The Rise of AI Agents in Operations

The Signal

The use of AI agents is becoming increasingly prevalent in operations, with companies like AT&T, HubSpot, and Emerson adding AI agents to their platforms. This trend is driven by the need for more efficient and automated processes.

Why It Matters

The integration of AI agents into operations can have a significant impact on business efficiency and customer experience. For instance, AI-powered customer service agents can provide 24/7 support, while AI-driven automation can streamline workflows and reduce errors.

Where It Gets Practical

In practical terms, AI agents can be used to automate tasks such as data analysis, customer support, and network operations. For example, MirrorFly is introducing AI agents for customer support, while Meta is pushing its AI assistant beyond chat with automated tasks.

The Constraint

However, the adoption of AI agents also raises concerns about job displacement and the need for new skills. As agentic procurement becomes more prevalent, finance teams will need to adapt to new roles and responsibilities.

What I Would Try First

To get started with AI agents, I would recommend identifying areas where automation can have the most impact, such as customer service or data analysis. Then, explore platforms like HubSpot or Emerson's Ovation that offer AI-powered automation capabilities.

Sources

• AT&T Expands D-Wave Quantum Computing Use to Enhance AI-Driven Network Operations
• HubSpot Takes Aim at AI Agent Sprawl
• Emerson adds AI agents to Ovation automation platform for power, water utilities