Edition #8 - Salesforce Innovations: Historical CRM Data, Agentforce, Hyperforce, and Dreamforce Highlights

Welcome to the latest edition of Salesforce Insider, where we bring you the most impactful updates, insights, and best practices from the Salesforce ecosystem. At Kolvan, we’re committed to helping you navigate the ever-evolving Salesforce landscape with practical advice and expert knowledge.

Let’s dive into the exciting developments shaping the Salesforce world this month:

1. Best Practices for Using Historical CRM Data in Data Cloud and AI

In today’s data-driven era, historical CRM data is more than a collection of archived records—it’s a strategic asset. Salesforce’s Data Cloud empowers organizations to extract value from this data by leveraging AI and analytics. However, to maximize these benefits, thoughtful data management strategies are critical.

Why Historical Data Matters

Transactional systems often archive old records to reduce storage costs, but these records hold immense value. From improving predictions to trend analysis, properly managed historical data can enhance decision-making while optimizing operational costs by up to 50%.

Strategic Data Management in Action

To integrate historical data effectively with AI and the Salesforce Data Cloud, organizations must adopt a strategic approach:

• Implement cost-effective storage solutions for archived data.
• Ensure seamless integration with tools like Capstorm or proprietary systems.
• Provide accessible data for analytics and compliance, fortified with robust security measures.

Kolvan’s Perspective

Salesforce Consultants and Architects play a pivotal role in guiding businesses toward intelligent data strategies. By advising on data retention, alignment with AI initiatives, and compliance, they can unlock transformative insights while keeping costs in check.

The Kolvan Advantage

At Kolvan, we’re here to help you navigate complex data ecosystems, synchronize historical records, and optimize your Salesforce infrastructure. Reach out to our experts to discover how we can elevate your Data Cloud and AI initiatives.

2. Salesforce Introduces Agentforce for Retail and Retail Cloud with Modern POS

Salesforce continues to drive innovation in the retail sector with the launch of Agentforce for Retail and Retail Cloud with Modern POS. These new AI-powered solutions aim to enhance productivity, improve shopper experiences, and streamline operations for retailers.

Agentforce for Retail: AI-Driven Retail Transformation

Agentforce is designed to automate critical retail tasks, enabling businesses to improve efficiency and customer engagement:

• Streamlined Order Management: AI-powered self-service options for order modifications, returns, and real-time updates.
• Guided Shopping: Personalized product recommendations and conversational checkout options, elevating the shopping experience.
• Simplified Scheduling: Use AI to effortlessly schedule consultations, deliveries, and installations.
• Loyalty Promotions: Create tailored email content and offers, leveraging customer data to boost retention and conversions.

These innovative features not only reduce costs but are proven to increase conversions and customer engagement, reshaping the retail journey.

Retail Cloud with Modern POS: Revolutionizing Point of Sale

Retail Cloud with Modern POS is a cloud-based system that unifies online and offline shopping data, enhancing both associate productivity and the customer experience:

• Clienteling & Inventory Management: Real-time data ensures personalized shopping experiences and accurate inventory updates.
• Omni-channel Fulfillment: Support for flexible purchasing options like buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS), mixed cart purchases, and returns.
• Mobile-First Design: Offline-capable checkouts ensure seamless sales even without an internet connection.
• Seamless Integrations: Quick deployment with drag-and-drop CMS and built-in Salesforce integrations.

Kolvan’s Insight

With these new tools, Salesforce offers a comprehensive retail solution that harmonizes data, boosts sales, and enhances the customer journey. By combining Agentforce, Retail Cloud, and Modern POS, retailers can unlock new levels of efficiency and personalization, making every interaction count.

Future-Ready Retail

Kolvan is committed to helping retail businesses integrate these advanced Salesforce solutions, ensuring they’re prepared for the future of commerce. Contact us to explore how these tools can transform your retail operations.

3. Reasons to Watch Salesforce Hyperforce in 2025

As Salesforce continues to evolve and push the boundaries of technology, Hyperforce is emerging as a key development to watch in 2025. Following the success of Agentforce 2.0 and strong financial performance, Salesforce’s Hyperforce initiative is reshaping the cloud landscape and will play a pivotal role in the company’s future.

What is Hyperforce?

Hyperforce is Salesforce’s new unified cloud infrastructure, migrating from private data centers to public cloud providers like AWS. This shift is designed to ensure compliance with local data storage regulations while enhancing services like Salesforce Data Cloud.

Why Hyperforce Matters

Here are five key reasons why Hyperforce is a game-changer for Salesforce and its users:

1. Impressive Migration: Transitioning to public cloud infrastructure is no easy feat. Salesforce’s Hyperforce migration was akin to “changing a bullet train’s tracks mid-ride,” showcasing the company’s unmatched technical expertise and commitment to innovation.
2. Freed-Up Resources for Innovation: With the migration largely complete, Salesforce can now focus its talent on advancing new projects, like Agentforce 2.0. This shift marks the beginning of an exciting era for future innovations.
3. Streamlined Integration: Hyperforce makes it easier for Salesforce to integrate with AWS, offering ready-made solutions for enterprises and positioning AWS as the go-to cloud provider for Salesforce users.
4. Simplified Services: By leveraging AWS infrastructure, Salesforce can streamline offerings like Service Cloud Voice, reducing reliance on third-party providers and enhancing overall service efficiency.
5. New Opportunities for Innovation: Hyperforce unlocks a range of new possibilities for Salesforce users, from AI-powered features to new tools like lambda functions, providing both advanced and straightforward innovation opportunities.

Kolvan’s Take

Salesforce’s strategic shift to Hyperforce exemplifies the company’s technical prowess and forward-thinking vision. As Hyperforce continues to evolve, it opens up new opportunities for Salesforce users to leverage cutting-edge AI and cloud-based solutions. At Kolvan, we’re excited to help our clients navigate these changes and tap into the vast potential Hyperforce offers.

4. Dreamforce to Stay in San Francisco Through 2028

Dreamforce 2024 marked a major milestone, drawing thousands of attendees and introducing cutting-edge innovations like Agentforce. Despite concerns about the city’s challenges, Salesforce has committed to keeping Dreamforce in San Francisco through 2028, solidifying its long-term presence in the Bay Area.

San Francisco's Challenges and Turning Point

In recent years, San Francisco faced criticism over issues like homelessness, drug use, and safety concerns, prompting some to question the city’s viability as the host for Dreamforce. However, under the leadership of Mayor London Breed, efforts to improve public safety and cleanliness are beginning to shift perceptions, creating a more welcoming environment for major events like Dreamforce.

Why Dreamforce Matters

Dreamforce continues to be a vital part of San Francisco’s economy. In 2024, the event generated an impressive $93 million and secured over 413,000 hotel nights. Attracting 45,000 attendees, Dreamforce 2024 marked the highest turnout in over five years, reaffirming its importance as a major economic and cultural force in the region.

Building a Stronger Future

For the partnership between Dreamforce and San Francisco to thrive, the city must maintain its momentum in improving safety and livability. Dreamforce’s ongoing presence will continue to support the local economy while reinforcing San Francisco’s identity as the global home of Salesforce.

This concludes the latest edition of Salesforce Insider! We hope you find these updates valuable as you navigate the dynamic Salesforce ecosystem.

Until next time,

The Kolvan Team