The Neuron: AI Explained The Hidden Cost of AI Agents No One Talks About
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Jan 20, 2026 Darin Patterson, VP of Market Strategy at Make, dives into the intricacies of AI agents and automation. He explains the importance of a solid automation foundation before deploying AI agents. Discover how to choose between deterministic workflows and AI agents, and learn about the role of Model Context Protocol in modern automations. Darin also highlights the significance of orchestrating these agents as a new management skill, and shares real-world examples of AI applications in marketing and finance.
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Automation Spectrum Matters
- AI lives on a spectrum from deterministic workflows to non-deterministic agents that can reason and make decisions.
- Use the right point on that spectrum for the task instead of reflexively choosing agents for everything.
Give Agents Precise Tools
- Use agents where rules are fuzzy or change frequently, like refund policies or nuanced decisions.
- Give agents precise, limited tools — "scalpels, not sledgehammers" — to improve reliability.
Solve The Problem First
- Start with the problem, not the technology; pick automation or agents based on need.
- Avoid declaring "I need agents" before analyzing whether deterministic workflows suffice.