AI for Business: Master Automation Before Agents

AI in Business: Should You Prioritize Agents or Automation? In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, businesses are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline operations and enhance productivity. However, the path to AI integration isn't always clear. Brand Nat, an AI automation expert, highlights the crucial distinction between AI agents and AI automation. "AI agents are like self-driving cars—they navigate and reroute on the fly," explains Nat. "AI automation, on the other hand, is like a train on tracks—fast, reliable, and predictable." Nat emphasizes that building a foundation of basic, non-AI automations is essential before incorporating the more complex AI agents. This approach ensures a stable workflow and prevents businesses from getting overwhelmed by the sheer number of new AI tools available. Nat's experience with Zapier automations underscores the importance of this strategy. She advocates for a phased approach, suggesting businesses first establish their core automations before exploring AI agents. This strategy allows for a more manageable and effective integration of AI into business processes, ultimately leading to improved efficiency and productivity.