Agentic AI
Summary Definition: Artificial intelligence that independently plans and executes multi-step tasks to achieve a goal.
What is Agentic AI
Agentic AI systems act with autonomy toward a defined goal. Instead of generating a single output and stopping, an agentic AI system can break a task into steps, decide which actions to take, use tools or other software to complete those actions, and adjust its approach based on what happens along the way.
Meaning, these goal-oriented AI systems rely on autonomous decision-making to determine not just what to do, but how to do it, without step-by-step human direction.
Key takeaways
- Agentic AI systems can plan and execute multi-step tasks autonomously, adjusting their approach based on results, rather than simply generating a single response to a prompt.
- Businesses are applying agentic AI to repetitive, multi-step workplace tasks, such as workflow automation, customer support triage, and reporting, that don't require nuanced judgment calls.
- The same autonomy that reduces manual work and scales routine tasks also raises oversight, accountability, and integration challenges that businesses must manage.
Agentic vs. generative AI
Generative AI creates content, text, images, or code, in response to a prompt. It doesn't take further action on its own. Agentic AI can go a step further: it can use that generated output as part of a larger, autonomous workflow.
For example, generative AI can draft an email, but an agentic AI system could also decide if an email needs to be sent, draft it, and send it as part of completing a broader task. Some agentic AI implementations also use multi-agent systems, where multiple specialized agents handle different parts of a task and coordinate with one another to complete it.
Is ChatGPT an agentic AI?
By default, ChatGPT functions primarily as a generative AI tool: it responds to prompts but doesn't independently plan and execute multi-step tasks on its own. However, when connected to tools, plugins, or agent frameworks that let it take actions, browse, or use external systems, it can operate in a more agentic way.
Agentic AI use cases in the workplace
Businesses are deploying agentic AI in areas where tasks are repetitive, multi-step, and don't require nuanced judgment calls:
- AI workflow automation: Handling multi-step processes like onboarding paperwork, scheduling, or data entry across systems without manual handoffs.
- Customer support triage: Assessing incoming requests, routing them appropriately, and resolving straightforward issues without human intervention.
- Recruiting and HR administration: Managing repetitive tasks like screening applications or scheduling interviews across multiple calendars.
- Data analysis and reporting: Pulling data from multiple sources, compiling it, and generating reports on a recurring schedule.
Benefits and challenges of implementing agentic AI
Agentic AI's autonomy cuts both ways: it's the source of its biggest advantages and challenges.
| Benefits | Challenges |
|---|---|
|
Reduced manual work: Business process automation handles multi-step tasks that previously required a human to move information between systems. |
Oversight: Autonomous AI decision-making requires clear guardrails to prevent errors from compounding across a multi-step task. |
|
Faster task completion: Agentic systems can execute a sequence of steps continuously instead of waiting for human input between each one. |
Accuracy and accountability: When an AI agent takes action on its own, businesses need clear processes for reviewing outcomes and correcting mistakes. |
|
Scalability: A single agentic AI system can handle a growing volume of routine tasks without added staffing. |
Integration complexity: Agentic AI often needs access to multiple internal systems and tools, which raises security and data governance considerations. |
Get taxes done right, without the stress
We know there's a lot that goes into preparing and filing payroll tax forms. Save time and get support from our expert team. As a Registered Reporting Agent with the IRS, we can help prepare and file all the necessary forms you need to remain compliant - even in the face of changing legislation. Learn more here.