Emerging Agentic Automation Patterns

This IDC Perspective examines how AI agents are being applied to business operations, beyond early adoption in marketing and software development. Using IDC's Business Automation Blueprint, the document identifies four emerging patterns - agents as task actors, knowledge assistants, orchestrators, and designers/improvers - and explains where each fits alongside established deterministic automation technologies such as workflow tools, RPA, and integration platforms. It closes with practical guidance for technology buyers evaluating where and how to deploy agents within existing operations."As AI agents begin to be used within broader business automation initiatives, it's vital to understand the different roles that AI agents can play, and how those roles differ," said Neil Ward-Dutton, research VP, Agentic Automation and AI Technologies at IDC.