We’re pleased to announce that Perficient has been named a Major Player in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Adobe Experience Cloud Professional Services 2024-2025 Vendor Assessment (Doc #US51741024, December 2024). We believe this recognition is a testament to our commitment to excellence and our dedication to delivering top-notch Adobe services to our clients.

Continue reading to learn more about what the IDC MarketScape is, why Perficient is named a Major Player, and what this designation means to our clients.

Understanding This IDC MarketScape

This IDC MarketScape evaluated Adobe Experience Cloud professional service providers, creating a framework to compare vendors’ capabilities and strategies. Many organizations need help planning and deploying technology, and finding the right vendor is critical.

According to Douglas Hayward, senior research director for CX services and strategies at IDC, “Organizations choosing an Adobe Experience Cloud professional service should look for proof that their vendor has high-quality professionals who have a track record in empowering their clients and delivering the best value for the fairest price.”

This IDC MarketScape study provides a comprehensive vendor assessment of the Adobe Experience Cloud professional services ecosystem. It evaluates both quantitative and qualitative characteristics that contribute to success in this market. The study covers various vendors, assessing them against a rigorous framework that highlights the most influential factors for success in both the short and long term.

Perficient is a Major Player

We believe being named a Major Player in the IDC MarketScape is a significant achievement for Perficient and underscores our Adobe Experience Cloud capabilities, industry and technical acumen, global delivery center network, and commitment to quality customer service. We further believe the study is evidence of our expertise and continued focus on solving our clients’ business challenges.

Hayward said, “In our evaluation of Perficient for the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Adobe Experience Cloud Professional Services 2024-2025 Vendor Assessment, it was evident that Perficient has global delivery expertise that combines an experience design heritage with strong capabilities in digital experience transformation.”

The IDC MarketScape also says, “Based on conversations with Perficient’s clients, the vendor’s three main strengths are value creation, people quality, and client empowerment.”

Our Commitment to Excellence

At Perficient, we are committed to maintaining and improving our services and solutions. We continuously strive to innovate and enhance our capabilities and offerings to meet the evolving needs of our clients, further empower them, and drive value.

Learn More

You can also read our News Release for more details on this recognition and make sure to follow our Adobe blog for more Adobe platform insights!

As new technologies become available within the digital space, businesses must adapt quickly by modernizing their legacy systems and harnessing the power of the cloud to stay competitive. Forrester’s 2024 report recognizes 42 notable providers– and we’re proud to announce that Perficient is among them.

We believe our inclusion in Forrester’s Application Modernization and Multicloud Managed Services Landscape, Q4 2024 reflects our commitment to evolving enterprise applications and managing multicloud environments to enhance customer experiences and drive growth in a complex digital world.

With the demand for digital transformation growing rapidly, this landscape provides valuable insights into what businesses can expect from service providers, how different companies compare, and the options available based on provider size and market focus.

Application Modernization and Multicloud Managed Services

Forrester defines application modernization and multicloud managed services as:

“Services that offer technical and professional support to perform application and system assessments, ongoing application multicloud management, application modernization, development services for application replacements, and application retirement.”

According to the report,

“Cloud leaders and sourcing professionals implement application modernization and multicloud managed services to:

• Deliver superior customer experiences.
• Gain access to technical and transformational skills and capabilities.
• Reduce costs associated with legacy technologies and systems.”

By focusing on application modernization and multicloud management, Perficient empowers businesses to deliver superior customer experiences through agile technologies that boost user satisfaction. We provide clients with access to cutting-edge technical and transformational skills, allowing them to stay ahead of industry trends. Our solutions are uniquely tailored to reduce costs associated with maintaining legacy systems, helping businesses optimize their IT budgets while focusing on growth.

Focus Areas for Modernization and Multicloud Management

Perficient has honed its expertise in several key areas that are critical for organizations looking to modernize their applications and manage multicloud environments effectively. As part of the report, Forrester asked each provider included in the Landscape to select the top business scenarios for which clients select them and from there determined which are the extended business scenarios that highlight differentiation among the providers. Perficient self-reported three key business scenarios that clients work with us out of those extended application modernization and multicloud services business scenarios:

• Infrastructure Modernization: We help clients transform their IT infrastructure to be more flexible, scalable, and efficient, supporting the rapid demands of modern applications.
• Cloud-Native Development Execution: Our cloud-native approach enables new applications to leverage cloud environments, maximizing performance and agility.
• Cloud Infrastructure “Run”: We provide ongoing support for cloud infrastructure, keeping applications and systems optimized, secure, and scalable.

Delivering Value Through Innovation

Perficient is listed among large consultancies with an industry focus in financial services, healthcare, and the manufacturing/production of consumer products. Additionally, our geographic presence in North America, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific region was noted.

We believe that Perficient’s inclusion in Forrester’s report serves as another milestone in our mission to drive digital innovation for our clients across industries. We are proud to be recognized among notable providers and look forward to continuing to empower our clients to transform their digital landscapes with confidence. For more information on how Perficient can help your business with application modernization and multicloud managed services, contact us today.

Download the Forrester report, The Application Modernization And Multicloud Managed Services Landscape, Q4 2024, to learn more (link to report available to Forrester subscribers and for purchase).

For my first time attending the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS), I must say it did not disappoint. This incredible event in Chicago happens every two years and is massive in size, taking up every main hall in McCormick Place. It was a combination of technology showcases, featuring everything from robotics to AI and smart manufacturing.

As a Digital Strategy Director at Perficient, I was excited to see the latest advancements on display representing many of the solutions that our company promotes and implements at the leading manufacturers around the globe. Not to mention, IMTS was the perfect opportunity to network with industry influencers as well as technology partners.

Oh, the People You Will Meet and Things You Will See at IMTS

Whenever you go to a show of this magnitude, you’re bound to run into someone you know. I was fortunate to experience the show with several colleagues, with a few of us getting to meet our Amazon Web Services (AWS) account leaders as well as Google and Microsoft.

The expertise of the engineers at each demonstration was truly amazing, specifically at one Robotic QA display. This robotic display was taking a series of pictures of automobile doors with the purpose of looking for defects. The data collected would go into their proprietary software for analysis and results. We found this particularly intriguing because we had been presented with similar use cases by some of our customers. We were so engrossed in talking with the engineers that our half-hour-long conversation felt like only a minute or two before we had to move on.

After briefly stopping to grab a pint—excuse me, picture—of the robotic bartender, we made our way to the Smart Manufacturing live presentation on the main stage. The ultra-tech companies presented explanations of how they were envisioning the future with Manufacturing 5.0 and digital twins, featuring big data as a core component.  It was reassuring to hear this, considering that it’s a strength of ours, thus reinforcing the belief that we need to continue focusing on these types of use cases. Along with big data, we should stay the course with trends shaping the industry like Smart Manufacturing, which at its roots are a combination of operations management, cloud, AI, and technology.

Goodbye IMTS, Hello Future Opportunities with Robotics, AI, and Smart Manufacturing

Overall, IMTS was certainly a worthwhile investment. It provided a platform to connect with potential partners, learn about industry trends, and strengthen our relationships with technology partners. As we look ahead to future events, I believe that a focused approach, leveraging our existing partnerships and adapting to the evolving needs of the manufacturing industry, will be key to maximizing our participation.

If you’d like to discuss these takeaways from IMTS Chicago 2024 at greater depth, please be sure to connect with our manufacturing experts.

Broad changes are underway in energy and utilities organizations, many influenced by trends from other sectors. These shifts are pushing companies in utilities and oil and gas to rethink their approaches, creating new cross-industry dependencies and consumer interactions.

Working to Accommodate Changing Consumer Behaviors

Energy companies are responding to evolving consumer behavior. In utilities, the shift from viewing customers as ratepayers to treating them as consumers with retail-like expectations is evident. Consumers now expect flexible payment options, including online payments, recurring billing, and credit card acceptance. Utilities are also offering smart devices, like mobile-controlled thermostats, while oil and gas companies are rolling out loyalty programs at fuel stations.

Additionally, both industries are taking on advisory roles, helping consumers manage energy use and conservation, and entering the renewable generation market. In this, they’re increasingly relying on capital markets to address grid demand and stability challenges.

How Energy Companies Flipped the Switch on Electrification

The interaction between the energy and automotive industries is accelerating due to electrification. Consumers want fast EV charging and solutions to ease range anxiety. Oil and gas companies are adding EV charging stations alongside gas pumps, while utilities balance offering charging services with maintaining grid reliability. This deepening interplay between industries has driven companies to seek talent with cross-industry expertise.

Engineering Experience No Longer Needed for Executive Roles

Traditional pathways to leadership in energy companies, which often required engineering experience, are changing. We’re seeing executives from the automotive and retail sectors take on leadership roles in utilities. The focus is now on bringing in fresh perspectives and solutions from outside industries to meet evolving consumer needs.

Cross-Industry Expertise Is Critical to Partnership

As the energy landscape transforms, partnerships with companies that bring expertise from industries like automotive, manufacturing, and retail are becoming critical. These cross-industry collaborations are key to navigating the complex challenges and opportunities ahead.

If you’d like to learn more about tapping into expertise from other industries to accelerate your transformation, explore our industry expertise.

To dive into how we’re using cross-industry solutions to optimize the utilities industry, explore our energy and utilities expertise.

Salesforce is making significant strides in the data space, which is excellent news for the manufacturing and automotive industries. Jim Hertzfeld, VP of strategy at Perficient, recently visited the Salesforce tower to discuss this with Megan Glasow, managing director of Perficient’s global Salesforce practice. We’ve previously shared how connected vehicles and the influx of data are changing the landscape of the automotive and manufacturing industries. Now, let’s take a closer look at what this means for our Salesforce Partners. 

Data Cloud Delivers You from Data Overload to Actionable Insights 

While we understand Salesforce’s role in sales and marketing, we’re seeing a big push to utilize these solutions for deeper insights into owner experience and connected products. These two factors alone create unique data challenges, especially considering that a typical connected vehicle outputs almost 25 gigabytes of data per hour. This information is collected from multiple data points within the vehicle, including geolocation and navigation, biometrics, voice recognition, cameras, and connected phones. Now that the infrastructure is in place and data is being collected, the race is on to extract all the value from the data that is being gathered. 

Automotive OEMs and other players in the industry have made huge investments in tracking data. Connected vehicles, specifically, are a goldmine of information from consumer behavior to equipment functionality. OEMs now have a front-row seat into how drivers use their vehicles, how vehicles are performing, and so much more. But now that they find themselves adrift in this sea of information, the question is: how can it be managed and monetized?

That’s where Data Cloud comes in. As a zero-copy tool, it allows you to examine where all the data lives while keeping each data point distinctly separate. With all that disparate data, Data Cloud can aggregate and create a single picture along with actionable insights on how to engage with the owner throughout their customer journey. From there, you can use this data in practical ways, such as fueling AI-powered experiences, truly accelerating data activation. 

Workshops Overcome Starting Woes and Finish with Tangible Outcomes 

Besides managing the vast amount of data these companies possess, knowing where to begin can be daunting. We’ve partnered with Salesforce to host workshops that help customers understand the first steps. Once on their feet, they focus on thinking big, starting small, and moving quickly – all tied to business outcomes. These workshops have demonstrated the value of activating this data, and customers have appreciated the tangible outcomes considering the investments involved in these endeavors. 

Getting started doesn’t have to be a challenge. Begin your journey today by scheduling a briefing or workshop with one of our experts. Even better, join us at Dreamforce to dive deep into all Salesforce can offer and make meaningful connections with experts and other brands.

Will you be at Reuters Automotive USA from October 21-23rd? Perficient is sponsoring the event with a private workshop titled, “Build a Powerful Connected Car Strategy,” and will also have a booth. Reach out to meet with us during the conference and be sure to register for our workshop.

With the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics now behind us, I pause for a moment to reflect on a time when the last summer games were held in Europe. The year was 2012, and the Olympics had just wrapped up in London, the queen had celebrated 60 years upon the throne, and in true royal fashion, I had just purchased the latest Ford Explorer.  

This Ford Explorer came in Triple Black with every feature including the latest version of sync with voice control. I was giddy with excitement and felt like I was Captain Kirk at the helm of the Starship Enterprise steering towards new horizons. But… the voice activation was not what I had hoped for.  

When attempting to call my mother, I got my friend Monica, and when trying to dial a colleague, I received a childhood friend. If you know me, then you understand that navigation isn’t my strong suit, and when searching for directions to Birmingham in Michigan, I would consequently be sent to Alabama. You get the picture.  

Speed back to 2024 and voice-to-everything is transforming the automotive industry. Thankfully, the voice control in my 2023 Ford Edge is now working much better — the way it was intended. 

Voice-to-Everything Technology Allows for Expanded Vehicle Control  

The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by advancements in technology that are reshaping the way we interact with our vehicles. One of the most exciting developments in this space is the rise of voice-to-everything (VTE) technology. This innovation is poised to redefine the driving experience, increasing intuition, safety, and making it more connected than ever before.  

VTE technology refers to the integration of voice-controlled systems throughout a vehicle, allowing drivers and passengers to interact with the car’s functions using simple voice commands. This technology leverages advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing (NLP) to understand and execute spoken instructions, minimizing the need for physical controls or manual inputs. In essence, VTE in automotive transforms your voice into the primary interface for controlling the vehicle, including everything from adjusting the climate controls, to navigating to destinations, or even managing entertainment options.  

Just Like Language Itself, Voice Technology Has Evolved Over Time 

The Evolution of VTE in cars isn’t entirely new, but it has come a long way from the rudimentary systems of the past. Early voice-activated systems often struggled with accuracy, limited vocabulary, and rigid command structures. However, recent advancements in AI and machine learning have dramatically improved these systems, enabling them to understand context, recognize natural speech patterns, and respond accurately even in noisy environments. Modern vehicles are now equipped with sophisticated voice assistants that can manage a wide range of functions. These systems are no longer just limited to basic commands; they can engage in complex interactions, understand conversational language, and even learn from user preferences over time. 

How Voice-to-Everything is Transforming the Driving Experience

The integration of VTE in vehicles offers several significant benefits, fundamentally changing how drivers and passengers interact with their cars.

To begin, VTE makes the driving experience more convenient and user-friendly. Instead of fumbling with buttons or touchscreens, drivers can simply speak their commands. This ease of use is particularly beneficial in complex, multitasking scenarios, such as driving in heavy traffic or during long trips. Modern VTE systems can learn from the driver’s habits and preferences, offering a personalized experience. For instance, the system can remember your preferred routes, favorite radio stations, or climate settings, automatically adjusting to your preferences as soon as you step into the car. 

Further, as vehicles become more connected, VTE plays a crucial role in integrating the car with other smart devices and services. Drivers can use voice commands to interact with their smartphones, smart homes, and other connected systems, creating a seamless experience that extends beyond the vehicle.

This hands-free approach is not only more convenient but also significantly enhances safety by reducing distractions.  By enabling drivers to control various functions without taking their hands off the wheel or eyes off the road, VTE greatly enhances driving safety.  Whether it’s making a phone call, changing a song, or setting up navigation, voice commands allow drivers to stay focused on the road. An additional benefit is increased productivity during long commutes, which significantly improves the driver experience. 

Finally, VTE is paving the way for the future of autonomous driving. As cars become more autonomous, voice commands will likely become the primary mode of interaction between the driver and the vehicle, allowing for smooth control of the car’s functions even when manual driving is no longer required. 

Let’s Drive Towards a Voice-Powered Future Together 

Voice-to-everything is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of the modern automotive experience. By making driving safer, more convenient, and more connected, this technology is set to revolutionize the way we interact with our vehicles. As it continues to evolve, VTE will play a crucial role in shaping the future of transportation, bringing us closer to a world where the sound of our voice is all that’s needed to command the road. Just to be clear, I am not yet ready to include my vehicle in my friend group, or as part of my fantasy team, but it’s clear that the voice-driven car is more than just a concept—it’s the future.  

As I’ve mentioned in a previous blog, Perficient is in the middle of conducting primary research on connected products. We also have a robust innovations lab that routinely helps OEMs with their customer experiences, data needs, and cloud infrastructure.  Please explore our automotive expertise and schedule a meeting, as we would love to discuss how we can help create a sustainable competitive advantage for you. 

Connected vehicles are no longer the future. They have become the present. This year, our team is conducting connected products research in which we are collecting insights from consumers, commercial end users, and manufacturers. The reason? Almost every manufacturer is working on providing connected products and solutions for both their consumers and their businesses operations. With that initiative comes challenges with leveraging huge volumes of data and questions about how companies can create revenue opportunities that still generate significant value for the consumer. 

Our research spans many industries, but I wanted to focus in on how connectivity is uniquely playing out in the automotive industry. This industry is on the brink of a technological revolution, and connected vehicles are at the forefront of this transformation. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the cars we drive are no exception. Today, cars are not only becoming sophisticated, but also becoming data centers on wheels. With advanced sensors and constant internet connectivity, connected cars can communicate with other vehicles, infrastructure, and even pedestrians. This interconnectivity promises to enhance safety, efficiency, and convenience. 

Explore Our Connected Vehicles Strategy Position

Will Promises of Value Outweigh Privacy Concerns? 

Proponents argue that connected vehicles will significantly reduce accidents through real-time data sharing and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Imagine a world where traffic lights communicate with cars to optimize traffic flow, or where a vehicle can warn its driver of an impending collision long before it happens. The value of these interactions for drivers and their communities would be life-altering.  

However, this connectivity raises serious privacy concerns. With cars collecting vast amounts of data on our driving habits, locations, and even conversations, consumers are wondering who has access to this information and what is being done with it. For manufacturers, the questions must be asked: are consumers being fully educated on their data and how it is used? Are they getting value from their data being collected? Are consumers going to resist the full adoption of connected vehicles if they do not feel entirely comfortable with this transaction of privacy for value? 

Securing Consumer Data Is the Pathway to Adoption 

The whole question of data privacy is critically important. There are regulatory and compliance issues with data, and the impact goes way beyond the consumer and their vehicles. For OEMs, the goal must be bigger than just monetizing the data. The data must be leveraged for the consumer and provide value to them as well. The consumers need to get value from their data in terms of benefit to them, their fellow consumers, and the larger community.

The promise of connected vehicles is undeniably exciting, offering unprecedented safety, convenience, and efficiency. However, we must tread carefully. As we move towards this connected future, it is crucial that we address these challenges head-on, ensuring that the benefits of connected vehicles do not come at too high a cost for consumers.  

The future of the automotive industry is here, and it is connected. OEMs are busy getting ready for a connected future along with managing vast data opportunities and issues.  

Ready to connect? Reach out to discuss how our expertise in the automotive industry can help your brand forge the future of connected vehicles. 

Imagine a world where your business can effortlessly keep pace with technological advancements and continuously changing customer expectations. The ability to swiftly develop new technology products and applications is crucial to staying competitive. However, relying solely on in-house development capabilities is not always feasible for many organizations.

Forrester released its Modern Application Development Services Landscape, Q3 2024 report to help businesses understand the value they can expect from modern application development (MAD) service providers and explore potential partners.

Modern Application Development Services

Forrester defines MAD service providers as:

“Service providers that work collaboratively with their clients to cocreate custom modern applications and, in parallel, assist them in the transformation and modernization of their software development capabilities and organization.”

In Forrester’s Priorities Survey, 2024, “64% of business and technology professionals said that bringing more development in-house would be a high or critical priority for their IT organization over the next 12 months.”

According to the report, “tech execs and application development leaders implement MAD services to:

• Increase cocreation. … MAD services can cocreate with clients while supporting them in learning how to modernize capabilities with agile, DevOps, native cloud, and edge, including generative AI (genAI).

• Improve customer experience. The goal isn’t to insource 100% of all application development work, but to improve internal capabilities and be efficient partners with MAD service providers.
• Focus on business outcomes, not just outputs. The shift to assessing modern development by measuring benefit realization and business value is a reality.”

Perficient’s Recognition and Focus Areas

We believe Perficient has been recognized for our ability to deliver on these promises, helping clients navigate the complexities of modern application development and achieve tangible business results. Perficient self-reported the following extended use cases as the top three for which clients select them:

• Backend Integration and Modernization: We specialize in integrating and modernizing backend systems to ensure seamless and efficient operations, enabling businesses to stay competitive in the digital age.
• GenAI to Increase Employee Productivity: We leverage genAI technologies to help clients boost employee productivity by automating routine tasks and enhancing decision-making processes.
• Product Operating Model: We focus on developing robust product operating models that align with our clients’ business objectives, ensuring sustainable growth and innovation.

Perficient’s Expertise and Industry Focus

Forrester based its analysis of service providers on two factors: market presence and services functionality. They segmented vendors into three categories based on MAD services revenue: large, midsize, and small; and five categories based on services functionality and global reach.

Perficient was listed as a large provider in this space with $250 million or more in annual MAD services revenue. Perficient’s listing as a consultancy in this Landscape report includes our geographic presence (North America, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific) and industry focus areas (healthcare, financial services, and manufacturing/production of consumer products).

We are proud of this achievement and remain committed to leveraging our expertise in modern application development to help our clients succeed. For more information on how Perficient can help your business with custom application development and digital transformation, contact us today.

Download the Forrester report, The Modern Application Development Services Landscape, Q3 2024, to learn more (Link to report available to Forrester subscribers and for purchase).

When I started looking for my next car, the questions did not stop at whether to buy an internal combustion engine (ICE), an electric vehicle (EV), or a hybrid. I wanted to be a well-informed buyer before I made my final decision. I wanted to not only know all the information needed to make the optimal car selection but also wanted a hassle-free buying experience that included a future maintenance and services plan that works well for me. This got me thinking about automotive commerce and how businesses can leverage order management to help improve the car-buying experience for their customers.

We hear a lot about automotive commerce. This concept of buying automotives, parts, and accessories is nothing new. What has changed is the buying, processing, and follow-through journeys for the customer and the selling channels for the manufacturers and dealers. Let’s start with a one-sentence definition of automotive commerce. It entails all the end-to-end customer journeys, supply chain processes, tasks, and activities that go into selling, renting, and maintaining vehicles and automotive equipment.

Traditionally, customers would browse through paper catalogs or go to a physical dealership with limited inventory to browse for and buy cars. Modern customers have become more savvy. Ninety-five percent of car shoppers rely on online resources to gather information, bypassing dealerships as their starting point. They expect online research and comparison tools, broader and configurable product assortments, clear pricing that eliminates the negotiation process, flexible financing, self-served test drive scheduling, and delivery or pickup options.

So, where does order management fit into this? Concentrating on these areas will provide customers, manufacturers, and dealers with an enhancement of buy-to-sustain processes.

AI-infused Customer Service Chatbots and Virtual Agents

Chatbots have seen an enormous increase and adoption in the last three to five years. The chatbot market is set to expand at a remarkable 23.3% annually due to increasing demand for 24x7x365 customer services and a need to reduce operational costs. Chatbots accelerate response times, delivering answers faster on average and reducing human resource availability for live customer communication.

Empower and supplement the automotive customer service representative team with chatbots and virtual agents to help provide instant information to customers when they’re enquiring about vehicle details, comparative insights, configured pricing, financing options, test drive appointments, delivery/pickup options, and order status.  With 74% of online users preferring interacting with chatbots when looking for answers to straightforward questions, it has become critical for businesses to respond quickly and efficiently to customer questions.

According to HubSpot, 40% of consumers have no preference when it comes to engaging with a chatbot or a human for help, as long as they receive the support they need including services like scheduling for service and repair requests, information on replacement parts and warranty, and assistance with future maintenance schedules.

Managing Inventory Levels

Auto manufacturers and dealers are seeing a rise in days of supply. Nationwide, days of supply is averaging between 75 and 85 days that include domestic and international auto brands, and it’s trending upwards. As this industry expands with newer auto players and a larger dealer footprint, manufacturers closely track their manufacturing schedules and inventory balance positions while dealers look at efficiently managing product assortments and reducing overstocking in their showrooms and warehouses.

Empower manufacturers to improve their manufacturing operations by managing inventory levels, providing forecasting accuracy which can help optimize production fulfillment based on cost and geography. Automate the supply chain process that streamlines regulatory approvals and documentation that would ultimately result in reducing delivery times. Enable dealers to make data-driven decisions by providing them accurate supply and demand picture and flexibility to effectively manage, track, and audit their stock.

Dealer Integrations 

Seamless integration with suppliers and dealers to provide visibility to their orders and flexibility in managing their business processes is a key aspect to efficiently managing and providing proactive and enhanced customer experience. Dealers risk losing 37% of online leads through missed follow-up with a need for a seamless web-to-buy customer journey.

Empower the enterprise and its extended fulfillment network to leverage the capabilities of order management as an order and inventory hub that orchestrates and manages their order and optimizes inventory. Enable order modifications and processing flexibility for dealers to cater to their customers in real time. Provide visibility to order tracking and history that enables them to better serve their customers.

Maintenance and Repair

Manufacturers, dealers, and local service shops alike have a huge opportunity and incentive to provide a higher quality of post-purchase services and repeat customers. According to Infinity business insights, the Global Automotive Repair and Maintenance Service Market Size is projected to reach outstanding growth with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6% during 2024-2032.

Empower dealers and maintenance service providers to follow through with customers after the sale. Enable capabilities for services related to vehicle maintenance, repairs, and servicing. This includes proactive customer communication and monitoring for routine maintenance and diagnostics, informing about recalls and repairs, and recommendations on upgrades and new and latest accessories.

In summary, order management systems are well aligned to play a crucial role in these areas by enhancing the overall automotive commerce experience through improved customer service, efficient inventory management, seamless and automated integrations, and following through with exceptional future maintenance and support services.

Salesforce OmniStudio is a platform of tools designed to streamline digital interactions and workflows. A crucial component within this platform is the DataRaptor/ Data Mapper. DataRaptor is a declarative data integration tool that allows users to read, transform, and write/create Salesforce data seamlessly. It simplifies data extraction and manipulation, making it essential for anyone looking to build efficient and powerful applications.

Specifications and Key Features

Specifications

• Declarative Tool: Data Raptor is a point-and-click tool that requires no coding.
• Integration: Seamless integration with Salesforce data, allowing for easy data retrieval.
• Flexibility: Supports complex data transformation and mapping.

Key Features

• Data Extraction: Extracts data from Salesforce objects or external systems.
• Data Transformation: Performs the complex transformation on the extracted data.
• Data Loading: Loads and upserts the data into Salesforce objects.
• Declarative Mapping: Allows for data mapping through a user-friendly interface.
• Data Operations: Supports CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) DML operations.

Types of DataRaptors

Salesforce OmniStudio offers four main types of DataRaptors: Extract, Load, Transform, and Turbo Extract. Each has a unique purpose in data extraction and manipulation, allowing users to efficiently handle data operations within Salesforce. Here’s an in-detailed explanation of each DR type:

Source: Trailhead Dataraptor

1. DataRaptor Extract

Purpose: DataRaptor Extract is designed to retrieve data from Salesforce objects. It allows for detailed and complex data extraction, including filtering, sorting, and transforming data using formulas and logic.

Key Features

• Data Retrieval: Extracts data from single or multiple Salesforce objects.
• Filtering and Sorting: Allows filtering of data based on specific criteria and sorting the results.
• Complex Transformations: Supports applying formulas and logic to transform the extracted data.
• Field Mapping: Enables detailed mapping of extracted fields to the output structure.
• Nested Data: Can extract related data from parent and child objects.

Example: Extracting customer data along with their recent transactions, applying a formula to calculate the total transaction amount, and formatting the data for a report.

2. DataRaptor Load

Purpose: DataRaptor Load inserts, updates, or deletes data in Salesforce objects. It is ideal for scenarios where data needs to be loaded into Salesforce from external sources or after processing within the system.

Source: Trailhead

Key Features

• Data Loading: Performs insert, update, or delete operations on Salesforce objects.
• Multiple Objects: Supports loading data into multiple objects, including related records.
• Field Mapping: Allows mapping of input data fields to Salesforce object fields.
• Error Handling: Provides options for error handling and data validation.

Example: Loading a batch of new customer records into Salesforce, updating their contact information, and associating them with existing accounts.

3. DataRaptor Transform

Purpose: DataRaptor Transform is designed for complex data transformations. It allows users to apply formulas, logic, and data manipulations to transform the data before loading it into Salesforce or sending it to another system.

Key Features

• Complex Transformations: Supports applying complex formulas and logic to manipulate data.
• Data Enrichment: Can enrich data by combining fields, performing calculations, and applying business rules.
• Intermediate Processing: Acts as an intermediary step between data extraction and loading, transforming data as needed.

Example: Transforming raw sales data by calculating total sales amounts, applying discounts, and formatting the data for a financial report.

4. DataRaptor Turbo Extract

Purpose: DataRaptor Turbo Extract is optimized for faster data retrieval. It is designed to handle large amount of data efficiently, making it suitable for scenarios where performance is important.

Source: Trailhead

Specify a Key-Value pair in Input Parameter panel 1, by entering AccountId for the Key field and an account’s RecordId for the Value field. When you execute the Omnistudio Data Raptor/Mapper Turbo Extract, the Response window 2 gives a result to confirm it is extracting data correctly.

All Salesforce records have unique RecordIds. To find a RecordId for any object, such as an account, simply open the Account record by going to the Account tab in your org, copy the RecordId from the URL, and paste it in the Value parameter.

Key Features

• High Performance: Optimized for quick data retrieval, especially for large dataset.
• Simplified Transformation: Limited support for the complex transforms to ensure faster performance.
• Large Data Handling: Efficiently processes bulk amount of data.
• Minimal Overhead: Focuses on essential extract on data, reducing processing overhead.

Example: Extracting all account records for migration to a data warehouse, where the primary requirement is speed rather than data transformation.

Omnistudio Data Raptor Extract, Omnistudio Data-Mapper Transform, and Omnistudio Data-Mapper Load also do the following.

• Trim, restructure, map, and transform data in JSON, XML or Custom Schemas.
• Use functions and formulas to transform data.

Differences Between DataRaptor Extract and DataRaptor Turbo Extract

How to Create a DataRaptor

Refer to Signup to your Omnistudio Org:  Supercharge customer journeys with Salesforce Omnistudio

Step-by-Step Guide

Extract Dataraptor

1. Navigate to OmniStudio DataRaptors:
   • In Salesforce, go to OmniStudio -> DataRaptors.
2. Create a New DataRaptor:
   • Click on “New DataRaptor.”
   • Select the type of DataRaptor (Extract, Turbo Extract, Load, Transform).
3. Define the DataRaptor:
   • Name: Give your DataRaptor a meaningful name.
   • Objects: Select the Salesforce objects you want to work with.
   • Fields: Choose the fields you want to extract, transform, or load.
4. Set Up Data Mapping:
   • Input Mapping: Map input data fields to the corresponding Salesforce object fields.
   • Output Mapping: Define how the output data should be structured.
5. Configure Transformations (if applicable):
   • Use formulas and functions to transform data as needed.
6. Test the DataRaptor:
   • Use the “Test” feature to ensure your Data Raptor works as expected.
   • Verify the output to make sure the data is getting correctly extracted, transformed, or loaded.
7. Deploy the DataRaptor:
   • Once testing is done, deploy your DataRaptor to make it available for use in your applications.

Where to Use DataRaptors in OmniStudio

Salesforce OmniStudio offers powerful tools to create guided user experiences, automate business processes, and manage data efficiently. DataRaptors are integral to OmniStudio for handling data operations. Here are the main areas where DataRaptors can be used within OmniStudio:

1. OmniScripts

OmniScripts are interactive guided processes that help users complete tasks by navigating through a series of steps. DataRaptors play a crucial role in OmniScripts by enabling data extraction, transformation, and loading at various points in the process.

Use Cases

• Data Retrieval: Use DataRaptor Extract to pull necessary data from Salesforce to display in the script.
• Data Submission: Use DataRaptor Load to save user inputs back into Salesforce.
• Intermediate Processing: Use DataRaptor Transform to apply business logic to data before displaying it to the user or saving it.

Example: In a customer service OmniScript, DataRaptor Extract can retrieve customer details based on an inputted account number, and DataRaptor Load can save the user’s updated contact information.

2. FlexCards

   FlexCards are UI components used to display data and actions in a visually appealing format. They can be embedded in Lightning pages, Community pages, or other Salesforce components.

Use Cases

• Data Display: Use DataRaptor Extract to pull data that needs to be displayed in FlexCards.
• Dynamic Content: Use DataRaptor Transform to format and manipulate the data before displaying it.

Example: A FlexCard displaying a summary of account information might use a DataRaptor Extract to pull account details and recent transactions, transforming the data to show it in a compact, user-friendly format.

3. Integration Procedures

   Integration Procedures are declarative, server-side processes that execute multiple actions in a single transaction. They are used to orchestrate data from different sources and perform complex data manipulations.

Use Cases

• Data Aggregation: Use DataRaptor Extract to pull data from various Salesforce objects.
• Data Transformation: Use DataRaptor Transform to manipulate and combine data from different sources.
• Data Loading: Use DataRaptor Load to save aggregated and transformed data back to Salesforce.

Example: An Integration Procedure might use DataRaptor Extract to retrieve data from multiple related objects, DataRaptor Transform to apply business rules, and DataRaptor Load to save the final data set to a different object.

4. OmniStudio Actions

   OmniStudio Actions are reusable actions that can be added to FlexCards and OmniScripts to perform operations such as data extraction, data transformation, and data loading.

Use Cases

• Reusable Components: Create standardized DataRaptor actions that can be used across multiple OmniScripts and FlexCards.

Example: This action extracts and displays a list of a customer’s active cases, which can be reused in various FlexCards and OmniScripts.

For more information, please visit: Trailhead modules

Best Practices for Using DataRaptors

Design

• Simplify Mappings: Keep mappings as simple and straightforward as possible.
• Reuse Components: Reuse existing DataRaptors wherever possible to avoid redundancy.
• Limit Data Volume: Extract only the necessary data to improve performance.

Performance

• Optimize Queries: Use filters and limits to reduce the amount of data processed.
• Use Turbo Extract: For large datasets, use DataRaptor Turbo Extract for better performance.
• Batch Processing: Process data in batches to manage large volumes efficiently.

Maintenance

• Version Control: Maintain versions of DataRaptors to track changes and roll back if needed.
• Documentation: Document your DataRaptors thoroughly to make maintenance easier.
• Testing: Regularly test DataRaptors, especially after any changes, to ensure they continue to function correctly.

Conclusion

Salesforce OmniStudio DataRaptors are powerful tools that simplify data integration and transformation within Salesforce. By following best practices and leveraging the capabilities of different types of DataRaptors, you can create efficient and maintainable data workflows. Whether you are extracting data for analysis or transforming data for load operations, DataRaptors provide the flexibility and power needed to handle complex data scenarios.

By understanding the specifications, key features, and best practices outlined in this guide, you can effectively utilize DataRaptors in your Salesforce environment to enhance data operations and drive better business outcomes.

Related Posts

1. Supercharge customer journeys with Salesforce Omnistudio

2. FlexCards in Salesforce OmniStudio: A Beginner’s Guide

3. Mastering Salesforce OmniScript: A Comprehensive Guide to Streamlined Workflows

4. Unlocking the Power of Salesforce OmniStudio Integration Procedure: An In-Depth Guide

There is an untapped potential for automotive loyalty programs, and we are living in an era where customer loyalty is more fleeting than ever. Until now, the relationship between OEMs and customers has been largely transactional. A customer buys a car, and the interaction ends there until the next purchase cycle—typically five to ten years later.

But in today’s competitive landscape, this model is no longer sufficient. Customers expect ongoing engagement and value from the brands they choose.

The way forward is to build innovative loyalty programs beyond the usual incentives to create genuine brand advocates. The power of loyalty programs has proven successful in other industries, from airlines to retail. They create a sense of belonging and reward customers for their repeat business. However, the automotive industry has been slow to adopt comprehensive loyalty programs.

This needs to change, and here’s why.

Why Does Loyalty Need to Change?

Three major desires of OEMs and customers are changing the face of automotive loyalty:

1. Increased Customer Retention – It’s significantly cheaper to retain an existing customer than to acquire a new one. Loyalty programs can keep customers engaged between purchases, ensuring they return when it’s time for a new vehicle.
2. Higher Lifetime Value – Loyal customers are likely to spend more over their lifetime, not just on vehicles but on related services such as maintenance, accessories, and upgrades.
3. Enhanced Customer Experience – A well-designed loyalty program can improve the overall customer experience, leading to higher satisfaction and positive word-of-mouth.

Crafting the Ultimate Loyalty Program

To create a successful automotive loyalty program, manufacturers need to think creatively and holistically. Here are key elements to consider:

1. Tiered Rewards Systems – A tiered system encourages customers to strive for higher levels of rewards. For example, a basic tier might offer discounts on services, while higher tiers could include exclusive access to new models, VIP events, or even free maintenance packages.
2. Personalized Experiences – Leverage data to understand customer preferences and tailor rewards accordingly. Personalization can range from targeted service reminders to custom offers based on driving habits and vehicle usage.
3. Integrated Ecosystems – Create an ecosystem where customers can earn and redeem points across various touchpoints—dealerships, service centers, online stores, and partner businesses. This integration makes the program more valuable and versatile.
4. Community Engagement – Build a community around your brand. Organize events, create online forums, and encourage social media engagement. Customers who feel part of a community are more likely to remain loyal.
5. Seamless Digital Experience – Ensure your loyalty program is accessible and easy to use via a mobile app and online portal. Customers should be able to track their points, redeem rewards, and access exclusive content with just a few clicks.

Several automakers are already pioneering in this space. For example, Tesla is known for its referral program, as it rewards customers who refer new buyers with exclusive perks including early access to new models and significant discounts. The BMW Loyalty Program also offers a range of benefits, from special financing rates to personalized gifts and invitations to exclusive events. Further, Hyundai Rewards allows customers to earn points for vehicle purchases, service visits, and even test drives, which can be redeemed for future purchases and services.

The Road Ahead

The future of automotive loyalty programs is bright, but it requires a shift in mindset. OEMs must move beyond the traditional sales cycle and invest in long-term relationships with their customers. By doing so, they can turn one-time buyers into lifelong brand advocates, driving sustained growth and market leadership.

By fostering deeper connections with customers and offering meaningful rewards, OEMs can ensure that their brands remain top-of-mind and top-of-choice. The journey to loyalty starts now. Are you ready to take the wheel?

The Perficient automotive team would love to hear your thoughts and help you to build out a world class loyalty program that gives you a sustainable competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Navigating the complexities of cloud technology requires an exceptional partner. We are thrilled to announce that Perficient has been named a Major Player in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Cloud Professional Services 2024 Vendor Assessment (Doc #US51406224, June 2024).

What Does This Inclusion Mean for Perficient?

“We’re honored to be recognized as a Major Player in this IDC MarketScape Report, a distinction we believe highlights our holistic approach to cloud strategy and our implementation expertise,” said Glenn Kline, Perficient’s Area Vice President of Product Development Operations. “We combine our Envision Framework, migration and modernization expertise, and our strong network of partnerships with leading cloud providers to drive measurable business outcomes for our customers. Our Agile-ready global team enables businesses to think big, start small, and act fast so they can scale their cloud ecosystem over time and deliver on the outcomes promised by cloud computing.”

According to the IDC MarketScape, businesses should “consider Perficient if [they] are looking for a midsized cloud services provider that can combine client intimacy with industrial-strength capabilities in technology transformation and experience design and build.” Additionally, our global managed services group has created comprehensive accelerators such as the App Modernization IQ, Cloud FinOps IQ, and Green Impact IQ, serving as effective tools for guiding clients in cloud operations strategies.

What Does This Mean for Our Clients?

We believe this inclusion reaffirms Perficient as a trusted partner in cloud transformation. Perficient Cloud, our comprehensive suite of six solution areas, serves as a roadmap to navigate the evolving landscape of cloud technology. These areas focus on delivering critical business and technology capabilities, with agnostic offers and accelerators tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Our Agile-ready global team enables businesses to think big, start small, and act fast, allowing scalable cloud ecosystems that maximize investment. Our focus areas include:

• Technology Modernization: Enhancing performance and efficiency through updated infrastructure.
• Product Differentiation: Creating innovative product offerings that stand out.
• Customer Engagement: Improving interactions and experiences with personalized, data-driven approaches.
• Data & AI Enablement: Driving insights and innovation with advanced analytics and AI.
• Automation & Operational Agility: Boosting efficiency with automation solutions.
• Sustainable Practices: Promoting responsible and impactful cloud strategies.

Join Us on Our Cloud Journey

We believe our inclusion in the IDC MarketScape report highlights our commitment to helping businesses navigate the complexities of cloud transformation. We are dedicated to delivering top-tier cloud solutions that drive growth and innovation.

To learn more about Perficient’s cloud professional services, download the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Cloud Professional Services 2024 Vendor Assessment report available to IDC subscribers and for purchase. You can also read our News Release for more details on this recognition.