What Your Boss Gets Wrong About AI Agents
Master these 3 differences to become your company's AI authority
Last week, a CEO proudly told me his company was using "AI agents" for customer support. When I dug deeper, I found that they were just using basic chatbots. This confusion isn't uncommon—I see it every day on LinkedIn.
Let me break down the three types of AI automation that everyone keeps mixing up:
1. Basic Automation: The Reliable Worker
Think of this as your dependable but inflexible employee. It follows exact rules and never deviates.
What it does: Executes predefined, rule-based tasks automatically
Perfect for: Sending Slack notifications when someone signs up on your website
Key strength: Lightning-fast and 100% reliable
Limitation: Can't handle anything outside its programming
2. AI Workflow: The Smart Assistant
Imagine a worker who knows when to ask ChatGPT for help. It follows a process but can be flexible when needed.
What it actually does: Uses AI (like ChatGPT) for specific steps in an otherwise automated process
Best used for: Analyzing and routing customer inquiries based on content
Major advantage: Handles complex rules while maintaining reliability
Watch out for: Requires good training data and can be tricky to debug
3. AI Agent: The Autonomous Problem Solver
This is your creative thinker who can handle unexpected situations and adapt on the fly.
Real definition: A program that works autonomously on non-deterministic tasks
Ideal for: Conducting comprehensive internet research and updating information dynamically
Superpower: Adapts to new scenarios without reprogramming
Challenge: Can be unpredictable and slower than other options
Most businesses don't need AI agents yet. What they actually need is either basic automation or AI workflows. Understanding these differences isn't just academic – it can save you thousands in unnecessary complexity and costs.
Think of it this way: You wouldn't hire a creative director (AI Agent) to handle your email auto-replies (Basic Automation). Choose the right tool for the right job.
Would love to hear your thoughts! What type of automation is your company currently using? 🤔
Adapt & Create
Kamil