ASCī Consulting · Decision guide
ASCī Consulting · Prepared
Agents versus fixed automation
Both approaches can move work between people and systems. The right choice depends on the variability of the input and the consequences of a wrong action.
Use a rule for a stable decision
A fixed automation is appropriate when the trigger, input format and decision can be specified in advance. For example, route a completed form by selected service and flag missing fields. Test the edge cases and provide a recovery path.
Use model assistance for interpretation
A model can help summarize a varied request or suggest which information is missing. Its output is a proposal, not proof. Check it against the source and let a person resolve uncertainty before it affects a customer or system of record.
Give an agent a bounded task
An agent combines decisions and tools toward an objective. Specify allowed inputs, tools, costs and actions. Bind approval to the exact action where consequences matter, verify the result, and stop on an unknown outcome rather than retrying blindly.
Mix the two
A useful system often uses rules for routing, a model for a draft, a person for approval and deterministic checks for completion. Choose the simplest combination that meets the task and its risk.