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Both reduce manual work. Both make life easier.
So… aren’t they basically the same? Not quite.
Let’s break it down in simple terms
AI Agents vs Workflow automation
Workflows = Rule-based automation
Predefined paths: If X, then Y Great for high-volume, low-variation tasks
If someone places an order, send a confirmation email. Clean, repeatable and predictable.
AI Agents = Adaptive, decision-making systems.
They decide what to do or which tool to use for the given task. They also have memory.
Analogy for clarity: – A workflow is like a vending machine—reliable, fast, no surprises – An AI agent is like a barista—personalized, aware, and improving
As you evaluate automation strategies, ask: – Do we need precision at scale (workflow)? – Or adaptive intelligence (AI agent)?
In most enterprises, it’s not either/or—it’s both.
But knowing when to deploy, which is the difference between operational efficiency and transformational impact.
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