Correct, and vendors know it: ‘agent’ commands a 3x markup over ‘automation’ in the same RFP. Ask what state it persists across turns before you pay agent prices.
The flowchart test is useful. In surgery, a room-readiness check probably starts as a workflow: imaging available, equipment matched, antibiotics clear, positioning planned, handoff exceptions named. The agentic part only earns its keep when the evidence conflicts and the path has to branch. Even then, I would want the trace to show which fact forced the branch and where control returns to the team.
Correct, and vendors know it: ‘agent’ commands a 3x markup over ‘automation’ in the same RFP. Ask what state it persists across turns before you pay agent prices.
This is a very thorough view on the situation and a number of very good practical recommendations on how to think and how to start.
Thank you, especially for your view on automating marketing related activities! 👍
Excellent report on how to choose which one fits best.
Thank you for saying this and explaining it so. I completely agree that most people want agents but in reality do not need them.
The flowchart test is useful. In surgery, a room-readiness check probably starts as a workflow: imaging available, equipment matched, antibiotics clear, positioning planned, handoff exceptions named. The agentic part only earns its keep when the evidence conflicts and the path has to branch. Even then, I would want the trace to show which fact forced the branch and where control returns to the team.
A lot of AI agents are just workflows with a more expensive name.
Great article that really resonated with me. How true!