There are 3 ways you can use AI in your workflows.
Non-Agentic (prompts), AI Agents and Agentic AI.
Each works differently and has specific use cases.
Here are the pros, cons and guidelines for using each.
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๐ป Non-Agentic AI
โณ Simple prompt-response AI with no memory or reasoning.
๐ ๏ธ How it works:
โณ User enters one prompt, system replies in isolation
โณ Output generated instantly without refinement
โณ Interaction ends with no context retained
๐ข Pros:
โณ Fast, cheap, and widely accessible
โณ No technical setup required
โณ Ideal for one-off, simple tasks
๐ Cons:
โณ No reasoning or memory
โณ Quality depends on prompts
โณ Weak for multi-step work
๐ How to start using:
โณ Open ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini
โณ Write clear, specific prompts
โณ Copy, edit, and reuse output
๐ค AI Agent
โณ Single-task AI worker built to automate one job.
๐ ๏ธ How it works:
โณ User defines one clear role (e.g., update CRM)
โณ Agent pulls inputs and uses integrated tools
โณ Executes and outputs without supervision
๐ข Pros:
โณ Automates repetitive tasks
โณ Specialized and very capable
โณ Easy to refine within roles
๐ Cons:
โณ Limited scope, rigid use
โณ Breaks if inputs are unclear
โณ Needs coordination to work with other agents
๐ How to start using:
โณ Select one repetitive task
โณ Connect LLM via Zapier, LangChain, or API
โณ Link inputs/outputs and test
๐ Agentic AI
โณ Self-managing AI that plans, executes, and improves.
๐ ๏ธ How it works:
โณ Goal broken into smaller sub-tasks
โณ Connects to tools, APIs, and data sources
โณ Refines results with memory and feedback
๐ข Pros:
โณ Handles complex, multi-step projects
โณ Integrates with tools and databases
โณ Produces consistent outcomes
๐ Cons:
โณ Slower and more expensive
โณ More complex and resource-intensive
โณ Difficult to configure, needs regular maintenance
๐ How to start using:
โณ Use LangChain, CrewAI, or AutoGen
โณ Assign roles (Planner, Executor, Critic)
โณ Add memory and feedback loops
In short:
Non-Agentic AI = prompts
AI Agents = Automate one task
Agentic AI = Run complex workflows
Start with prompts. Then try AI Agents or Agentic AI.
Use all three to get the most out of AI.
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