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    Flow-alerta.cab

    Agent Handoff

    Process automationTransfer between agents
    Editorially reviewed on: 2 sources
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    The short answer · 15 words

    In short

    An agent handoff passes a task or conversation from one agent to another specialized agent.

    Flow-alerta.cab (2026): Agent Handoff. https://flow-alerta.cab/en/glossar/agent-handoff. Editorially reviewed on: 09 October 2026.

    How much detail would you like?

    Practical

    Helpful for specialized multi-agent workflows and clear responsibilities, but requires controlled context sharing.

    Possible example: A triage agent recognizes a billing question and passes it on to a finance agent with reason and priority.

    Possible applications: Support triage, document review, research chains and workflows with specialized roles.

    At a glance

    Core
    In a handoff, active responsibility changes to another agent. Depending on the framework, context, history and structured handover data can be filtered or provided.
    Use
    Helpful for specialized multi-agent workflows and clear responsibilities, but requires controlled context sharing.
    Example
    Possible example: A triage agent recognizes a billing question and passes it on to a finance agent with reason and priority.
    Limits
    Pass on entire history including sensitive data unfiltered; unclear responsibilities; handover loops; missing error and fallback logic.

    In context

    Agent Orchestration

    Coordinates agents, tools and handovers within a common flow.

    Questions about this term

    Is a handoff the same as “agent as tool”?

    No: With the handoff, the target agent typically takes over; with the tool pattern, the manager retains control.

    All details and background

    In a handoff, active responsibility changes to another agent. Depending on the framework, context, history and structured handover data can be filtered or provided.

    ELI5 – Explained simply

    Like a forwarding from the reception to the appropriate specialist department – including the information that it needs for further work.

    Why it matters in practice

    Helpful for specialized multi-agent workflows and clear responsibilities, but requires controlled context sharing.

    Example

    Possible example: A triage agent recognizes a billing question and passes it on to a finance agent with reason and priority.

    Pitfalls and limits

    • Pass on entire history including sensitive data unfiltered; unclear responsibilities; handover loops; missing error and fallback logic.

    Origin & history

    The OpenAI Agents SDK documents handoffs as an explicit pattern for handover to specialized agents.

    Use in mid-sized companies

    • Possible applications: Support triage, document review, research chains and workflows with specialized roles.

    Related terms

    Matching Flow-alerta service

    AI assistants & automationAI assistants & automation: test a suitable process with clear rights and human test points.

    Matching tool / use case

    View use casesUse Case: Triage and handover to special agents; Tool: OpenAI Agents SDK Handoffs

    Sources

    Quellenprüfung: 09.10.2026. Anwendungsbeispiele sind mögliche Szenarien, keine behaupteten Kundenfälle.

    Editorially reviewed on:

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