The Future is Now: How to Start Using AI Agents in Your Business Today

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What Are AI Agents?
3. How AI Agents Work
4. Step-by-Step Guide to Implement AI Agents
5. Bringing It All Together

Introduction

Imagine a customer support system that doesn’t just hear problems but solves them autonomously. That’s the power of AI agents, the next big leap in digital transformation. Recently, it was revealed that nearly a quarter of Google’s codebase is now written by AI ^1, generating millions of lines of code automatically in record time. Tasks that once took hours or even days—like writing and executing complex code—can now be handled by AI in minutes.

Businesses worldwide are catching on. A July 2024 Capgemini report reveals that 82% of companies plan to integrate AI agents within the next 1-3 years ² ,driven by the promise of automation and enhanced efficiency. In this post, we’ll explore how AI agents can transform your business, why they’re crucial for modernizing operations, and provide a step-by-step guide to help you start using them effectively.

Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, envisions a future where AI agents are as ubiquitous as websites or social media pages are today. He believes,

Every business in the future, just like they have an email address, a website, and a social media presence today, is going to have an AI agent that their customers can talk to.

In his view, this shift will lead to

Hundreds of millions or billions of different AI agents… probably more AI agents than there are people in the world ³

In this blog, we’ll explore how AI agents can transform your business, why they’re crucial to modernising operations, and guide you through a step-by-step process to start using them effectively.

What are AI Agents?

An AI agent is a type of software program that can “act on behalf of a user or another system” to comply independently.⁴ Think of it as a digital helper that can collect information, make decisions, and take actions based on the data it receives—all without needing constant input from a person.

For example, consider an AI agent used in customer support. When a customer contacts the support team, this AI agent can ask questions, look up answers, and solve common problems on its own. If the issue is too complicated, the AI will know to pass it to a human team member. This way, AI agents help businesses handle repetitive tasks efficiently, freeing up human employees to focus on more complex work.

How do AI Agents work?

AI agents work by combining “slow thinking” with powerful tools to solve complex problems. Unlike traditional models that follow rigid instructions, agents use large language models (LLMs) to reason through tasks, act by calling on external tools as needed, and access memory to retain important details. This “think slow” approach enables agents to plan each step, adjust their methods, and execute solutions in a structured, thoughtful way.⁴

After understanding what AI agents are and how they work, if you’re ready to implement them in your business, here are some key steps we recommend you take.

Step 1: Identify Key Areas for Automation

When you’re just getting started with AI agents, focus on identifying areas where automation can have an immediate impact. Look for tasks that involve repetitive workflows and are low-risk, meaning they don’t require complex decision-making. This approach keeps things simple and allows your team to get comfortable with AI without major disruptions- your Quick Wins.

Think about areas in your business where costs are adding up due to manual, repetitive work. Common functions like customer service, HR, and finance are often ideal for automation, as they involve high-volume tasks that can be streamlined. We’ll explore specific examples of these in the next step.

By starting with high-volume, repetitive tasks, you’ll be able to see the benefits of AI automation quickly. Once your team feels comfortable, you can look for more opportunities to expand AI use in other areas of your business.

Step 2: Select the Right Type of AI Agent for Each Task

Now that you’ve identified areas ripe for automation, the next step is to choose the right type of AI agent for each task. Different AI agents are optimised for different workflows, so selecting the right one can make a big difference in adoption and overall impact.

Here’s a quick overview of some AI agent types to consider:

• Customer Support Agents: Ideal for answering frequently asked questions, routing complex issues to the right team, and offering 24/7 support. This keeps customer service efficient and responsive.
• HR Agents: Great for screening resumes, managing onboarding, and handling routine employee questions, freeing up your HR team to focus on more strategic work.
• Finance Agents: Perfect for automating invoice processing, monitoring for potential fraud, and ensuring compliance, which improves speed and accuracy in finance workflows.
• Data Processing Agents: Useful for teams that need quick data analysis and report generation, like marketing and sales teams. These agents can gather and present insights, saving hours of manual data work.

Choosing the right agent type based on the specific needs of each department ensures a smoother integration and sets your team up for success with AI. Start with agents that address your most immediate needs and expand as your team becomes more comfortable with the technology.

Step 3: Select a Vendor or Partner for Implementation

When choosing a vendor or platform for AI agents, focus on these key criteria:

1. Ease of Integration:
   Select a platform that connects effortlessly with your existing tools, like CRM or HR software, to avoid major reconfigurations. Seamless integration keeps your workflows smooth and minimizes disruptions.
2. User-Friendly Platform:
   Opt for a platform that’s intuitive and easy for all team members to use, regardless of technical skill. This speeds up adoption, reduces training time, and maximizes productivity across the board.
3. Customizability:
   Ensure the platform allows for adjustments tailored to your specific business needs. Customizable workflows and settings help the AI agents address the unique demands of each department effectively.
4. Ongoing Support and Training:
   Look for a vendor that provides reliable support and regular training resources to keep your team up-to-date with any changes and ensure smooth operation.
5. Security and Compliance:
   Data security is crucial. Choose a platform with strong security features, such as data encryption and access controls, and ensure it meets industry regulations like GDPR to protect sensitive information.⁵

Here are some popular AI Agent platforms consider:

• Microsoft Copilot: Offers a suite of AI agents through Dynamics 365, tailored for business functions like sales, finance, and supply chain.
• Agentforce: A cust​om platform focused on automating customer interactions and streamlining internal workflows. 
• Claude’s AI Agent: Known for its conversational AI capabilities, Claude’s platform is effective for customer service and data-driven tasks.
• AWS Bedrock: Amazon’s AI platform provides foundational models that can be customized across various business needs, integrating seamlessly with AWS services for tasks such as customer service, data processing, and supply chain management.

These platforms offer a range of features and support to help integrate AI agents into your business effectively. Choose a vendor that aligns best with your specific needs to ensure a smooth implementation and high adoption rates.

Step 4: Train Your Team and Integrate the Agents into Daily Operations

Now that you have your agents ready, it’s time to bring the team on board. Start by giving employees hands-on practice with the agents in real situations so they feel comfortable using them day-to-day. Highlight how these tools will save time by handling repetitive tasks, letting your team focus on more meaningful work.

Set clear guidelines on when and how to use the agents, especially in roles where human judgment is still needed. Make sure the agents integrate smoothly with existing systems—whether that’s your CRM, HR software, or finance tools—so they fit naturally into your workflows.

Finally, gather feedback regularly to see what’s working and where improvements can be made. With a bit of practice and a focus on benefits, your team will be well-prepared to make the most of these new tools.

Bringing It All Together

Embracing AI agents doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By starting with clear, repetitive tasks, selecting the right type of agent, choosing a supportive vendor, and helping your team adjust, you’re setting up your business for smoother operations and greater productivity.

The impact speaks for itself: sales teams have seen a 9.4% boost in revenue per seller and 20% more deals closed, while customer service has achieved a 12% faster resolution rate. In HR, self-service answers are 42% more accurate, and in marketing, conversion rates rose by 21.5%. Companies like McKinsey & Company and Pets at Home are even projecting seven-figure savings and dramatic reductions in administrative work.⁶

The goal isn’t to r​eplace your team but to empower them with tools that make work easier and more efficient. With the right approach, AI agents can become invaluable partners in your journey toward digital transformation.

Ready to see how AI agents can transform your business? Contact us to explore personalized AI solutions and book a free consultation to discuss your unique needs. Need more help or want an AI agent of your own? We can help you build one. Contact us for a free consultation.


Sources:

1. https://fortune.com/2024/10/30/googles-code-ai-sundar-pichai/
2. https://www.allganize.ai/en/blog/ai-agents-are-rising-ai-agent-integration-companies-to-grow-82-within-3-years
3. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/rowancheung_mark-zuckerberg-believes-there-could-be-more-activity-7221939306012033026-Q3sI/
4. https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/ai-agents
5. https://www.forbes.com/sites/timothypapandreou/2024/04/27/unlocking-productivity-why-businesses-need-ai-agents-now/
6. https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2024/10/21/new-autonomous-agents-scale-your-team-like-never-before/