What are AI agents? Definition and use cases
AI agents are revolutionizing the way companies automate processes, complete tasks, and interact. But what exactly are AI agents and how can they use actions to optimize work processes? In this article, you'll learn how AI agents work, what options they offer, and how they take automation to a whole new level — with a particular focus on tools such as Microsoft Copilot Studio.
Definition: What are AI agents?
AI agents are autonomous, software-based systems that can use artificial intelligence (AI) to perform tasks, make decisions, and interact with other systems. They act independently, react flexibly to environmental changes and can constantly improve their performance with the help of machine learning.
Characteristics of AI agents:
- Autonomy: They act independently, without constant human monitoring.
- Flexibility: They adapt to dynamic environments and requirements.
- Learning ability: They optimize their results through collected data and machine learning models.
- Interaction: AI agents can communicate with other systems and people via various interfaces.
AI agent opportunities: automation and more
AI agents offer much more than simple automations. With their ability to make complex decisions and react to changing conditions, they open up new opportunities for companies:
- Task automation: Routine tasks such as data entry, invoice processing or scheduling can be completed efficiently.
- Process optimization: By analyzing and optimizing processes, time is saved and efficiency is increased.
- Customer Support: Virtual assistants support customers around the clock, personalize answers and increase satisfaction.
- Data analysis: AI agents analyze large amounts of data in real time and provide valuable insights for well-founded decisions.
- integration: They seamlessly connect systems and applications to automate workflows.
Microsoft Copilot Studio: Create AI agents without programming knowledge
An outstanding example of the use of AI agents is Microsoft Copilot Studio. This low-code tool enables companies to develop custom AI agents that are tailored to their specific business needs.
What makes Microsoft Copilot Studio special? (H3)
- Easy development: Thanks to the low-code interface, even users without in-depth programming knowledge can create their own AI agents.
- Using internal sources of knowledge: Agents can access Microsoft Graph, Dataverse, or corporate websites to provide accurate answers.
- Automate actions: By integrating with tools such as Power Automate, workflows can be automated and actions executed directly from conversations.
- Multi-channel delivery: The created agents can be seamlessly integrated into Microsoft 365 applications such as Teams or SharePoint.
AI agents and actions: The key to automation
A key advantage of AI agents is their ability to execute actions. Actions are defined steps or commands that an agent can execute automatically. In combination with AI agents, they enable complete automation of processes.
How do actions work with AI agents? (H3)
Actions are specific commands or functions that an AI agent executes based on inputs or events. This could be anything from sending an email to initiating a production process.
Microsoft Copilot Studio in practice:
- Customer Support: Automated response to customer inquiries and escalation to the right contact person.
- Sales: Create personalized offers directly in Microsoft Teams through automated data evaluation.
- Project Management: Automated tracking of milestones in SharePoint and teams.
How do you create workflows? An overview with Microsoft Copilot Studio
- Definition of goal:
The first step in creating a workflow is determining which task or process should be automated. For this, it is important to divide the process into individual steps. - Create actions:
With the help of Microsoft Copilot Studios Actions can be created that perform specific tasks. examples:- Process data entries from forms
- Send emails based on pre-defined rules
- Prioritize and escalate requests
- Linking actions to workflows:
In the next step, the created actions are combined to form a workflow. Microsoft Copilot Studio offers an intuitive drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy for users to visually design processes. - Integration into existing systems:
Workflows can be seamlessly integrated with Microsoft 365 applications, SharePoint, Power Automate, and teams. In this way, they access existing data sources and operate within their familiar working environment. - Test and optimize:
After creating a workflow, it's important to test it. Based on the results, optimizations can be made to ensure efficiency and accuracy.
Common questions about AI agents
What makes AI agents different from traditional software solutions?
AI agents act independently, are able to learn and can make complex decisions, while traditional software often carries out defined processes.
How secure are AI agents?
With robust security measures, such as data encryption and access controls, AI agents can be securely deployed.
Do you always need actions for AI agents?
No, but Actions significantly expand functionality as they enable automation and interaction with other systems.
Which companies benefit in particular from AI agents?
Companies of all sizes and industries can use AI agents, particularly those with data-intensive and repetitive processes.
Conclusion: AI agents as drivers of automation
AI agents are the driving force behind the next level of automation. Platforms such as Microsoft Copilot Studio make the development of such agents accessible and flexible. Companies can automate workflows, increase efficiency, and drive innovation.
Would you like to learn more about AI agents or check how they can be used in your company?
KI Company is at your side as a competent partner to develop tailor-made solutions. Contact us without obligation for more information!
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