AI Agent
An AI agent is an AI that completes a task in several steps on its own. It plans, uses tools such as email or a calendar, and checks its interim results.
Explained simply
A chatbot like ChatGPT answers a question and then waits for the next one. An AI agent goes further. It is given a goal and decides for itself which steps are needed.
An example: an agent is asked to arrange a meeting with a supplier for a joinery in Graz. It reads the request, checks the calendar, suggests times and writes the email.
The difference from AI automation: there, the workflow is fixed in advance. An agent chooses its own path. That makes it more flexible, but also harder to predict.
As its "brain", an agent usually relies on a large language model, known as an LLM.
What does this mean for your business?
Agents suit tasks with many variations that still follow a clear goal. Because they act on their own, they need clear limits. Decide what an agent may do and where a person must approve. For many workflows a fixed AI automation is enough.
A good start is an agent with few permissions, for example only reading and suggesting. Only once it works reliably may it do more on its own.
Frequently asked questions
What are some examples of AI agents?
What is the difference between agentic AI and generative AI?
How JJW helps
AI in businessWe work out with you whether an agent or a fixed automation fits better.
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