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    <title>DEV Community: Javeria Gauhar</title>
    <description>The latest articles on DEV Community by Javeria Gauhar (@javeria).</description>
    <link>https://dev.to/javeria</link>
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      <title>DEV Community: Javeria Gauhar</title>
      <link>https://dev.to/javeria</link>
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    <item>
      <title>Architecting the Physical World: Why Building a High-Rise is Just a Massive Merge Conflict</title>
      <dc:creator>Javeria Gauhar</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Dec 2025 18:16:43 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://dev.to/javeria/architecting-the-physical-world-why-building-a-high-rise-is-just-a-massive-merge-conflict-50g1</link>
      <guid>https://dev.to/javeria/architecting-the-physical-world-why-building-a-high-rise-is-just-a-massive-merge-conflict-50g1</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;As developers, we lose our collective minds when a dependency is mismatched in a JSON file or a CI/CD pipeline fails because of a minor syntax error. We complain about "spaghetti code" and the nightmare of refactoring a legacy monolith. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;But if you think debugging a distributed software system is high-stakes, try debugging a 50-story skyscraper. In the world of construction, the "hardware" is made of concrete and structural steel, and the "logic" is literally etched into the physical layout of the building. You can’t just "roll back" a foundation pour or "patch" a pipe that was installed three inches to the left of where it should be.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;For a long time, the construction industry (the AEC sector) was stuck in a "Waterfall" nightmare. They used flat, 2D drawings—essentially static PDFs—to build 3D realities. It was a disaster of manual errors and field-hacks. But right now, we are seeing the physical world have its "Git" moment. We’re moving toward a world where we treat building data exactly like code. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  1. The Monolith Problem: MEP Coordination as a "Merge Request"
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;In a traditional construction project, you have different "teams" (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) all writing the "code" for the building simultaneously, but in total isolation. It’s like three teams working on the same repo without ever pulling from the main branch. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;When they finally show up to the job site to install their systems, you get the physical version of a merge conflict. A massive HVAC duct is trying to occupy the exact same spatial coordinate as a structural beam or a plumbing line. In the old days, they solved this with a blowtorch and a hammer. It was messy, expensive, and created massive "technical debt" in the building’s infrastructure.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Today, we use &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href="https://eracore.com/mep-bim-services/" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;mep bim services&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; to create a single source of truth. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Think of BIM (Building Information Modeling) as a pre-compiler for reality. We build the entire project in a 3D virtual environment first. We run "clash detection" scripts that flag every single instance where two physical objects overlap. If a pipe hits a beam in the model, it’s a bug that costs $0 to fix. If it hits that beam on the 40th floor during construction, it’s a $20,000 "change order" that blows the sprint schedule.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  2. High-Pressure I/O: Plumbing is Just a Data Stream
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;If you strip away the drywall, a building is just a series of high-concurrency I/O streams. You have "input" (potable water, electricity) and "output" (waste, exhaust). You have to manage pressure, latency (how long it takes for hot water to reach the penthouse), and throughput. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;In high-density environments like hospitals or massive data centers, you can’t afford a "packet loss" in your plumbing. A failure in a drainage slope isn't just a bug; it’s a catastrophic system crash that can ruin millions of dollars in equipment. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;This is why specialized &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href="https://eracore.com/plumbing-bim-services/" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;plumbing bim services&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; are now the industry standard for high-spec builds. We aren't just drawing lines on a page anymore. We are simulating the physics of the fluid flow in a 3D space. We map out the entire gravity-fed network to ensure the "packets" (water) move efficiently from point A to point B without any bottlenecks. It’s about ensuring the physical infrastructure can handle peak load—like 500 tenants hitting the "flush" button at the exact same time—without the system hanging.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  3. Refactoring for ROI: The Art of Value Engineering
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;In software, we refactor code to reduce server costs or improve latency. In construction, we refactor the design to save the client millions of dollars without breaking the building’s "features." We call this &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href="https://eracore.com/value-engineering-in-construction/" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;value engineering in construction&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;A lot of people think value engineering is just a fancy way of saying "use cheaper stuff." That’s a junior-level take. Senior-level value engineering is an optimization problem. It’s looking at a $500 million skyscraper and asking: &lt;em&gt;"Can we achieve the same structural integrity and thermal performance using 15% less material by rethinking the layout?"&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;By using the data in our BIM models, we can run "what-if" scenarios at scale. We can swap out materials, reroute the electrical backbone to reduce copper usage, or optimize the HVAC path to use smaller (and cheaper) fans. It’s the ultimate application of the DRY (Don't Repeat Yourself) principle—removing redundancy and waste to maximize the performance of the asset.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  4. The "Copilot" Era: AI Integration in AEC
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;We are currently entering the "Generative Design" era of construction. For a long time, 3D modeling was a manual, tedious task. But the integration of &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href="https://genusys.ai/ai-in-bim/" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;ai in bim&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; is changing the job description of the engineer.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Instead of a human manually drawing 1,000 meters of electrical conduit, we can now feed the constraints—cost, spatial limits, and electrical load—into an AI algorithm. The AI can generate 10,000 possible configurations in minutes and pick the one that is mathematically perfect for that specific building. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;It’s exactly like using an AI linter that doesn't just find your errors but actually rewrites your code for better performance. AI can predict where thermal "hot spots" will occur in a building years before they happen. It can suggest structural changes that reduce the carbon footprint of the building by 20%. We are moving toward a future where buildings aren't just designed &lt;em&gt;by&lt;/em&gt; humans; they are optimized by machines to serve humans better.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  5. Why Devs Should Care: The Rise of the Digital Twin
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;You might be wondering: &lt;em&gt;"I’m a software dev, why am I reading about pipes and concrete?"&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Because the future of the "Smart City" is just a massive data visualization problem. Every modern building is now an IoT-enabled asset. To build the dashboards, the predictive maintenance apps, and the energy-management systems of tomorrow, you need to understand the underlying "schema" of the physical world. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;BIM is that schema.&lt;/strong&gt; It is the structured data that describes every physical component of our urban environment. If you can query a building’s BIM model, you can build apps that optimize energy usage in real-time or predict when a chiller unit is about to fail based on vibration sensors. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  Conclusion: Refactoring Reality
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;At the end of the day, a building is just a very big, very expensive piece of hardware. And just like any hardware project, the secret to success isn't in the hammer; it’s in the architecture. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;By leveraging high-fidelity coordination, specialized modeling for fluids, and AI-driven optimization, the construction industry is finally catching up to the tech world. We are building faster, leaner, and smarter. We are finally treating the world we live in like the high-performance system it was always meant to be.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;The next time you walk into a perfectly cooled, well-lit office building, look past the walls. Think about the millions of data points, the coordinated "merge requests," and the AI-optimized paths that made that comfort possible. The physical world is being refactored—and the "code" is more beautiful than ever.&lt;/p&gt;

</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Why the Future of Construction Belongs to Smart BIM Teams</title>
      <dc:creator>Javeria Gauhar</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Fri, 24 Oct 2025 17:05:36 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://dev.to/javeria/why-the-future-of-construction-belongs-to-smart-bim-teams-167f</link>
      <guid>https://dev.to/javeria/why-the-future-of-construction-belongs-to-smart-bim-teams-167f</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;If you’ve ever walked through a construction site and thought, “There’s no way this many people and machines can work together without chaos,” you’re not wrong.&lt;br&gt;
But here’s the cool part, today’s construction world is getting a lot more predictable, thanks to something called BIM (Building Information Modeling).&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;BIM isn’t just fancy software.&lt;br&gt;
It’s a smarter way for people who design, build, and install things to work together — and it’s quietly changing how modern projects get done.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Let’s break it down in simple terms.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  1. The Big Problem: Too Many Moving Parts
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Every large project — whether it’s a data center, hospital, or manufacturing plant — has a long list of moving parts.&lt;br&gt;
Electricians, mechanical teams, plumbers, designers, and coordinators all have their own drawings, schedules, and rules.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;And when those pieces don’t fit? You get clashes, rework, and frustrated teams.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Traditional 2D drawings can’t keep up with that kind of complexity.&lt;br&gt;
That’s where BIM steps in — not as another piece of software, but as a way of seeing everything in 3D before a single pipe or cable goes up.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  2. Why Contractors Are Turning to BIM
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;BIM allows every trade to see what the other is doing.&lt;br&gt;
If the electrical conduit overlaps with a duct or pipe, it’s spotted right in the model — long before anyone starts cutting or drilling.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;This simple visibility saves massive amounts of time and money.&lt;br&gt;
Contractors don’t have to wait until the install stage to find a clash.&lt;br&gt;
They can fix it in a few clicks and keep their schedule intact.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Teams that use &lt;a href="https://eracore.com/electrical-bim-services/" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;electrical BIM services&lt;/a&gt; get the biggest benefit here.&lt;br&gt;
Electrical layouts are often the backbone of large facilities, and when they’re modeled with real site conditions, coordination becomes smooth and predictable.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;No surprises on-site, no endless redlines — just a clean plan that works.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  3. BIM Is Not Just for Designers
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Some people still think BIM is a tool for architects.&lt;br&gt;
But today, subcontractors are the ones using it most effectively.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Why?&lt;br&gt;
Because they’re closest to the installation work.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;A &lt;a href="https://eracore.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;BIM Company&lt;/a&gt; like Eracore doesn’t just build 3D models; it creates a full digital version of the job that electricians and mechanical teams can actually build from.&lt;br&gt;
That means no guesswork, no miscommunication, and fewer “we didn’t see that coming” moments.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;When field teams walk into a job with BIM-coordinated drawings, they’re not starting from scratch.&lt;br&gt;
They’re simply following a plan that’s already been tested virtually.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  4. How It’s Changing the Electrical World
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Electrical modeling is a perfect example of BIM in action.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Instead of juggling hundreds of paper sheets, teams can:&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Pre-plan every conduit route.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Check clearances before installation.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Generate prefabrication-ready drawings.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Stay aligned with NEC and code requirements.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;

&lt;p&gt;That’s exactly what electrical BIM does.&lt;br&gt;
It bridges the gap between office design and field installation.&lt;br&gt;
For contractors, that means fewer delays and happier clients.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;And when you add prefabrication to the mix, the benefits explode.&lt;br&gt;
BIM helps teams build parts off-site, deliver them ready to install, and keep the site running like clockwork.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  5. The Mechanical Side of BIM
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Mechanical systems — ducts, chillers, pipes — take up huge space.&lt;br&gt;
Even a small design error can cause serious on-site issues.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;That’s why &lt;a href="https://eracore.com/mechanical-bim-services/" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;mechanical BIM services&lt;/a&gt; are now essential for modern projects.&lt;br&gt;
Mechanical teams can visualize entire systems, spot conflicts early, and coordinate with electricians before anyone shows up on-site.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;It’s not about fancy graphics; it’s about accuracy.&lt;br&gt;
When ductwork, conduit, and sprinkler systems share the same ceiling space, every inch matters.&lt;br&gt;
BIM makes sure everyone knows where that inch goes.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  6. Real Benefits You Can See
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Here’s what contractors notice after adopting BIM:&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;No more guesswork. Everyone knows exactly what to install and where.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Fewer RFIs. Coordination happens before construction, not during.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Better communication. Designers, engineers, and field teams speak the same visual language.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Faster approvals. BIM models make it easier for clients and inspectors to review.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Reduced rework. Fewer mistakes mean lower costs and tighter schedules.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;

&lt;p&gt;It’s the kind of efficiency that turns one-time projects into long-term partnerships.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  7. Why the Industry Is Moving Fast Toward BIM
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Ten years ago, BIM was mostly used by big design firms.&lt;br&gt;
Today, small and mid-size contractors are catching up fast.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;The reason is simple — clients now expect it.&lt;br&gt;
Owners want digital records, maintenance-ready models, and clear visuals before they sign off.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;And for contractors, BIM isn’t just a requirement anymore.&lt;br&gt;
It’s a competitive edge.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Those who model, coordinate, and deliver better drawings stand out immediately.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  8. What Makes a Good BIM Partner
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Not every BIM service is the same.&lt;br&gt;
A good partner understands both design and field work.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;For example, an experienced BIM Company like Eracore focuses on constructible, code-compliant models.&lt;br&gt;
That means the design doesn’t just look good on a screen — it actually works in the field.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;When engineers and modelers have field experience, they know what to avoid:&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Overlapping routes&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Impractical access points&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Unbuildable conduit runs&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Missed clearance zones&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;

&lt;p&gt;That’s what sets reliable BIM partners apart.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  9. BIM Is Teamwork, Not Technology
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;At its core, BIM is about teamwork.&lt;br&gt;
It connects people — from modelers to electricians — who might otherwise work in separate silos.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;It also helps project managers stay proactive.&lt;br&gt;
If something changes in design, the model updates instantly.&lt;br&gt;
That keeps everyone on the same page.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;When teams see the same model, coordination stops being a headache and becomes a shared process.&lt;br&gt;
And that’s where the real magic happens.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  10. What’s Next for BIM
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;The next step for BIM isn’t just better visuals — it’s smarter decisions.&lt;br&gt;
With AI tools and automation, modelers can predict issues before they occur.&lt;br&gt;
Prefabrication will keep growing, and so will the demand for data-driven coordination.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;For anyone in construction, this means one thing:&lt;br&gt;
If your team isn’t using BIM yet, now’s the time.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  Final Thoughts
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Construction has always been about people, tools, and timing.&lt;br&gt;
BIM adds one more thing to that list — clarity.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;It helps everyone work smarter, communicate better, and deliver projects faster.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Whether you’re an electrical contractor, a mechanical designer, or a project coordinator, BIM is becoming your best teammate.&lt;br&gt;
It’s no longer just for architects — it’s for everyone who builds.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;So the next time you step onto a project that runs smoother than usual, take a closer look.&lt;br&gt;
Chances are, BIM is behind it — and teams like Eracore, who live and breathe it, are quietly leading the way.&lt;/p&gt;

</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Future of Construction Tech: AI, Digital Twins, Robotics &amp; Eracore's BIM Insights</title>
      <dc:creator>Javeria Gauhar</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Sep 2025 18:22:54 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://dev.to/javeria/the-future-of-construction-tech-ai-digital-twins-robotics-eracores-bim-insights-2cli</link>
      <guid>https://dev.to/javeria/the-future-of-construction-tech-ai-digital-twins-robotics-eracores-bim-insights-2cli</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Construction might seem rooted in tradition, but today it's one of the fastest-evolving industries—driven by &lt;strong&gt;AI&lt;/strong&gt;, &lt;strong&gt;digital twins&lt;/strong&gt;, and &lt;strong&gt;robotics&lt;/strong&gt;. Here's a look at how these innovations are transforming building design, execution, and operations—and how &lt;strong&gt;BIM technology&lt;/strong&gt; is at the heart of it.&lt;/p&gt;




&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  1. Generative AI Meets Construction Design
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Gone are the days of manual tweaks and guesswork. With &lt;strong&gt;generative AI&lt;/strong&gt;, architects and engineers can:&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Instantly generate optimized layouts balancing cost, daylight, and energy efficiency.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Detect spatial and MEP clashes early in the design process.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Automate code compliance checks—from NEC standards to local zoning—before breaking ground.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;

&lt;p&gt;These AI tools dramatically reduce errors and accelerate approvals.&lt;/p&gt;




&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  2. Digital Twins: Real-Time Building Intelligence
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Digital twins&lt;/strong&gt; are virtual replicas of physical structures, updated in real time with sensor data. They empower facility managers to:&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Monitor systems like HVAC, power loads, and environmental controls continuously.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Diagnose equipment issues remotely and plan predictive maintenance.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Simulate retrofits or upgrades virtually before touching the physical building.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;

&lt;p&gt;This dynamic modeling bridges design, construction, and operations fluidly.&lt;/p&gt;




&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  3. Robotics &amp;amp; Drones: Automation On-Site
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;The job site is getting a tech upgrade:&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;strong&gt;Drones&lt;/strong&gt; now scan and map progress, flagging deviations and tracking materials efficiently.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;strong&gt;Robotic arms&lt;/strong&gt; lay bricks, install conduits, or weld prefab panels with pinpoint accuracy.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Self-driving vehicles handle heavy material movement—boosting safety and saving manpower.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Automation once reserved for factories has now arrived at construction sites.&lt;/p&gt;




&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  4. Building Smarter &amp;amp; Greener
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Emerging tech isn’t just faster—it’s greener:&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;AI-driven design tools simulate and optimize energy consumption.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Prefab practices reduce waste and build time.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Digital twins help cut operational energy and prolong system health.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;




&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  5. BIM: The Backbone of the Tech Stack
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;If AI, robotics, and digital twins are the flashy tools, &lt;strong&gt;BIM (Building Information Modeling)&lt;/strong&gt; is the data engine powering it all.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Eracore dives into this in detail in their post: &lt;a href="https://eracore.com/difference-between-cad-and-bim/" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Difference Between CAD and BIM&lt;/a&gt;. Their insights help clarify:&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;How BIM enriches CAD drawings with data, interactivity, and lifecycle intelligence.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Why BIM is indispensable for smart building tech, not just design.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Explore more about their approach at: &lt;a href="https://eracore.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Eracore&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;




&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  Why This Matters for Tech Enthusiasts
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;These innovations merge &lt;strong&gt;AI, IoT, robotics, 3D modeling, and digital twins&lt;/strong&gt;—a cocktail of frontier technologies converging in construction.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Buildings are a top global tech target, accounting for a massive share of energy and carbon emissions.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;The field is ripe for tech-driven disruption—from drone AI plugins to twin-analytics platforms.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;




&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  Final Thought: The Future Is Buildable
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Imagine a building that was:&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Designed by AI&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Constructed by robots&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Managed through its digital twin&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;

&lt;p&gt;This isn't fiction—it’s happening now. All of it runs on BIM as the invisible infrastructure.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;What tech will drive the next wave in construction?&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Published via the open-source Forem platform.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;
Let’s build the future together at Future.forem.com.&lt;/p&gt;

</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>CAD vs BIM: Why 5D BIM Cost Estimating Is a Game Changer</title>
      <dc:creator>Javeria Gauhar</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 27 Aug 2025 15:41:03 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://dev.to/javeria/cad-vs-bim-why-5d-bim-cost-estimating-is-a-game-changer-2lf0</link>
      <guid>https://dev.to/javeria/cad-vs-bim-why-5d-bim-cost-estimating-is-a-game-changer-2lf0</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;When we talk about construction technology, two acronyms come up a lot: &lt;a href="https://eracore.com/bim-for-facility-management/" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;CAD vs BIM&lt;/a&gt;. For years, CAD was the industry standard — precise, familiar, and widely adopted. But CAD is fundamentally 2D: it’s about drawings, not decisions.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;BIM (Building Information Modeling) changes the game. It’s not just a digital drawing; it’s a data-rich model that knows the difference between a wall, a conduit, and a duct. And more importantly, it enables smarter workflows — scheduling, clash detection, and cost forecasting — all from the same model.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;One of the most powerful evolutions is &lt;a href="https://eracore.com/5d-bim-cost-estimating/" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;5D BIM cost estimating&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;br&gt;
Instead of estimating from static drawings, contractors can link quantities directly to model elements. That means budgets update dynamically with design changes, giving project managers real-time cost control.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;For developers, this feels a lot like moving from static HTML pages to dynamic web apps — the intelligence is in the data, not just the visuals. BIM doesn’t just show “what” is being built, it predicts how much it will cost, how long it will take, and where conflicts will arise.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;The next time someone asks about CAD vs BIM, remember: CAD draws buildings. BIM builds them digitally first, with cost, time, and risk mapped in advance.&lt;/p&gt;

</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Why BIM Isn’t Just for Designers Anymore (And Why Business Leaders Should Care)</title>
      <dc:creator>Javeria Gauhar</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 11 Aug 2025 18:30:17 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://dev.to/javeria/why-bim-isnt-just-for-designers-anymore-and-why-business-leaders-should-care-j0g</link>
      <guid>https://dev.to/javeria/why-bim-isnt-just-for-designers-anymore-and-why-business-leaders-should-care-j0g</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;If you’ve been around the construction or engineering world, you’ve probably heard of Building Information Modeling (BIM). For a lot of people, BIM = fancy 3D drawings. Nice to look at, but not something business decision-makers spend much time thinking about.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Here’s the thing: that mindset is costing companies time, money, and competitive advantage.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;BIM isn’t just a tool for the design team—it’s a living data model that can make or break a project’s profitability, timeline, and risk exposure. And if you’re a decision-maker or part of a business committee, understanding BIM could be the smartest move you make this year.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;This is exactly where Eracore focuses its expertise—helping contractors, design firms, and owners turn BIM from a checkbox into a business advantage.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  The Short Version
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;BIM = Data + Process + Collaboration&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Business committees can use BIM to reduce risk, control costs, and improve delivery&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Electrical BIM Services are one of the highest-return applications of BIM in real-world projects&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  Why This Matters Beyond the Design Department
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Projects rarely go off the rails because someone forgot to draw a line on a plan. They go off the rails because small mistakes stack up:&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;A clash between electrical conduits and HVAC ducts isn’t caught until installation&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Underground cabling paths need to be re-routed mid-construction&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Prefabricated assemblies don’t fit because dimensions changed late in the process&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Every one of those problems has a cost—sometimes measured in thousands, sometimes in millions. BIM’s job is to catch them before they happen.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  The Business Case for BIM
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  1. Risk Reduction
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Fewer surprises mean fewer budget blowouts. BIM models flag design conflicts early, giving teams the chance to fix issues before they get expensive.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  2. Faster Delivery
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Well-coordinated models mean fewer on-site stoppages. That predictability keeps projects moving and schedules realistic.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  3. Smarter Resource Planning
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Every modeled component carries data. That data feeds into procurement, staffing, and even future maintenance planning.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  Why Electrical BIM Deserves Its Own Spotlight
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;If you’ve never dug into the details of an electrical system, here’s why it’s worth your attention: it’s the nervous system of a building. Get it wrong, and the whole project suffers. Get it right, and everything runs as it should—literally.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;At &lt;a href="https://eracore.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Eracore&lt;/a&gt;, our Electrical BIM Services go beyond drawing wires on a schematic. We’re talking about:&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Detailed conduit layouts&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Cable tray routing that avoids clashes&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Prefabrication-ready models that speed up installs&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Code-compliant designs vetted before anyone sets foot on site&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;For critical facilities like data centers, hospitals, and airports, that accuracy is the difference between flawless commissioning and weeks of costly troubleshooting.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  A Quick Real-World Win
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;A data center contractor we worked with modeled every conduit run and bend before installation. They prefabricated assemblies offsite, delivered them in install-ready batches, and avoided any mid-install adjustments.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;The result?&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Several weeks shaved off the project schedule&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Reduced field labor costs&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Zero last-minute redesigns&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;That’s BIM doing exactly what it’s supposed to do—protecting budgets, timelines, and sanity.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  So What Can Leaders Do?
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Bake BIM Into the Contract&lt;br&gt;
Don’t make it optional. Define what deliverables you expect and when.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Measure Results&lt;br&gt;
Track BIM’s ROI: reduced RFIs, fewer change orders, and less schedule variance.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Hire the Right People&lt;br&gt;
Whether internal or external, get BIM pros who understand both the software and the field realities.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Leverage the Data Beyond Construction&lt;br&gt;
BIM models aren’t just for building—they’re for operating, maintaining, and upgrading over a facility’s lifetime.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  The Bottom Line
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;BIM isn’t a nice-to-have anymore. For complex, high-stakes projects, it’s a business essential. And when it comes to maximizing its impact, electrical scope is one of the smartest places to start.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;If you want to see how this plays out in the real world, check out Eracore’s &lt;a href="https://eracore.com/electrical-bim-services/" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Electrical BIM Services&lt;/a&gt; and see how precise modeling can de-risk your next project.&lt;/p&gt;

</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Full-Stack Development in a Hybrid Cloud World: Tools and Techniques</title>
      <dc:creator>Javeria Gauhar</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Tue, 29 Oct 2024 10:32:15 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://dev.to/javeria/full-stack-development-in-a-hybrid-cloud-world-tools-and-techniques-1m7</link>
      <guid>https://dev.to/javeria/full-stack-development-in-a-hybrid-cloud-world-tools-and-techniques-1m7</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;In today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape, full-stack development has become more complex and exciting than ever, especially with the rise of hybrid cloud environments. This blog post will explore the tools and techniques that can help full-stack developers thrive in a hybrid cloud world. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  Introduction
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Hybrid cloud environments combine the best of both public and private clouds, offering flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency. For full-stack developers, this means leveraging a diverse set of tools and techniques to build, deploy, and manage applications seamlessly across different cloud platforms. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  Key Tools for Full-Stack Development in Hybrid Cloud
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  1. Containerization with Docker and Kubernetes
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Containers have revolutionized the way we develop and deploy applications. Docker allows developers to package applications and their dependencies into a single container, ensuring consistency across different environments. Kubernetes, on the other hand, is a powerful orchestration tool that automates the deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Docker: Simplifies the process of creating, deploying, and running applications in containers. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Kubernetes: Manages containerized applications at scale, providing features like load balancing, automated rollouts, and self-healing. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  2. Infrastructure as Code (IaC) with Terraform and Ansible
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Managing infrastructure in a hybrid cloud environment can be challenging. Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools like Terraform and Ansible help automate the provisioning and management of cloud resources. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Terraform: Allows you to define infrastructure using a high-level configuration language, making it easy to version control and share configurations. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Ansible: Automates configuration management, application deployment, and task automation, ensuring consistency across environments. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  3. CI/CD Pipelines with Jenkins and GitHub Actions
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines are essential for delivering high-quality software quickly and reliably. Jenkins and GitHub Actions are popular tools that help automate the build, test, and deployment processes. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Jenkins: An open-source automation server that supports building, deploying, and automating any project. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;GitHub Actions: Integrates seamlessly with GitHub repositories, allowing you to automate workflows directly from your codebase. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  4. Monitoring and Logging with Prometheus and ELK Stack
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Monitoring and logging are crucial for maintaining the health and performance of applications in a hybrid cloud environment. Prometheus and the ELK Stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, and Kibana) are powerful tools for this purpose. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Prometheus: A monitoring and alerting toolkit designed for reliability and scalability. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;ELK Stack: Provides a comprehensive solution for searching, analyzing, and visualizing log data in real-time. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  Techniques for Effective Full-Stack Development in Hybrid Cloud
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  1. Microservices Architecture
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Adopting a microservices architecture allows you to break down applications into smaller, independent services that can be developed, deployed, and scaled independently. This approach enhances flexibility and resilience, making it easier to manage applications in a hybrid cloud environment. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  2. API Management
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Effective API management is essential for ensuring seamless communication between different services and components in a hybrid cloud environment. Tools like Apigee and Kong help manage, secure, and monitor APIs, providing insights into usage patterns and performance. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  3. Serverless Computing
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Serverless computing allows developers to build and run applications without managing the underlying infrastructure. Services like AWS Lambda, Azure Functions, and Google Cloud Functions enable you to execute code in response to events, scaling automatically based on demand. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  4. DevOps Practices
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Implementing DevOps practices is crucial for achieving continuous delivery and improving collaboration between development and operations teams. Key DevOps practices include: &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Automating infrastructure provisioning and management. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD): Automating the build, test, and deployment processes. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Monitoring and Logging: Continuously monitoring application performance and logging events for troubleshooting. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  Best Practices for Full-Stack Development in Hybrid Cloud
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  1. Security First
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Security should be a top priority in a hybrid cloud environment. Implement robust security measures such as encryption, access control, and regular security audits to protect your applications and data. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  2. Cost Management
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Hybrid cloud environments can lead to unexpected costs if not managed properly. Use cost management tools and practices to monitor and optimize cloud spending, ensuring you get the best value for your investment. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  3. Scalability and Performance
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Design your applications with scalability and performance in mind. Use load balancing, auto-scaling, and caching techniques to ensure your applications can handle varying levels of traffic and demand. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  4. Disaster Recovery
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Implement a comprehensive disaster recovery plan to ensure business continuity in case of failures or outages. Regularly test your disaster recovery procedures to ensure they are effective and up to date. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  5. Active Directory Monitoring
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://kidan.co/blog/active-directory-monitoring/" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Active Directory Monitoring&lt;/a&gt; is essential for maintaining the security and integrity of your network. By continuously monitoring Active Directory, you can detect and respond to suspicious activities, ensure compliance with security policies, and manage user access effectively. This proactive approach helps in preventing unauthorized access and potential security breaches. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  6. Multi-cloud Environments
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Managing &lt;a href="https://kidan.co/blog/multi-cloud-environments/" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Multi-cloud Environments&lt;/a&gt; involves using multiple cloud services from different providers to optimize performance, cost, and reliability. This strategy allows you to leverage the strengths of various cloud platforms, avoid vendor lock-in, and enhance disaster recovery capabilities. Effective management of multi-cloud environments requires robust monitoring, automation, and integration tools to ensure seamless operation across different clouds. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  Conclusion
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Full-stack development in a hybrid cloud world presents unique challenges and opportunities. By leveraging the right tools and techniques, developers can build, deploy, and manage applications more efficiently and effectively. Embrace the hybrid cloud model to take advantage of its flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency, and stay ahead in the ever-evolving tech landscape. &lt;/p&gt;

</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>How to Design an Effective BigCommerce Product Page</title>
      <dc:creator>Javeria Gauhar</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 20 Apr 2023 12:03:12 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://dev.to/javeria/how-to-design-an-effective-bigcommerce-product-page-je5</link>
      <guid>https://dev.to/javeria/how-to-design-an-effective-bigcommerce-product-page-je5</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;As an online store owner, your product pages are one of the most important parts of your e-commerce website. An effective product page can help you convert more visitors into customers and increase your sales. In this blog post, we’ll go over some tips on how to design an effective &lt;a href="https://ecommerce.folio3.com/bigcommerce-app-development/" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Bigcommerce App Development&lt;/a&gt; product page.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  Use High-Quality Product Images
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;The first thing that visitors will see when they land on your product page is the product image. That’s why it’s important to use high-quality images that showcase your product in the best possible way. Use multiple images that show different angles of the product and allow visitors to zoom in on the details. Make sure your images are optimized for web use so they load quickly and don’t slow down your site.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  Write Clear and Compelling Product Descriptions
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Your product description should be clear, concise, and compelling. It should describe the product’s features, benefits, and unique selling points. Use bullet points to make it easy for visitors to scan and highlight the most important information. You should also include relevant keywords in your product description to improve your search engine rankings.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  Include Product Reviews and Ratings
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;One of the most effective ways to build trust with potential customers is by including product reviews and ratings on your product page. Encourage your customers to leave reviews by sending follow-up emails after their purchase. You can also offer incentives such as discounts or free shipping for leaving a review. Make sure to respond to any negative reviews in a professional and helpful manner.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  Use Clear and Simple Navigation
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Your product page should have a clear and simple navigation that makes it easy for visitors to find what they’re looking for. Use categories and subcategories to organize your products, and include a search bar to make it easy for visitors to search for a specific product. Make sure your navigation is consistent across your entire site so visitors can easily find their way around.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  Include Product Variations and Options
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;If your product comes in different variations or options, make sure to include them on your product page. Use dropdown menus to allow visitors to select their preferred variation, such as size or color. Make sure to include clear images and descriptions of each variation so visitors know exactly what they’re getting.&lt;br&gt;
Make Your Add to Cart Button Stand Out&lt;br&gt;
Your add to cart button should be easy to find and stand out from the rest of your product page. Use a contrasting color or a bold font to make it stand out. You should also include the price and any other relevant information such as shipping or delivery time next to the add to cart button.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  Use Social Proof
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Social proof is a powerful tool for e-commerce stores. Including social proof on your product page can help build trust and encourage visitors to make a purchase. You can include social proof in the form of customer reviews and ratings, social media shares, and trust badges from reputable organizations.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  Optimize for Mobile Devices
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;More and more people are using their mobile devices to shop online, so it’s important to optimize your product pages for mobile devices. Make sure your images and text are easy to view on a small screen, and use a responsive &lt;a href="https://ecommerce.folio3.com/bigcommerce-web-design-company/" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;bigcommerce website design&lt;/a&gt;  that adjusts to the size of the screen. You should also make sure your add to cart button is easy to tap on a mobile device.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;In conclusion, designing an effective BigCommerce product page requires attention to detail and a focus on the customer experience. Use high-quality images, clear and compelling descriptions, social proof, and clear navigation to create a product page that converts visitors into customers. By following these tips, you can create a product page that stands out and drives sales for your online store.&lt;/p&gt;

</description>
      <category>bigcommerce</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>How to integrate Chat API with Salesforce Commerce Cloud With Examples</title>
      <dc:creator>Javeria Gauhar</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Jan 2023 11:30:39 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://dev.to/javeria/how-to-integrate-chat-api-with-salesforce-commerce-cloud-with-examples-1k7k</link>
      <guid>https://dev.to/javeria/how-to-integrate-chat-api-with-salesforce-commerce-cloud-with-examples-1k7k</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;In today's digital age, customer service and engagement are crucial to the success of e-commerce businesses. One way to improve customer service and engagement is by integrating a chat API with your e-commerce platform. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;In this blog post, we will discuss how to integrate a chat API with Salesforce Commerce Cloud, and provide examples of how businesses can use this integration to improve customer service and engagement.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Salesforce Commerce Cloud (formerly known as Demandware) is a cloud-based e-commerce platform that allows businesses to build and manage online stores. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;The platform provides a set of APIs that can be used to access the platform's functionality, including product information, inventory, and order management. By integrating a chat API with Salesforce Commerce Cloud, businesses can add real-time customer service and engagement to their online stores.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;There are a number of different chat API providers that can be integrated with Salesforce Commerce Cloud, such as Chatbot API, Facebook Messenger API, and WhatsApp Business API. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Each of these providers offers different features and capabilities, so it's important to choose the one that best fits your business's needs.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;For example&lt;/strong&gt;, Chatbot API provides a simple and easy-to-use chatbot that can be integrated with Salesforce Commerce Cloud to provide customer service and engagement. The chatbot can be configured to answer customer questions, provide product information, and process orders. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;This can be a great way to provide 24/7 customer service and engagement, as the chatbot can be configured to answer customer questions even when your business is closed.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Another example is Facebook Messenger API, which allows businesses to integrate their e-commerce platform with Facebook Messenger, providing customers with a convenient way to communicate with the business. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;This integration can be used to provide customer service, such as answering customer questions and providing product information, as well as for marketing and engagement purposes, such as sending promotional messages and conducting surveys.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;WhatsApp Business API is another option that can be integrated with Salesforce Commerce Cloud. WhatsApp is a popular messaging app that is used by millions of people worldwide, and the WhatsApp Business API allows businesses to communicate with customers directly through the app. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;This integration can be used for customer service, such as answering customer questions and providing product information, as well as for marketing and engagement purposes, such as sending promotional messages and conducting surveys.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Once the chat API provider has been chosen, the integration process can begin. The process typically involves creating an account with the chat API provider, setting up the chatbot or other messaging service, and then integrating the chatbot or messaging service with &lt;a href="https://ecommerce.folio3.com/salesforce-commerce-cloud-support/" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Salesforce Commerce Cloud support&lt;/a&gt; using the platform's APIs. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;The chatbot or messaging service can be integrated with different parts of the platform, such as the product pages, cart, and checkout pages, to provide customer service and engagement throughout the customer journey.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;In conclusion, integrating a chat API with Salesforce Commerce Cloud can provide businesses with a powerful tool to improve customer service and engagement. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;By adding real-time customer service and engagement to their online stores, businesses can provide customers with a better experience, increase customer satisfaction and loyalty, and ultimately drive more sales.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;There are a number of different chat API providers that can be integrated with Salesforce Commerce Cloud, each with their own features and capabilities. By choosing the right chat API provider and integrating it with Salesforce Commerce Cloud using the platform's APIs, businesses can improve their customer service and engagement efforts.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Salesforce Commerce Cloud can also be easily integrated with other Salesforce products, such as Sales Cloud, Service Cloud through &lt;a href="https://ecommerce.folio3.com/blog/salesforce-b2c-commerce-to-service-cloud-connector/" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Salesforce B2C Commerce to Service Cloud Connector&lt;/a&gt;, and Marketing Cloud, as well as third-party systems, such as social media platforms, CRM systems, and payment gateways. Shopify also has integration capabilities, but it is not as extensive as Salesforce Commerce Cloud.&lt;/p&gt;

</description>
      <category>discuss</category>
      <category>productivity</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>What Exactly Is Salesforce Commerce Cloud Data Migration? | Learn How To Set It Up?</title>
      <dc:creator>Javeria Gauhar</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Sep 2022 16:20:17 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://dev.to/javeria/what-exactly-is-salesforce-commerce-cloud-data-migration-learn-how-to-set-it-up-481l</link>
      <guid>https://dev.to/javeria/what-exactly-is-salesforce-commerce-cloud-data-migration-learn-how-to-set-it-up-481l</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Despite Salesforce Data Migration appearing to be a simple copy-and-paste operation, it can be tricky to use appropriately in real-world scenarios. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Comparably, data, a crucial component of the business, also requires careful planning and tactics when switching between systems. Salesforce is a platform that is frequently utilized. Moving data from &lt;a href="https://ecommerce.folio3.com/salesforce-commerce-cloud-development/" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Salesforce Commerce Cloud development&lt;/a&gt; to the intended system is known as Salesforce Data Migration. But data transfer also necessitates database and application changes.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;This post will assist you in comprehending how to effectively migrate your Salesforce data.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  What Is Salesforce Commerce Cloud?
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Salesforce is a provider of software as a service (SaaS) in the cloud. Along with a range of Enterprise applications devoted to Marketing Automation, Customer Support, Analytical, App Development, etc., it offers a powerful Customer Relationship Management or CRM solution. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  An Effortless Setup
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Installing and deploying conventional Customer Relationship Management or CRM software might take up to a year. In contrast, Salesforce Commerce Cloud development is very simple.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  Very Intuitive To Use
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Salesforce triumphs in the domain of usability. Businesses typically spend more time utilizing it and less time learning how it functions.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  Highly Effective eCommerce Platform
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Customers find the product to be very useful because it is simple to use and can be tailored by businesses to match their requirements.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  What Is Salesforce Commerce Cloud Data Migration?
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;The process of moving or transferring data from Salesforce to a destination, such as databases, data warehouses, or apps, is known as data migration. The data is also cleaned up throughout this procedure, and it is optimized. Below is a list of some features of data following Salesforce Data Migration:&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;ol&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Pertinent&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Precision&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Accessible&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Authenticity&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Resilience&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  Key Features Of Salesforce Commerce Cloud
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;The following are some of Salesforce Commerce Cloud development main features:&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  Forecasting And Sales Data
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Businesses may interact with potential clients easily with Salesforce, which gives them quick access to the required sales data at the correct time. This increases sales and marketing efficiency by providing the most up-to-date information. Additionally, it enables organizations to monitor the forecasts of their sales team in real-time.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  Accounts Management
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Salesforce enables enterprises to gain a comprehensive view of their customers. This implies that they always have access to information such as activity logs, customer conversations, important contacts, internal account discussions, etc.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  Sync And Share Files
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Businesses can effortlessly exchange files, discuss them with the entire team, and keep track of their information in real-time thanks to Salesforce. With its rapid search feature, users can also find what they're seeking and safely share it with other team members.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  Opportunity Management
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;With Opportunity Management in Salesforce, businesses can obtain a complete picture of their opportunities. It enables companies to analyze their goods, rivals' offerings, quotes, and other relevant data for each sale.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  Dashboards And Reports
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Salesforce dashboards provide a quick snapshot of your company's performance in real-time. Businesses can access these dashboards and detailed information easily from any place, and anybody may develop them.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  Lead Management
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Businesses can track their leads with Salesforce and continuously improve their marketing across all channels. This enables companies to allocate their marketing spending more wisely by supporting their decisions with statistics.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  Approvals And Workflow
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Businesses can quickly design and automate all business processes using the drag-and-drop functionality of Salesforce Visual Workflow. With adaptable approval procedures for spending, client discounts, trial periods, etc., this can be used to drive success.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  Content Management
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Salesforce makes it simple for businesses to manage all of their social media accounts and any other information they want to publish. Additionally, it enables users to gain information from well-known social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  Need For Salesforce Commerce Cloud Data Migration
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Data migration should be carried out with careful oversight and attention because businesses view it as a key milestone, especially when moving to more sophisticated apps like Salesforce. Moving all of your records from traditional systems to the new platform requires a time-consuming and difficult process.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Businesses feel the following circumstances necessitate setting up Salesforce Data Migration:&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Updating and replacing old database architectures.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Advanced specifications and features must be present.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Demanding the usage of an additional program, database, or storage system in addition to the already functional one.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;It is necessary to update the traditional system with cutting-edge functionality and databases, like the cloud or its module.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Combining one or two systems to boost the infrastructure's overall performance.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  Benefits Of Salesforce Commerce Cloud Data Migration
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;The setup of Salesforce Data Migration has many advantages. Here are a few of these advantages:&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  Amazing CRM software
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Salesforce gives businesses the ability to distribute technologies across various organizational areas, regardless of their responsibilities. As a result, Salesforce enables you to present a complete picture of your business.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  Efficient With Agility
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Employees who have a thorough understanding of your business can answer any consumer problems right away. Your company will be able to produce outcomes quickly and effectively in this way.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  Digitized
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Salesforce offers digital resources and solutions that let you communicate with your customers from any location and at any time.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  Persistent Growth
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;You can create individualized interactions and relationships with customers using this CRM tool's integrated advanced features and tools. You may develop a thorough roadmap and continuously enhance your company's growth.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  Sale Technique
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;By reducing the amount of data entry required, Salesforce frees up more time for client interaction. To put it simply, you can only implement an explicit &amp;amp; repeatable sales strategy.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  Steps To Set Up Salesforce Commerce Cloud Data Migration
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  Step #1: Setting Up The User
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Businesses may set roles, grant access, and outline responsibilities for employees across all departments using Salesforce database software for every employee.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Go to Home tab.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Navigate to the Administration section.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Clicking on the Users category to expand it.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Select Users.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;To assign a role to a new user or change the rights for an existing user by making modifications to the users in the list, click New User.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  Step #2: Fields Customized Feature
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;To have control over your data, you must first establish custom fields before configuring Salesforce Data Migration. Custom fields enable you to specify requirements for your new database. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;By choosing the Setting icon, you may access the Setup option.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Your cursor should be on the platform tools.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Then select Objects and Fields.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Choose Object Manager.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Choose the necessary items from the Object Manager&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Create or include custom fields.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  Step #3: Customizing The Salesforce Account
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Salesforce also offers a feature for idiosyncratic customization. You get limitless access to the CRM tool's features to add to, remove from, delete from, edit from, and change the design of your current records. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;By choosing the Setting icon, you may access the Setup option.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Your cursor should be on the platform tools.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Then select Objects and Fields.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Choose Object Manager.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Choose the necessary items from the Object Manager&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Create or include new templates.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  Conclusion
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Salesforce Commerce Cloud development is a fantastic option for data migration because it has all the cutting-edge features and functions to enhance the organization of databases, records, and storage systems. I have given you a step-by-step guide in this blog to easily comprehend how to set up Salesforce Data Migration. I also focused on how to create custom fields, set up a user interface, and design a template layout for your ease.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;If performed manually, the majority of Salesforce Data Migration operations demand a significant amount of development capacity and resources for the creation and upkeep of Data Pipelines. Therefore, companies can use already-existing No-code automated platforms like Folio3.&lt;/p&gt;

</description>
      <category>salesforce</category>
      <category>cloud</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Key Salesforce Commerce Cloud Tools to Boost Developer Experience</title>
      <dc:creator>Javeria Gauhar</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Thu, 16 Jun 2022 10:29:57 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://dev.to/javeria/key-salesforce-commerce-cloud-tools-to-boost-developer-experience-3035</link>
      <guid>https://dev.to/javeria/key-salesforce-commerce-cloud-tools-to-boost-developer-experience-3035</guid>
      <description>&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  Introduction
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Salesforce commerce cloud is perhaps one of the most well-known cloud-based and multi-tenant software that has the capability to run on multiple servers which have cloud-based software that is running to service the client requests. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Salesforce is a platform that aims to entitle its brands such that they can provide the users with a unified purchasing experience, and has intelligent systems. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;These make Salesforce a highly available and accessible platform that is spread across channels such as websites, stores, mobile phones, and social media. &lt;br&gt;
The development of the Salesforce commerce cloud ensures that the platform provides the best integration, ensures an increase in the client conversion rates, and the sales customer experiences are improved.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;These interest the Salesforce commerce cloud developers as these provide them aims that can be fulfilled for clients. Salesforce provides the customers with software as a service solution for the e-commerce business needs.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;These also liberate the businesses from the growing demands that require the management of the technical roadmaps. They can also help them in figuring out strategies that will keep the users ahead of their competition. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="https://ecommerce.folio3.com/salesforce-commerce-cloud/" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Salesforce commerce cloud&lt;/a&gt; can also help the developers to provide the best e-commerce features to their clients. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  Popular e-commerce configurations. B2B e-commerce.
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;There are a couple of most popular configurations of the Salesforce commerce cloud. These are the Salesforce B2C commerce cloud and the Salesforce B2B Commerce Cloud. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;These platforms provide the users with the best functions and provide the best solutions for developers for the benefit of the e-commerce businesses. B2B is an acronym for business-to-business exchanges or transactions of services or goods. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;The developers who focus on B2B commerce make sure that the B2B organizations that are involved in the creation of the storefronts and management of e-commerce stores are provided with the best of services. &lt;br&gt;
Their stores have to be designed such that the business must support large volumes of purchases through online stores.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  B2C e-commerce.
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;B2C e-commerce is an acronym for the business-to-customer exchanges of services and goods and transactions. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;B2C commerce developers help their client organizations to make sure that the regime of B2C marketing is met. They also make sure that the end-user gets a personalized experience and the store has tailored responses as per the need of the store owners. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Back in 2020, Salesforce made announcements that were related to some new tools in the store at the National Retail Federation in New York City. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;This helped boost the experience and features for the Salesforce commerce cloud developers. These features were targeted to help the Salesforce companies while improving their experience on Salesforce. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;The new features provided benefits such as speed, scalability, and flexibility for the customers while also providing a trustworthy experience. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  Enhancement Features of the Salesforce Commerce Cloud announced in the NRF.
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Perhaps some of the best tools are part of the Salesforce Commerce Cloud. These help the developers in making their work more professional and easier. Some of the best tools are described below:&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  The Salesforce Order management provides an Omnichannel experience.
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;The order management tools of Salesforce help commerce-based companies by providing them with a wide channel to increase their reach. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;The chaining with other commerce-related companies opens new customer prospects. This is easily done by providing the best services while fulfilling customer needs. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Some Salesforce consultant companies are present that ensure that these features are known to the cloud developers who are making use of the Salesforce commerce cloud for business purposes.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  Accelerate the headless e-commerce experiences for the stores.
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;The developers of the Salesforce commerce cloud are required to make use of multiple commerce platform(other platforms include &lt;a href="https://ecommerce.folio3.com/bigcommerce-web-design-company/" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Bigcommerce web design company&lt;/a&gt; ) features alongside the tools for productivity in order to develop the platform.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;At the NRF event, Salesforce introduced new features that increased the commerce implementation of headless commerce. &lt;br&gt;
These would also offer new high levels of flexibility and scalability that will be needed to perform the best on the platform. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Some introductions that are aimed at accelerating the headless e-commerce experience are:&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  Mulesoft accelerator for the commerce cloud
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;When developers will make use of the integration with Mulesoft, Salesforce will be able to connect to other financial systems such as ERPs or product management tools that will further ensure the exchange of data between systems.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  The enhanced and new commerce APIs
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;The new application programming interfaces enhance the commerce capabilities as the developers will be able to perform quicker development of any customized applications for the users. These applications can also reach shoppers in a very seamless manner.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  The Cloud Developer Center.
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;The Salesforce commerce cloud developers always wished to build applications quickly, easily, and effectively.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;This means that they required the right resources, best working practices, guidance, and a community that will engage with other developers who can use help and improve their working productivity and times.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;The developer center provides features such as:&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  Sample applications and developer toolkits.
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Salesforce will provide some guidelines and sample codes that will help the developers in coding.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;These allow the developers to build their commerce applications on Salesforce effectively and easily. This would also provide the IT teams with guidelines and SDKs.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  Trailhead modules and Headless Commerce solution kits.
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;These aim to present clear instructions that are in a step-by-step manner which provides the best practices that are available for the developers. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;By using the help of these instructions, developers will easily be able to share, discover, and also build their required e-commerce applications easily.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h3&gt;
  
  
  The commerce cloud developer center.
&lt;/h3&gt;

&lt;p&gt;This commerce cloud development center serves as an API community for the developers. It will help them to discover, share, and also build their desired e-commerce experiences easily.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  The AI Dashboard of commerce cloud.
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;The Salesforce commerce cloud aims to provide data analytics and reporting capabilities to the users to be used appropriately as well by the commerce team.&lt;br&gt;
This data is utilized to make well-informed and smart business decisions. &lt;br&gt;
Another dashboard feature that offers the developers useful insight into the trends and performance metrics is the enhanced version of the commerce cloud dashboard which is termed the Einstein AI Dashboard. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;This provides the organizations with instant real-time data metrics that the users can utilize to take further actions on the run and also be helpful to any important information.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;This data includes storefront page reviews, cross sites, and custom data ranges, which can all be used to optimize the artificial intelligence-powered success evaluation rates and product recommendations to customers. These help increase the overall return on investment.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;
  
  
  Final Words
&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;All of the tools and benefits of the Salesforce commerce cloud can be deuced to provide one major advantage, primarily for the Salesforce commerce cloud developers. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;They can use these tools and features to develop engaging e-commerce customer experiences in a quicker manner, allowing the developers to build incredible, efficient, and highly agile stores and storefronts. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Some Salesforce commerce cloud companies can work with the developers, or provide their own who make use of these tools to work as per the business requirements of the clients expertly. &lt;br&gt;
If you are searching for Salesforce commerce cloud developers, you can hire Folio3 to service your requirements professionally.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;We have certified developers, the best working standards, affordable packages, after-project services, and the best project managers who ensure that the delivery of the project is as soon as possible. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;These reasons make use the go-to choice for Fortune500 businesses. You can contact us or visit our nearest office to get a consultation.&lt;/p&gt;

</description>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>How Zero-Code Data Preparations Tools Enable Better, Faster IT Performance in the Age of Big Data</title>
      <dc:creator>Javeria Gauhar</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Sun, 21 Nov 2021 17:19:12 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://dev.to/javeria/how-zero-code-data-preparations-tools-enable-better-faster-it-performance-in-the-age-of-big-data-17lk</link>
      <guid>https://dev.to/javeria/how-zero-code-data-preparations-tools-enable-better-faster-it-performance-in-the-age-of-big-data-17lk</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Data preparation is hardly a novel concept. Ever since companies began collecting and storing raw data from disparate sources, it required essential extraction, cleansing, and transformation functions to turn raw data into a form that can be readily used for business purposes. All these functions were performed by IT experts who were trained in domain-specific languages to manage relational databases and manipulate the data stored in them. SQL is one of the most popular languages allowing IT experts to manage databases like Oracle, Access, MySQL, and other popular databases.  &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Up until the last decade, IT experts would manually code scripts to make changes in data sources. Data was fully governed by IT and data preparation would be limited to ETL functions (Extract, Load, Transform). Data preparation while important was not important enough to receive the focus that it does today.  &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;How Has Data Preparation Evolved Over the Years?&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;As data evolved, so did the methods in preparing it. But of recent years, data preparation has received significant focus because of the maturing of big data and the interconnectivity of systems, devices, and apps, powered by the internet. Organizations are required to pursue data-driven innovations if they want to remain sustainable in the future. To fuel this innovation, big data workflows must encapsulate the volume, variety, velocity and veracity of data. Most importantly it must include data quality as a core component in the data management system.  &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;The biggest challenge preventing organizations from truly being data-driven is the inherently unstructured nature of big data.  Even a small business today has to deal with large volumes and varieties of data streaming in from multiple sources. Enterprises on the other hand have to ensure the accuracy and integrity of their data to comply with regulatory regulations and customer expectations. Additionally, there is a demand for data to be accessible in real-time. Companies no longer have the luxury of delaying data processing. To meet rising demands, it needs to produce quality data within minutes.  &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;In the current business system, data preparation capabilities are still limited to manual processing. Moreover, it doesn’t allow for in-depth data discovery and neither for meeting the rigid demands of quality, originality, uniqueness and completeness. For IT professionals, this is a challenging time. Speed, accuracy, integrity is difficult to achieve as it is; with big data, it’s almost impossible to achieve with traditional methods.  &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;Why are Traditional Methods No Longer Effective?&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Data has become bigger and messier and everyone wants data faster. IT teams are failing to meet with the rising pressure of exponential business cases. Take for instance the case of a retailer we worked with. When the business moved online, suddenly they were dealing with an influx of unstructured data gathered from cookies, third-party platforms, web forms, mobile devices, mobile apps and third-party vendors. The retailer’s IT team could not keep up with the speed at which this data needed to be prepared for their quarterly analysis. It was a whole new challenge that they were unprepared for. The company began a hiring spree bringing in more SQL experts on board, moved to the cloud and even migrated to an advanced CRM – yet, they were struggling to get accurate insights on time.  &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;The business’s IT teams were still using ETL methods to prepare data which while works perfectly well with structured data, is incapable of managing unstructured data. ETL is also more rightly a data warehouse tool used to extract, load, and transform structured data. It cannot be applied on unstructured or semi-structured data stored in a data lake or in cloud storage. Traditional ETL structures struggle to support the agility required by modern, data-driven businesses.  &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Going back to the retailer’s example, the IT team would spend 3 weeks to just profile half a million rows of unstructured data. Then another month would go by in running scripts to clean, standardize, and aggregate this data. We’re not talking about data matching yet – which is another key function that businesses desperately need to merge lists and data from disparate sources(known as &lt;a href="https://dataladder.com/a-guide-to-entity-resolution-tools-for-enterprise-data-projects/?utm_source=content&amp;amp;utm_medium=link-building&amp;amp;utm_term=&amp;amp;utm_content=&amp;amp;utm_campaign=content-syndication" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;entity resolution&lt;/a&gt;). And data matching via SQL programming neither returns accurate results nor can it cater to the various nuances of modern data structures. This retailer’s IT team spent 3 months in just preparing half a million rows of data – by the time business analysts had the chance to study this data, it was already obsolete and were not reflective of the real-time changes in the retail industry.  &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Keeping all these challenges in view, it makes sense to propose a new reform for IT professionals – that of self-service data preparation tools. But here’s an important point to remember – these tools are only as good as the data management process and culture of an organization. If the company has an ad-hoc, or a non-existent data management infrastructure, not even the best-in-line tool can save the day.  &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;How Self-Service Data Preparation Tools Can Optimize Efficiency?&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Self-service data preparation tools are essentially designed for business users to process data without having to rely on IT, however, that doesn’t mean IT users cannot benefit from an integration of self-service tools with an existing ETL framework.  &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;The whole purpose of self-service tools is to remove the need for manual coding and scripting. This means if a company is not yet ready to let business users work with the data, at least IT users can benefit from zero-code data preparation.  &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Here’s what can happen when IT users embrace self-service solutions:  &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Save Up on Manual Time and Effort:&lt;/b&gt; Why waste 2 weeks in profiling when you can get that done in 2 hours? Best-in-class solutions let you profile a million rows of data for over a dozen types of errors (you can also build your own rules and patterns without SQL coding) within just 15 minutes! With the time saved, IT users can better focus on data governance and analysis.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;b&gt;Get Accurate Data Match Results:&lt;/b&gt; Traditional data matching methods never return accurate results. Countless people we’ve spoked with are miserable with the amount of effort they have to put in to verify false positives and negatives after a data match process, so much so that most of them would rather manually verify and match each record in Excel than in using an algorithm or running a script. &lt;a href="https://dataladder.com/data-matching-software/?utm_source=content&amp;amp;utm_medium=link-building&amp;amp;utm_term=&amp;amp;utm_content=&amp;amp;utm_campaign=content-syndication" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Data matching software&lt;/a&gt; also allow for powerful data match functions that use a combination of the fuzzy matching algorithm along with proprietary algorithms to deliver highly accurate matches with accuracy rates up to 95%.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;b&gt;Flip the 80/20 Anomaly:&lt;/b&gt; 80% of the time spent in data preparation? Flip the game. With a zero-code solution, IT professionals can spend 80% of their time in analysis and governance and 20% in data prep.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;
&lt;b&gt;Share the Burden with Business Users:&lt;/b&gt; Self-service solutions can empower business users to prepare data as required, reducing the dependency on IT users. In an age when data drives business operations, business users must be involved. Limiting data to a certain domain or authority impedes any progress towards being truly data-driven.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;
Self-service capabilities are in demand. These tools allow both IT and business users to prepare and transform data through an easy-to-use interface, with no requirements for knowledge in domain-specific languages. Many of these technologies use machine learning and natural language processing to guide users to work with data, avoiding coding altogether.  &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;As the stakes for data accuracy goes higher, organizations can no longer treat data as a backside process. The stakeholders for data are no longer limited to internal executives, now it includes customers, regulators, vendors, business partners, investors and any other entity that is involved with the organization. Improving data preparation processes, reducing manual efforts while ensuring data consistency and accuracy will help organizations drive into a data-driven future with confidence.&lt;/p&gt;

</description>
      <category>bigdata</category>
      <category>datacleansing</category>
      <category>datapreparation</category>
      <category>itperformance</category>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Turn your drawn images into HTML code by Sketch2code. A great tool for front-end developers</title>
      <dc:creator>Javeria Gauhar</dc:creator>
      <pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2020 12:21:06 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://dev.to/javeria/turn-your-drawn-images-into-html-code-by-sketch2code-a-great-tool-for-front-end-developers-11i4</link>
      <guid>https://dev.to/javeria/turn-your-drawn-images-into-html-code-by-sketch2code-a-great-tool-for-front-end-developers-11i4</guid>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;Artificial intelligence; a well-known game changer in the area of technology, has never failed to amaze us through its enormous potential. AI is making computers smarter than ever, and here we will discuss a new tool that is likely going to make web development an enjoyable experience. &lt;br&gt;
The Microsoft AI lab has recently rolled out a website “builder”, knows as Microsoft Sketch2Code, a web-based solution that transforms a user interface design from an image into a markup code (HTML format). Let’s take a look at what it does:&lt;br&gt;
• Takes input of image through the website.&lt;br&gt;
• A custom vision model scans what type of HTML elements can be fetched from the image.&lt;br&gt;
• A handwritten text recognition service scans the text inside the scanned elements.&lt;br&gt;
• The platform’s engine gathers the pieces of information, complies it and provides output.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;The web-based app is helpful to have a working experience of simple wireframes, or to build something simple, instantly. We discussed about the functionalities, let's dive deeper into its efficiency and limitations. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;• Super easy for front-end web developers to generate a working markup code through uploading sketch/image on the site. It’s innovative, quick, productive and less resource consuming. All you need is a good connection and you’re good to go.&lt;br&gt;
• You can extract the code in HTML but it's independent of HTML; you can extract the code in other formats, such as XAML or universal apps like universal windows platforms.&lt;br&gt;
• Huge following over GitHub for help and support. An attractive platform for beginners to learn the basics of web development.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;Limitations:&lt;br&gt;
• It’s not a replacement to professional web-developing software and tools, lacks features and accessibility provided by modern-day react, angular, and other programs.&lt;br&gt;
• It generates markup code, yet lacks the ability to provide back-end functionality to the code.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;It’s definitely an impressive feat for Microsoft to build such an AI-based web app. It has its limitations but might get better in the long run.&lt;/p&gt;

</description>
      <category>sketch2code</category>
      <category>development</category>
      <category>ai</category>
      <category>technology</category>
    </item>
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