Major changes are taking place within the telecom industry in recent years. The need for flexibility within the process chain - from quotation process to contract management - is high. Salesforce Industries CPQ helps organizations create flexible quotations, takes into account the issues such as discounts and new product combinations and ensures faster delivery of relevant proposals. You achieve the greatest success with the right preparation. "A phased rollout provides the necessary overview." Theodoor van Donge reveals the opportunities for the telecom industry.
What challenges is the telecom industry currently facing?
"There is currently a great need for flexibility within the entire process chain. Think of the preparation of quotations through to effective contract management. In practice, we often find that different systems are used within the telecom industry, which, in terms of clarity, leave much to be desired over time. Custom solutions that were developed in the past and no longer meet the organization's current requirements are also often used."
Speaking of those requirements, what distinguishes a proposal process within the telecom industry from other industries?
"For example, new product bundles are being developed, which are also adaptable on a monthly basis. A good CPQ solution helps you with modeling so that your process is well aligned with the aforementioned requirements."
How do you best prepare for a Salesforce Industries CPQ journey?
"Get the preparation right: this is precisely where a lot of gains can be made. Take the desired process as a starting point. It is also important to clearly define which functional requirements the new system must meet. Avoid the pitfall of simply rebuilding the old system. This tendency unfortunately persists in practice and is firmly rooted in the natural thought that "people are already familiar with that system. This also underlines the need to pay attention to users and behavior: changing that remains a challenge. To solve precisely this in a smart way, you can use a phased rollout. This not only provides certainty and overview from a technical point of view, but also offers the opportunity to bring the users along in the process. The phased approach also allows you to build out the functionality later, for example when the organization adopts new sales channels. Also important for good preparation: make the right people available in good time from the first phase. Think of product managers and account managers, who are indispensable for mapping the process and help ensure that the integrations are in order."
What makes the combination of CaseNine and Salesforce Industries CPQ interesting for the telecom industry?
"What I like about CaseNine is the approach of the team: it consists of professionals who are deeply technical. This is directly reflected in the customer projects and the way they are handled: we do not easily shy away from a complex project. Combined with Salesforce Industries CPQ, we deliver an adaptable and flexible environment."
Want to learn more about the real-world benefits of a CPQ solution? Contact us directly for a discussionor download the Sales Slide Deck. The Sales Slide Deck succinctly presents the benefits of key topics, such as Shared DevOps and CPQ. Use this deck if you want to learn more about the topic or start the conversation with others within your organization.
Did you know that it is very easy to visualize data in Salesforce? As a company, you probably have a lot of data at your disposal. Data is very useful for figuring out what needs improvement and what is already doing very well. Data visualization makes this even easier.
Why data visualization?
Data in a graph or table is easier to interpret than a long Excel report or a Salesforce report. Data visualization is an easy way to see trends, patterns and opportunities. In addition, data visualization can make your presentation or pitch just that little bit more compelling.
How do you visualize data in Salesforce?
It is very easy to create a dashboard in Salesforce and visualize the data that comes from a Salesforce report. You just need to create a report with the data you need, create a dashboard and add the report as a component to your dashboard.
You can add different components, from different types of charts to tables and measurement tools. If you don't know exactly how to do this, the trail "Reports & Dashboards for Lightning Experience" on Trailhead explains it to you step by step.
Sample reports/dashboards AppExchange
If you don't want to create your own dashboard you can also download templates from the AppExchange. These packages are free and can be customized to your needs. Then keep in mind that some parts of these packages are easy to implement, but they may have limitations or may not be entirely suitable for your business.
Different dashboards for different teams
Not every team needs access to all dashboards or the same dashboard. Nor do you always need the same components from your dashboard for your presentation or pitch. Fortunately, in Salesforce you can create different dashboards for different teams and goals.
Before creating a dashboard, think about what the purpose is, which teams or individuals will have access, which and the amount of data you want to use, and the types of charts you will use.
What is Github?
GitHub is a code-hosting platform for version control and collaboration. It allows you and others to collaborate on projects from any location. CaseNine uses Git in its projects to make collaboration not only better but also more enjoyable. A team effort in the end gives not only better results but also a fulfilled feeling. Below in brief how to get started using GitHub.
How do you use Github?
Step 1: create a repository
A repository is usually used to organize a single project. Repositories can contain folders and files, images, videos, spreadsheets, data sets - anything your project needs. We recommend that you include a README or file with information about your project. GitHub makes it easy to add one as you create your new repository.
This is how to create a new repository:
- Click in the upper right corner next to your avatar and select New repository.
- Give the repository a name and short description.
- Select Initialize this repository with a README.
Step 2: create a branch (Branch)
Branching is the way to work on different versions of a repository at the same time.
By default, your repository has one branch named main that is considered the final branch. We use branches to experiment and make edits before committing them to "main."
This is how you create a new branch:
- Go to your new repository (the one you created in step 1)
- Click the drop-down list at the top of the file list that says branch: main.
- Type a branch name, readme operations, in the new branch text box.
- Select the blue Create branch box or press "Enter"
Step 3: make changes (commits)
So now you can really get started! On GitHub, saved changes are called commits. Each commit has an associated message, which is a description that explains why a particular change was made. Commit messages record the history of changes so that other users understand what you did and why.
Making and recording changes
- Click on the README.md file.
- Click the pencil icon in the upper right corner of the file view to edit.
- In the editor, write something about yourself.
- Write a commitment message describing your changes.
- Click the Commit Changes button.
Step 4: open a pull request
Now that you have changes to a branch off of master, you can open a pull request.
Pull-requests are the core of collaboration on GitHub. When you open a pull request, you introduce your changes and ask someone to review and pull in your contribution and merge it into their branch. Pull requests show differences, or divergences, from the content of both branches. Changes, additions and subtractions are displayed in green and red.
Once you make a commit, you can open a pull request and start a discussion even before the code is ready.
Step 5: Code review
An important step is to conduct a code review. During a code review, you check each other's code and check for any errors. It also allows you to ensure quality and that the look and feel of your project remains the same throughout.
Step 6: Merge your Pull Request
In this final step, it's time to merge your changes - merging your readme-edits branch into the main branch.
- Click the green Merge pull request button to merge the changes into main.
- Click Confirm Merge.
- Go ahead and delete the branch, as the changes are recorded, using the Delete branch button in the purple box.
This is what you can do now and have accomplished with these steps:
- Created an open source repository
- A new industry started and managed
- Modified a file and made those changes in GitHub
- A Pull Request opened and merged
Good luck with setting up your Github environment!
We were very excited when Salesforce Blockchain was announced at the TrailheaDX event. Now that it's officially part of Salesforce, we'd like to explain to you exactly what it is and what you can do with it.
What is Blockchain?
For businesses, blockchain is a relatively new way of storing data. Blockchain is a unique and secure way of storing data because it consists of a chain of blocks filled with data that are decentralized. That means that the data is stored distributed across different data servers. Simply put, a block within a chain consists of data, a hash (the identity of the block) and a previous hash (the identity of the previous block in the chain). This is also how blocks connect to each other and the reason blockchain is so secure. When you fiddle with a block, the hash of that block changes, breaking the connection to the other blocks and thus leaving you with no blockchain.
Yet another way by which your data is secure with blockchain is because the chain is distributed over a P2P network. Anyone can be part of the chain and when a block is added each device in the chain (node) must verify the block, check that it has not been tampered with, before it is added to the chain. This creates consensus; each node determines which blocks are good and if they are correct within the chain.
Salesforce Blockchain
Salesforce Blockchain is a low-code platform where you can use the blockchain technology within Salesforce. Blockchain allows you to build your own chain and collaborate with partners in a secure way. As with regular blockchain technology, the chain is decentralized and spread across multiple parties, each member can see the data and optionally get a notification when something has been changed or added.
Within Salesforce, it is possible to create blockchain networks, data and apps with clicks instead of code. So Salesforce helps you leverage blockchain data with the capabilities of built-in Salesforce functionalities. Finally, Salesforce Blockchain also helps you share your blockchain with your partners with Lightning Apps or built-in APIs for partners who do not use Salesforce.
The terms or job titles software engineer and software developer are often used interchangeably. While an engineer and a developer or developer are really two different functions. In this blog we will tell you exactly what both terms, in our opinion, mean and what the difference is.
What is a software engineer?
A software engineer determines how to design, develop, write, implement, test, improve and maintain software based on the needs and requirements of the customer or end users.
As an engineer, you are therefore responsible for the entire process of converting wishes, problems or questions into software solutions. So it is not just about coding or programming, but rather all the things around it such as planning work, contacting the client and maintenance (organizing).
What does a software engineer do?
Software engineers work according to a systematic and disciplined approach to the development, implementation and maintenance of software. From drafting the requirements to delivering them to the customer.
So as an engineer you have a very diverse job; you write code and program, if you are working for a customer you constantly keep your finger on the pulse, often you work on problems on a project basis and come up with a solution to them independently or as part of a team.
An engineer usually works as part of a team to develop new software. A team may include a scrum master, product owner, integration architect and a solution architect. A software engineer can sometimes also take on the role of scrum master, for example.
Work of a software engineer might look something like this:
- Analyze the client's needs and requirements
- Translate these into a design or plan
- Establish and develop the desired specifications
- Planning and executing programming work
- Develop the software in consultation with the client
- Testing the software
- Preparation of accompanying documentation on the software, for both end users and technicians who have to work with it
- Maintain and update the software
Where do software engineers work?
Among others at CaseNine😉
A software engineer is often employed by a software company that develops and implements (customized) solutions for external clients. Not infrequently, this is done on a secondment basis. There are also software engineers who are responsible within a company for the entire process of software implementation: especially larger companies, government agencies and banks employ their own software engineers. Vacancies
What is a software developer?
A software developer is someone who develops software and is mainly concerned with writing the code. Thus, as a software developer, you are responsible for the code of the software.
What does a software developer do?
In addition to writing code and programming it, a software developer may also be responsible for designing, implementing and testing the software. Like an engineer, he usually does this as part of a team, but often has fewer responsibilities within a team than a software engineer.
Thus, work of a software developer usually consists of
- Designing the necessary software
- Writing code
- Implementing the software
- Testing of software
What is the difference between a software engineer and a software developer?
Thus, the work of a software engineer is broader than that of a developer. An engineer deals with the bigger picture and a developer deals primarily with programming.
Getting a job at CaseNine, for example as a Software Engineer? Check out the current vacancies here. Or would you like to know more or CI/CD? Then read our blog: '6 important advantages of CI/CD' for more information.
We've all experienced it: visiting a (potential) customer and, despite your good preparations, you were fumbling with your laptop and didn't immediately get hold of the right data. What can a Mobile CRM improve here?
Fortunately, most CRM platforms also have a mobile app, so this eliminates this kind of hassle. But a mobile CRM (such as Salesforce's, for example) has even more advantages:
All customer data in the palm of your hand
How nice is it to be with a client and have all the necessary data in the palm of your hand? With a mobile CRM, you don't have to unpack your entire laptop, ask for WiFi or connect to a hotspot first. You just grab your phone (or iPad), open the app and you have all the data and tools you need.
In addition, you can add notes and data right away and you don't have to process this in your CRM at the office, again saving time!
Salesforce's Mobile CRM mobile app is plug-and-play
If you have a Salesforce environment, Salesforce's mobile app is part of it for free. All you have to do is download the app (suitable for both Android and Apple) login, and you can get started with your mobile CRM right away!
Different from the regular version
On the desktop version of your Salesforce environment or another CRM, every feature is available and your dashboard probably fits nicely arranged on your entire screen. On a mobile screen, of course, less fits and when you're out and about you don't need every feature either. You can completely customize the Salesforce Mobile App to suit your needs.
Customizable
So the Salesforce mobile app is easily customizable. You yourself, your Salesforce admin or consultant can customize the app to your needs. Remove what you don't need on the go so quickly and add what is most important to you when you are visiting a customer.
Offline use
The main functions of the Salesforce Mobile App do not require an Internet connection, so should you be visiting, say, a farm in the middle of nowhere, the app can still be used. The condition is that caching must be enabled within the app. Check the Salesforce site to see which features are available offline.
Don't have a mobile version of your CRM environment yet? Then now you have plenty of reasons to get started implementing it. It may take a little extra time, but in the end it will also save you a considerable amount of time.
Artificial intelligence and voice are relatively new concepts for businesses. It seems very complicated to get started with them, but as with blockchain, Salesforce has created a platform with Salesforce Einstein that makes it very easy to implement AI and voice in your business.
What is artificial intelligence (artificial intelligence)?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the concept of intelligent machines that "think" like humans. This means these machines can recognize speech, solve problems, learn from data, predict based on data and much more. AI is mostly used to make your life easier; you can already ask Alexa and Siri all sorts of things or have a conversation with a chatbot from the customer service department.
Improving your business with Artificial intelligence and Salesforce Einstein
AI can be used to speed up certain processes; for example, analyzing data and making predictions. This means it can help your sales team take their performance to the next level. Or your marketing team will know exactly when to send newsletters, who to target for different campaigns and how to personalize ads for social media and websites.
AI helps you understand your customer and makes it easier to help them, convert leads and sell your product or service.
What is Salesforce Einstein?
Salesforce Einstein is, simply put, Salesforce's way of helping you implement AI without needing an AI developer or data scientist. Every company customizes their Salesforce environment to their needs; it's no different with Einstein. With Salesforce Einstein, your admins and developers can easily implement and personalize it within your already existing Salesforce environment.
Salesforce Einstein gives you insight into your customers' behavior, predicting outcomes, recommending actions and automating routine tasks. An important part of AI is machine learning. Einstein does this automatically with automated machine learning (AutoML). AutoML goes through your data and detects errors, it helps you understand why customers buy certain products and predicts what is important for the customer to convert.
Note that with clean data, the system can more easily learn and make accurate predictions, so be sure to fix the errors and duplicates in your system as soon as possible.
In short, Salesforce Einstein makes it easier to use AI without having too much knowledge of programming. Einstein is a smart way to improve your business with the data you already have anyway.
Have you been doubting for a while whether it's worth switching from Salesforce Classic to Salesforce Lightning? Such a transition almost seems like another project in itself, takes time and entire teams have to get used to a renewed system again. Even though it seems like a lot of hassle, we believe it is definitely worth it.
User-friendly
First and foremost, Salesforce lightning is more user-friendly and intelligent platform than the Classic variant. No matter what role you have within the team, the system is easier for everyone to use. Salesforce lightning is thus designed to simplify workflow and allow teams to work more efficiently and productively.
More useful features are available within Salesforce Lightning, including a performance chart, a virtual assistant, the ability to take notes and add logos. In addition, the system has been given a whole new look and the desktop version is inspired by the convenience of a mobile version.
You can always go back to Classic
The advantage is that you don't have to switch completely from Classic to Lightning right away. Because not all Classic features are supported by Lightning, Salesforce Classic remains available and is just two clicks away within your Salesforce environment. So the users you give access to Lightning can simply switch from one version to another.
No more updates for Classic
Yet another slightly more pressing reason to switch is that Salesforce Classic is no longer getting updates. Salesforce is focusing primarily on Lightning when it comes to renewing and updating. By the way, this does not mean that you can no longer get support for the Classic variant, all the service around it will continue to exist.
Actually, switching can hardly go wrong and is definitely recommended if you want to work faster and more efficiently in a user-friendly environment. If you still have doubts? Then you can use the Salesforce Readiness Check, a service offered by Salesforce that verifies for you whether your current version of Salesforce is suitable for the switch to Lightning.
What is Salesforce NPSP
About a year ago, Salesforce.org came out with the Nonprofit Cloud, a combination of Salesforce products that specifically address the needs and wants of nonprofit organizations. Part of the Nonprofit Cloud is the Nonprofit Success Pack (Salesforce NPSP), this pack adds elements to Salesforce that are useful for nonprofit organizations. These include donation and donor management functionalities and a fundraising and campaign dashboard.
1. All data centrally in one place
For nonprofit organizations, data often comes in through multiple channels, such as donations, new donors, recruitment events and campaign results. With NPSP, all that data eventually ends up in one place. When processed automatically, or by an admin, this data is also always viewable, no matter where you are.
2. Easy to analyze data
Within Salesforce, it is easy to analyze and visualize data. For example, you can see exactly which campaigns are running well, which recruitment efforts are bringing in the most donors and what is running well financially or which aspect needs a little more attention.
3. Salesforce also contributes
When you qualify as a nonprofit for Salesforce.org, Salesforce itself donates 10 users. The nice thing is that there is no time limit, these users can be used at any time. In addition, Salesforce is more affordable for nonprofit organizations than the regular Salesforce environment.
Another advantage is that as a Salesforce NPSP user, you can use the Power of Us Hub. This is an online environment where specialists and developers are available to help you with any questions about or problems with your Salesforce environment.
4. Managing donors and volunteers
Salesforce NPSP makes it easy to manage donations and their associated donors. In Salesforce NPSP, in addition to tracking basic data, you can enter, among other things, whether a donor is a member, has made a one-time donation, or possibly is or wants to become a volunteer.
In addition, you can create Households and Organization accounts, where you can link individuals to a household (often a family or circle of friends) or organization account (often an employee of a company).
Another useful feature is that you can match skills to volunteers, for example. This means that by filtering well, you can quickly approach the perfect volunteer for a specific job.
5. Salesforce NPSP is easily customizable.
Salesforce NPSP provides a good base of functionality for a nonprofit organization. Also from a Salesforce developer's perspective, NPSP is a nice package to work with because it is open-source. This means that the package can be viewed by anyone and can easily omit, modify or even extend functionality.
See how we are working with Salesforce NPSP at KWF.