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    Agentic AI

    Process automationAgentic A.I.Agential AI
    Editorially reviewed on: 1 source
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    The short answer · 12 words

    In short

    Designates AI systems that handle tasks over multiple steps and tool calls.

    Flow-alerta.cab (2026): Agentic AI. https://flow-alerta.cab/en/glossar/agentic-ai. Editorially reviewed on: 09 October 2026.

    How much detail would you like?

    Practical

    Relevant for tasks whose sequence cannot be fully defined in advance.

    Example scenario: A research agent searches for, checks references and decides whether further sources are necessary.

    Possible application: limited research or document processing, if flexible tool selection brings a verifiable advantage.

    At a glance

    Core
    The term is used differently. In the narrower agent sense, a model controls the next step on the basis of intermediate results; a fixed workflow, on the other hand, follows predetermined paths. Both need defined boundaries.
    Use
    Relevant for tasks whose sequence cannot be fully defined in advance.
    Example
    Example scenario: A research agent searches for, checks references and decides whether further sources are necessary.
    Limits
    Equivalent autonomy with quality; using agents for simple fixed rules; missing cost and time limits.

    In context

    Questions about this term

    Is a chatbot automatically agentic?

    No, it's behavior that matters.

    Is maximum autonomy the goal?

    The control suitable for the task makes sense.

    All details and background

    The term is used differently. In the narrower agent sense, a model controls the next step on the basis of intermediate results; a fixed workflow, on the other hand, follows predetermined paths. Both need defined boundaries.

    ELI5 – Explained simply

    Like a helper who looks after each step what is needed next.

    Why it matters in practice

    Relevant for tasks whose sequence cannot be fully defined in advance.

    Example

    Example scenario: A research agent searches for, checks references and decides whether further sources are necessary.

    Pitfalls and limits

    • Equivalent autonomy with quality; using agents for simple fixed rules; missing cost and time limits.

    Origin & history

    Anthropics’ contribution “Building effective agents” documents the delineation of fixed workflows and dynamically controlled agents. He points to different uses of the term.

    Use in mid-sized companies

    • Possible application: limited research or document processing, if flexible tool selection brings a verifiable advantage.

    Sources

    Quellenprüfung: 09.10.2026. Die Quellen belegen Definition und dokumentierte Einordnung; Anwendungsbeispiele sind mögliche Szenarien.

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