Lightning Blues- Demystifying the Assistant

Lightning and the buzz around has always led to the rise in expectations to exponential levels. As is the case with such scenarios the high hopes at times leads to quick dis-illusion by primary user groups and the platform is held responsible for mis-match in expectations. I have already heard murmurs of delay in Go-live or Lightning does not give that it promises and clamour for customised solutions. While ask for customisations may sound like music to consultants and consulting companies , we need to hold back take a deep breath and analyse the gaps. Lightning is a wonderful and amazing platform aimed at making life of the END USER EASY, but as Salesforce says and keeps repeating it requires planning, through analysis , identification of gap and analysis on bridging the gaps - more often that not you will be surprised that sometimes solution lies in adapting the process to the platform.
One such amazing feature rolled out OOB is the Assistant- which tells us about:-

1. Tasks overdue
2. Task assigned today
3. Leads assigned today
4. Opportunities with overdue tasks
5. Opportunities with no activity in 30 days
6. Overdue Opportunities

So far so good, but there are some pitfalls like:-

1. An orphan overdue tasks will not be shown by assistant - to be shown it has to be attached to an opportunity, but do not get disheartened as you could post this in "Ideas" and alternatively use "Today's Tasks" component
2. Also please do check that is "Einstein Activity Capture" feature is on updates on activity less opportunities will be suppressed.
3. Also if you are not seeing the updates on activity please check that if your profile has access to the "Activities on Opportunity"
4. Another set of heart-burn is around no visibility Buttons or Assistant Actions for "New Task" , "New Event" , "Send Email" - please check the following:-

• Actions need to exist as Global actions
• Also you need to have access for these actions
• Remember that these actions need to be added in "Publisher Layout" under section - "Salesforce Mobile and Lightning Experience Actions"
• Also remember as of now only Standard Global Actions are available and custom actions cannot be added

Friends adoption is always the tricky part requiring patient analysis , discovery and trouble shooting.