Why AI agents won’t save your business (yet)
- Manelik Sfez
- May 20
- 3 min read
Updated: 9 minutes ago
The AI agent hype is deafening. Every week, another tool promises to run your business while you sleep. Autonomous workflows. Intelligent assistants. Digital teammates.
But here’s the reality: most AI agents today are unreliable. They stumble on multi-step tasks, lose context, and require constant supervision. Some of them even literally hallucinate. Instead of freeing you, they add complexity. And risk.
Meanwhile, simple automations—like Zapier workflows or Wix automations and functions—quietly do their job. No drama. No downtime. Just consistent results.
The overhyped promise of AI agents
AI agents are designed to handle tasks with minimal human input. They aim to enhance productivity by automating routine tasks and managing complex workflows. However, their current capabilities often fall short of these promises.
Despite significant investments and advancements, AI agents frequently struggle with multi-step tasks. Errors can accumulate, leading to unreliable outcomes. For instance, a 1% error rate per step can result in a 63% failure rate over 100 steps. Real-world error rates are often higher, making the likelihood of correctly completing complex processes alarmingly low.
Moreover, the term "AI agent" is sometimes used more as a marketing buzzword than a reflection of true autonomous capabilities. Some startups label simple software tools as AI agents to capitalize on market hype, even when these tools lack genuine autonomy.
The power of simple AI automations
In contrast to the complexity and unpredictability of AI agents, simple automations offer reliability and efficiency. Tools like Zapier or Wix enable businesses to automate repetitive tasks without the need for complex AI systems.
For example, setting up a workflow to capture leads from web forms and add them to your CRM can save significant time and reduce manual errors. These automations are straightforward, transparent, and dependable.
Businesses that focus on automating routine tasks can achieve immediate benefits without the risks associated with more complex AI systems.
What you could automate today
If you're still handling these tasks manually, it's time to consider automation:
Capturing leads from web forms and adding them to your CRM
Sending personalized quotes or invoices
Triggering follow-up reminders to ensure no prospect slips through the cracks
Logging customer feedback into a spreadsheet for easy reporting
Even automating a single task can save you time and money. For instance, automating a task that takes 30 minutes a day can save you 182 hours a year. At $30/hour, that's over $5,000 in labor costs saved.
AI agents vs. reliable workflows
While AI agents hold promise for the future, their current limitations make them less suitable for critical business operations. Until they can reliably handle complex tasks without supervision, it's prudent to focus on proven automation tools.
Reliable workflows using tools like Wix automations and functions offer immediate, tangible benefits. They reduce manual work, minimize errors, and free up your time to focus on strategic initiatives.
Start small, automate smart
The key to effective automation is starting with simple, reliable tools. Automate routine tasks and you can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and lay the foundation for more advanced automation in the future.
AI agents may one day revolutionize business operations. They certainly will. But today, the smart move is to leverage dependable automation tools that deliver consistent results.
Are you using AI agents or simple automations for your business today?
Automations & functions
AI agents
None of that
Note: This article is based on current industry insights and trends. For more information on automation tools like Zapier or Wix, visit their official websites.
About the author
Manelik Sfez, founder of the brand and digital transformation consultancy Ultrabrand, brings 25 years of international business, marketing, and brand strategy experience to the table.
He has worked with some of the world’s most iconic brands throughout his career. From luxury goods to global retail, financial services and technological and industry giants, he has guided companies through brand-led transformations that have enabled significant business growth.
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