What is an AI agent?
A normal workflow follows the exact steps you set. An AI agent is given a goal and works out the steps itself, using tools you allow, such as your CRM, WhatsApp or a web search.
1A workflow follows the steps you set. An AI agent is given a goal and works out the steps itself.
2Arjun gives it a goal: "Follow up with this week's site-visit leads, personally."
3It thinks about what to do first, then uses a tool: here, reading new leads from the CRM.
4It looks at the result and decides the next move: write a message for each lead and send it on WhatsApp.
5It repeats until the goal is met, then reports back. You choose which tools it may use, and risky actions can wait for your OK.
Workflow or AI agent?
Section titled “Workflow or AI agent?”| Workflow (routine) | AI agent | |
|---|---|---|
| You give it | exact steps, in order | a goal, plus the tools it may use |
| Good for | jobs that are the same every time | jobs that need reading, writing or judgement |
| Predictable? | completely | mostly; you can make it ask before acting |
| Example | Vidya: “Save every enquiry and send a demo invite.” | Skyline: “Follow up with this week’s site-visit leads, personally.” |
A simple rule: if you can write the steps down, use a workflow. If the right next step depends on what the AI reads, use an agent. You can also mix them: an AI step can sit in the middle of an ordinary workflow.
The kinds of agents in Auto Appy
Section titled “The kinds of agents in Auto Appy”When you create a new agent, Auto Appy asks how it should work:
| Kind | What it does | Where it’s built |
|---|---|---|
| Routine | Known steps in order across your apps. | Workflow editor |
| AI action | An AI step chooses from tools you allow to finish a task. | AI agent builder |
| Guided chat | Customers follow your questions and buttons on WhatsApp. | Auto Appy AI |
| AI chat | A bot answers customers in its own words from your sources (FAQ, documents, products). | Auto Appy AI |
| Specialist | One focused job: something in, a result out, such as turning a call recording into notes. | Auto Appy AI |
Keeping AI safe and useful
Section titled “Keeping AI safe and useful”- Choose the tools. An agent can only use the apps and actions you give it.
- Ask first. Actions that change things, such as sending a message, can wait for your approval.
- Check the history. Every run is recorded, step by step, so you can see what the agent did and why.
- Start small. Give an agent one clear job, watch a few runs, then widen it.