What is an AI agent

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been a hot topic in recent years, but a term that is now increasingly common is AI agent . Yet many people still do not know exactly what this is, let alone what you can do with it in your company. In this blog we explain it clearly. No jargon, no tech talk. Simply understandable.

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What is an AI agent?

An AI agent is a digital system that can independently perform tasks based on a goal. The difference with a normal tool or chatbot? An AI agent does not simply follow a fixed script, but can make decisions based on context. The system understands what needs to be done, determines which steps are necessary and executes them - without human intervention.

So an AI agent is basically a smart assistant that you give a task and then figures out how to best complete that task.

For example, consider:

• An AI agent that automatically monitors your inbox, summarizes emails, and answers important questions.
• An agent who prepares quotes based on customer information.
• Or – as we use it ourselves – an agent who creates daily reports of all marketing and sales data and sends them to the right people in the team.

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A practical example

At DigiSwift we developed an AI agent for a client who was struggling to keep track of their marketing and sales results. Every day they run ads, have conversations, send quotes – but all that data came from different systems.

The AI agent now automatically collects information from their CRM, advertising platforms and email, converts it into clear reports and sends them to the relevant employees every morning. Everything happens in the background, without manual work. Result: better insight, faster adjustments, fewer errors.

AI agents are becoming increasingly accessible

What used to be reserved for large tech companies is now within reach of almost everyone. Thanks to no-code tools (such as Langflow or n8n), AI agents can be built without the need for a team of programmers. And because many models are open-source, you only pay for what you actually use.

Also important: many AI agents now run locally – on your own server or computer. Especially for applications where privacy is crucial (such as customer data, personnel files or financial information), we at DigiSwift consciously use local LLMs (Large Language Models) . This way, sensitive information remains within your own network and nothing is shared with external parties such as OpenAI or Google.

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What are the benefits of an AI agent?

• Time saving : Routine work is taken over.
• Fewer errors : AI is consistent, does not get tired or distracted.
• 24/7 availability : Also active outside office hours.
• Better decisions : Through continuously up-to-date insights.
• Fast implementation : Can be connected to your existing systems within a few days.

And perhaps most importantly, your team can focus on work that really matters, instead of repetitive tasks.

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Is it a hype?

No, AI agents are not a fad that will blow over. It is a permanent change in the way we work. Just as automation in manufacturing has become the standard, you now see digital work assistants becoming a permanent part of daily business operations.

En die verschuiving gaat snel. Wie nu begint met het inzetten van AI agents, bouwt niet alleen efficiëntie op, maar ook een voorsprong ten opzichte van bedrijven die blijven vasthouden aan oude processen.

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At DigiSwift, we build custom AI agents within our marketing processes – tailored to your working method, your tools and your team. We think along, build quickly, and ensure that everything runs safely. Interested? Let us know, and we will show you what is possible within your situation.

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