Workflow, explained
Merriam-Webster defines a workflow as the sequence of steps that moves a working process from beginning to end. IBM describes it as a way to manage repeated tasks that happen in a particular order, like approving an invoice.
Anthropic draws the line that matters for AI. Workflows are systems where AI models and tools run through code paths set in advance. Agents direct their own steps and tool use. Anthropic says to start with the simplest option that works, and that is often a workflow.
What is the difference between a workflow and an AI agent?
In a workflow, someone wrote the order of the steps in advance, so it runs the same way each time. An AI agent decides its next step as it goes. Anthropic says workflows give predictable results for well-defined tasks, and agents fit when the job needs flexibility.
When should a business use a workflow instead of an agent?
When the steps never change. If the job is the same every time, a fixed workflow is cheaper to run and easier to check. Save an agent for a job that branches in ways you cannot write down ahead of time.
Questions
What is an example of a workflow?
An online order that sends a confirmation email, checks stock and makes a shipping label, in that order, every time.
What is an agentic workflow?
Google’s machine learning glossary uses the term for a process where an agent plans and carries out its own steps toward a goal. That is closer to an agent than to a fixed workflow.
Is workflow automation the same as business process automation?
Workflow automation is one kind of business process automation. IBM describes it as automating a set series of tasks so each one happens in the right order.
Where we use this term
Sources
- Workflow. Merriam-Webster.
- What is a workflow?. IBM.
- Building effective agents. Anthropic. .
- Machine Learning Glossary. Google for Developers.
Definition checked against these sources and our own pages on .