Salesforce Partnership Overview
Purpose:
Salesforce is a cloud-based platform specializing in customer relationship management
(CRM). For the University of Florida IFAS Extension, Salesforce will increase visibility and
engagement with stakeholders, strengthen the ability to capture stakeholder engagement and
improve overall service delivery. Salesforce offers tools designed to enhance various aspects of
University of Florida IFAS Extension operations. Integrating data within our existing PEARS
system, Salesforce will allow us to continuously improve stakeholder satisfaction. Additionally,
Salesforce Marketing Cloud will enable the ability to manage and optimize marketing efforts
across multiple touchpoints. Using data from PEARS and Salesforce CRM, we will have the
opportunity to deliver personalized marketing information to stakeholders, increasing brand
recognition and marketing Return on Investment (ROI).
Next Steps:
Utilizing Cloud for Good will allow UF/IFAS Extension to streamline Salesforce CRM &
Marketing implementation. Cloud4Good incorporates the Talent for Good (TaaS) initiative,
which provides UF/IFAS Extension with access to a diverse, highly skilled and well-trained pool
of Salesforce professionals that specifically target the needs to further boost stakeholder
engagement, data management, and other critical areas. Successfully implementing Salesforce
requires collaboration across various teams which will include managing Extension-specific
components within Salesforce such as data integration with PEARS, overseeing the
customization of marketing efforts, and overall alignment with Extension strategic goals. This
will drive more effective service delivery and personalized interactions with stakeholders across
Florida.
Cloud4Good Partnership Overview
Purpose:
The Cloud4Good program is centered around Salesforce’s powerful Customer
Relationship Management CRM system designed to significantly enhance the efficiency and
effectiveness of stakeholder engagement and data management within UF/IFAS Extension. By
streamlining these processes, Cloud4Good would aim to improve the overall operational
efficiency of the organization for staff to focus more on program delivery rather than
administrative tasks. Cloud4Good incorporates the Talent for Good (TaaS) initiative, which
provides UF/IFAS Extension with access to a diverse, highly skilled and well-trained pool of
Salesforce professionals that specifically target the needs to further boost stakeholder
engagement, data management, and other critical areas.
Responsibilities:
Incorporating the use of the Cloud4Good program would require the participation in
regular spring demos and providing feedback during hands-on testing phases to ensure that the
solutions developed align with UF/IFAS Extension needs. Additionally, comprehensive training
sessions will be a key responsibility to ensure success with the Salesforce platform. Postimplementation, UF/IFAS Extension will benefit from ongoing support to ensure Salesforce is
fully adopted and that data management and stakeholder engagement processes are continually
optimized.
Knowli Partnership Overview
Purpose:
Knowli is a data science, research and analytics consulting firm based in Tallahassee, FL.
The purpose of Knowli’s involvement is to bring their expertise in converting raw data into
actionable business intelligence, which is necessary in shaping the future of our financial data
reporting system. Working with UF/IFAS Extension, Knowli will be able to identify and define
crucial metrics that the Florida Cooperative Extension needs to capture that will then form the
foundation for data-driven decision-making processes.
Responsibilities:
The use of Knowli is expected to bring about significant advancements in how UF/IFAS
Extension operated. Their defined and collected performance metrics will also be integrated into
the Program Evaluation and Reporting System (PEARS) platform. In addition to defining these
metrics, Knowli will work closely with the AI|BI team to develop an efficient data reporting
system that is expected to collect data consistently across all Florida counties to provide a more
accurate image of UF/IFAS Extension financial and programmatic performance. By reducing the
administrative burden associated with data collection, Knowli will enable our faculty and staff to
focus more on delivering impactful programs.
Qualtrics Partnership Overview
Purpose:
Qualtrics EX is an advanced experience management platform designed to specifically
enhance the employee experience by systematically gathering comprehensive feedback on various
aspects such as employee management, performance, and general satisfaction. Within UF/IFAS
Extension, this tool will be used to systematically father feedback from staff, faculty and
stakeholders to increase satisfaction and improve workplace culture. By utilizing Qualtrics EX,
UF/IFAS Extension hopes to create a more engaged, content, and productive workforce, ultimately
increasing the effectiveness and impact of Extension services.
Responsibilities:
The use of Qualtrics EX will involve the collection of data through surveys designed to
assess employee engagement, performance and general satisfaction UF/IFAS Extension will be
responsible for ensuring that this data is utilized effectively to make strategic decisions and rive
continuous improvement across the organization. This includes preparing for the full-scale
implementation of Qualtrics EX, even though a specific timeline or user count has not yet been
established. The active focus is on ensuring the tool is used effectively and preparing for Qualtrics
EX launch when a projection date is established.
Stamats Partnership Overview
Purpose:
The Stamats application is known for its expertise in strategic planning, audience
engagement and brand recognition. Recently, Stamats was commissioned to conduct an
extensive review of the web content across UF CALS, IFAS Extension, and Solutions For Your
Life (SFYL). While the primary purpose of this review was to ensure that these properties align
with the upcoming ADA regulations set to take effect in March 2026, Stamats identified several
significant areas of concern. Addressing these issues is essential for amplifying the UF/IFAS
Extension websites, improving and increasing user engagement, and ensuring compliance with
ADA standards.
Responsibilities:
To address the identified issues, Stamats recommended a series of actions focused on the
adoption and implementation of a comprehensive governance plan that includes clear roles,
refined processes, and robust policies. This governance plan will require hiring an
implementation team that is familiar with site auditing, decision making, and content quality
improvement. Additionally, Stamats suggested the use of sample wireframes to enhance user
journeys and overall user experience. The governance improvements will focus on assigning
clearer roles, providing comprehensive training, improving workflows, and restricting CMS
privileges. Additionally, the establishment and enforcement of content policies, standards, and
guidelines are critical to ensuring that all content is reviewed by March 2025 and fully compliant
with ADA requirements by March 2026.
PEARS Partnership Overview
Purpose:
The Program Evaluation and Reporting System (PEARS) I designed to streamline
UF/IFAS Extension’s data collection, reporting processes and overall program development. The
integration of PEARS will optimize data collection by standardizing how data is fathered across
all Extension programs, further ensuring consistency and accuracy. Additionally, PEARS
facilitates real-time monitoring of program activities, allowing for immediate feedback and
timely adjustments, which contribute to improved program outcomes. By centralizing data
collection and reporting processes, PEARS significantly reduces the administrative burden on
faculty and staff. This reduction allows faculty and staff to dedicate more time to delivering
effective programs. Furthermore, PEARS supports comprehensive planning, tracking, evaluation,
and management of Extension programs to ensure the activities align with the goals and
Extension Pathway of UF/IFAS.
Responsibilities:
The PEARS Administrative Implementation Team is responsible for ensuring the
successful integration and ongoing management of the PEARS platform within the UF/IFAS
Extension. This team plays a crucial role in training both new and existing employees on how to
effectively use the PEARS platform, ensuring that all users are well-equipped to maximize its
benefits. Additionally, the team oversees the management of Extension-specific elements within
PEARS (lists, fields, permissions, reporting deadlines, etc).
MySidewalk Partnership Overview
Purpose:
MySidewalk is a robust data platform that UF/IFAS Extension plans to use to boost its
data-driven strategies. The platform’s WhereHouse repository provides access to over 8,000
community-level indicators, offering a comprehensive baseline of data to support decision
making across Extension. By integrating data from WhereHouse with existing resources such as
PEARS and Salesforce CRM, UF/IFAS aims to develop plans that will increase the growth of
Extension programs. The investment in MySidewalk’s WhereHouse is a cost-effective alternative
to building an in-house data warehouse. With an annual subscription cost of $85,680 after a 15%
discount, UF/IFAS will gain access to an extensive data repository, Snowflake distribution, and
the highlest level of support.
Responsibilities:
The successful implementation of MySidewalk within UF/IFAS Extension will require an
initial review of the budget and IT infrastructure in September 2024, followed by the
procurement of the necessary licenses and tools in October 2024. The deployment and adoption
of the platform are scheduled for November 2024. Additionally, the UF/IFAS will ensure that the
data from WhereHouse is seamlessly integrated with PEARS and Salesforce CRM.
Glossary
Aspirational Metric: A metric UF/IFAS Extension aspires to capture and better understand.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): Automating processes through technologies like machine learning.
Baseline Metric: A metric UF/IFAS Extension currently captures and trusts.
Business Intelligence (BI): Analytics, metrics, data visualization for data-driven decisions.
CRM: Customer Relationship Management System.
Knowli: Research and analytics consulting company.
PEARS: Program Evaluation And Reporting System.
Qualtrics: Program that counts survey answers to better understand employee expectations.
Salesforce: Connects businesses and customers.
Snowflake: Snowflake is a cloud-based data warehousing platform.
Stakeholder: Anyone impacted by or interested in Extension program activities and outcomes.
Stamats: Communications and marketing strategy experts.