Transportation Archives - gettectonic.com

19Nov

DHS Introduces AI Framework to Protect Critical Infrastructure

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has unveiled the Roles and Responsibilities Framework for Artificial Intelligence in Critical Infrastructure, a voluntary set of guidelines designed to ensure the safe and secure deployment of AI across the systems that power daily life. From energy grids to water systems, transportation, and communications, critical infrastructure increasingly relies on AI for enhanced efficiency and resilience. While AI offers transformative potential—such as detecting earthquakes, optimizing energy usage, and streamlining logistics—it also introduces new vulnerabilities. Framework Overview The framework, developed with input from cloud providers, AI developers, critical infrastructure operators, civil society, and public sector organizations, builds on DHS’s broader policies from 2023, which align with White House directives. It aims to provide a shared roadmap for balancing AI’s benefits with its risks. AI Vulnerabilities in Critical Infrastructure The DHS framework categorizes vulnerabilities into three key areas: The guidelines also address sector-specific vulnerabilities and offer strategies to ensure AI strengthens resilience while minimizing misuse risks. Industry and Government Support Arvind Krishna, Chairman and CEO of IBM, lauded the framework as a “powerful tool” for fostering responsible AI development. “We look forward to working with DHS to promote shared and individual responsibilities in advancing trusted AI systems.” Marc Benioff, CEO of Salesforce, emphasized the framework’s role in fostering collaboration among stakeholders while prioritizing trust and accountability. “Salesforce is committed to humans and AI working together to advance critical infrastructure industries in the U.S. We support this framework as a vital step toward shaping the future of AI in a safe and sustainable manner.” DHS Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas highlighted the urgency of proactive action. “AI offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve the strength and resilience of U.S. critical infrastructure, and we must seize it while minimizing its potential harms. The framework, if widely adopted, will help ensure the safety and security of critical services.” DHS Recommendations for Stakeholders A Call to Action DHS encourages widespread adoption of the framework to build safer, more resilient critical infrastructure. By prioritizing trust, transparency, and collaboration, this initiative aims to guide the responsible integration of AI into essential systems, ensuring they remain secure and effective as technology continues to evolve. 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

November 19, 2024in Artificial Intelligence, Data, Laws, Salesforce, Technology

10Oct

Collaboration Between Humans and AI

The Future of AI: What to Expect in the Next 5 Years In the next five years, AI will accelerate human life, reshape behaviors, and transform industries—these changes are inevitable. Collaboration Between Humans and AI. For much of the early 20th century, AI existed mainly in science fiction, where androids, sentient machines, and futuristic societies intrigued fans of the genre. From films like Metropolis to books like I, Robot, AI was the subject of speculative imagination. AI in fiction often over-dramatized reality and caused us to suspend belief in what was and was not possible. But by the mid-20th century, scientists began working to bring AI into reality. A Brief History of AI’s Impact on Society The 1956 Dartmouth Summer Research Project on Artificial Intelligence marked a key turning point, where John McCarthy coined the term “artificial intelligence” and helped establish a community of AI researchers. Although the initial excitement about AI often outpaced its actual capabilities, significant breakthroughs began emerging by the late 20th century. One such moment was IBM’s Deep Blue defeating chess champion Garry Kasparov in 1997, signaling that machines could perform complex cognitive tasks. The rise of big data and Moore’s Law, which fueled the exponential growth of computational power, enabled AI to process vast amounts of information and tackle tasks previously handled only by humans. By 2022, generative AI models like ChatGPT proved that machine learning could yield highly sophisticated and captivating technologies. AI’s influence is now everywhere. No longer is it only discussed in IT circles. AI is being featured in nearly all new products hitting the market. It is part of if not the creation tool of most commercials. Voice assistants like Alexa, recommendation systems used by Netflix, and autonomous vehicles represent just a glimpse of AI’s current role in society. Yet, over the next five years, AI’s development is poised to introduce far more profound societal changes. How AI Will Shape the Future Industries Most Affected by AI Long-term Risks of Collaboration Between Humans and AI AI’s potential to pose existential risks has long been a topic of concern. However, the more realistic danger lies in human societies voluntarily ceding control to AI systems. Algorithmic trading in finance, for example, demonstrates how human decisions are already being replaced by AI’s ability to operate at unimaginable speeds. Still, fear of AI should not overshadow the opportunities it presents. If organizations shy away from AI out of anxiety, they risk missing out on innovations and efficiency gains. The future of AI depends on a balanced approach that embraces its potential while mitigating its risks. In the coming years, the collaboration between humans and AI will drive profound changes across industries, legal frameworks, and societal norms, creating both challenges and opportunities for the future. Tectonic can help you map your AI journey for the best Collaboration Between Humans and AI. 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

October 10, 2024in AI Tools, Artificial Intelligence, Data, Enterprise, Generative AI, Laws, Salesforce

17Sep

Salesforce has launched Industries AI

Salesforce has launched Industries AI, a comprehensive suite of AI tools tailored for specific industries, including government and related public-sector fields. This initiative integrates AI use case libraries into Salesforce’s 15 industry clouds, covering sectors such as public sector, energy and utilities, healthcare, education, and communications. Kristin Ruiz, Deputy CIO of the U.S. Transportation Security Administration, praised the partnership with Salesforce, noting the potential for AI to enhance passenger experiences by providing faster, more intuitive access to information. She emphasized the importance of using AI responsibly to improve security efficiency and safeguard the nation’s transportation system from emerging threats. The initial rollout of Industries AI focuses on three use cases within the public-sector cloud: These tools are scheduled for release in October. Additionally, Industries AI features tools designed to help utilities explain billing changes, streamline college recruitment, and summarize nonprofit program participant case histories. 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

September 17, 2024in Salesforce

09Sep

US Comprehensive AI Legislation

U.S. policymakers have yet to pass comprehensive AI legislation through Congress, but several AI-related bills are now making their way to the Senate floor, presenting new opportunities for regulation. In late July, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation advanced eight AI-focused bills aimed at enhancing the transparency and safety of AI systems. These bills also target AI-generated deepfakes—false images, audio, and videos. Since the launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in late 2022, regulating AI has become a key issue at both federal and state levels. This week, California lawmakers advanced SB 1047, a bill requiring safety testing for AI models, which is awaiting Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature. Most of the bills before the Senate center on innovation, research, and safety, with only one— the Artificial Intelligence Research, Innovation, and Accountability Act—introducing penalties for non-compliance. “Voluntary guidance and standards can help companies develop safer, more responsible AI, but without binding requirements, the real impact is unlikely,” said Enza Iannopollo, an analyst at Forrester Research. However, Hodan Omaar, a senior policy manager at the Center for Data Innovation, praised the Senate’s emphasis on AI research and innovation, expressing optimism about the progress being made. Here’s a look at the key AI bills up for consideration after Congress returns from summer recess: 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

September 9, 2024in Salesforce

07Sep

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

September 7, 2024in Salesforce, Technology

31Aug

AI and Big Data

Over the past decade, enterprises have accumulated vast amounts of data, capturing everything from business processes to inventory statistics. This surge in data marked the onset of the big data revolution. However, merely storing and managing big data is no longer sufficient to extract its full value. As organizations become adept at handling big data, forward-thinking companies are now leveraging advanced analytics and the latest AI and machine learning techniques to unlock even greater insights. These technologies can identify patterns and provide cognitive capabilities across vast datasets, enabling organizations to elevate their data analytics to new levels. Additionally, the adoption of generative AI systems is on the rise, offering more conversational approaches to data analysis and enhancement. This allows organizations to extract significant insights from information that would otherwise remain untapped in data stores. How Are AI and Big Data Related? Applying machine learning algorithms to big data is a logical progression for companies aiming to maximize the potential of their data. Unlike traditional rules-based approaches that follow explicit instructions, machine learning systems use data-driven algorithms and statistical models to analyze and detect patterns in data. Big data serves as the raw material for these systems, which derive valuable insights from it. Organizations are increasingly recognizing the benefits of integrating big data with machine learning. However, to fully harness the power of both, it’s crucial to understand their individual capabilities. Understanding Big Data Big data involves extracting and analyzing information from large quantities of data, but volume is just one aspect. Other critical “Vs” of big data that enterprises must manage include velocity, variety, veracity, validity, visualization, and value. Understanding Machine Learning Machine learning, the backbone of modern AI, adds significant value to big data applications by deriving deeper insights. These systems learn and adapt over time without the need for explicit programming, using statistical models to analyze and infer patterns from data. Historically, companies relied on complex, rules-based systems for reporting, which often proved inflexible and unable to cope with constant changes. Today, machine learning and deep learning enable systems to learn from big data, enhancing decision-making, business intelligence, and predictive analysis. The strength of machine learning lies in its ability to discover patterns in data. The more data available, the more these algorithms can identify patterns and apply them to future data. Applications range from recommendation systems and anomaly detection to image recognition and natural language processing (NLP). Categories of Machine Learning Algorithms Machine learning algorithms generally fall into three categories: The most powerful large language models (LLMs), which underpin today’s widely used generative AI systems, utilize a combination of these methods, learning from massive datasets. Understanding Generative AI Generative AI models are among the most powerful and popular AI applications, creating new data based on patterns learned from extensive training datasets. These models, which interact with users through conversational interfaces, are trained on vast amounts of internet data, including conversations, interviews, and social media posts. With pre-trained LLMs, users can generate new text, images, audio, and other outputs using natural language prompts, without the need for coding or specialized models. How Does AI Benefit Big Data? AI, combined with big data, is transforming businesses across various sectors. Key benefits include: Big Data and Machine Learning: A Synergistic Relationship Big data and machine learning are not competing concepts; when combined, they deliver remarkable results. Emerging big data techniques offer powerful ways to manage and analyze data, while machine learning models extract valuable insights from it. Successfully handling the various “Vs” of big data enhances the accuracy and power of machine learning models, leading to better business outcomes. The volume of data is expected to grow exponentially, with predictions of over 660 zettabytes of data worldwide by 2030. As data continues to amass, machine learning will become increasingly reliant on big data, and companies that fail to leverage this combination will struggle to keep up. Examples of AI and Big Data in Action Many organizations are already harnessing the power of machine learning-enhanced big data analytics: Conclusion The integration of AI and big data is crucial for organizations seeking to drive digital transformation and gain a competitive edge. As companies continue to combine these technologies, they will unlock new opportunities for personalization, efficiency, and innovation, ensuring they remain at the forefront of their industries. 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

August 31, 2024in Data, Enterprise, Generative AI, Google, Salesforce, Technology

23Jul

Technology Cancels Your Flight

What to Do If Technology Cancels Your Flight – the Recent Crowdstrike Microsoft Outage The recent Crowdstrike Microsoft outage caused widespread disruption beyond just computers, stranding thousands of air travelers. When Technology Cancels Your Flight, here’s what you can do next: The Impact of the Outage Air travelers posted pictures on social media of crowded airports in Europe and the United States due to the technology outage on Friday. In the U.S., major airlines like American, Delta, United, Spirit, and Allegiant had all their flights grounded for varying lengths of time. The outage affected crucial systems, including those for checking in passengers, calculating aircraft weight, and communicating with crews. Travelers began to panic. By early evening on the East Coast, nearly 2,800 U.S. flights had been canceled and almost 10,000 delayed, according to FlightAware. Worldwide, about 4,400 flights were canceled. Delta and its regional affiliates canceled 1,300 flights, United and United Express canceled more than 550 flights, and American Airlines canceled more than 450 flights. Airports became crowded zoos of passengers milling around waiting for answers. The outage, blamed on a software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, affected Microsoft’s computers used by many airlines. Despite CrowdStrike identifying and fixing the issue, the damage was done, leaving hundreds of thousands of travelers stranded. What to Do Next Contact Your Airline Check Other Airlines and Airports Weekend Flights Air Traffic Control Refunds and Reimbursements Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the need for airlines to take care of passengers experiencing major delays. Airlines affected by the outage are offering rebooking, vouchers, refunds, and other assistance. The Transportation Department fined Southwest $35 million last year as part of a $140 million settlement for nearly 17,000 canceled flights in December 2022. The department maintains a “dashboard” showing what each airline promises to cover during travel disruptions. By taking proactive steps and utilizing available resources, travelers can navigate the challenges posed by this unexpected technology outage and find alternative solutions to reach their destinations. 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

July 23, 2024in Salesforce

19Jul

Google Wiz and Cybersecurity

Google is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire Israeli cybersecurity firm Wiz for up to $23 billion, according to The Wall Street Journal. While the sum is substantial, some have expressed surprising discontent, viewing it as “very good, but not great.” This sentiment revolves around the missed opportunity for an IPO and the loss of an Israeli giant that will no longer grow locally. Additionally, if Wiz had been registered in Israel, the transaction would have generated higher revenues for the state treasury. Google Wiz and Cybersecurity certainly aren’t hard to fathom. Founded by Assaf Rappaport, a former officer from Israel’s elite 8200 intelligence unit, Wiz has quickly risen in value. The unit has a track record of producing tech entrepreneurs, significantly contributing to Israel’s robust tech industry. The potential deal underscores the resilience of Israel’s tech sector, which accounts for about 20% of the country’s output and 15% of jobs, even as the war in Gaza pressures the economy. However, with today’s massive cyber attack inadvertently caused by a cybersecurity company, some may hesitate to make such an investment. The attack, linked to a faulty system update from CrowdStrike, a U.S. firm used by over half of Fortune 500 companies, resulted in widespread disruptions. These included grounding flights, hampering public transit systems, and affecting operations at banks and hospitals globally. CrowdStrike’s CEO, George Kurtz, apologized for the disruptions and noted that the issue had been identified and resolved. The incident, not a security breach or cyberattack, caused Microsoft Windows systems to crash, affecting public transit systems, stock exchanges, and various institutions worldwide. Google Wiz and Cybersecurity Despite this, Google’s acquisition of Wiz appears strategically sound, aiming to enhance its cloud security capabilities and position Google Cloud as a major competitor to Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services. The advanced technology from Wiz will help Google close the gap in the fiercely competitive cloud security market. Cybersecurity expert Chuck Brooks sees the acquisition as a game-changer, enhancing Google’s ability to conduct comprehensive threat assessments on IT infrastructure and improving DevOps processes. By integrating Wiz’s framework, Google aims to streamline development jobs and make them more secure. However, such bold mergers are not without risk. Tech advisor Vaclav Vincalek cautions that mega transactions can be dangerous for both companies, citing historical examples like Microsoft’s acquisitions of Skype and Nokia, and Google’s purchase of Motorola. Pierre Bourgeix, CEO and Founder of ESI Convergint, believes the acquisition could position Google to compete head-to-head with Amazon, especially given Microsoft Azure’s recent security breaches. Omri Weinberg, Co-Founder and CRO of DoControl, views the deal as a significant statement about the importance of cloud security. In summary, Google’s potential $23 billion acquisition of Wiz not only highlights the value of Israel’s tech talent but also represents a strategic move to enhance its cloud security capabilities. This positions Google as a major force in the cybersecurity market, with the potential to set new standards for cloud security and influence industry best practices. More on today’s outage Public transit systems in the U.S. reported impacts. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority in Washington, D.C., said its “website and some of our internal systems are currently down,” but that trains and buses were running as scheduled. In New York City, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority also said its buses and trains were unaffected but that “some MTA customer information systems are temporarily offline due to a worldwide technical outage.” Around the world, the outages disrupted London’s Stock Exchange, caused major train delays in the U.K., sent British broadcaster Sky News off air, forced medical facilities in Europe and the U.S. to cancel some services and caused disruptions at airports in Europe, Singapore, Hong Kong and India. Some U.S. border crossings saw impacts amid the outage: Traffic stalled on the Ambassador Bridge, which connects Detroit with Windsor, Ontario, Canada, as well as at the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, the Detroit Free Press reported. CBP One, the Customs and Border Patrol app, and the agency’s border wait times website, each appeared to experience outages. On a sweeter note, Krispy Kreme is giving away free doughnuts Friday due to the global tech outage. Dubai International Airport said on X it is operating normally following “a global system outage that affected the check-in process for some airlines.” It added the affected airlines “promptly switched to an alternate system, allowing normal check-in operations to resume swiftly.” Portland, Oregon, Mayor Ted Wheeler issued an emergency declaration Friday over the tech outage, with a statement noting the outages are affecting city servers, employee computers and emergency communications. Meanwhile, the Maryland Department of Emergency Management increased its state activation level from “normal” to “partial,” citing the tech outage. A post on X says a “partial” activation is for incidents that require “significant monitoring or resources,” with additional emergency operations staffing from other agencies, functions and supporting organizations. CrowdStrike is a popular cybersecurity software company created in 2012 by CEO George Kurtz, along with Dmitri Alperovitch, and Gregg Marston. According to its website, CrowdStrike has the “world’s most advanced cloud-native platform that protects and enables the people, processes and technologies that drive modern enterprise.” According to an alert sent by CrowdStrike to its clients and reviewed by Reuters, the company’s “Falcon Sensor” software caused Microsoft Windows to crash and display a blue screen, known informally as the “Blue Screen of Death.” Kurtz said “there was an issue with a Falcon content update for Windows Hosts” but customers “remain fully protected,” according to Kurtz’s post on X. The CrowdStrike outage crashed some computers at colleges Friday and hampered a popular software for enrolling students in K-12 schools for the fall. The University of Rochester, a private school in New York, told students to keep rebooting their systems until the problem was fixed. The University of Alabama’s technology office said its campus computers using Microsoft Windows crashed. Rutgers University and the University of Kentucky also reported disruptions. State and local law enforcement agencies across the country reported disruptions to 911 services after

July 19, 2024in Salesforce

03Jul

AI Agents in Line at HR

AI Agents in Line at HR may only be a satirical cartoon for a very short time. Sorry, Farside, but your AI bits may not be able to keep up with AI. July, 2034 — A new software unicorn has just emerged inbehind a bar in a pub in East London. Unicorn, by the way, descibes a startup company valued at over $1 billion, not necessarily with a billion dollar concept. Back to East London behind the soggy bar. Hey, its our fantasy. Besides if Amazon can start in a garage, isn’t anything possible? The CEO logs in as usual and gathers daily updates from the team. The Chief Technology Officer is suggesting a new feature to deploy. The Chief Product Officer wants to redesign the CRM (or whatever CRM has evolved to) integration. The Chief Revenue Officer is showing off the new pipeline, forecast by Accountant in a Box. The Chief Customer Officer is discussing the latest customer levitation tools and product feedback. The Chief Information Security Officer has found a new privacy conflict, which they are addressing with a newly-revised infrastructure set-up. And the Head of HR is fretting about the latest round of IT candidates. This sounds like every software business you’ve ever heard of. But the difference is that the CEO’s teammates are entirely AI, not human: The CTO is Lovable. The CPO is Cogna. The CCO is Gradient Labs. The CRO is 11x. The CISO is Zylon. Back to 2024: The Rise of AI Agents In 2024, the hottest topic in software is AI agents, or Agentic AI. Founders are rapidly standing up agentic applications that can solve specific needs in functions like sales and customer services — without a human required. Software buyers, seeing real opportunities to quickly improve their P&L, are swiftly building or purchasing these agentic products. Investors have poured hundreds of millions of dollars into startups in this space in recent months. Even Salesforce wasn’t launched with a silver AI spoon in its mouth. Salesforce began investing in artificial intelligence (AI) in 2014, when the company started acquiring machine learning startups and announced its Customer Success Platform. In 2016, Salesforce launched Einstein, its AI platform that supports several of its cloud services. Einstein is built into Salesforce products and includes features like natural language processing, machine learning, and predictive analytics. It helps organizations automate processes, make decisions based on insights, and improve the customer experience. YouTube How To Increase Revenue Using AI for CRM: Salesforce … Feb 12, 2024 — What is Salesforce Einstein? Salesforce Einstein is the first trusted artifici… TechForce Services How does Salesforce Use AI for Business Growth? Jan 31, 2024 — Powered by technologies like Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, im… saasguru · LinkedIn · 7mo History of Salesforce AI From Predictive to Generative – LinkedIn Published Nov 27, 2023. In 2014, Salesforce, under the visionary leadership of… Twistellar AI in Salesforce: History, Present State and Prospects Organizations generate tons of data on marketing and sales, and surely your sales managers… Wikipedia Salesforce – Wikipedia In October 2014, Salesforce announced the development of its Customer Success Platform. Less than ten years ago, folks. Salesforce’s large database of data has helped the company address AI challenges quickly and with quality. The company’s data cloud offering provides AI with the right information at the right time, which can reduce friction and improve the customer experience. Salesforce’s AI-powered solutions include: To catalyze this evolution, Salesforce strategically acquired RelateIQ in 2014. This move injected machine learning into the Salesforce ecosystem, capturing workplace communications data and providing valuable insights. Europe is home to many of these exciting companies. For example, H, a French AI agent startup, raised a $220 million seed round in May. Beyond RPA: The New Wave of AI Agents AI agents represent a significant step-change from Robotic Process Automation (RPA) bots, which, as explored last year, have several limitations due to their deterministic nature. Next-generation AI agents are non-deterministic, meaning that instead of stopping at a “dead end,” they can learn from mistakes and adjust their series of tasks. Not entirely unlock the mouse running the same maze over and over for the cheese. Eventually Mr. Squeakers learns which paths are dead ends and avoids them by making better choices at intersections. In AI Agents this makes them suited to complex and unstructured tasks and means they can transform the journey from intent to implementation in software development. They can deliver “pure work,” rather than acting only as a helpful co-pilot. The rise of AI agents is not only an opportunity to expand automation beyond what is possible with RPA but also to broadly redefine how knowledge work is performed. And by who. And even how is it defined. Given the right guardrails, next-generation AI agents have the potential to effectively and safely replace knowledge workers in many business scenarios. AI Agents in Action These agents are about to revolutionize the world of work as we know it and are already getting started. For example, Klarna recently revealed that its AI agent system handled two-thirds of customer chats in its first month in operation. While HR may not be swamped with AI CVs yet, it is certainly fathomable. One would suppose those candidates would have to be reviewed and interviewed by IT, not just HR. Here’s another deep thought. The internet of things (IoT) first appeared in a speech by Peter T. Lewis in September 1985. The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of physical devices that can collect and transmit data over the internet using sensors, software, and other technologies. IoT devices can communicate with each other and with the cloud, and can even perform data analysis and be controlled remotely. The IoT concept was smart homes, health care environments, office spaces, and transportation. Only recently have we begun to think of the IoT as including the actual computers, or AI, in addition to sensored devices. It isn’t exactly a chicken and the egg question, but more of a

July 3, 2024in Generative AI

Salesforce for Travel, Transportation, and Hospitality

08Apr

Hotel Salesforce CRM for Hospitality

Salesforce offers hospitality professionals the tools to address marketing, sales, and customer support needs through the Marketing, Service, and Sales Cloud. Hotel Salesforce CRM for Hospitality. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software tailored for hotels assists in engaging guests, managing reservations, coordinating projects, and streamlining communications. Hotel CRM software simplifies operations within the hospitality sector. Salesforce for Hospitality Customer Experience In the travel industry, particularly in hotels, customer experience reigns supreme. Hotels serve as temporary homes for guests, making their experience pivotal in determining future patronage. However, with the surge in travel and advancements in technology, the demand for personalized experiences has escalated. Meeting these expectations is essential not only for standing out in a competitive market but also for maintaining a positive online reputation. As travel becomes more accessible and prices decrease, managing a large volume of customers while delivering personalized experiences presents a significant challenge. Hotels must deepen their understanding of customers to avoid losing them amid the crowd. This is where CRM comes into play. CRMs for Hospitality CRM entails managing customer expectations, interactions, and loyalty to provide the most personalized journey possible. Modern CRM solutions, often cloud-based and mobile-compatible, leverage AI and big data to comprehend customers better and deliver proactive solutions, ensuring timely and relevant interactions. Hotel CRMs are specifically designed to address the unique needs of the hospitality industry. They assist in monitoring online reviews and social media chatter, enabling prompt responses to maintain a positive online reputation. Quick problem-solving is crucial in hotels, and CRM tools streamline issue resolution by providing relevant customer information promptly. Moreover, hotel CRMs enhance guest experiences by facilitating personalized journeys from initial contact to post-stay interactions. Mobile access is essential for guests, and many CRM platforms offer tools for building mobile apps and portals to enhance convenience. Hotel Salesforce CRM for Hospitality Ultimately, CRM systems empower hotels to manage customer loyalty effectively, offering better communication, multi-channel advertising, and useful employee tools. For hotels seeking these benefits, choosing the right CRM is crucial. Salesforce stands out as a top platform for hotel CRM, providing comprehensive solutions to meet diverse industry needs. In today’s travel and hospitality industry, efficiency and exceptional guest experiences are paramount. To achieve this, companies must focus on automating routine tasks, unifying data, and leveraging AI for insights. Exceptional experiences remain the best way to attract and retain customers, driving efficient growth even in challenging times. If your hotel or hospitality destination is looking to increase guest satisfaction, contact Tectonic about Salesforce today. Like1 Related Posts Salesforce OEM AppExchange Expanding its reach beyond CRM, Salesforce.com has launched a new service called AppExchange OEM Edition, aimed at non-CRM service providers. Read more The Salesforce Story In Marc Benioff’s own words How did salesforce.com grow from a start up in a rented apartment into the world’s Read more Salesforce Jigsaw Salesforce.com, a prominent figure in cloud computing, has finalized a deal to acquire Jigsaw, a wiki-style business contact database, for Read more Health Cloud Brings Healthcare Transformation Following swiftly after last week’s successful launch of Financial Services Cloud, Salesforce has announced the second installment in its series Read more

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

25Feb

Proud to Be A Part of the Turtle Bay Salesforce Journey

Turtle Bay a featured Success story at Salesforce TralblazerDX and more. Proud to be part of the Turtle Bay Salesforce journey! Learn how Tectonic can help you increase bookings. Proud to be part of the Turtle Bay Salesforce journey Travel Transportation Salesforce Tectonic has helped hospitality clients create a real-time view of their guests to surprise and delight them with personalized service across every interaction. Salesforce provides tailored solutions for the hospitality, tourism, resort and travel industry, helping businesses in this sector deliver exceptional customer experiences, streamline operations, and drive growth. These solutions leverage the power of the Salesforce Customer 360 platform to centralize data, enhance communication, and provide a personalized experience for guests. Salesforce provides technologies that digitally transform travel, tourism, and hospitality businesses. About the Company Nestled on O‘ahu’s legendary North Shore, Turtle Bay Resort spans 1,300 pristine acres with 12 miles of nature trails, seven secluded beaches, 408 ocean-view rooms, 42 Ocean Bungalows, a 468-acre Kuilima Farm, championship golf course, and Nalu Spa, with activities including surfing, kayaking, horseback riding, biking, helicopter tours, and more. Turtle Bay Resort is a sustainable and completely self-sufficient resort, cultivating all of the ingredients for its restaurants directly from the property. “We are dedicated to delivering the most incredible experience for each and every single one of our guests, personalizing their stays to their needs and wants. The Salesforce Einstein platform makes it easy for us to achieve this.” Lynette EugenioDirector of Marketing, Turtle Bay Resort 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

February 25, 2024in Marketing Automation, Salesforce, Salesforce Hospitality Travel and Transportation, Salesforce Implementation Services, Salesforce Personalization, Salesforce Sales Cloud

13Feb

Digitalization in Travel and Transportation Industries

The transportation industry is currently experiencing a rapid evolution, compelling companies to reimagine themselves within their ecosystem and opening up numerous opportunities for growth. Digitalization in Travel and Transportation Industries covers a myriad of tools and technologies. The competitive landscape is in a state of flux, with startups challenging established players and the introduction of innovative products and services in mobility, transportation, and logistics. Digitalization, Travel, Transportation, and Hospitality Digitization has emerged as the primary driver of change, pushing transportation companies to innovate and transform. To stay in step with industry standards, these companies must adapt to dynamic regulations, including those related to trade, customs, tariffs, and more. The Tectronic Transportation and Mobility teams provide purpose-led transformative services to help clients in the transportation industry enhance the global movement of people and goods. In the travel industry, ongoing digital transformation translates to increased online convenience for most travelers. Essential elements of travel, such as decision-making, journey arrangements, and overall experience, are becoming automated. Digitization not only simplifies travel planning but also empowers tourism organizations to deliver personalized visitor experiences while gaining insights into preferences and exploration behavior. Digital transformation in the travel industry involves utilizing technology to modernize and revolutionize the operations and customer interactions of travel businesses. The integration of technology across travel stages, from planning and booking to the actual travel experience, has enhanced convenience and revolutionized the industry, particularly through online booking and reservation systems. The digitalization of transport infrastructure involves incorporating every stage in the supply chain and vehicles into the digital realm, with personal identification on the Internet and software control. Digital Tourism Digital tourism trends encompass various digital technologies integrated into the tourism industry, including virtual reality experiences, online booking tools, personalized travel recommendations through AI, and social media for destination marketing. Digital transformation has streamlined the check-in and check-out process in the hospitality industry. Online check-in enhances the customer service journey, providing a more effortless experience. Technologies like digital keys contribute to an improved traveler experience. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are increasingly prevalent in the travel and hospitality industry, enhancing and personalizing customer experiences throughout the journey. The Online Travel Market The online travel market is expected to grow further, driven by factors such as increased internet penetration, rising popularity of mobile devices, and the growing demand for personalized travel experiences. Examples of digital transformation in the industry include the implementation of biometric technology for secure identification, the enhancement of mobile internet speed through 5G connectivity, and the growing use of voice technology for hands-free and convenient travel planning. In the hospitality and tourism industry, digital transformation goes beyond efficiency and cost savings, offering benefits like an enhanced customer experience through personalized services based on data analytics and valuable insights into customer preferences, enabling tailored offerings. Like2 Related Posts Salesforce Artificial Intelligence Is artificial intelligence integrated into Salesforce? Salesforce Einstein stands as an intelligent layer embedded within the Lightning Platform, bringing robust Read more CRM Cloud Salesforce What is a CRM Cloud Salesforce? Salesforce Service Cloud is a customer relationship management (CRM) platform for Salesforce clients to Read more How Travel Companies Are Using Big Data and Analytics In today’s hyper-competitive business world, travel and hospitality consumers have more choices than ever before. With hundreds of hotel chains Read more Consent Management Analytics and Data Quality Understanding Data Analytics Consent and Consent Management Why Consent Management is Crucial Consent Management Analytics and Data Quality. With laws Read more

February 13, 2024in Salesforce Hospitality Travel and Transportation

data cloud and marketing cloud personalization

11Jul

What is the Difference in a Data Lake and a Data Warehouse

Is a Data Lake Necessary? Difference in a Data Lake and a Data Warehouse? Do I need both? Both Data Lakes and Data Warehouses play crucial roles in the data processing and reporting infrastructure. They are complementary approaches rather than substitutes. Relevance of Data Lakes: Data lakes are losing popularity compared to their previous standing. Advanced storage solutions like data warehouses are progressively taking their place. Can Data Lakes Replace Data Warehouses? Data lakes do not directly replace data warehouses; they serve as supplementary technologies catering to different use cases with some overlap. Organizations typically have both a data lake and a data warehouse. Distinguishing Between Data Lakes and Data Warehouses: Data lakes and data warehouses serve as storage systems for big data, utilized by data scientists, data engineers, and business analysts. Despite some similarities, their differences are more significant than their commonalities, and understanding these distinctions is vital for aspiring data professionals. Data Lake vs. Data Warehouse: Key Differences: Data lakes aggregate structured and unstructured data from multiple sources, resembling real lakes with diverse inflows. Data warehouses, on the other hand, are repositories for pre-structured data intended for specific queries and analyses. Exploring Data Lakes: A data lake is a storage repository designed to capture and store large amounts of raw data, whether structured, semi-structured, or unstructured. This data, once in the lake, can be utilized for machine learning or AI algorithms and later transferred to a data warehouse. Data Lake Examples: Data lakes find applications in various sectors, such as marketing, education, and transportation, addressing business problems by collecting and analyzing data from diverse sources. Understanding Data Warehouses: A data warehouse is a centralized repository and information system designed for business intelligence. It processes and organizes data into categories called data marts, allowing for structured data storage from multiple sources. Data Warehouse Examples: Data warehouses support structured systems and technology for diverse industries, including finance, banking, and food and beverage, facilitating secure and accurate report generation. Data Warehouses compared to Data Lakes: Data warehouses contain processed and sanitized structured data, focusing on business intelligence, while data lakes store vast pools of unstructured, raw data, providing flexibility for future analysis. Key Differences Between Warehouses and Lakes: Intended purpose, audience, data structure, access and update cost, access model, and storage and computing are crucial factors distinguishing data warehouses and data lakes. Choosing Between Data Warehouse and Data Lake: The decision depends on organizational needs, value extracted from data analysis, and infrastructure costs. Organizations may opt for agility with a data lake, a data warehouse for larger data quantities, or a combination for maximum flexibility. A data lake stores raw, unstructured data indefinitely, providing cost-effective storage, while a data warehouse contains cleaned, processed, and structured data, optimized for strategic analysis based on predefined business needs. Data Warehouse, Data Lake, and Data Hub Differences: Data warehouses and data lakes primarily support analytic workloads, whereas data hubs focus on data integration, sharing, and governance, serving different purposes in the data landscape. Salesforce Data Cloud is a powerful data warehouse solution that allows companies to effectively manage and analyze their data. It provides users with the ability to stream input data from Salesforce and other sources, making it a comprehensive platform for data integration. Content updated February 2024. 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

July 11, 2023in Data, Salesforce, Salesforce Data Cloud, Technology

Salesforce for Transportation and Logistics

02Jun

Transportation, Logistics, The Cloud, and CRM

Transportation and logistics and crm. Typically, the state of transportation and logistics (T&L) mirrors the state of the economy, with FedEx earnings serving as a reliable indicator of how the rest of the players in the industry are doing. However, the past few years have been anything but normal. The pandemic led to a surge in demand, marked by container-filled ports and a nationwide hunt for truck drivers. After navigating two years of high intensity, T&L now faces challenges such as inflation, the Ukraine war, ongoing supply chain disruptions, the threat of recession, climbing interest rates, higher fuel costs, and overly cautious consumer behavior. Where are the Challenges? Compounding these issues is a staffing crisis in the industry, with a global shortage of warehouse workers, dock personnel, drivers, pilots, and rail crews that is expected to persist. In such uncertain times, successful transportation and logistics companies are taking strategic steps to future-proof themselves. One key strategy involves unifying customer data on a single platform to enhance efficiency and readiness for various scenarios. Smart transportation and logistics organizations plan for best, expected, and worst-case scenarios by monitoring critical signals such as capacity in key lanes, customer spending by lane, and customer lifetime value. Unifying customer data across sales, service, and operations enables informed decision-making, focusing investments where needed and optimizing resources. Manual Processes Despite this, much of T&L business, especially in sales, marketing, and customer service, relies on manual processes like phone calls, spreadsheets, and email. Centralized customer data is crucial for applying intelligence and analytics to process trends, segmenting customers, and analyzing their value. Companies investing in data unification report significant cost savings and efficiency benefits, including a 25% reduction in IT costs. Centralized customer data is also leveraged to enhance shipper experiences. T&L leaders use artificial intelligence (AI) to predict customer retention and potential churn, allowing proactive steps to be taken. Real-time data intelligence empowers customer service agents to make informed decisions swiftly. Access to shipper-specific on-time delivery performance provides valuable insights and strengthens client relationships. Transportation and Logistics and CRM More than half of T&L organizations are investing in cloud connectivity and data sharing, with 18% deriving the most value in sales and marketing, customer relationship management (CRM), distribution, and end-to-end visibility. These strategic investments are proving instrumental in navigating the complexities of the current economic landscape. Is it time to explore Salesforce CRM for your company? Contact Tectonic today. Like2 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

June 2, 2023in Salesforce Hospitality Travel and Transportation, Salesforce Manufacturing Automotive Energy, Salesforce Service Cloud

18Feb

Case Study: Salesforce Innovation for Hospitality

Major hospitality management firm, moves to the cloud and adopts Google Cloud and Salesforce to improve operational insights and decision-making. Tectonic assisted them to move to the cloud and obtatin quicker, actionable insights with business intelligence. Salesforce Innovation for Hospitality.

February 18, 2023in Google Analytics, Salesforce, Salesforce Development Services, Salesforce Hospitality Travel and Transportation, Salesforce Implementation Services, Salesforce Optimization, Salesforce Success Stories

Transportation

Collaboration Between Humans and AI

US Comprehensive AI Legislation

Google Wiz and Cybersecurity

AI Agents in Line at HR

Proud to Be A Part of the Turtle Bay Salesforce Journey

Digitalization in Travel and Transportation Industries

Recent Posts

Benefits of Linking CloudSign with Salesforce

Agentforce: Your Partner in Seamless Customer Experiences

On Premise Gen AI

Statement Accuracy Prediction based on Language Model Activations

Salesforce Marketing Cloud (SFMC) Connector

Contact Us

Be in touch today — and start your business on a path to success.

Category

Archives