What are AI agent actions?
AI agent actions are tasks an AI agent carries out in other software during a conversation, such as adding a contact to a CRM, opening a ticket or posting a message to a team channel, instead of only replying with text.
Also called: chatbot actions, AI tool use, function calling.
By Santhul Joseph, AI EngineerUpdated
How actions work
The agent gets a list of actions it may use, each with a short description and the details it needs, like an email address or an order number. When the conversation calls for one, the agent fills in those details from the chat and calls the other tool, usually through an API or a webhook. The result comes back, and the agent carries on the conversation with it.
This is often called tool use or function calling, and it is the main difference between an AI agent and a chatbot that can only talk.
Typical examples
- Add a new lead to a CRM like HubSpot or Salesforce.
- Open a ticket in a help desk when a customer reports a problem.
- Post a message in a Slack channel when a large order question comes in.
- Add a row to a Google Sheet for every quote request.
Actions in SimplyBoost
SimplyBoost calls them workflows. The agent can call other tools during a conversation through actions and webhooks, with ready-made templates for HubSpot, Zendesk, Salesforce, Slack, Stripe and Google Sheets.
Workflows are on every plan, Starter included, with no fee per integration. You pay for the AI replies the agent writes, not for the number of tools you connect.
Questions people ask
What is the difference between an action and a webhook?
An action is something the agent decides to do in the conversation. A webhook is one common way to do it: the agent sends the details to a web address, and the system behind it does the work.
Do I need a developer to set up AI agent actions?
Not for the common tools. SimplyBoost has templates for HubSpot, Zendesk, Salesforce, Slack, Stripe and Google Sheets. A custom webhook to your own system is easier with someone who knows that system.
Is it safe to let an AI agent take actions?
Yes, when you give it only the actions it needs. Keep anything that moves money or deletes data with a person, and let the agent hand those conversations to your team.