AI agent, automation or custom solution: how to choose the first project
Learn when a large company should use an AI agent, automate a workflow or build a custom solution — and how to turn the choice into an evaluable pilot.
When an operation starts discussing AI, the first question is often which tool to buy. For a large company, that question comes too early. Start with the work that needs to improve and choose the kind of solution that reduces the problem safely.
Use an AI agent when the work requires understanding and judgment
An agent fits varied inputs, context gathering and recommendations within clear limits. It can bring information together, answer operational questions, suggest a next step and hand exceptions to a person. See Magical's AI agents.
Use process automation when the rules are known
When a workflow is repetitive, structured and rule-based, automation can move data, validate fields, create records and notify the next team. See process automation.
Use a custom solution when the operation is unique
Some workflows combine integrations, permissions, calculations and exceptions that a generic product cannot cover. A custom solution starts with the real process and evolves with the pilot. See custom solutions.
Turn the choice into an evaluable pilot
- Define the workflow boundary.
- Name the operational owner.
- List data sources and permissions.
- Set human review points.
- Record the baseline.
- Agree on the decision criterion.
The categories can be combined. Automation can register data, an agent can interpret a request and a custom interface can track exceptions. The first project should isolate the bottleneck that matters most and produce evidence for the next decision.
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