The era of agentic AI has arrived. This transformative technology is set to reshape industries and redefine the future of work. But what is it? Our TQA Solutions team explains all.

Automation has come a long way. Over the years, it has been a cornerstone of business transformation across every industry. It started with robotic process automation (RPA), where software robots handle repetitive, rules-based tasks, revolutionizing and freeing employees to focus on more strategic work.

Then came AI-powered automation, pushing the boundaries of what automation could achieve. Businesses could extend automation to processes that required cognitive capabilities – such as interpreting complex documents, analyzing communications and allowing organizations to navigate increasingly complex workflows with greater precision and intelligence.

Each advancement has marked a step forward, helping businesses grow, streamline operations and adapt to ever-changing market demands. Now, as we move into a digital-first world, it’s time to enter the next stage of supporting businesses: agentic AI.

What is agentic AI?

So, let’s start with the biggest question: what is it?

Agentic AI is not just some industry jargon – it represents the next step for AI-powered automation. It enables software agents, powered by advanced AI techniques like large language models (LLMs), generative AI (GenAI) and large action models (LAMs), to autonomously perform tasks that were once considered too complex or unpredictable. 

Unlike traditional automation, which follows predefined rules, agentic AI operates with greater independence, tackling workflows that previously required human judgment. These AI systems act as autonomous agents capable of making decisions, learning from their environment and adapting to handle complex, unpredictable tasks. 

It simply opens the door for smarter, more dynamic solutions, allowing businesses to automate processes that were once thought impossible.

For example, in manufacturing, agentic AI can anticipate machine breakdowns with predictive maintenance, minimizing costly downtime. It provides precision in quality control by detecting defects with unparalleled accuracy whilst being able to also optimize supply chains in real time by adjusting routes or managing inventory based on demand.

Or how about in healthcare? Researchers can use agentic AI in drug discovery, analyze large datasets, identify potential drug targets, and use simulations to predict their effectiveness – all with the aim of bringing essential medications to market faster.

What are the benefits of agentic AI?

While RPA and AI-powered automation remain vital, agentic AI is revolutionizing automation in today’s digital, AI-driven world. Its capabilities extend far beyond traditional tools, offering transformative benefits:

-Broader tasks

Agentic AI can handle a wider variety of tasks, including those requiring decision-making, creativity and adaptability, from simple data entry to complex processes like financial modeling and personalized customer service.

-Enhanced productivity and efficiency

Automating time-intensive and error-prone workflows reduces costs and frees staff to focus on strategic, high-value tasks.

-Improved decision-making

AI agents can analyze vast amounts of data, both structured and unstructured, to identify trends, patterns and insights that people may miss. This can lead to better decision-making and a more competitive advantage. 

-Accelerated innovation

By automating routine work, agentic AI allows teams to concentrate on developing new products, services and enhanced customer experiences.

Why does it matter?

As for the next most important question: why does agentic AI matter?

Well, it matters because it represents a fundamental shift in the way we work. By automating complex tasks, we can unlock new opportunities for growth, innovation and efficiency. This capability not only drives operational efficiency but also allows businesses to stay competitive in an increasingly dynamic and automated world. 

This technology has the potential to revolutionize industries, from healthcare and finance to manufacturing and logistics. More importantly, by addressing challenges that traditional automation cannot, agentic AI is a critical enabler of adaptability and growth in the face of evolving market demands.

However, to truly unlock the potential of agentic AI, it’s crucial to have high-quality data. Data is the fuel that powers AI, and without it, even the most advanced AI models will struggle to deliver accurate and reliable results. 

That’s why organizations need to ensure they’re ‘AI ready’ first, as successfully adopting agentic AI begins with building a solid foundation. The best way to achieve this is through TQA’s five pillars of AI readiness. These pillars provide a proven framework to build this foundation, covering everything from defining your AI vision to choosing the right technology infrastructure. 

By addressing the essential elements of people, processes, and technology, these pillars minimize risk and maximize the chances of long-term success. After all, technology alone cannot drive transformation. It takes much more. And these pillars act as the essential building blocks to achieve this and ensure a successful AI journey.

Prepare for the next frontier

As we move into the future, agentic AI will play an increasingly important role in shaping our world. TQA is committed to helping organizations harness the power of new technologies to achieve their goals. 

We’re here to help you navigate the next steps of your automation journey. Welcome to agentic AI. Schedule a free consultation with our experts today.