AI is evolving from being a helper to an active decision-maker. Currently, AI agents can manage tasks like grocery selection, email organization, and meeting scheduling. While generative AI creates content, agentic AI stands out by automating workflows and making independent choices.
This technology enhances efficiency in various industries, including healthcare and finance, by enabling tasks that require real-time insights and natural language understanding. As businesses consider adopting agentic AI, they must weigh its value, reliability, and potential risks. The future of work can be reshaped through responsible implementation of agentic AI, fostering innovation and tackling complex challenges collaboratively. Embracing this change will be crucial for success in the evolving digital landscape.
By Sailesh Raghavan
AI is evolving beyond just being a helper; it’s now stepping up to take action. We are seeing AI systems that choose groceries, track what we eat, compare prices, manage emails, schedule meetings, and draft replies. This isn’t something from the future—it’s happening right now.
While much of the conversation has focused on generative AI, it’s agentic AI that’s truly changing the game. This type of AI automates tasks, makes decisions on its own, and works with little guidance.
Although people often use the terms "AI agents" and "agentic AI" interchangeably, they are not quite the same. AI agents are tools designed to complete specific multi-step tasks independently—think of digital assistants or automated workflows. Agentic AI, on the other hand, is a broader category that focuses on empowering systems to take initiative, adapt, and make decisions.
Generative AI can produce text, images, and even code but doesn’t have the independent decision-making power that agentic AI possesses. The real strength lies in their combination. Agentic AI can utilize generative AI to communicate, solve problems, and carry out tasks.
Why should businesses be interested? Implementing agentic AI can bring new efficiencies by automating complex tasks. Here are a few benefits:
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Handling Multiple Tasks: Traditional automation tends to follow a straight path, while AI agents manage several tasks at once.
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Natural Language Understanding: Agentic AI comprehends instructions given in everyday language, making it easier to apply to complicated jobs.
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Seamless Integration: These AI agents can analyze data and operate various digital tools within existing platforms.
- Enhanced Decision-Making: Agentic AI offers real-time insights and takes actions independently, solving problems without human intervention.
For companies looking to adopt agentic AI, three critical considerations are crucial: What’s the cost-benefit balance of automation? Can the AI perform tasks accurately? And what are the consequences of a potential failure? By answering these questions, businesses can optimize workflows, lower costs, and improve response times.
The impact of agentic AI extends beyond IT. In healthcare, AI agents can streamline patient workflows, automate tasks like medical coding, and even create treatment plans based on real-time data. In finance, AI can automate compliance checks, mitigate fraud risks, and reduce the need for manual processes.
As agentic AI grows, it brings a unique chance to reshape the future of work and tackle pressing global challenges. However, its potential must be approached responsibly. Cooperation among governments, businesses, and researchers will be vital to ensure ethical development and maintain transparency and trust.
Throughout history, significant technological advancements have sparked both excitement and concern—from the invention of the printing press to the rise of the internet. Agentic AI is no different. Instead of fearing what it can do, businesses should actively engage in guiding how AI will function in society.
The writer is VP – Technology at Publicis Sapient.
Tags: AI, Agentic AI, Technology, Business Efficiency, Automation, Generative AI, Decision-Making
What is “Beyond Automation: The Future of Work is Intelligent”?
“Beyond Automation” refers to how technology is moving past just automating tasks. It focuses on using smart systems to improve work and collaboration, making jobs easier and more efficient.
How will intelligent technology change the workplace?
Intelligent technology will help workers by taking care of repetitive tasks and providing insights that lead to better decision-making. This means employees can focus on more creative and meaningful work.
What skills will be most important in the future of work?
In the future, skills like critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence will be very important. Workers will need to learn how to work alongside smart machines and use technology effectively.
Will intelligent technology replace jobs?
While some jobs may change or disappear, intelligent technology is also expected to create new roles that require human skills. The focus will be on how people can work with machines instead of against them.
How can I prepare for the future of work?
To prepare, consider developing tech skills, staying curious, and embracing lifelong learning. Being adaptable and open to change can help you succeed in an increasingly intelligent workplace.