In today’s economic landscape, the quest for solutions that offer rapid time-to-value, enabling customers to swiftly integrate and adopt best practices, may appear elusive. However, Salesforce Industry Clouds emerged as the solution to this challenge.
Unsurprisingly, IBM has recognized Salesforce Industries as a prominent trend in their State of Salesforce 2023-24 report. But what exactly are Salesforce Industry Clouds, what advantages do they bring, and how might they influence the trajectory of your future Salesforce career?
What is Salesforce Industries?
Salesforce Industries offers pre-built and packaged cloud solutions designed for easy adoption by organizations. With 12 products catering to diverse industries such as Education Cloud, Government Cloud, Automotive Cloud, and Manufacturing Cloud, these Industry Clouds provide tailored, customer-centric solutions.
By leveraging Industry Clouds, Salesforce customers can quickly derive value from their implementations, as these solutions are specifically crafted for their respective industries. Despite the increasing prevalence of Industry Clouds, some individuals or organizations have yet to fully capitalize on these specialized offerings.
IBM’s State of Salesforce report has identified leading entities within the ecosystem, referring to them as “pioneers.” These pioneering organizations represent 14-24% across various industries, emphasizing the potential for all organizations to benefit from and actively utilize these industry-specific solutions.
Source: IBM State of Salesforce 2023-24
The Benefits of Salesforce Industries
Salesforce Industries has the potential to serve as a significant catalyst for growth for both organizations and individuals. IBM has recognized that the adoption of Industry Clouds is poised to increase in the future, offering numerous advantages and opportunities for growth.
Source: IBM State of Salesforce 2023-24
Return on Investment (ROI)
The report indicates a distinct advantage for forward-thinking companies that integrate Salesforce Industries over other cloud solutions, showcasing significantly higher return on investment (ROI) and overall impact. Pioneering organizations, when compared to more hesitant counterparts (“pensives”), experience a remarkable 150% increase in ROI. The undeniable influence of Industry Clouds on business success is evident, with 74% of pioneers expressing optimism about their future potential. Given this resounding affirmation of their effectiveness, organizations seeking enhanced ROI might find the solution they seek in the adoption of Industry Clouds.
Job Demand
Due to the elevated return on investment (ROI) within the Salesforce Industries sector, there has been a surge in the demand for related employment opportunities. Industry Cloud products are experiencing a remarkable growth rate of 50% year over year, surpassing the growth rates of Sales Cloud and Service Cloud, which stand at 12%. Consequently, there is a pronounced requirement for proficient individuals capable of designing, constructing, and sustaining these solutions. This demand extends to various roles such as consultants, developers, and architects.
Customer Experience
Certainly, the significance of customer experience in any organization is widely acknowledged. Adopting a specialized industry solution appears to be a reliable strategy for guaranteeing an exceptional customer experience. The data indicates that industry leaders are prioritizing customer experience capabilities 56% more than their counterparts who are more contemplative, underscoring the substantial impact of these advancements.
Illustrating this impact is a case study highlighted in the report, wherein a sizable enterprise opted to replace its existing CRM system with Salesforce Industry Energy & Utilities, Service, and Sales Clouds. This transition proved transformative for the organization, empowering them to construct 31 newly devised customer service processes while achieving seamless integration across seven applications.
How Can Specializations Impact Your Career?
In response to the increasing demand from various industries, pursuing certifications that are tailored to specific sectors could be a strategic move in advancing your career. Opting for a Salesforce product that complements your existing expertise can present a fresh challenge or enhance your value within your current organization.
Several certifications are currently in high demand, and we anticipate the rise of others in the near future:
1. Media Cloud
2. Communications Cloud
3. Energy & Utilities Cloud
4. Health Cloud
5. Nonprofit Cloud (Nonprofit Success Pack)
Given concerns about job saturation, particularly for Salesforce Admins, having a unique selling point is crucial. Entry-level professionals must showcase standout skills in a competitive job market, while experienced individuals should offer a well-rounded, specialized skill set to attract employers.
A balanced blend of industry experience and Salesforce proficiency is essential for every Salesforce professional at any career stage. Expanding your skill set not only broadens your capabilities but also opens up more opportunities. Industry Clouds could be the key to elevating your career to new heights.
Summary
Industry Clouds represent tailored solutions that are pre-assembled and ready for organizations to integrate. By embracing these solutions, you stand to gain numerous advantages, such as an enhanced return on investment, heightened job opportunities, and an improved customer experience—critical factors in today’s business landscape.
Make sure to obtain your copy of the IBM State of Salesforce 2023-24 report now to explore in-depth how Industry Clouds can elevate your Salesforce operations.
