Agents or workflows? Use the right kind of intelligence.
Where deterministic automation ends—and bounded agents become useful.
Use workflows for predictable steps
A workflow is appropriate when the next action can be specified using reliable rules. Validation, status updates and repeatable routing are usually better implemented deterministically than delegated to a language model.
Use ai for interpretation
ai can help interpret varied documents, summarize context or propose classifications. Its output should be checked against the requirements of the downstream process. Uncertainty should trigger review rather than disappear behind a polished interface.
Constrain agent actions
An agent combines interpretation with tool use. Restrict its permissions, define allowed actions and require approval before irreversible steps. Log the context, proposed action and outcome so a human can investigate errors.
Measure before expanding autonomy
Evaluate representative inputs and failure cases. Observe outcomes in a controlled release before widening scope. Autonomy is a design choice to earn through evidence, not a feature to maximize.