LEVEL 04 · LESSON 32
Workflows vs agents
Use a known path when you have one; add dynamic planning where it earns its complexity.
What it is
A workflow follows a predefined process. An agent uses a model to decide more of the process dynamically. Many practical systems combine these patterns.
Why it matters
Predictable work is often easier to audit and operate with fixed steps. Dynamic planning is most useful where the next step truly depends on uncertain findings.
A business example
Invoice intake follows a workflow: extract fields, validate them, match the supplier, and route approval. An unusual mismatch may enter a bounded investigation where an agent chooses which supporting records to examine.
How it actually works
Map the process before selecting an architecture. Fix known decision rules and dependencies in code. Use model-driven decisions only where interpretation or exploration adds value. An agent can live inside one workflow step while the workflow retains overall control, deadlines, and approvals. Compare flexibility with the additional difficulty of testing and explaining all possible paths.
A common misconception
A workflow that contains an LLM is not necessarily an autonomous agent, and greater autonomy is not automatically a more advanced design.
ONE SENTENCE TO REMEMBER
Use a known path when you have one; add dynamic planning where it earns its complexity.
CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
An invoice process has fixed approval rules, but reading unusual invoice formats is hard. Which design fits best?
Show the answer
Answer: A.
Use a known path when you have one, and add model-driven decisions where interpretation adds value. A workflow containing an LLM is not necessarily an agent, and more autonomy is not automatically a better design.
Take it into your next meeting
Which steps in your process actually need the model to choose what happens next?
Go to the source
Anthropic: Building effective agents ↗Product references checked September 2026.One more concept, understood.
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