Agentic AI.

Agentic AI, also known as agent-based AI or AI agents, refers to AI systems that do more than just answer a question; they independently complete a task across multiple steps. They plan, call upon tools, check interim results, and decide on the next step. Google Cloud describes AI agents as software systems that pursue goals on behalf of users, using reasoning, planning, and memory, and possessing a certain degree of autonomy. This is of interest to businesses because it allows processes such as sorting inquiries or preparing quotes to run partially without manual intervention.

How Agentic AI Works

A language model determines which tools are used and in what order. At its core is an LLM that gains access to tools such as an email inbox, a calendar, or a CRM. In its December 2024 guide, “Building Effective Agents,” Anthropic distinguishes between two forms: workflows, in which the model and tools are connected via predefined sequences, and agents, in which the model independently controls its own path and the use of the tools.

AWS describes agent-based AI as an autonomous system that acts independently to achieve specified goals. Google categorizes the degree of autonomy: Agents act with the greatest independence, assistants require your instructions, and simple bots follow fixed rules.

What Your Business Should Keep in Mind

Start with the simplest process that works. Anthropic advises looking for the simplest possible solution and only making it more complex when necessary. According to Anthropic, a free-planning agent is particularly useful for open-ended tasks where the number of steps cannot be predicted.

Expect higher costs and longer processing times. According to Anthropic, agent-based systems often trade off wait times and costs for better results. Every additional step is another model call that must be paid for. We outline which tasks are still worth the investment in “AI Agents for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses 2026.”

Have a person approve actions that have external impact. Anthropic warns that errors can accumulate over multiple steps and recommends testing in isolated environments as well as clear safeguards. AWS also cites human approval as a safeguard. In our projects, we’ve found it effective to have an agent initially save emails to customers as drafts only and grant them more freedom only after they’ve proven themselves for a while without any complaints.

Frequently Asked Questions About Agentic AI

Is ChatGPT already an AI agent? In a normal chat, ChatGPT mainly answers questions and writes text. A system only becomes an agent when it uses tools independently and plans multiple steps on its own.

What does an agent need to work in the system? Access to the systems where the work takes place, clear instructions in the form of a prompt, and fixed rules about what the agent is allowed to do without asking for clarification.

Is an agent allowed to work with customer data? If an external provider processes personal data on your behalf, Article 28 of the GDPR requires a data processing agreement. Also, provide the agent only with the data they truly need to perform the task.

If you want to find out which workflow in your business is best suited for an agent, take a look at how we do things here at AI for Business.