Prisme.ai supports multiple agent architectures, each optimized for different use cases, capabilities, and complexity levels. Understanding the strengths and applications of each agent type will help you select the right approach for your specific business needs.

Agent Type Comparison

Agent TypeKey CapabilitiesBest ForTechnical Complexity
Simple Prompting
  • Custom instructions
  • Persona definition
  • Response formatting
  • Basic Q&A
  • Standardized responses
  • Content generation
Low
RAG Agents
  • Knowledge retrieval
  • Document grounding
  • Contextual responses
  • Knowledge-intensive applications
  • Document-based workflows
  • Internal expertise access
Medium
Tool-Using Agents
  • API integration
  • Tool selection
  • Multi-step tasks
  • System integration
  • Data processing
  • External service access
Medium-High
Multi-Agent Systems
  • Agent collaboration
  • Task distribution
  • Complex workflows
  • Advanced business processes
  • Cross-functional workflows
  • Complex problem solving
High

Simple Prompting Agents

Simple prompting agents leverage the capabilities of foundation models with specialized instructions, personas, and response formats. While they are the most straightforward to implement, they can still be powerful tools for many business applications.

Key Features

  • Custom Instructions: Detailed guidance for the agent’s behavior and responses
  • Context Management: Control over how the agent maintains conversation history
  • Response Formatting: Structured outputs for consistent user experiences
  • Persona Definition: Tailored voice, tone, and communication style

Use Cases

Customer Support

Agents that provide consistent answers to common customer inquiries

Content Creation

Assistants that help generate marketing copy, emails, or reports

Training & Onboarding

Agents that help new employees learn company processes and policies

Information Access

Assistants that provide quick access to frequently needed information

Learn more about Simple Prompting Agents →

RAG Agents

RAG (Retrieval Augmented Generation) agents connect foundation models to your organization’s specific knowledge and information. These agents can access, search, and incorporate proprietary information into their responses.

Key Features

  • Knowledge Base Integration: Connection to document repositories and knowledge bases
  • Contextual Retrieval: Intelligent selection of relevant information
  • Source Attribution: Traceability to source documents
  • Factual Grounding: Responses anchored in verified organizational knowledge

Use Cases

Technical Documentation

Agents that help users navigate complex technical information

Policy Guidance

Assistants that provide accurate information about company policies

Product Knowledge

Agents that share detailed product specifications and capabilities

Research Assistance

Assistants that help analyze and extract insights from research collections

Learn more about RAG Agents →

Tool-Using Agents

Tool-using agents extend beyond conversation to take actions on behalf of users. These agents can integrate with APIs, access external services, and execute complex tasks across multiple systems.

Key Features

  • Tool Integration: Connection to internal and external APIs and services
  • Tool Selection: Intelligent determination of which tools to use for a task
  • Multi-Step Execution: Capability to perform complex sequences of actions
  • Error Handling: Graceful management of failures and unexpected results

Use Cases

Data Processing

Agents that can retrieve, analyze, and visualize business data

System Integration

Assistants that connect to CRM, ERP, or other enterprise systems

Workflow Automation

Agents that execute multi-step business processes across systems

Resource Management

Assistants that help schedule, book, or allocate resources

Learn more about Tool-Using Agents →

Multi-Agent Systems

Multi-agent systems combine specialized agents into collaborative networks that can handle complex workflows and business processes. These systems distribute tasks, share information, and collectively solve problems beyond the capabilities of individual agents.

Key Features

  • Specialized Agents: Division of responsibilities among purpose-built agents
  • Collaboration Protocols: Structured communication between agents
  • Task Distribution: Intelligent allocation of work across the system
  • Orchestration: Coordination of multi-agent workflows and processes

Use Cases

Complex Problem Solving

Systems that break down and solve multi-faceted business problems

Cross-Functional Workflows

Agent networks that span departmental boundaries and systems

Specialized Expertise

Collaborative systems that combine different domain experts

Adaptive Processes

Multi-agent workflows that adapt to changing conditions and requirements

Learn more about Multi-Agent Systems →

Selecting the Right Agent Type

When determining which agent architecture to use, consider these factors:

Hybrid Approaches

Many effective enterprise agents combine elements from multiple agent types. For example:

  • A RAG agent with tool-using capabilities
  • A multi-agent system where some agents use RAG
  • Simple prompting agents that can escalate to more complex agent types when needed

Prisme.ai’s platform supports these hybrid approaches, allowing you to build the optimal solution for your specific requirements.

Next Steps

Ready to start building? Choose an agent type to learn more: