Describe the workflow through inputs and outputs
The work assignment is to plan agentic workflows with bounded autonomy. Define purpose, owner and permitted operating boundary before the first test.
The domain review baseline covers goal, allowed tools, budget, stops, approvals and evaluation. Assumptions and missing information remain visible in the result.
Run a controlled pilot
- Define a concrete goal with a verifiable outcome and permitted task space.
- Specify permitted tools, budget limits and decisions requiring human approval.
- Evaluate normal assignments and situations with missing information or refused approval.
- Assess results and stops together before expanding the task space.
Review results and failure handling
An evaluation demonstrates achievable results within budget and correct stopping for missing inputs, disallowed tools or pending approval. The task space is explicitly documented.
Avoid: autonomy without a bounded task space. If it cannot be described in advance when the agent must stop or hand over a decision, its autonomy is not yet sufficiently bounded.
Decision matrix
| Decision point | Proceed when | Stop when |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment boundary | Documented: goal, allowed tools, budget, stops, approvals and evaluation. | Scope, data or accountability remains unresolved. |
| Workflow evidence | An evaluation demonstrates achievable results within budget and correct stopping for missing inputs, disallowed tools or pending approval. The task space is explicitly documented. | There is only an unevaluated demo without acceptance evidence. |
| Operational control | Owner, approval, fallback and next review date are defined. | Avoid: autonomy without a bounded task space. If it cannot be described in advance when the agent must stop or hand over a decision, its autonomy is not yet sufficiently bounded. |
Keep it verifiable
Primary sources
- NIST: AI Risk Management Framework coreSource checked:
- n8n: Production AI Playbook — Human OversightSource checked:
