Revving Up the Future: A Test Drive through Salesforce’s Automotive Cloud

Chetan Chugh
Capgemini Salesforce Architects
4 min readDec 22, 2023
Salesforce built dedicated Components for the Automotive Sector

In case you haven’t been paying attention, automotive industry has turned the corner,literally, staying ahead of the curve is not just a competitive advantage — it’s a necessity. Salesforce has once again demonstrated its commitment to innovation with the introduction of the Automotive Cloud late last year.

Having had the opportunity to explore the platform firsthand, I am excited to share some insights about its capabilities and the potential it holds for revolutionizing the automotive sector.

Automotive Data Model: A Solid Foundation for Innovation

At the heart of Salesforce’s Automotive Cloud is a mature Automotive centric Data Model that sets a new industry standard. With introduction of standard objects like Vehicle, Vehicle Definition, Lead Line Items, Preferred Sellers, and Asset Account Participants, the platform is tailor-made to meet the nuanced needs of the automotive sector. This expanded data model enables organizations to manage data with unprecedented granularity, empowering them to make data-driven decisions across the entire automotive value chain.

All about Engines: Real-Time Insights for Proactive Decision-Making

Complementing the enhanced data model is the powerful Data Processing Engine, a dynamic component that facilitates real-time data processing. This engine is not just a silent force in the background; it actively fuels the Inventory Search capability, making it easier for automotive enterprises to take control of their inventory operations.

The Inventory Search capability powered by the Data Processing Engine allows for swift and accurate searches through vast inventories. This functionality is a game-changer for automotive businesses, enabling them to access stock levels, identify trends, and respond promptly to market demands. It provides a real-time view of inventory, enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring that businesses are always well-informed about their stock positions.

The Business Rules Engine takes customization to the next level by allowing organizations to define and implement complex business rules. This flexibility ensures that the platform adapts seamlessly to the unique requirements of automotive businesses, enhancing their ability to respond to changing market dynamics.

Fueling Creativity: OmniStudio and Action Relationship Graph

Salesforce’s commitment to providing a comprehensive solution is evident in the inclusion of OmniStudio as part of Industry solutions. OmniStudio offers a powerful suite of tools that allow users to create customized applications and workflows tailored to their unique business requirements. This powerful tool empowers automotive organizations to adapt rapidly to changing market dynamics and user needs.

The Action Relationship Graph, on the other hand, provides a visual representation of the intricate relationships between various entities within the automotive ecosystem. This feature proves invaluable in understanding and optimizing processes, fostering collaboration, and improving overall efficiency.

Milestones Unleashed: Asset Milestones

Asset Milestones in the Automotive Cloud play a crucial role in tracking and managing the lifecycle of automotive assets. This feature ensures that every step in the journey — from manufacturing to delivery and beyond — is meticulously monitored, contributing to improved transparency and accountability.

Connected Cars: Data Cloud and AWS Partnership

One of the standout features of Salesforce’s Automotive Cloud is its commitment to advancing connected car technology through the integration of Data Cloud. This enables automotive companies to harness the power of real-time vehicle data, creating opportunities for personalized customer experiences, predictive maintenance, and much more.

Salesforce’s deepening partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) further amplifies the platform’s capabilities. By bringing vehicle data into Data Cloud and seamlessly integrating it with CRM, Salesforce and AWS aim to empower automotive organizations with unparalleled insights and capabilities.

Dealer Portal: A Seamless Experience

Adding a new dimension to the dealer experience is the introduction of a cutting-edge Experience Cloud template for Dealer Portal. This provides dealers with an immersive and intuitive interface, streamlining operations, and enhancing collaboration. With features designed to optimize lead management, inventory tracking, and customer interactions, the Dealer Portal template has the potential to redefine operations for automotive dealerships.

Press the pedal: Unlocking New Revenue Streams

As the automotive industry undergoes a profound transformation, the Salesforce Automotive Cloud emerges as a pivotal player in shaping its future. From original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to suppliers and dealers, the platform has the potential to unlock new revenue streams across the entire automotive ecosystem.

For OEMs, the ability to leverage connected car data for predictive maintenance, personalized services, and subscription models presents unprecedented opportunities. Suppliers can enhance their efficiency and responsiveness, while dealers can provide a more personalized and streamlined customer experience.

Conclusion: A potential Game-Changer in the Automotive Landscape

In conclusion, Salesforce’s Automotive Cloud represents a quantum leap forward for the automotive industry. The platform’s comprehensive suite of tools and its focus on connected car technology position it as a game-changer. The integration of AWS and the visionary approach towards bringing vehicle data into CRM and Data Cloud underscore Salesforce’s commitment to driving innovation in collaboration with industry leaders.

As we stand at the intersection of technology and automotive excellence, it is clear that the Salesforce Automotive Cloud has the potential to redefine industry norms, opening up avenues for unparalleled growth, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. The era of connected cars is here, and Salesforce is steering the industry into a future where innovation knows no bounds.

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