CIO questions · Agents & automation
When should I use AI agents?
The short answer
Use agents when execution requires contextual interpretation, dynamic action selection, tool use, adaptation or coordination across steps. If inputs and rules are predictable and fully deterministic, conventional software or workflows are probably better.
How to decide
- Predictable inputs, fixed rules → software or a workflow
- Context to interpret, actions to choose, tools to use → an agent
- Both → a deterministic flow with agent steps
The Onni principle
Use determinism where you can. Intelligence where you need it.
The architecture behind it
- Intent
- Capability
- Agent
- Tool
- Policy