Microsoft Unveils Combined AI Agent and Workflow Automation
Microsoft has introduced new capabilities in Copilot Studio that combine AI agents and workflows to automate business processes. Agents bring reasoning and adaptability, while workflows provide structure and consistency.
The company suggests using a combination of both to balance flexibility and reliability. Two patterns emerge: workflows that call agents and agents that use workflows as tools.
When a workflow calls an agent, the agent can handle parts of the process that require judgment, such as interpreting documents or deciding how to route exceptions. The agent's work is then fed back into the workflow for predictable execution.
Conversely, when an agent uses a workflow, it can call on pre-existing processes and tools to execute well-defined subprocesses. This helps build on existing infrastructure and provides organizations with more confidence in high-frequency or high-stakes processes.