Agentic AI: The Next Wave of Automation
Agentic AI is transforming how businesses operate, offering advanced automation capabilities that go beyond traditional methods. Unlike standard automation tools that follow predefined instructions, agentic AI systems exhibit independent decision-making and autonomous behavior, marking a significant leap forward in artificial intelligence.
According to Mary K. Pratt, the author of the original article, these intelligent systems can reason, plan, and adapt in real-time to accomplish specific goals. Thadeous Goodwyn from Booz Allen Hamilton notes that agentic AI breaks down complex objectives into subtasks, which are then handled by specialized AI models. This approach, he says, leverages the rapid advancements in large language models and generative AI to accelerate the capabilities of agentic AI.
Key Capabilities and Applications
Agentic AI is rapidly gaining attention, with Deloitte’s research highlighting it as a leading area in AI development. Here are ten examples demonstrating the potential of agentic AI across diverse business functions:
- Multimedia Creation: By delegating subtasks like research and design, agentic AI can create refined and complete multimedia reports. This illustrates the technology’s function as an orchestrator of various AI capabilities.
- Knowledge Retrieval: Agentic AI enhances knowledge retrieval by accessing information and acting based on insights. For instance, an AI chatbot can answer queries and implement solutions, as seen in IT helpdesk operations.
- Risk Reduction and Security: Within security operations, agentic AI proactively scans for threats and automatically takes corrective actions. In risk management, it investigates unusual patterns and responds as required.
- Supply Chain and Logistics: Agentic AI can orchestrate multiple tasks in supply chains. For instance, it can find and deliver needed supplies at the lowest cost or with rapid delivery.
- Call Centers: AI agents in call centers coordinate multiple activities such as sentiment analysis and order history review, leading to improved customer service.
- Overall Customer Service: AI agents can ensure consistently high levels of service across the board by assisting human employees with faster access to information. Agentic AI proactively identifies and addresses customer needs beyond human capabilities.
- Scientific and Materials Discovery: Agentic AI facilitates drug discovery and new material creation by determining optimal formulas. The technology can also identify suppliers and manage material ordering.
- Defense and Military Logistics: Agentic AI can be used for complex logistics planning, particularly in the military, by orchestrating material and troop movements.
- Manufacturing: Agentic AI automates workflows from procurement through production. It can oversee tasks like material ordering, supplier selection, and factory floor reconfiguration.
- Utilities: Agentic AI is used by utility companies to manage and respond to disasters. It analyzes damage, plans repair work, and dispatches workers and materials efficiently.
Challenges and Future Outlook
While it is exciting how agentic AI is already being used, there are challenges to be overcome. Regulatory, security, data, and workforce issues must be addressed to fully realize agentic AI’s potential, reports the Deloitte study. Industry experts, however, suggest that agentic AI represents a fundamental shift in how businesses operate. Stuart Brown from Guidehouse notes, “Agentic AI will bring a fundamental change in how we operate. It will create new ways of working.”
