What Are Tools?
In Prisme.ai, tools are specialized functions that extend an agent’s capabilities beyond retrieving and presenting information from your knowledge base. They allow agents to:Perform Actions
Execute tasks based on user requests
Access Live Data
Retrieve real-time information from external systems
Process Information
Perform calculations, transformations, and analysis
Integrate with Systems
Connect with enterprise applications and services
Tool Types
Prisme.ai supports several types of tools, each with specific purposes and capabilities:Built-in tools provided by Prisme.ai, ready to use with minimal configuration.
Common Tools
Prisme.ai includes a growing library of native tools that you can add to your agents with minimal configuration:Web Search
Web Search
Enable your agent to search the web for current information beyond your knowledge base.Capabilities: Real-time web search with configurable sourcesUse Cases: Current events, market data, general knowledgeConfiguration Options: Search providers (Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo), result filtering, result count, safe search settings, domain restrictionsExample Implementation:
Code Interpreter
Code Interpreter
Perform mathematical calculations including arithmetic, algebra, statistics, and unit conversions.Capabilities: Complex math operations with memory and variablesUse Cases: Financial calculations, engineering formulas, data analysis
Image Generator
Image Generator
Create custom images from text descriptions using AI generation capabilities.Capabilities: Generate images from text prompts with style controlsUse Cases: Visual content creation, concept visualization, design assistance
Document Search
Document Search
Search through document collections using keywords and filters.Capabilities: Text search across document repositoriesUse Cases: Knowledge retrieval, research assistance, content discoveryExample Implementation:
Query Reformulation
Query Reformulation
Generate alternative phrasings of user questions to improve search results.Capabilities: Create semantic variations of input questionsUse Cases: Search enhancement, query expansion, intent clarificationExample Implementation:
Creating Custom Tools
You can create custom tools to address specific needs in your organization:1
Define Tool Requirements
Determine what the tool should do and how it should interact with users and systems.Consider:
- What problem does this tool solve?
- What inputs will it need?
- What outputs should it provide?
- Which systems will it interact with?
- What security considerations are important?
2
Select Tool Type
Choose the most appropriate tool type based on your requirements.Tool selection guidance:
- Use native tools for common functions
- Choose custom code for specialized logic
- Select API connectors for external service integration
- Use webhooks for complex process orchestration
- Implement database tools for structured data queries
3
Configure or Develop the Tool
Set up the tool’s parameters or develop its code.For custom development:
- Create clear input/output schemas
- Implement robust error handling
- Ensure appropriate security measures
- Test with various input scenarios
- Document the tool’s functionality
4
Test the Tool
Verify that the tool works as expected in different scenarios.Testing should include:
- Basic functionality verification
- Edge case handling
- Performance assessment
- Security testing
- Integration testing with agent
5
Add to Your Agent
Integrate the tool with your knowledge agents.During integration:
- Provide clear tool descriptions
- Configure when the tool should be used
- Set appropriate permissions
- Define error handling behavior
- Test the agent with the new tool
Tool Usage Strategies
Effective tool integration requires thoughtful configuration of when and how tools are used:Tool Selection Logic
Tool Selection Logic
Configure how the agent decides which tool to use in different situations.
User Confirmation
User Confirmation
Determine when the agent should ask for permission before using tools.
Tool Result Presentation
Tool Result Presentation
Configure how tool results are presented to users.
Fallback Handling
Fallback Handling
Define behavior when tools fail or produce unexpected results.
Integration Examples
Agent Purpose: Answer product questions and resolve customer issuesIntegrated Tools:
- Ticket Creator: Create support tickets for complex issues
- Order Lookup: Check order status and details
- Product Catalog: Access current product information
- Document Analyzer: Process customer documents and screenshots
- Email Composer: Send confirmation and follow-up emails
- Streamlined issue resolution
- Reduced handoffs between systems
- Consistent information across channels
Security and Governance
Ensuring secure and responsible tool usage is critical:Authentication & Authorization
Configure secure access to tools and their underlying systems.Key Controls:
- Tool-specific permissionsAPI key managementCredential rotationUser-based access control
Data Privacy
Ensure tools handle sensitive information appropriately.Key Controls:
- Data minimizationInformation redactionTemporary storage policiesPrivacy-preserving integration
Logging & Auditing
Maintain records of tool usage for compliance and security.Key Controls:
- Comprehensive activity logsTool usage analyticsAudit trailsAnomaly detection
Rate Limiting & Quotas
Prevent abuse and manage resource consumption.Key Controls:
- Usage quotasRate limitingCost controlsResource allocation
Best Practices
Tool Selection
Tool Selection
- Start with native tools when possible for easier maintenance
- Choose tools that solve specific user problems
- Consider the full lifecycle of the tool, including updates and maintenance
- Select the simplest tool type that meets your requirements
- Prioritize tools that integrate with existing systems
Tool Configuration
Tool Configuration
- Provide clear, specific descriptions of what each tool does
- Set appropriate input validation to prevent errors
- Configure sensible defaults for optional parameters
- Include example inputs to guide users
- Test tool configuration with various scenarios
User Experience
User Experience
- Make tool usage transparent to users
- Provide clear feedback when tools are being used
- Format tool results for readability and understanding
- Balance automation with user control
- Implement graceful error handling with helpful messages
Tool Management
Tool Management
- Regularly review tool usage and performance
- Monitor for errors and unexpected behavior
- Update tool configurations as underlying systems change
- Document tool purpose, configuration, and integration
- Establish a testing protocol for tool updates