When to Use an Agent

In one line

Use an agent when the steps vary each time and a person cannot be in every one. Otherwise use something simpler.

Picture it

You hire a courier when every delivery is different. For the same route every morning, you set up a bus.

Under the hood

If the steps are known and repeat, build a workflow with a model inside it. If the value is answers and a person acts on them, build an assistant. Build an agent when the path varies, the actions are typed and reversible, and you can afford evaluation, traces and an off switch. Start one rung lower than you think.