Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic technology reserved for digital giants. But with the proliferation of technical terms Generative AI, Agentic AI, AI agents, How can we distinguish between genuine innovations and mere fads?
This comprehensive guide will help you to see things clearly and identify the technologies that really meet your company's needs.
Generative AI: your gateway to artificial intelligence
Generative AI refers to systems capable of creating new content: text, images, video, code or even music. These models learn from vast quantities of data to produce original results in response to your instructions. The IA prompting and instructions then becomes your main lever for interaction: the quality of your request directly determines the relevance of the response.
To discuss your needs and define your AI roadmap, you can book a slot with an Iterates expert via this link : https://cal.com/rodolphebalay/it-project-meeting-iterates.
Large Language Models (LLMs) and the Transformer architecture explained simply
The large language models (LLM) are at the heart of modern generative AI. Based on’architecture Transform, These models analyse and understand language by detecting complex relationships between words. This technology enables AI to produce contextual and nuanced responses, far beyond simple pre-programmed templates. L’Multimodal generative AI goes even further by combining text, images and sound.
The strengths of generative AI for Belgian businesses
For an SME, generative AI offers immediate benefits: writing emails, creating marketing content, generating reports, programming assistance. L’AI adoption in business often starts with these simple use cases, which do not require complex technical integration. Visit automation tools for businesses based on generative AI can save time on repetitive tasks while maintaining high quality.
Limits to be aware of: why generative AI is not always enough
Despite its strengths, generative AI remains fundamentally passive. It responds to your requests but does not act autonomously. It cannot consult your CRM, send emails on your behalf, or coordinate several actions in your digital ecosystem. This is precisely where AI agents and agentic artificial intelligence come in.
AI agents: intelligently automating your professional tasks
An AI agent is a system with the ability to AI reasoning and planning that can interact with your digital environment to perform specific tasks autonomously. Unlike generative AI, which simply responds, an agent can consult databases, trigger actions, use external tools, and even correct its errors on the basis of the results obtained.
The fundamental difference: interaction with your digital ecosystem
La difference between generative AI and agentic AI essentially lies in its ability to take action. An AI agent can, for example, analyse your incoming emails, extract the relevant information, automatically create tasks in your project management system and then send you a summary. All this without human intervention, but with the possibility of consulting you if necessary.
How AI agents fit into your existing workflows
AI agents fit naturally into your processes thanks to APIs and connectors. Tools such as Deep Research Copilot illustrate this approach: the agent can perform in-depth searches, synthesise information from multiple sources, and produce structured analyses. Integrating agents into your automated workflows AI transforms linear processes into intelligent, adaptive systems.
Agentic AI: orchestrating complex intelligent systems
L’agentic artificial intelligence represents the upper echelon multi-agent systems who work together to solve complex problems. Each agent has a specialisation (research, analysis, drafting, validation) and the whole works in a coordinated way. This approach makes it possible to deal with challenges that require several complementary skills and sophisticated coordination.
The PAPAR cycle: how agentic AI really works
Agentic systems generally follow an iterative cycle: Plan (define the stages), Act (perform actions), Perceive (observe the results), Analyse (assess progress), Readjust (adapt the strategy). This cycle enables AI to manage uncertainty and adapt to unforeseen situations, an essential feature of the’intelligent automation company.
Orchestrators and platforms: Langchain, n8n and other solutions
L’AI agent orchestration requires specialised platforms. Langchain facilitates the development of applications with agents, n8n makes it possible to create workflows visually, while emerging solutions offer complete environments for designing, testing and deploying applications. multi-agent systems. The choice of platform depends on your technical level and your specific needs.
Strategy for the gradual adoption of AI in your Belgian SME
L’AI adoption in business Each step you take consolidates what you've learned and prepares you for the next.
Step 1: Get started with generative AI for immediate gains
Start simple. Test ChatGPT and conversational agents for writing, brainstorming or support tasks. Train your teams in IA prompting and instructions to maximise the quality of the results. This first phase helps to demystify AI and identify where it can bring value in your specific context.
Step 2: Integrate AI agents to automate your processes
Once you're familiar with generative AI, move on to agents. Identify a repetitive process that requires interaction with several systems: order processing, lead qualification, first-level customer support. Develop or implement a dedicated AI agent. This stage often requires the support of experts in artificial intelligence application development.
Step 3: Explore agentic AI to transform your strategy
L’Autonomous AI for SMEs reaches its full power with agentic systems. At this stage, you're ready to rethink whole areas of your organisation: automated business intelligence, large-scale personalised content production, predictive analysis for decision-making. This phase truly transforms your competitive advantage.
Iterates, your partner for integrating AI into your business
At Iterates, we design tailor-made AI applications tailored to your specific business processes. No generic solutions: we analyse your real needs and develop systems that integrate naturally into your existing environment. Our expertise covers the whole spectrum: from simple generative AI to multi-agent systems sophisticated.
AI agents and automation: our concrete achievements
We have supported Belgian SMEs in the implementation of’AI agents to automate critical processes. From document analysis to the automatic qualification of prospects, not forgetting the generation of customised reports, our achievements demonstrate the tangible impact of the’intelligent automation company on productivity and competitiveness.
Training and support: understanding before you invest
Our approach to consulting IA Brussels focuses on education. Before any development, we train your teams so that they understand the possibilities and limits of AI. This shared understanding guarantees successful adoption and optimal use of the solutions deployed. We transform technological complexity into accessible business opportunities.
From audit to go-live: our complete approach
Our methodology covers the entire project cycle: initial audit to identify opportunities, design of the optimum solution, iterative development with constant feedback, user training, secure deployment, and post-launch support. This approach ensures that your investment generates a measurable and sustainable return.
FAQ : Your questions about generative AI, agentic AI and AI agents
What is the difference between generative AI and AI agents?
L’Generative AI creates content in response to your instructions but remains passive. The AI agents can act autonomously in your digital environment: consulting data, triggering actions, using external tools. An agent often uses generative AI as a component, but adds action capabilities and AI reasoning and planning.
Is my company ready for agentic AI?
If you have digitised processes, structured data and a culture of continuous improvement, you're probably ready. L’Agentic AI requires a certain level of digital maturity, but you don't have to be a tech company. The key is to have a clear vision of the problems to be solved and the commitment of management.
Want to assess how agentic AI can fit into your organisation? Make an appointment here : https://cal.com/rodolphebalay/it-project-meeting-iterates.
How much does it cost to integrate AI agents into an SME?
Costs vary considerably depending on complexity. A simple agent can be developed for a few thousand euros, while a complex multi-agent system can represent an investment of several tens of thousands.
The key is to start small, measure the ROI and then expand gradually. Visit automation tools for businesses also offer pre-packaged solutions at controlled costs.
What are the risks of AI-driven automation?
The main risks include technological dependency, undetected errors, bias in automated decisions, and resistance to change on the part of teams.
A gradual approach, with human validation at critical stages and appropriate training, helps to mitigate these risks. L’AI adoption in business must always maintain a balance between automation and human control.
How do you measure the ROI of an artificial intelligence project?
Define clear KPIs from the outset: time saved, reduction in errors, increase in revenue, improvement in customer satisfaction. Measure the situation before and after implementation.
For the’intelligent automation company, The ROI is often seen in several dimensions: direct gains in efficiency, but also improvements in quality, increased speed of response, and the ability to handle more volume without increasing staff numbers.
Ready to integrate AI into your business?
La difference between generative AI and agentic AI is no longer a mystery to you. You now understand how the’Autonomous AI for SMEs can transform your organisation in concrete ways, from simple conversational assistants to multi-agent systems sophisticated.
Artificial intelligence is not just for large corporations. With the right approach and the right support, your SME can benefit from’intelligent automation company to improve its productivity, competitiveness and capacity for innovation.
