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Imagine waking up to a day where the tools you use simplify your work rather than complicate it. That’s the promise behind Salesforce Agentforce.
Salesforce revolutionized the AI landscape with Agentforce’s general availability in October 2024. With Agentforce platform, companies like Healthrow Airport, Indeed, and SharkNinja can provide faster service, cutting call times by up to 40% with an accuracy rate in the 90%.
It’s not about flashy marketing or buried features; it’s about real, usable efficiency that meets you where you are.
In this blog post, we’ll cover the following topics:
Agentforce is a Salesforce-powered agentic AI platform that empowers organizations to:
Salesforce Agentforce Platform Ecosystem | Source: Salesforce
Users can configure pre-built agents or create their own using Salesforce tools like:
Additionally, Agentforce platform provides dynamic, reliable, and data-driven solutions that meet evolving business needs with features like:
The Einstein Trust Layer protects Agentforce as its security backbone. It acts as a secure bridge between users and large language models (LLMs).
The Einstein Trust Layer | Source: Salesforce
This strong set of features and guardrails protects your data and gives high-quality AI results.
The Einstein Trust Layer uses several security mechanisms:
The Einstein Trust Layer keeps data private yet allows agents to provide individual-specific assistance. Your organization controls how prompt inputs and outputs are created. Automated audit trails make compliance easier at scale.
Atlas Reasoning Engine works as Agentforce’s brain. It powers the decision-making that sets these agents apart from standard automation.
Atlas Reasoning Engine Explained | Source: Salesforce
This advanced system helps AI agents think, reason, plan, and precisely arrange tasks.
The reasoning follows these steps:
How Altas Reasoning Engine Works | Source: Salesforce
Atlas uses Chain-of-Thought (CoT) reasoning to copy human-style thinking. It creates step-by-step plans to reach goals. Early tests showed Atlas was twice as relevant and 33% more accurate than competitors.
Agentforce’s data processing abilities are the foundations of its context understanding and action framework. Salesforce states that “data is the lifeblood that fuels AI.”
Data Cloud powers Agentforce’s next-generation features. It blends structured and unstructured data from many sources in real-time. This creates:
Agentforce provides individual-specific responses based on your business context. The system turns data into autonomous actions through integrated analytics and action layers.
The mix of secure data handling, advanced reasoning, and complete data processing makes Agentforce powerful. Understanding these technical foundations helps you learn how AI agents handle complex tasks.
They maintain security and relevance in your Salesforce environment while working independently.
Agentforce enables autonomous AI agents through the fusion of three components:
It uses Salesforce’s Data Cloud and rich metadata to connect to any data source in real-time, providing context for multifaceted tasks.
Salesforce Trusted AI Architecture | Source: Salesforce
With Salesforce Agentforce, tasks are accomplished and plans dynamically refined without human involvement through:
The platform is integrated with Salesforce Customer 360, which empowers agents to assist with:
These Agentforce AI agents are embedded within chats, emails, and workflows and autonomously respond to customer needs while executing business processes across the organization.
We’ll conduct a comprehensive Salesforce audit, identify key business objectives, and AI opportunities.
Agentforce has a flexible toolset built on the Salesforce platform that empowers customer-facing roles.
The standard AI agents can help:
Client’s Testimonial: Marc Metric, CEO at Saks Global
Moreover, Agentforce is adaptable across diverse industries—from healthcare and finance to real estate—to significantly enhance customer engagement and service delivery.
Among the businesses that already deployed Agentforce are Heathrow, SharkNinja, Indeed, 1-800Accountant, Goodyear, Camping World and 200+ other companies.
So, the sooner you begin using Agentforce AI, the quicker your business will be able to:
Client’s Testimonial: Alexander Lacik, CEO of Pandora
The core of Agentforce pricing revolves around conversations. Currently, Salesforce charges $2.00 per agent conversation as their standard rate (Agentforce works only with Enterprise Edition or higher. Salesforce Pro and Starter editions can’t access this feature yet).
Existing Salesforce customers can start using Agentforce at no cost through Salesforce Foundations. You get 1,000 Agentforce conversations and leads and 250,000 Data Cloud credits for free if you have Salesforce Foundations.
In addition to the conversation-based pricing, Agentforce comes with a Standard Success Plan.
A “conversation” means an interaction that:
Your total Agentforce costs might include more than just conversations:
Understanding the additional resources helps predict the true costs of Salesforce Agentforce platform setup and customization.
Agentforce is like a highly efficient corporate orchestra, where each AI agent plays a specific role:
At the heart of every agent are the core components that bring its role and Agentforce capabilities to life—that is, the things that define what it can do and be.
The Fundamental Building Blocks of Agentforce Agents | Ascendix
Ascendix will tailor Salesforce Agentforce platform to meet your unique needs. Whether you want to automate processes or customize agent behaviors, we’ve got you covered.
Your Salesforce environment needs proper planning and execution to set up Agentforce. The system must meet specific requirements to support these autonomous agents before you start the activation process.
Your Salesforce org should meet these basic requirements before you enable Agentforce:
To get up and running with a standard Agentforce Service Agent quickly and easily, follow these steps:
Step #1: Enable Einstein
Einstein Setup in Salesforce
Step #2: Activate Agentforce
Step #3: Prepare Experience Cloud (if applicable)
Step #4: Create Your Agent
Agentforce Agent Types | Source: Trailhead
Step #5: Configure Deployment
Step #6: Search for “Flows” in Setup Quick Find
Here’s how to check if your setup worked:
You might need to refresh your browser if buttons or options don’t show up right away.
You’ve enabled Agentforce in your Salesforce organization. The next significant step is building your first autonomous agent. Your Agentforce Service Agent needs careful planning, precise setup and proper testing.
This hands-on work will turn your original setup into a powerful AI assistant that handles customer interactions by itself.
Agentforce Implementation Growth Strategy | Ascendix
Step#1: Access Agent Builder
Agent Builder lets you create and customize your Agentforce agents. Here’s how to access this tool:
The Agent Builder gives you a complete workspace. You can customize agents for any industry through an accessible low-code interface.
The screen shows a conversation preview pane next to a tool palette where you’ll set up your agent’s capabilities.
Step# 2: Create and configure topics
Topics are the foundations of your agent’s knowledge and abilities. Each topic covers related tasks that your agent can handle.
Here’s how to create a new topic:
How to Add a New Topic for a Service Agent
Set up the topic with these key elements:
Topic Creation in Agentforce
The instructions section shapes your agent’s decision-making process. Each instruction should explain when and how to use specific actions. The reasoning engine looks at all instructions together rather than in order.
You can include multiple steps within one instruction block when tasks need a specific sequence.
Step #3: Add standard actions
Standard actions are ready-to-use capabilities your agent can run without extra development. You can add these tools during topic creation:
Agent Action Creation in Agentforce
3. Check the box to the left of “Agent Action Label” to select all standard actions.
4. Click Finish to add these actions to your topic.
These standard actions help your agent perform common tasks. It can query records, get record details, summarize information and aggregate data.
The agent picks the right action based on user requests and utilizes Salesforce metadata to show information through rich user interfaces like record cards.
Step #4: Configure Agent settings
How to Define Service Agent’s Settings
Step #5: Connect Data Sources
Step #6: Create a Flow-Based Action
An Example of a Flow-Based Action in a Flow Builder
2. In Setup, create an Agent Action and connect your flow.
3. Map your flow variables to the agent’s requirements and write your inputs, outputs, and instructions so Agentforce knows what to select and process.
Step #7: Test your agent
Good testing will give a reliable agent before deployment to users. Agent Builder offers several testing options:
Testing needs multiple rounds. Use the results to improve your agent’s instructions and accuracy each time. Human checks are vital to spot subtle issues like tone mismatches or context-specific errors that automated tests might miss.
The agent becomes available when you click Activate in the upper right corner. You can then combine your agent with your service channels to handle customer interactions automatically.
Step #8: Finalize and Deploy
Explore all Agentforce features and customization options in the following educational resources:
While the pre-built standard actions offer a good starting point, Agentforce’s true power lies in customization.
Because Agentforce is built on the Salesforce platform, admins and developers can customize AI functionality to suit your business needs. This includes:
You can control the agents’ behaviour, set custom triggers and industry specific logic with the following actions:
Flow-based actions provide the most available customization path without coding knowledge. Your agent can execute automated processes built in Flow Builder through these actions.
Apex-based actions deliver advanced customization options for complex requirements. These actions use Invocable Apex classes to handle sophisticated operations and external system integration. Also, deeper customisations are possible with integration APIs.
That’s why if you want to fully leverage Salesforce Agentforce AI agents’ benefits and customize them to industry needs, Ascendix can help you with configuration and custom development on top of Agentforce AI.
For example we can help you build AI assistants on top of the Agentforce platform that will help your real estate business:
Custom Agentforce AI assistants will give you a personalized, innovative solution for your property management workflows and customer engagement.
We have been in Salesforce and AI development services for 20+ years. Our team knows how to deliver advanced solutions to your business.
Agentforce integrates with all Salesforce tools via the Salesforce Customer 360 platform for a unified customer experience.
It taps into the common data model across the ecosystem so data from Sales Cloud, Service Cloud, Marketing Cloud and other Salesforce products flows into the agent console.
Key integration points are:
The Agentforce Quickstart package is a fast-track solution to adopting the platform for completely new users to the Agentorce ecosystem.
Instead of spending weeks figuring out the details, you get access to pre-configured tools and templates that are designed at a basic-level to be suitable for you.
Average package prices typically range from USD 2,750 to USD 6,000 per agent based on complexity and specific requirements. The implementation timeline varies from 2 to 5 weeks based on complexity.
Many Agentforce implementation partners provide specialized packages with set deliverables:
Besides this, you can choose between ready-made agents for common use cases or building custom agents built for specific business needs.
Remember that quickstart implementations might not include some consulting services that you can request separately.
Such quickstart packages allow clients to start benefiting from Salesforce Agentforce agents immediately, saving time on implementation and money by optimizing Agentforce pricing.
Provider | Price & Currency | Timeline | Core Features |
---|---|---|---|
$3,600 | 2 to 3 Weeks | - Kick-off call - Requirements collection, business processes review, project setup - 1 Service Agent Configuration - Up to 3 Topics Configuration - Action Configuration (with up to 3 flows/topic) - User Training - 2 hours of the post-go-live support |
|
$2,999 | ~4 Weeks | - Project kickoff & business process reviews - Creation of a new Agent Role - Up to 3 topics (with scope, 5 instructions each, label, and classification) - 1 flow configuration to trigger agent actions - 1-hour Salesforce training |
|
Not explicitly stated | Up to 5 Weeks | - Deployment of 1 Service/Sales Agent (Autonomous or Copilot) - 1 Agentforce Topic with up to 6 Agent Actions (Flows & Apex) - Integration with existing Einstein Bot - Out-of-box analytics (reports & dashboards) - Train-the-Trainer sessions for end users and Agent Builder admins - 2 weeks of Hypercare support |
|
Starting at $2,750 | 2 to 4 Weeks | - Discovery and business analysis - Customizable AI agents using Agentbuilder (trigger-based automation) - Agent reporting, usage & consumption tracking, and user analytics - Out-of-box configuration for rapid deployment |
|
£7,500 + VAT | Not specified | - Complimentary Agentforce Readiness Session (workshop to define 3 priority use cases and develop implementation roadmap) - Implementation and activation of agent with user access and settings configuration - Comprehensive user training - Setup of 5 custom actions (using Flow, prompt template or Apex) |
|
£9,950 + VAT | Not specified | - All features of the Internal Agent Quick-Start package + Routing configuration (escalation) Embedded deployment setup (adding to channels) |
Price: $3,600
Timeline: 2-3 Weeks
Ascendix is a Salesforce Summit Partner and part of the Agentforce Partner Network. We have over 20 years of Salesforce leadership and an growing AI practice.
Our team has over 150 Salesforce certifications including 15+ Agentforce Specialists certifications. We can help lead your AI powered business on the world’s premier CRM.
The Agentforce Quickstart Package by Ascendix includes:
Ascendix also offers additional configuration options beyond the Quickstart Package:
Our proptech experts will help you develop an AI-powered solution that automates data entry, document abstraction, property valuation and more right within Salesforce.
Price: $2,999
Timeline: Up to 4 weeks
What Agentforce Quickstart package includes:
Price: Not specified
Timeline: 5-7 weeks
What’s inside the package:
Price: $2,750 per agent (ranging up to $6,000 based on requirements)
Timeline: 2 – 4 weeks
Here are details of quickstart package:
Summit offers additional Agentforce consulting services:
Pricing: £7,500-£9,950
Timeline: Not specified
Performa IT offers two types of Agentforce quickstart packages:
Internal Agent Quickstart
Customer Agent Quickstart
All the above features plus:
Before diving in, consider what specific problems you want Agentforce to address. Are you doing customer support? Automating repetitive tasks? Use your real team’s pains to drive how you set up your agents.
“ Agentforce's real power emerges when implementation clearly aligns with tangible business outcomes. Start from your end goal and reverse-engineer your agent. It's not technology for technology's sake.
It's innovation that delivers concrete business value. ”
The Agent Builder is your new best friend. It is incredibly easy to use but also extremely powerful. Spend time customizing and tuning your agents’ actions like automating data lookups, running flows, etc to get better results.
Why build from scratch when you don’t have to? Salesforce offers pre-built actions on AgentExchange that can save you time and simplify the deployment of additional functionality without going into complex customizations.
By using what’s already there, you can speed up implementation, reduce complexity, and focus on results.
“ We often think complexity equals capability, but with Agentforce, simplicity translates directly to performance.
Keep your configurations concise, straightforward, and user - focused. Fewer, more explicit instructions are always superior. ”
Your agents will only be as smart as the data they provision. They could be wrong if your CRM records and knowledge base are outdated.
If you are using Data Cloud, take advantage of the live data you have available to you.
Agents aren’t mind readers, but they’ll follow your rules. Write clear instructions about what they can and can’t do.
For example, outline when they should involve a real person and let built-in guardrails from the Einstein Trust Layer handle the heavy lifting for security.
Stick to the principle of least privilege: give agents only what they need to do their job. Re-evaluate and adjust those permissions regularly (as roles or needs change) using permission set-based security.
Use strong authentication (e.g., two-factor) for private actions. But don’t stop there and look at access logs and anything else that might indicate suspicious activity.
When building agent actions, limit the scope as much as possible to prevent access to unauthorized data.
Cross-check user input to prevent malicious activity, and use error handling to avoid exposing sensitive information and not crash your system.
Before you roll agents out to everyone, spend time testing in a safe sandbox environment. Simulate real scenarios, run different prompts, and see how they respond.
They might surprise you—or let you catch bugs before they hit production.
“ Never underestimate the value of rigorous testing. Run challenging scenarios, stress-test your workflows, and maintain proper documentation.
Treat testing as an ongoing process, not a tick-off step ”
Agents are here to assist, not replace, the human brain. For critical actions, set your agents to request human approval before acting.
For example, too many approval prompts can frustrate users and slow down processes. The goal is to find the right balance of oversight and efficiency: not too many interruptions but just enough guardrails for high-impact decisions.
Agentforce becomes more valuable when integrated into your and your customers’ tools. Whether it’s Slack, your website, or a mobile app, make sure your agents are accessible where they’re needed most.
Agentforce isn’t just an AI tool. It’s for everyone with a finger in your workflow. Spend time onboarding your team, explaining how the agent works, and offering tips on how to use it properly.
A well-prepared team equals better results.
“ Effective Agentforce adoption is a journey, not just a launch. Continuous training, structured feedback loops, and visible metrics are as essential as the initial implementation.
Real-world usage always unlocks unexpected opportunities to evolve. ”
Once your AI agents are live, don’t forget to check on them regularly. Are they solving the correct problems?
Is your team happy with the response they are getting? Minor adjustments can go a long way.
Salesforce continues to roll out new features for Agentforce, so don’t get too complacent.
There is always something you can adjust or expand to enable your agents to provide even better functions.
At Ascendix, we’re at the forefront of Agentforce and Salesforce innovation.
As a member of the Agentforce Partner Network and Salesforce Summit Partner, we combine 20+ years of Salesforce leadership with a rapidly growing AI consulting practice.
Among the professional services we provide are:
As a cost-effective alternative, we offer Agentforce Quickstart Package, a streamlined implementation plan that sets up the essential features of Agentforce, enabling your business to start benefiting from AI-driven virtual assistants quickly.
Don’t let tedious tasks hold you back. Partner with Ascendix to build custom Agentforce-powered solutions that automate operations and drive business growth. Book a free consulting call to learn more and get started on transforming your business with Agentforce.
Salesforce Agentforce empowers businesses to build AI-powered agents that automate tasks, answer customer questions and free up staff to focus on what really matters.
That’s where Agentforce comes in: it taps into your Salesforce data, combines that with predefined actions and a healthy dose of intelligent reasoning to deliver accurate, real-time assistance exactly when customers need it.
Einstein is Salesforce’s broader AI platform for analytics, predictions, and insights, while Agentforce focuses specifically on creating customizable AI agents to automate tasks, handle queries, and streamline workflows within the Salesforce ecosystem.
Einstein Copilot (Agent Studio) gives you real time, contextual suggestions and task guidance as a helper. Agentforce lets you build fully autonomous, customisable AI agents that do tasks, automate workflows and talk to users.
No, Data Cloud is not required for Agentforce. However, integrating Data Cloud can enhance Agentforce by providing real-time customer data, enabling agents to deliver more personalized interactions and highly relevant responses.
Salesforce Agentforce adoption challenges include complex setup processes, ensuring high-quality data, training teams to use AI effectively, balancing customization needs, addressing security concerns, and allocating sufficient time and resources for implementation and ongoing maintenance.
Anzhelika is a seasoned B2B content marketing strategist with extensive experience in elevating corporate profiles through compelling content. At Ascendix, she offers a wealth of knowledge in Salesforce consulting, providing valuable tips, tricks, and comprehensive guides. Additionally, Anzhelika stays at the forefront of the industry, delivering expert analysis on the latest Salesforce tools and emerging technology trends.
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