comments
Agentic AI is Here
14Jan

On Premise Gen AI

In 2025, enterprises transitioning generative AI (GenAI) into production after years of experimentation are increasingly considering on-premises deployment as a cost-effective alternative to the cloud. Since OpenAI ignited the AI revolution in late 2022, organizations have tested large language models powering GenAI services on platforms like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud. These experiments demonstrated GenAI’s potential to enhance business operations while exposing the substantial costs of cloud usage. To avoid difficult conversations with CFOs about escalating cloud expenses, CIOs are exploring on-premises AI as a financially viable solution. Advances in software from startups and packaged infrastructure from vendors such as HPE and Dell are making private data centers an attractive option for managing costs. A survey conducted by Menlo Ventures in late 2024 found that 47% of U.S. enterprises with at least 50 employees were developing GenAI solutions in-house. Similarly, Informa TechTarget’s Enterprise Strategy Group reported a rise in enterprises considering on-premises and public cloud equally for new applications—from 37% in 2024 to 45% in 2025. This shift is reflected in hardware sales. HPE reported a 16% revenue increase in AI systems, reaching $1.5 billion in Q4 2024. During the same period, Dell recorded a record .6 billion in AI server orders, with its sales pipeline expanding by over 50% across various customer segments. “Customers are seeking diverse AI-capable server solutions,” noted David Schmidt, senior director of Dell’s PowerEdge server line. While heavily regulated industries have traditionally relied on on-premises systems to ensure data privacy and security, broader adoption is now driven by the need for cost control. Fortune 2000 companies are leading this trend, opting for private infrastructure over the cloud due to more predictable expenses. “It’s not unusual to see cloud bills exceeding 0,000 or even million per month,” said John Annand, an analyst at Info-Tech Research Group. Global manufacturing giant Jabil primarily uses AWS for GenAI development but emphasizes ongoing cost management. “Does moving to the cloud provide a cost advantage? Sometimes it doesn’t,” said CIO May Yap. Jabil employs a continuous cloud financial optimization process to maximize efficiency. On-Premises AI: Technology and Trends Enterprises now have alternatives to cloud infrastructure, including as-a-service solutions like Dell APEX and HPE GreenLake, which offer flexible pay-per-use pricing for AI servers, storage, and networking tailored for private data centers or colocation facilities. “The high cost of cloud drives organizations to seek more predictable expenses,” said Tiffany Osias, vice president of global colocation services at Equinix. Walmart exemplifies in-house AI development, creating tools like a document summarization app for its benefits help desk and an AI assistant for corporate employees. Startups are also enabling enterprises to build AI applications with turnkey solutions. “About 80% of GenAI requirements can now be addressed with push-button solutions from startups,” said Tim Tully, partner at Menlo Ventures. Companies like Ragie (RAG-as-a-service) and Lamatic.ai (GenAI platform-as-a-service) are driving this innovation. Others, like Squid AI, integrate custom AI agents with existing enterprise infrastructure. Open-source frameworks like LangChain further empower on-premises development, offering tools for creating chatbots, virtual assistants, and intelligent search systems. Its extension, LangGraph, adds functionality for building multi-agent workflows. As enterprises develop AI applications internally, consulting services will play a pivotal role. “Companies offering guidance on effective AI tool usage and aligning them with business outcomes will thrive,” Annand said. This evolution in AI deployment highlights the growing importance of balancing technological innovation with financial sustainability. 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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January 14, 2025in Data, Enterprise, Generative AI, Google, Technology0 Comments
Statement Accuracy Prediction based on Language Model Activations
14Jan

Statement Accuracy Prediction based on Language Model Activations

When users first began interacting with ChatGPT, they noticed an intriguing behavior: the model would often reverse its stance when told it was wrong. This raised concerns about the reliability of its outputs. How can users trust a system that appears to contradict itself? Recent research has revealed that large language models (LLMs) not only generate inaccurate information (often referred to as “hallucinations”) but are also aware of their inaccuracies. Despite this awareness, these models proceed to present their responses confidently. Unveiling LLM Awareness of Hallucinations Researchers discovered this phenomenon by analyzing the internal mechanisms of LLMs. Whenever an LLM generates a response, it transforms the input query into a numerical representation and performs a series of computations before producing the output. At intermediate stages, these numerical representations are called “activations.” These activations contain significantly more information than what is reflected in the final output. By scrutinizing these activations, researchers can identify whether the LLM “knows” its response is inaccurate. A technique called SAPLMA (Statement Accuracy Prediction based on Language Model Activations) has been developed to explore this capability. SAPLMA examines the internal activations of LLMs to predict whether their outputs are truthful or not. Why Do Hallucinations Occur? LLMs function as next-word prediction models. Each word is selected based on its likelihood given the preceding words. For example, starting with “I ate,” the model might predict the next words as follows: The issue arises when earlier predictions constrain subsequent outputs. Once the model commits to a word, it cannot go back to revise its earlier choice. For instance: In another case: This mechanism reveals how the constraints of next-word prediction can lead to hallucinations, even when the model “knows” it is generating an incorrect response. Detecting Inaccuracies with SAPLMA To investigate whether an LLM recognizes its own inaccuracies, researchers developed the SAPLMA method. Here’s how it works: The classifier itself is a simple neural network with three dense layers, culminating in a binary output that predicts the truthfulness of the statement. Results and Insights The SAPLMA method achieved an accuracy of 60–80%, depending on the topic. While this is a promising result, it is not perfect and has notable limitations. For example: However, if LLMs can learn to detect inaccuracies during the generation process, they could potentially refine their outputs in real time, reducing hallucinations and improving reliability. The Future of Error Mitigation in LLMs The SAPLMA method represents a step forward in understanding and mitigating LLM errors. Accurate classification of inaccuracies could pave the way for models that can self-correct and produce more reliable outputs. While the current limitations are significant, ongoing research into these methods could lead to substantial improvements in LLM performance. By combining techniques like SAPLMA with advancements in LLM architecture, researchers aim to build models that are not only aware of their errors but capable of addressing them dynamically, enhancing both the accuracy and trustworthiness of AI systems. 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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January 14, 2025in Data, Salesforce0 Comments

Autonomy, Architecture, and Action

Redefining AI Agents: Autonomy, Architecture, and Action AI agents are reshaping how technology interacts with us and executes tasks. Their mission? To reason, plan, and act independently—following instructions, making autonomous decisions, and completing actions, often without user involvement. These agents adapt to new information, adjust in real time, and pursue their objectives autonomously. This evolution in agentic AI is revolutionizing how goals are accomplished, ushering in a future of semi-autonomous technology. At their foundation, AI agents rely on one or more large language models (LLMs). However, designing agents is far more intricate than building chatbots or generative assistants. While traditional AI applications often depend on user-driven inputs—such as prompt engineering or active supervision—agents operate autonomously. Core Principles of Agentic AI Architectures To enable autonomous functionality, agentic AI systems must incorporate: Essential Infrastructure for AI Agents Building and deploying agentic AI systems requires robust software infrastructure that supports: Agent Development Made Easier with Langflow and Astra DB Langflow simplifies the development of agentic applications with its visual IDE. It integrates with Astra DB, which combines vector and graph capabilities for ultra-low latency data access. This synergy accelerates development by enabling: Transforming Autonomy into Action Agentic AI is fundamentally changing how tasks are executed by empowering systems to act autonomously. By leveraging platforms like Astra DB and Langflow, organizations can simplify agent design and deploy scalable, effective AI applications. Start building the next generation of AI-powered autonomy today. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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January 11, 2025in Agentic AI, Data, Enterprise, Technology0 Comments
Salesforce Spring ’25 Release
09Jan

Salesforce Spring ’25 Release

Salesforce Spring ’25 Release: Key Features and Enhancements Salesforce delivers triannual updates—Spring, Summer, and Winter—to introduce new features, enhancements, and fixes to the platform. These updates are applied automatically to Salesforce environments, ensuring all users benefit from the latest innovations without needing manual upgrades. The Spring ’25 functionality is now available in Preview Developer Orgs, allowing users to explore and test upcoming features before the general release. Preview Developer Orgs: Exploring the Future Preview Developer Orgs provide sandbox environments or developer editions equipped with new release functionality during the preview window. These allow admins and developers to: With access to a Preview Org, you can explore the following cutting-edge features: 1. Reactive Screen Actions Enhanced Screen Flow Reactivity: This feature enables screen flow components to update dynamically in real-time based on changes in other components. Users no longer need to navigate away or manually refresh to see updates, ensuring smoother, more interactive experiences. New in Spring ’25:You can now create an autolaunched flow to fetch data reactively from the database and display it immediately on the screen, eliminating the need for an action button. Use Case:When creating an Opportunity, the ZIP code of the associated Account determines the follow-up owner based on a reference table stored in a custom object. With reactive screen actions, selecting an Opportunity row dynamically displays the Account, Owner, and Assigned Person without additional clicks. 2. Progress Indicator for Flow Stages Salesforce introduces a built-in Progress Indicator for screen flows, providing users with a visual tracker of their progress through multi-step flows. Key Features: Limitations:The progress indicator does not yet support user-driven navigation through stages. 3. Immediate Input Validation in Screen Flows Validation functionality in flows has been upgraded to support real-time error detection. What’s New: 4. Email Action Attachment Support Email Action Enhancements: Spring ’25 introduces the ability to attach files to emails directly within flows. How It Works: Note: Files do not need to be made public for attachments, as long as the flow user has access to the files. 5. Get Records with a Specified Limit The LIMIT operator, commonly used in SOQL, is now available in flows. Benefits: 6. New Flow Modal Enhancements Salesforce has redesigned the Flow Type Picker modal, making it easier for users to select the right automation type. What’s New: 7. UI and Accessibility Improvements Conclusion The Salesforce Spring ’25 release is packed with features designed to enhance efficiency, usability, and innovation. From reactive screen flows and real-time validation to email action attachments and improved UI elements, this release sets a new standard for how users interact with the Salesforce platform. Stay ahead by leveraging Preview Developer Orgs to test these enhancements and ensure a smooth transition to the production environment. As Salesforce continues to innovate, these updates are just the beginning of a more seamless, intelligent platform 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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January 9, 2025in Data, Salesforce0 Comments
Salesforce Einstein Commerce
08Jan

Salesforce Commerce Cloud Passkeys

Adding Passkeys to Salesforce Commerce Cloud Ensuring secure, convenient user access is a top priority for Salesforce-based applications. Passkeys, a passwordless authentication solution, streamline user sign-up and login processes while enhancing security. By integrating passkeys into Salesforce Commerce Cloud (SFCC), businesses can protect users from password-related threats like phishing and credential theft, leveraging the security of asymmetric encryption behind passkeys. The seamless login experience offered by passkeys boosts user engagement, reduces drop-off rates, and fosters trust, improving overall user satisfaction. Implementing passkeys not only aligns with current security standards but also prepares businesses for the future of intuitive digital interactions and enhanced privacy. DIY Implementation vs. Dedicated Salesforce Commerce Cloud Passkey Solution When deciding how to integrate passkeys into Salesforce Commerce Cloud applications, businesses must weigh the options between a DIY approach and partnering with a dedicated solution provider like OwnID. Implementing passkeys from scratch can be time-consuming and resource-intensive, requiring significant technical effort to ensure compatibility with Salesforce systems and adherence to security and user experience best practices. By choosing a provider like OwnID, companies can implement passkeys in a matter of days rather than months. OwnID offers a ready-to-use, Salesforce-compatible solution that integrates seamlessly, features cutting-edge security, and provides ongoing support. This approach lifts the burden from internal development teams, speeds up deployment, and ensures a high-quality user experience without the need to manage authentication processes or stay on top of compliance updates. For more information, check out our DIY vs. Elite Passkey Implementation Guide. How to Implement the OwnID Solution in Salesforce Commerce Cloud Integrating OwnID’s passwordless login into Salesforce Commerce Cloud (SFCC) is a straightforward process that enhances both security and the user experience. Here’s an overview of the key steps involved: 1. Set Up an API Client in SFCC Begin by creating a new API Client in your SFCC environment. This client is essential for secure communication between SFCC and OwnID. Log into the Salesforce Commerce Cloud Account Manager, add a new API Client, and configure the appropriate roles and authentication methods (e.g., private_key_jwt). This step ensures secure integration between SFCC and OwnID. 2. Create and Configure an OwnID Application In the OwnID Console, set up an application dedicated to your SFCC integration. This application serves as the bridge between OwnID’s passkey system and your Salesforce Commerce Cloud app. Configure settings like API credentials, site URL, and other parameters specific to OwnID. This step connects OwnID’s authentication service to your Salesforce site seamlessly. 3. Install the OwnID Cartridge in SFCC OwnID provides a cartridge designed for SFCC integration. Installing this cartridge adds all necessary components to your SFCC instance, enabling easy interaction between OwnID and Salesforce. After installation, go to Merchant Tools → Site Preferences in SFCC to customize OwnID settings for your environment. This enables you to display the OwnID widget on login and registration pages, creating a smooth, passwordless experience. 4. Embed the OwnID SDK in Your Templates The final step is to embed the OwnID SDK script in your site’s templates (e.g., htmlHead.isml or a global template file). This SDK enables passkey-based login across all relevant pages. By embedding the script, you ensure users have access to passwordless login, enhancing security and user convenience. With these steps, OwnID will be fully integrated into your Salesforce Commerce Cloud application, offering users secure, password-free access. For more detailed instructions and configuration options, visit the OwnID Salesforce Commerce Cloud Documentation. Get Expert Help with Your Salesforce Commerce Cloud Passkey Integration Ready to implement passwordless authentication in your Salesforce Commerce Cloud application? The Tectonic team is here to guide you through every step of the integration process. From initial setup to ongoing optimization, we ensure a smooth and seamless experience for your users. For personalized support and to learn how OwnID’s passkey solution can elevate your SFCC environment, contact our expert team today. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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January 8, 2025in Salesforce Commerce Cloud0 Comments
Scope of Generative AI
07Jan

Exploring Generative AI

Like most employees at most companies, I wear a few different hats around Tectonic. Whether I’m building a data model, creating and scheduing an email campaign, standing up a platform generative AI is always at my fingertips. At my very core, I’m a marketer. Have been for so long I do it without eveven thinking. Or at least, everyuthing I do has a hat tip to its future marketing needs. Today I want to share some of the AI content generators I’ve been using, am looking to use, or just heard about. But before we rip into the insight, here’s a primer. Types of AI Content Generators ChatGPT, a powerful AI chatbot, drew significant attention upon its November 2022 release. While the GPT-3 language model behind it had existed for some time, ChatGPT made this technology accessible to nontechnical users, showcasing how AI can generate content. Over two years later, numerous AI content generators have emerged to cater to diverse use cases. This rapid development raises questions about the technology’s impact on work. Schools are grappling with fears of plagiarism, while others are embracing AI. Legal debates about copyright and digital media authenticity continue. President Joe Biden’s October 2023 executive order addressed AI’s risks and opportunities in areas like education, workforce, and consumer privacy, underscoring generative AI’s transformative potential. What is AI-Generated Content? AI-generated content, also known as generative AI, refers to algorithms that automatically create new content across digital media. These algorithms are trained on extensive datasets and require minimal user input to produce novel outputs. For instance, ChatGPT sets a standard for AI-generated content. Based on GPT-4o, it processes text, images, and audio, offering natural language and multimodal capabilities. Many other generative AI tools operate similarly, leveraging large language models (LLMs) and multimodal frameworks to create diverse outputs. What are the Different Types of AI-Generated Content? AI-generated content spans multiple media types: Despite their varied outputs, most generative AI systems are built on advanced LLMs like GPT-4 and Google Gemini. These multimodal models process and generate content across multiple formats, with enhanced capabilities evolving over time. How Generative AI is Used Generative AI applications span industries: These tools often combine outputs from various media for complex, multifaceted projects. AI Content Generators AI content generators exist across various media. Below are good examples organized by gen ai type: Written Content Generators Image Content Generators Music Content Generators Code Content Generators Other AI Content Generators These tools showcase how AI-powered content generation is revolutionizing industries, making content creation faster and more accessible. I do hope you will comment below on your favorites, other AI tools not showcased above, or anything else AI-related that is on your mind. Written by Tectonic’s Marketing Operations Director, Shannan Hearne. 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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January 7, 2025in AI Tools, Data, Enterprise, Generative AI, Google, Technology0 Comments
ai in supply chain
31Dec

AI in Supply Chain

AI has the potential to transform supply chain management by boosting efficiency, enhancing forecasting, and improving customer satisfaction. However, it’s crucial for leaders to weigh the associated costs, technical challenges, and risks to ensure a smooth and strategic implementation. By addressing these disadvantages, companies can fully unlock AI’s benefits while minimizing its drawbacks.

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December 31, 2024in Data, Technology0 Comments
user q and a
31Dec

Marketing Cloud Engagement Send Times

How do I ensure emails from Marketing Cloud Engagement go to my recipients in the correct time zone? To configure a user’s time zone in Marketing Cloud Engagement, navigate to Setup > Users > [Select User] > Edit, and then select the desired time zone from the “Time Zone” dropdown menu within the “Locale Settings” section; this will update the user’s interface to display times according to their chosen time zone.  Key points to remember: If you need assistance configuring this in Marketing Cloud Engagement, contact Tectonic today. Like Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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December 31, 2024in Marketing Automation, Salesforce, Salesforce Marketing Cloud0 Comments

Salesforce Business Automation

Streamlining Business Automation: A Guide to Successful Salesforce Implementation Salesforce is a lightning jolt for business automation, offering powerful tools to enhance efficiency and productivity. However, implementing Salesforce is a complex process that requires strategic planning and execution. This insight will walk you through best practices for Salesforce implementation, helping you avoid common pitfalls and maximize the platform’s benefits. From defining clear business objectives to post-implementation performance measurement, we’ve got you covered. Understanding Salesforce Implementation Implementing Salesforce is more than simply installing software—it’s a strategic process that must align with your business goals. Successful implementation requires understanding each critical phase, including: Each phase builds toward a solution that drives operational improvements and delivers measurable results. The Role of Salesforce in Business Automation Salesforce transforms business processes by automating repetitive tasks, integrating workflows, and providing real-time analytics. These capabilities empower teams to focus on strategic activities, fostering growth and improving customer engagement. The platform’s automation features enhance decision-making, streamline operations, and deliver actionable insights, making it an essential tool for any data-driven organization. Best Practices for Salesforce Implementation 1. Define Clear Business Objectives Set specific, measurable, and strategic goals that Salesforce can address. Identify business challenges and align objectives with user needs to ensure widespread adoption and long-term success. 2. Conduct a Thorough Needs Analysis Analyze existing processes, identify gaps, and engage stakeholders to gather input. A detailed needs analysis ensures Salesforce is configured to address real pain points and deliver value. 3. Develop a Comprehensive Roadmap Create an implementation roadmap outlining timelines, responsibilities, resources, and risk mitigation strategies. A clear roadmap keeps the project on track and fosters effective communication. 4. Prioritize Data Quality and Governance Start by cleansing existing data to remove inaccuracies and duplicates. Implement governance policies to maintain data integrity, ensuring Salesforce delivers accurate insights. 5. Customize Thoughtfully Tailor Salesforce to enhance existing workflows rather than disrupting them. Engage users to understand their needs and avoid unnecessary complexity that could hinder usability or future updates. 6. Engage Certified Salesforce Partners Collaborate with experienced Salesforce partners to leverage best practices, avoid common pitfalls, and tailor the platform to your unique requirements. The Importance of User Adoption and Training User adoption is crucial for Salesforce’s success. Engage end-users early, involve them in the process, and provide tailored, hands-on training. Post-launch, offer continuous support and advanced training to help users unlock Salesforce’s full potential. Strategies to maximize adoption include: Post-Implementation Success Once Salesforce is live, focus on monitoring performance, gathering feedback, and fostering continuous improvement. 1. Measure Success with KPIs Track key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate Salesforce’s impact on your business objectives. Identify trends, address challenges, and ensure the platform remains aligned with your goals. 2. Establish a Feedback Mechanism Encourage users to share feedback and suggest improvements. Regularly review input to refine the system and ensure it evolves with your organization’s needs. 3. Provide Ongoing Support Maintain a dedicated support team to address queries and troubleshoot issues promptly. Continuous training sessions keep users updated and confident in leveraging new features. Avoiding Common Pitfalls Awareness of potential challenges can help you mitigate risks. Common pitfalls to avoid include: By addressing these challenges proactively, you set your Salesforce implementation up for success. Embracing the Salesforce Journey Implementing Salesforce is a transformative opportunity for your business. With strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and a commitment to continuous improvement, Salesforce can revolutionize your operations. If you’re seeking a streamlined solution, consider leveraging tools like Sweep, an AI-powered visual workspace that simplifies Salesforce implementation. With Sweep’s no-code interface, you can design processes, customize fields, and automate workflows effortlessly. Ready to transform your business with Salesforce?Connect with our experts today and unlock the full potential of Salesforce for your organization. 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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December 30, 2024in Salesforce0 Comments

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