Automation follows a defined path
Traditional automation is strongest when the inputs and rules are predictable. It can move records, send notifications, update fields, and enforce repeatable sequences with high consistency.
Agents choose among possible actions
An agent can interpret a goal, use tools, and select next steps based on context. That flexibility is useful for variable work, but it introduces uncertainty that must be managed through permissions, evaluation, and human review.
Most useful systems combine both
A dependable business workflow usually keeps deterministic steps deterministic, uses AI for bounded interpretation, and gives an agent limited authority where adaptive planning adds value.
- Use rules for known decisions
- Use models for ambiguous information
- Use people for high-impact approvals and exceptions