The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recently issued a final rule § 1033.121(c) supporting open banking and personal financial data rights. Under this ruling, banks, credit unions, credit card issuers, and other financial service providers must enhance consumer access to personal financial data.

The first compliance deadline of April 1, 2026, impacts the largest organizations.

• The ruling demands action from all non-depository firms (e.g., institutions that issue credit cards, hold transaction accounts, issue devices to access an account, or provide other types of payment facilitation products or services). The compliance deadline, however, depends on the firm’s total receipts from calendar years 2023 and 2024.
  • April 1, 2026: $10B+ total receipts in either calendar year
  • April 1, 2027: <$10B total receipts in both calendar years
• The ruling also impacts depository institutions that hold at least $850 million in total assets. Compliance deadlines follow a staggered rollout based on total assets.
  • April 1, 2026: $250B+ total assets
  • April 1, 2027: $10B to <$250B total assets 
  • April 1, 2028: $3B to <$10B total assets
  • April 1, 2029: $1.5B to <$3B total assets
  • April 1, 2030: $850M to <$1.5B total assets

Accelerating the shift to open banking with 1033 

Open banking changes how financial data is shared and accessed, giving customers more control of their information. The 1033 Personal Financial Data Rights rule ensures that:

• Personal financial data is made available to consumers and agents at no charge
• Data is exchanged through a safe, secure, and reliable digital interface
• Consumers aren’t surprised with hidden or unexpected charges when accessing their personal financial data
• Consumers can walk away from bad financial services and products
• Safeguards protect consumers and financial firms from surveillance, data misuse, and risky data practices

Open banking is going to do for the banking industry what the introduction of the Apple smart phone did for cell phones.

CFPB 1033 open banking requires financial firms to ease personal financial data access for consumers 

CFPB first proposed the rule in the Federal Register on October 31, 2023, accepted public comments on the regulation though December 29, 2023, then issued its final rule November 18, 2024. This effort carries out the personal financial data rights established by the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 (CFPA).

The final rule § 1033.121(c) “requires banks, credit unions, and other financial service providers to make consumers’ data available upon request to consumers and authorized third parties in a secure and reliable manner; defines obligations for third parties accessing consumers’ data, including important privacy protections; and promotes fair, open, and inclusive industry standards.”  

The implications of the CFPB’s regulation on open banking will be enormous for consumers, banks, and data providers.

Impact on consumers 

Without open banking, consumers struggle to switch between bank deposit and lending offerings. For example, switching checking accounts to one with a better interest rate involves resetting direct deposits and recurring bill-paying, printing new checks, and obtaining a new ATM card. Mistakes resulting in overdrafts are costly, both financially and to one’s credit score and reputation.   

As a result, larger banks have a much smaller net interest margin, as shown in the chart below:

In addition, the stickiness of deposits causes a considerable lag between when a bank raises deposit rates and when deposit balances increase proportionately. 

As open banking, mandated by Rule 1033, takes effect, consumers will be able to:

• Switch credit cards within seconds while retaining terms and rewards of their current account
• Transfer deposits and multiple years of transaction history into a new checking account  

Impact on data providers 

Data providers, including digital wallet providers, will be able to move on from “screen scraping” and instead provide API-driven real-time balances, transaction history, and reward balances to their retail customers. Of course, providing this “new and improved” service will require re-writing front ends and processing engines to provide the necessary data in a timely manner. 

Impact on banks 

Banks and their affiliates must look toward building an open, larger ecosystem as part of continued digital transformation efforts.

While challenging, this work is necessary for banks that aim to grow revenue through collaboration and cooperation. Ultimately, banks that don’t satisfy their borrowers or lenders will be hard-pressed to compete in the ever-challenging financial landscape.

Navigate 1033 open banking compliance deadlines with confidence 

We encourage leaders to identify mandates’ silver lining opportunities. After all, to remain competitive and compliant, financial services firms must innovate in ways that add business value, meet consumers’ evolving expectations, and build trust. Achieving transformative outcomes and experiences requires a digital strategy that not only satisfies mandates but also aligns the enterprise around a shared vision and actionable KPIs, ultimately keeping customers at the heart of progress.

A holistic approach could include:

• Strategy + Transformation: current-state assessment, future-state roadmap, change management
• Platforms + Technology: pragmatically scalable, composable architecture and automations to accelerate progress
• Data + Intelligence: well-governed “golden source of truth” data and secure integrations/orchestration
• Innovation + Product Development: engineering and design for what’s now, new, and next
• Customer Experience + Digital Marketing: human-centered, journey-based engagement
• Optimized Delivery: Agile methodologies, deep domain expertise, and scalable global teams

Our financial services experts continuously monitor the regulatory landscape and deliver pragmatic, scalable solutions that meet the mandate and more. Discover why we’ve been trusted by 18 of the top 20 banks, 16 of the 20 largest wealth and asset management firms, and are regularly recognized by leading analyst firms.

Ready to explore your firm’s compliance with Rule 1033? Contact us to discuss your specific risk and regulatory challenges.  

Quantum computing is rapidly transitioning from theory to reality, using the principles of quantum mechanics to achieve computational power far beyond traditional computers. Imagine upgrading from a bicycle to a spaceship—quantum computers can solve complex problems at extraordinary speeds. However, this leap in computing power poses significant challenges, particularly for cybersecurity, which forms the backbone of data protection in our digital world.

The Quantum Revolution and its Impact on CyberSecurity

Today’s cybersecurity heavily relies on encryption,  converting data into secret codes to protect sensitive information like passwords, financial data, and emails. Modern encryption relies on complex mathematical problems that even the fastest supercomputers would take thousands of years to solve. However, quantum computers could change this model. Cryptography operates on the assumption that classical computers cannot break their codes. With their immense power, quantum computers may be able to crack these algorithms in hours or even minutes. This possibility is alarming, as it could make current encryption techniques obsolete, putting businesses, governments, and individuals at risk.

Problem statement: It is not uncommon to accidentally execute statements that update or delete incorrect data in database tables. To address this, Snowflake offers a feature known as Fail-safe, which allows for the recovery of lost or altered data. This functionality provides a way to restore data that may have been mistakenly updated or deleted. Below, we outline several examples and methods for recovering data using Snowflake’s Fail-safe feature.

Snowflake Time Travel is a powerful feature that allows users to access historical data — including data that has been modified or deleted — at any point within a specified retention period. This functionality is essential for a variety of tasks, including:

• Restoring deleted data objects: Recover tables, schemas, and databases that may have been accidentally or intentionally deleted.
• Backing up and duplicating data: Capture and preserve data from key moments in the past for reference or archiving purposes.
• Analyzing data changes: Examine how data has been used or manipulated over specific time periods.

With Snowflake Time Travel, users can perform the following actions within the defined retention window:

Below is the table created in snowflake

Below is the statement used to update ‘GENDER’ column to F accidentally for all the records.

Below is the statement which is used to recover data before 1 minute.

Select * from employees at(offset =>-60*1 );

The other way that we can use to recover the data is using query id. As below mentioned go to the monitoring section and get the query id’s and execute the below select statement.

Select * from stg.employees before (statement => ’01b84ac0-0712-2262-0074-35030a0b41ce’);

Below are the 2 statements used to recover the dropped table.

Drop table table_name;

Undrop table table_name;

Across industries like manufacturing, energy, life sciences, and retail, data drives decisions on durability, resilience, and sustainability. A significant share of this critical data resides in SAP systems, which is why so many business have invested i SAP Datasphere. SAP Datasphere is a comprehensive data service that enables seamless access to mission-critical business data across SAP and non-SAP systems. It acts as a business data fabric, preserving the semantic context, relationships, and logic of SAP data. Datasphere empowers organizations to unify and analyze their enterprise data landscape without the need for complex extraction or rebuilding processes.

No single platform architecture can satisfy all the needs and use cases of large complex enterprises, so SAP partnered with a small handful of companies to enhance and enlarge the scope of their offering. Databricks was selected to deliver bi-directional integration with their Databricks Lakehouse platform. This blog explores the key features of SAP Datasphere and Databricks, their complementary roles in modern data architectures, and the business value they deliver when integrated.

Perficient is proud to announce that we received awards from the 2024 eHealthcare Leadership Awards for our outstanding projects that we completed for MVP Health Care and QuidelOrtho.

MVP Health Care Informs and Impresses Users With an Optimized, Modern Website

Best Overall Internet Site, Gold | A user-friendly architecture provides key information to help guide members to the right plan. Improvements have led to a 44% boost in plan shopping visits and increased time spent on site by 10%. | https://www.mvphealthcare.com

QuidelOrtho’s New Website Personalizes the Digital Customer Experience for a New Brand

Best Overall Internet Site, Distinction | Personas and journey insights enable highly relevant experiences for each segment. Search-optimized assets match the right audience with the right content. A newly unified brand experience has led to a 6500% increase in monthly organic clicks. | https://www.quidelortho.com/global/en

We stitch together strategy, data, and technology to streamline processes that improve quality of care for in-person and virtual experiences.

• Business Transformation: Activate strategy for transformative outcomes and health experiences.
• Modernization: Maximize technology to drive health innovation, efficiency, and interoperability.
• Data + Analytics: Power enterprise agility and accelerate healthcare insights.
• Consumer Experience: Connect, ease, and elevate impactful health journeys.

“The eHealthcare Leadership Awards for Best Overall Internet Site highlight our innovative approach to healthcare solutions. We combine strategy, industry best practices, data, and technology expertise to shape the experiences and engagement of healthcare consumers, streamline operations, and improve the cost, quality, and equity of care. ​We are proud to accept these awards.”

– Brent Teiken, Perficient General Manager, Healthcare + Life Sciences

We sincerely congratulate MVP Health Care and QuidelOrtho for their remarkable achievements and dedication to enhancing and advancing healthcare.

Looking for support? Contact us today.

The pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work in the technology sector, especially in software consulting firms. However, now that the situation has changed, what is the most suitable work model for this sector that promotes employee well-being?

The Hybrid Model: A Customized Solution for Software Consulting Firms

A recent Gartner study: Future of Work reveals that in 2024, companies are more inclined to adopt a hybrid work model. This approach, which combines in-office days with remote workdays, is the preferred option for many software consulting firms. It offers flexibility and allows work dynamics to adapt to the needs of each project and client. 

Benefits and Challenges for Software Consulting Firms

Remote Work

• Benefits:
  • Greater flexibility to manage projects across different time zones.
  • Reduced operational costs.
  • Access to a global talent.
  • Increased productivity and performance.
  • Better work-life balance.

• Challenges:
  • Difficulties in maintaining team cohesion and organizational culture.
  • Social isolation can affect creativity and innovation.
  • Polyworking possibility (additional side jobs).

Office Work

• Benefits:
  • Facilitates real-time collaboration and problem-solving.
  • Reinforces organizational culture.
  • Establishes clear boundaries between work and personal life.

• Challenges:
  • Geographic limitations in finding talent.
  • Higher operational costs.
  • Formal dress code requirements.

Hybrid Model

• Benefits:
  • Combines the best of both worlds, offering flexibility and fostering collaboration.  
  • Allows the model to be adapted to the specific needs of each project and team.

• Challenges:
  • Requires careful management to avoid fatigue from constant changes in the work environment and disconnection.  

2024 Studies: What do the data say?

The article Pros and Cons of Working From Home vs. Working in an Office points out that remote work is the third biggest motivator for employees looking for a job. The first is the hourly wage, and the second is the growth opportunities in the company.

According to the State of Hybrid Work 2023 report, hybrid work continues to gain ground: 26% of respondents already work under this model, and another 25% would be willing to reduce their salary by 15% in exchange for greater flexibility in their schedules.

In the blog Remote Work Statistics & Trends: The Latest in Remote Work of 2024, it is reported that 77% of technology workers feel more productive with a hybrid or fully remote model.

Key Factors for the Success of the Hybrid Model in Software Consulting Firms

• Clarity of expectations: Clearly define responsibilities, goals, and performance metrics.
• Collaboration tools: Invest in technology that facilitates communication and remote work.  
• Strong organizational culture: Foster a culture based on trust, respect, and transparency.
• Employee well-being: Implement programs that address both physical and mental health.

Conclusion

At Perficient, we believe that the hybrid model is the key to meeting the challenges and taking advantage of the opportunities that work in the technology industry presents in 2024. Our global experience, adapted to the unique nature of each project, has allowed us to find the perfect balance between productivity, innovation, and well-being, both for our clients and our teams.

Ever wondered what a day looks like when technology meets teamwork? 

As a technical architect at Perficient, Rodrigo Vargas builds solutions and bridges between teams, tools, and ideas. From streamlining automation across multiple frameworks to shaping roadmaps and client strategies, every day is a blend of technical challenges and creative collaboration. 

Curious to see how it all unfolds? Let’s dive in! 

What is your role? Describe a typical day in the life. 

As a technical architect, I lead the standardization and optimization of six CI/CD/CT automation teams across multiple technology stacks. My job involves implementing agile methodologies to synchronize end-to-end testing across multiple frameworks.  

I also lead PDF content validation efforts for clinical letters and develop comprehensive roadmaps in collaboration with IT team members to improve document processing workflows. A crucial aspect of my role is to facilitate direct communication with client stakeholders for accurate estimation and roadmap planning while optimizing workload distribution and improving cross-team collaboration. 

How do you explain your job to family, friends, or children? 

My role is similar to that of an architect and construction supervisor, but in the world of computer programs. I ensure that programs are built correctly, work seamlessly together, and perform as expected.  

I also explain how I lead a team that creates special tools to check that everything works perfectly. Simply put, my job is to ensure that the software we create is high quality and meets our clients’ needs. 

Whether big or small, how do you make a difference for our clients, colleagues, communities, or teams? 

In my role, I make a difference through technical innovation and effective leadership. For our clients, I streamline critical processes and improve software quality, resulting in more efficient and reliable solutions. This not only directly benefits businesses, but also has a positive impact on the communities that use these services. 

With my colleagues and teams, I foster an environment of continuous learning and collaboration. Sharing knowledge about emerging technologies and agile methodologies not only improves our projects, but also drives the professional growth of each team member. My focus on skill development and innovation creates a positive ripple effect, elevating the quality of our work as a team and the satisfaction of our clients. 

What are your proudest accomplishments, personally and professionally? Any milestone moments at Perficient? 

In my professional career, I am proud to have successfully led the standardization and optimization of many CI/CD/CT automation teams for different clients. This achievement significantly improved the efficiency of our processes and elevated the quality of our deliveries. Implementing agile methodologies and integrating automated testing into our workflow are important milestones that have transformed the way we work. 

Personally, I consider my continuous learning and adaptation to modern technologies, especially in the field of artificial intelligence and language models, a great achievement.  

My ultimate goal is transcendence. 

What has your experience at Perficient taught you?

I have learned the value of interdisciplinary collaboration. At Perficient, I have seen how constructive collaboration between different specialties can generate innovative solutions and solve insurmountable challenges. 

Perficient has helped me in the arduous task of maintaining a balance between technical excellence, interpersonal skills, and devoting time to my family and children. 

What advice would you give to colleagues who are starting their career with Perficient? 

Always remember that behind every line of code, every project, and every technical challenge, there are people. Cultivate authentic relationships with your colleagues and clients. Technology is our tool, but it is human connections that truly drive innovation and success. 

Do not be afraid to show your vulnerability. It is okay to admit that you do not know everything. In fact, this honesty will open doors to learning and fostering an environment of trust within the team. Share your doubts, celebrate your successes, and learn from your failures openly. 

Keep your curiosity alive beyond technology. Explore interests outside of work, whether it’s art, music, sports, or any other passion. These diverse experiences will enrich your perspective and help you provide more creative and comprehensive solutions to technological challenges. 

Why did you choose Perficient? What keeps you here? 

What keeps me here is the unique culture.  

Perficient is not just a place to work; it is an ecosystem of continuous learning and collaboration. My ideas are valued, and I have an opportunity to influence the development of solutions that make a difference for our clients.  

Why are you #ProudlyPerficient? 

At Perficient, my ideas are heard, and my contributions have a real impact. From leading the standardization of automation equipment to implementing innovative AI solutions, Perficient has given me the platform to drive change and innovation in the tech industry. 

What makes me truly proud is how Perficient fosters an environment of continuous learning and collaboration. We not only focus on delivering exceptional solutions to our customers, but we also invest in the personal and professional growth of each team member. 

What motivates you in your daily work? 

What motivates me in my daily work is the combination of technical challenges and the human impact that our solutions generate.  

Every day, I am driven by the opportunity to solve complex problems using innovative technologies, knowing that our work improves processes and people’s lives. 

How have you grown your career with Perficient? 

An important milestone in my growth was the transition from a purely technical role to a technical leadership role. Perficient gave me the opportunity to lead multidisciplinary teams on complex projects, allowing me to develop project management and team leadership skills. 

The company has also fostered my development in emerging technologies. For example, I have been able to delve deeper into areas such as artificial intelligence and large language models (LLM) and apply this knowledge in innovative future products for our clients. 

With Perficient’s mission statement in mind, how do you forge our future? 

Shaping the future, to me, is about more than just technology. It is about how we use our skills and knowledge to make the world a better place. When I am designing a solution, I ask myself, “How will this make life easier for someone? Are we really solving a problem that matters?”  

I also believe that shaping the future is about cultivating genuine relationships. At Perficient, we do not just build systems; we build trust. I strive to get to know my colleagues and clients and to understand their dreams and fears. Because in the end, technology is just a tool; it is the people who make the difference. 

If you had to define yourself using one Perficient value, which would it be and why? 

I would choose Collaboration.  

This value resonates deeply with me because true magic happens when we bring together diverse minds and perspectives. It is important to create an environment where all voices are valued, and where ideas can flow freely without fear of judgment. In my projects, I always seek to foster this spirit of openness and mutual respect. 

What are you passionate about outside of work? 

I am passionate about programming, music, taking long walks outdoors in the Los Andes Mountain range, and traveling. I also spend quality time with my three children and partner. 

What’s something surprising people might not know about you or your background? 

I am part of a music group called Alejandría We create the kind of music that we like, which is outside of the mainstream. It is difficult, but it is tremendously gratifying.  

Perficient believes in a strong work/life balance. What is one way you accomplish this? 

Every other weekend, I set out to explore a new programming idea involving AI. This helps me maintain a balance between work and personal development, while also keeping me on the forefront in a rapidly evolving field.  

It’s my way of “playing” with technology without the pressure of deadlines or work expectations. Sometimes I experiment with a new machine learning algorithm, and sometimes I try to create a small chatbot. The important thing is that I do it for fun and personal curiosity. 

Connect with Rodrigo on LinkedIn: Rodrigo Vargas Molina 

SEEMORE PEOPLEOF PERFICIENT 

It is no secret our success is because of our people. No matter the technology or time zone, our colleagues are committed to delivering innovative, end-to-end digital solutions for the world’s biggest brands, and we bring a collaborative spirit to every interaction. We are always seeking the best and brightest to work with us. Join our team and experience a culture that challenges, champions, and celebrates our people.     

Visit our Careers page to see career opportunities and more!     

Go inside Life at Perficient and connect with us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram. 

Welcome to my recap of day one at Sitecore Symposium 2024! There was no shortage of inspiring sessions, key takeaways, and exciting announcements from day one.

Opening Keynote

The opening keynote by Sitecore executives was an excellent kickoff to Symposium, reinforcing their commitment to being a trusted partner. They emphasized their focus on core strengths and want people to have a choice, whether it be XM Cloud, XM, or XP. Sitecore is determined to stay ahead of the market through innovation and they made several exciting announcements about the direction they’ll take in the coming year. It’s an exciting time to be working with Sitecore!

Introducing Sitecore Stream! Sitecore Stream is the new brand-aware AI generative copilot that will work with marketers as they try to do more with less.

• Will be integrated across all DXP products
• Shortened time to value.
• Keep marketing materials consistent.
• Help create new campaigns.
• Balance strategy with technology.

It really is an impressive tool and I, along with many others in the Sitecore community, can’t wait to see it in action. You really do have to see it to believe it.

Accessibility and the Impact on your Business

Accessibility is more important than ever, yet it’s often treated as an afterthought, typically addressed at the end of projects when it should be prioritized from the start. It’s not just about checking a box or a one-and-done effort—accessibility affects everyone and can benefit anyone. Good website design enhances the user experience for all, not just those with disabilities.

• Why is accessibility important?
  • Regulatory
  • Legal
  • Financial
  • Equality
  • Doing the right thing
• ADA lawsuits:
  • The number of lawsuits is rising over time.
    • In 2018 there were 2,000+ Lawsuits.
    • In 2023 there were 4,000+ lawsuits.
  • According to the ADA, 72% of lawsuits were against companies with less than 50 million in revenue.
    • Small companies are at just as high of risk as large companies.
  • Statistics:
    • According to the CDC, 28.7% of people have a disability.
    • UNC School of Medicine found that 71% of web users with a disability will leave a site if it is not accessible.
    • This equates to a potential 20% loss of revenue.
      • Can you afford to not be accessible and lose this amount of business?
    • Doing the right thing:
      • It can increase your reputation.
      • It can generate loyalty.
      • It’s a key differentiator.
      • It’s a marketing opportunity.
      • It makes the world better for everyone.

Is AI Bias the New Elephant in the Room?

Bias is an unfavored weight towards one group of people. How does this affect generative AI? Test it yourself: create an image without specifying details like age, gender, or race. What results do you see? Chances are, the image lacks cultural diversity, and representation of people with disabilities, or older individuals. It may also reflect assumptions about gender roles based on job titles.

• How AI bias happens:
  • Algorithmic bias during the development of the model
  • Data bias in the model training phase
  • Interaction bias when the AI learns from biased human interactions
• What is the impact of bias?
  • Legal and ethical consequences
  • Lost revenue
  • Erases diversity
• How can we reduce this bias?
  • Add diverse perspectives when building the algorithms
  • Train people to identify bias in generative AI results
  • Reward people doing good work

Sitecore Search Product Roadmap

Sitecore Search is continuously evolving like many other SaaS products. Take a look at the future of Sitecore Search.

• Current
  • Commerce product grouping
    • Group similar products on product or size variations
  • Commerce rules
    • Bury low or out-of-stock items
  • CDP
    • Audience segment support
  • Next
    • Unified tracking.
      • Tracking IDs will work across many of Sitecore’s composable products
    • XM cloud content indexing
      • Push changes directly into Search
    • Order cloud integration
    • Generative AI Q&A for search prompt
    • More accurate recommendations
  • Future
    • Refined UX
    • Simplified indexing connectors
    • Copy rules between instances
    • Exposed search analytics
    • Conversational search
    • Generative AI metadata

In a move that has sparked intense discussion across the enterprise software landscape, Klarna announced its decision to drop both Salesforce Sales Cloud and Workday, replacing these industry-leading platforms with its own AI-driven tools. This announcement, led by CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski, may signal a paradigm shift toward using custom AI agents to manage critical business functions such as customer relationship management (CRM) and human resources (HR). While mostly social media fodder at this point, this very public bet on SaaS replacement has raised important questions about the future of enterprise software and how Agentic AI might reshape the way businesses operate.

AI Agents – Impact on Enterprises

Klarna’s move maybe be a one-off internal pivot or it may signal broader shifts that impact enterprises worldwide. Here are three ways this transition could affect the broader market:

1. Customized AI Over SaaS for Competitive Differentiation Enterprises are always on the lookout for ways to differentiate themselves from the competition. Klarna’s decision may reflect an emerging trend: companies developing custom Agentic AI solutions to better tailor workflows and processes to their specific needs. The advantage here lies in having a system that is purpose-built for an organization’s unique requirements, potentially driving innovation and efficiencies that are difficult to achieve with out-of-the-box software. However, this approach also raises challenges. Building Agentic AI solutions in-house requires significant technical expertise, resources, and time. Not all companies will have the bandwidth to undertake such a transformation, but for those who do, it could become a key differentiator in terms of operational efficiency and personalized customer experiences.
2. Shift in Vendor Relationships and Power Dynamics If more enterprises follow Klarna’s lead, we could see a shift in the traditional vendor-client dynamic. For years, businesses have relied on SaaS providers like Salesforce and Workday to deliver highly specialized, integrated solutions. However, AI-driven automation might diminish the need for comprehensive, multi-purpose platforms. Instead, companies might lean towards modular, lightweight tech stacks powered by AI agents, allowing for greater control and flexibility. This shift could weaken the power and influence of SaaS providers if enterprises increasingly build customized systems in-house. On the other hand, it could also lead to new forms of partnership between AI providers and SaaS companies, where AI becomes a layer on top of existing systems rather than a full replacement.
3. Greater Focus on Data and Compliance Risks With AI agents handling sensitive business functions like customer management and HR, companies like Klarna must ensure that data governance, compliance, and security are up to the task. This shift toward Agentic AI requires robust mechanisms to manage customer and employee data, especially in industries with stringent regulatory requirements, like finance and healthcare. Marc Benioff, Salesforce’s CEO, raised these concerns directly, questioning how Klarna will handle compliance, governance, and institutional memory. AI might automate many processes, but without the proper safeguards, it could introduce new risks that legacy SaaS providers have long addressed. Enterprises looking to follow Klarna’s example will need to rethink how they manage these critical issues within their AI-driven frameworks.

AI Agents – SaaS Vendors Respond

As enterprises explore the potential of Agentic AI-driven systems, SaaS providers like Salesforce and Workday must adapt to a new reality. Klarna’s decision could be the first domino in a broader shift, forcing these companies to reconsider their own offerings and strategies. Here are three possible responses we could see from the SaaS giants:

1. Doubling Down on AI Integration Salesforce and Workday are not standing still. In fact, both companies are already integrating AI into their platforms. Salesforce’s Einstein and the newly introduced Agentforce are examples of AI-powered tools designed to enhance customer interactions and automate tasks. We might see a rapid acceleration of these efforts, with SaaS providers emphasizing Agentic AI-driven features that keep businesses within their ecosystems rather than prompting them to build in-house solutions. However, as Benioff pointed out, the key might be blending AI with human oversight rather than replacing humans altogether. This hybrid approach will allow Salesforce and Workday to differentiate themselves from pure AI solutions by ensuring that critical human elements—like decision-making, customer empathy, and regulatory knowledge—are never lost.
2. Building Modular and Lightweight Offerings Klarna’s move underscores the desire for flexibility and control over tech stacks. In response, SaaS companies may offer more modular, API-driven solutions that allow enterprises to mix and match components based on their needs. This would enable businesses to take advantage of best-in-class SaaS features without being locked into a monolithic platform. By offering modular systems, Salesforce and Workday could cater to enterprises looking to integrate AI while maintaining the core advantages of established SaaS infrastructure—such as compliance, security, and data management.
3. Strengthening Data Governance and Compliance as Key Differentiators As AI grows in influence, data governance, compliance, and security will become critical battlegrounds for SaaS providers. SaaS companies like Salesforce and Workday have spent years building trusted systems that comply with various regulatory frameworks. Klarna’s AI approach will be closely scrutinized to ensure it meets these same standards, and any slip-ups could provide an opening for SaaS vendors to argue that their systems remain the gold standard for enterprise-grade compliance. By doubling down on their strengths in these areas, SaaS vendors could position themselves as the safer, more reliable option for enterprises that handle sensitive or regulated data. This approach could attract companies that are hesitant to take the AI plunge without fully understanding the risks.

What’s Next?

Klarna’s decision to replace SaaS platforms with a custom AI system may represent a significant shift in the enterprise software landscape. While this move highlights the growing potential of AI to reshape key business functions, it also raises important questions about governance, compliance, and the long-term role of SaaS providers. As organizations worldwide watch Klarna’s big bet play out, it’s clear that we are entering a new phase of enterprise software evolution—one where the balance between AI, human oversight, and SaaS will be critical to success.

In today’s digital world, cybercriminals are continuously finding new ways to steal sensitive information. One of the latest techniques is Quishing, or QR phishing. This scam involves using fraudulent QR codes to trick people into revealing personal information like passwords, financial details, or other private data. As QR codes become more common in our everyday lives, it’s important to be aware of this growing risk.

What is Quishing?

Quishing is a form of phishing where attackers use fake or compromised QR codes to trick people into visiting malicious websites, downloading harmful software, or providing sensitive information. When you scan these QR codes, which may seem innocent, you can unknowingly expose your device to cybercriminals. Because QR codes are easy to create and can be placed almost anywhere, this type of attack is becoming popular. Cybercriminals often use a sense of urgency or a legitimate opportunity to lure victims into scanning a malicious QR code. For example, you might encounter a QR code offering a discount, requesting immediate payment, or prompting you to claim a prize. Once scanned, the attacker can gain access to your personal information or install malware on your device.

What are some popular quishing attacks ?

Here are some common ways scammers use QR codes to carry out Quishing attacks:

1. Phishing Emails with Embedded QR Codes: Cybercriminals may send emails that appear legitimate, including QR codes that lead to fake websites designed to steal your login credentials or other sensitive information.
2. Social Media QR Code Posts: Hackers may create social media posts promoting offers, giveaways, or discounts, encouraging users to scan a QR code that leads to malicious websites.
3. Printed Flyers with QR Codes: Fraudsters might distribute flyers in public spaces with fake QR codes offering free tickets, discounts, or exclusive access. When scanned, these QR codes can redirect you to harmful websites.
4. Physical Objects with QR Codes: You may find QR codes on objects like product packaging, signs, or even public restrooms. Scanning these codes could compromise your device or data.
5. Fake QR Stickers on Pay-to-Park Kiosks: Some scammers place fake QR codes over real ones at parking meters or kiosks. When you scan the code to pay, you might be redirected to a fake payment page that collects your financial information.
6. Parking Tickets with Malicious QR Codes: Fraudsters may issue fake parking tickets with malicious QR codes that, when scanned, lead to phishing websites or malware downloads.

Why is this a problem?

The growing use of QR codes has made them a popular target for cybercriminals. QR codes are convenient because they allow people to quickly access websites, pay bills, and retrieve information. However, their simplicity also makes them vulnerable to exploitation. Scammers can easily replace legitimate QR codes with malicious ones or create fake codes that seem authentic. Since users cannot visually inspect a QR code to determine its destination, they are more likely to fall victim to Quishing attacks compared to traditional phishing methods.

Moreover, many people have become accustomed to scanning QR codes in their daily lives, which lowers their guard. This false sense of security makes Quishing attacks even more dangerous.

What can you do to protect yourself from Quishing?

To avoid becoming a victim of Quishing, it’s essential to take the following precautions:

1. Be cautious before scanning QR codes: Always think twice before scanning any QR code, especially if it appears on unexpected objects, emails, or messages. If something seems suspicious or too good to be true, it’s better to avoid scanning the code.
2. Verify the source: Ensure that the QR code is coming from a trusted and legitimate source. For example, if you receive a QR code in an email, confirm the sender’s identity before scanning.
3. Use a QR scanner with security features: Some mobile devices and apps include security features that alert you if a QR code leads to a potentially dangerous site. Use such scanners to minimize your risk.
4. Check URLs before entering personal information: After scanning a QR code, carefully review the website’s URL before providing any sensitive information. Look for signs of phishing, such as misspellings or unfamiliar domain names.
5. Avoid public QR codes: Be especially wary of scanning QR codes found on public flyers, posters, or objects. Scammers can easily place fake QR codes in public spaces to trick unsuspecting individuals.
6. Enable security software: Make sure your device has updated security software to help detect and block malicious links or downloads that may occur after scanning a QR code.

Conclusion

While QR codes are a convenient tool for accessing websites and services, they also open the door to potential cyberattacks. By staying vigilant, verifying the legitimacy of QR codes, and following best security practices, you can protect yourself from falling victim to Quishing and other QR code-based phishing attacks. Stay safe and informed to keep your personal information secure!

Addressing the Talent Shortage
While fears of AI-driven job displacement dominate headlines, the real crisis looming is a $8.5 trillion talent shortage projected by 2030. Much like the famous ‘invisible gorilla’ experiment, where viewers focused on counting basketball passes miss a costumed figure walking through the scene, businesses risk overlooking a crucial element: the Employee Experience (EX). To navigate the impending talent crunch, companies must shift their focus from the distracting ‘gorilla’ of AI job threats to the ‘basketball game’ of EX – the key to attracting and retaining vital human talent.

The top three HR priorities
According to SHRM, the top three priorities for HR professionals in 2024 include:
1. Maintaining employee morale and engagement (81%)
2. Retaining top talent (78%)
3. Finding and recruiting talent with the necessary skills (70%)

The results from the SHRM survey point to challenges with both recruiting and retention. In the U.S., an aging population, Baby Boomer retirement, and declining birth rates are contributing to a labor shortage. This makes it harder for employers to compete for scarce talent on the recruitment side and increases the pressure to retain talent. On the recruitment front, estimates suggest the average cost to hire an employee is $4,700, with many employers citing a cost to hire a new employee at three to four times the position’s salary.

To address, companies are turning their attention to improving EX.

What is EX?
EX is the sum of an employee’s experiences with a company. This includes everything from what initially attracted an employee to the company, to all the interactions with your company up through the individual’s last day. Given the scope of EX, it is not just the sole job of HR to improve the experience. Everything from the physical workspace, remote working capabilities, company culture, and interactions with coworkers, leaders, and HR plays a role in shaping the employee experience.

Key Focus Areas for Improving EX
With a multitude of focus areas, here are two to consider for improving the employee experience:

• Human-centered technology
• AI-infused HR experiences

Human-centered Technology
Digital and digitization plays a crucial role in shaping perceptions. When choosing HR technology, it is important to balance the features and functionality of the technology with the emotional needs of users. Whether you’re thinking about recruiting and applicant tracking, learning and development, or performance management, pay attention to how the technology enhances or detracts from the workplace experience.

Three questions to ask include:
1. Does the technology make it easier to complete the task?
2. Does the technology help get the job done?
3. How does the technology make the employee feel?

If your company is in the market for HR technology, a good place to start is to conduct employee journey mapping to understand employee needs, processes, and perceptions across key components of the employee lifecycle. By capturing the employee perspective, actions, and emotions, you can better understand technology needs and inform technology enhancements.

From a recruitment standpoint, this approach enables the creation of streamlined online applications. These user-friendly systems eliminate the need for candidates to both upload their resumes and manually input the same information, significantly reducing redundancy and improving the application experience. HR technology can also help candidates understand the overall recruitment process and where they are in the journey.

On the retention front, employee journey mapping can reveal pain points such as frustration with time-consuming compliance training. To address this, companies can modernize their approach by adopting innovative learning management systems. These systems leverage microlearning, storytelling, interactivity, gamification, and personalization to enhance engagement and efficiency.

Modern platforms offer ‘snackable’ content, delivered in bite-sized portions over time, eliminating the need for lengthy, non-skippable video sessions. Some even provide ‘test-first’ options, allowing employees to bypass familiar material, focusing only on areas where they need development.

By reimagining compliance training in this way, organizations can transform a traditionally tedious process into an engaging, efficient, and personalized learning experience, ultimately contributing to improved employee satisfaction and retention.

Not only will looking at HR technology in a human-centered way drive friction out of the employee experience, but it can also increase efficiencies and employee perceptions.

AI-infused HR experiences
In each stage of the employee engagement lifecycle, there are numerous ways AI can enable better experiences. Finding and retaining talent is both costly and competitive. To be successful, companies must excel across the entire spectrum of the employee journey encompassing all stages of the lifecycle.

Increasingly, HR teams are taking AI-infused approaches so they can focus on more strategic initiatives by reducing administrative work while enhancing perception.

The application of AI in HR:
• Attract and Recruit: AI is commonly used to identify candidates who may not have applied but have the right skills, to screen resumes, to schedule interviews, to conduct initial assessments, to provide personalized job recommendations, and to write job descriptions.
• Onboard: Some companies are shifting towards AI and virtual onboarding where new hires are onboarded through virtual replicas of their workspace where they can interact with their colleagues’ avatars, join team exercises, and learn how the organization operates. Early research on virtual onboarding has shown it to be more engaging than PowerPoint presentations, resulting in better retention of information over time.
• Develop and Retain: Outside of facilitating personalized training programs, tracking progress, and predicting churn, I believe AI can be used to create individualized, branded experiences for employees. For example, companies can leverage the concept of Amazon wish lists to create career wish lists that suggest classes, pair employees with mentors, provide suggestions for reading, recommend courses, and identify conferences to help employees explore and get closer to achieving their goals. To take this concept further, AI can be leveraged as a concierge service when paired with human managers to coach, mentor, and guide employees to the next level in their career journeys.
• Transition/Separate: On the transition and separation front, AI is being used to maintain positive relationships and minimize disruption during employee transitions.

Conclusion
In the quest to retain employees, building positive interactions is a day-to-day approach. By focusing on human-centered technology and infusing AI into HR, companies can significantly enhance EX. Employee loyalty is earned across each stage of the experience. This holistic approach not only helps attract and retain top talent but also ensures a more engaged, satisfied, and productive workforce. In the face of a looming talent shortage, prioritizing EX is not just a strategic advantage but a necessity for future success.

Imagine running a business where you offer subscription-based products. As your customer base grows, you begin to notice something slipping—renewal deadlines, contract complexities, and your sales team being bogged down with manual updates. Enter Salesforce CPQ (Configure, Price, Quote), a powerful tool designed to help businesses streamline the often-complex process of managing quotes, pricing, and contracts. But that’s not all—Salesforce CPQ’s renewal and amend functionalities are here to make your contract management process seamless and automatic.

Let’s dive into how CPQ works, how it simplifies renewals and amendments, and why it’s a game-changer for any business using subscription models.

What is Salesforce CPQ?

At its core, Salesforce CPQ helps businesses configure their products, set pricing, and generate quotes quickly and accurately. Whether your product comes in different sizes, packages, or configurations, CPQ automates the process of calculating pricing based on your business rules, ensuring everything stays consistent. It also handles complex contracts, helping your sales team focus on selling rather than getting lost in the weeds of paperwork.

Now, imagine adding automation to this process, especially when it comes to renewing contracts or amending existing ones. This is where CPQ truly shines, offering standard functionality that reduces the workload while improving accuracy and customer satisfaction.

The Challenge of Renewals

Picture this: It’s the start of the week, and your inbox is overflowing with reminders—expiring contracts, upcoming renewals, and customer requests for service changes. Each contract has unique pricing, terms, and configurations. Manually tracking them is time-consuming and prone to human error. Missing a renewal date could lead to a loss of revenue or, worse, a dissatisfied customer.

Managing renewals manually can be overwhelming. But with Salesforce CPQ’s renewal functionality, this process is automated. Contracts are renewed at the right time, with minimal intervention from your team. No more worrying about missed deadlines or scrambling to send out renewal quotes. The system handles it for you, transforming what was once a cumbersome task into a smooth, efficient process.

How Renewal Functionality Works

Let’s say you have a loyal customer, Sara, whose subscription is nearing its end. In the past, you might have had to manually track her contract, reconfigure the terms, and send her a quote. But now, thanks to Salesforce CPQ’s renewal feature, the system automatically generates a renewal quote in advance, accounting for any updated pricing or discounts.

Your sales team receives a notification and can review the quote before sending it out. Sara, impressed with the efficiency, signs off on the renewal without delay. The entire process is handled smoothly, saving your team hours of manual work and ensuring customer satisfaction. Renewals become a way to strengthen your customer relationships, all while keeping your operations running efficiently.

Tackling Contract Amendments with Ease

But what happens when a customer wants to make changes mid-contract? Perhaps Sara reaches out midway through the year, wanting to upgrade her service package. In the past, you’d have to manually adjust the contract, update pricing, and notify the billing team. The whole process was time-consuming and left room for mistakes.

That’s where Salesforce CPQ’s amend functionality comes into play. Instead of starting from scratch, the system pulls up the existing contract, applies the requested changes, and automatically updates the quote. Whether Sara wants to add more users to her service or change the scope of her subscription, the amend functionality ensures everything is handled efficiently.

The amend feature also updates billing automatically, preventing errors that could arise from manual adjustments. Your team saves time, reduces the risk of miscommunication, and ensures that your customer is getting exactly what they need—without the hassle.

Automation Transforms Business Operations

Let’s face it—managing contracts manually is inefficient. Every contract expiration requires revisiting the original terms, configuring renewal details, and generating quotes. The more complex the contract, the higher the chances of errors. Handling amendments mid-term also introduces challenges, often leading to confusion or customer dissatisfaction.

But with Salesforce CPQ’s automated renewal and amend functionalities, the pressure is off. These features allow you to focus on what matters most: growing your business and building relationships with your customers. Automation increases accuracy, reduces manual effort, and ensures no details slip through the cracks.

Conclusion: A New Era of Contract Management

If your business is still managing renewals and amendments manually, now is the time to embrace the future with Salesforce CPQ. By automating these critical processes, you not only save time but also improve customer experience and protect your revenue streams.

Think about Sara—her smooth, seamless contract renewal and service upgrade are just one example of how CPQ’s renewal and amend features make a real difference. Your team can now focus on closing new deals, knowing that contract management is handled automatically.

Say goodbye to manual management and welcome the efficiency of Salesforce CPQ. It’s time to streamline your operations and let automation pave the way to a more successful, customer-focused future.