The future of business isn’t just automated- it’s autonomous, intelligent, and seamlessly integrated.
We’re on the edge of a new era where AI agents go beyond simple task execution to become proactive, goal-driven collaborators.
These systems will navigate complex business landscapes with minimal human intervention, reshaping how enterprises operate.
But to truly unlock the potential of this shift, organizations need a framework that ensures success at scale. That's where Gartner's Business Orchestration and Automation Technologies (BOAT) comes in as the essential compass guiding enterprises through the evolving world of agentic AI.
For IT architects and business leaders, this isn’t just a technology play- it’s a strategic imperative that will redefine competitive advantage.
The synergy between agentic AI and BOAT will drive unprecedented agility, resilience, and innovation.
What Is Agentic AI? The Autonomous Engine of Innovation
Unlike traditional AI, which relies heavily on static rules or human prompts, agentic AI operates with a high degree of autonomy. These AI systems can:
- Perceive their environment by analyzing structured and unstructured data.
- Reason through complex scenarios, leveraging large language models (LLMs) and predictive analytics.
- Act by interacting with digital systems, APIs, and even physical devices to execute decisions.
- Learn continuously from feedback and new data to improve over time.
Agentic AI is a self-starter, a problem-solver, and a continuous improver- capable of automating complex processes and driving business outcomes with minimal oversight.
Why Agentic AI Matters
Agentic AI doesn’t just augment human work- it fundamentally reshapes it. Imagine:
- Supply chains that proactively reroute in response to disruptions.
- Customer interactions that are not only personalized but also anticipatory.
- Critical decisions are made autonomously, improving speed and accuracy.
According to Gartner, by 2028, at least 15% of day-to-day work decisions will be made autonomously by agentic AI- a massive leap from virtually zero in 2024.
This brings tangible benefits:
- Faster execution with fewer delays.
- Adaptability through real-time data ingestion.
- Enhanced resilience to disruptions.
- Reduced costs by automating high-volume, high-complexity processes.
How to Deploy Agentic AI Successfully
- Define Clear Goals
Start with well-defined, measurable business objectives. What specific problem are you solving?
- Establish a Data Strategy
Ensure access to clean, AI-ready data with robust governance, integration, and security.
- Implement Ethical AI Guardrails
Build trust by establishing responsible AI principles from the outset.
- Design Human-in-the-Loop Oversight
Even autonomous systems need human checkpoints for critical decisions.
It’s best to start with small, well-defined use cases that demonstrate value, then scale quickly. Always focus on delivering meaningful business outcomes rather than adopting agentic AI just for the novelty.
Enter Gartner’s BOAT: The Orchestrator of Autonomy
As powerful as agentic AI is, it doesn’t operate in a vacuum. Enterprises still need a way to connect, coordinate, and scale autonomous systems effectively.
That’s exactly what Gartner’s Business Orchestration and Automation Technologies (BOAT) provides.
BOAT acts as the conductor of the automation orchestra, integrating diverse AI agents, RPA, BPM, and low-code platforms into a single cohesive ecosystem.
BOAT helps enterprises:
- Unify process orchestration with a single platform for managing complex workflows.
- Break down silos with enterprise-wide connectivity.
- Scale and adapt without sacrificing performance.
- Enable AI-driven decision-making, dynamically adjusting workflows in real time.
Why BOAT is Essential for Agentic AI
Without BOAT, agentic AI risks becoming isolated experiments- powerful but fragmented. BOAT provides the backbone for enterprise-wide autonomy by delivering:
- Cohesion: Synchronizing AI agents and automation tools into a goal-oriented ecosystem.
- Visibility & Control: Offering 360° monitoring, auditing, and human intervention when needed.
- Efficiency at Scale: Ensuring autonomous actions remain reliable and cost-effective.
Key Steps for BOAT Deployment
- Map & Discover Processes
Identify where automation and AI can have the biggest impact.
- Select the Right Platform
Choose a BOAT platform with composability and robust integration capabilities.
- Establish Governance Models
Define policies for managing AI agents, data flows, and automated processes to ensure effective governance and control.
Top Tip: Think end-to-end. Don’t just automate isolated tasks- focus on orchestrating entire workflows for maximum impact.
Transforming HR with Agentic AI + BOAT
One of the most exciting frontiers for agentic AI + BOAT is Human Resources. Imagine HR freed from administrative burdens and focused on strategic talent development.
Here’s how it works in practice:
- Autonomous Talent Sourcing: AI agents analyze internal and external talent pools, predict candidate success, and proactively identify internal mobility opportunities- reducing time-to-hire by up to 10x.
- Personalized Onboarding & Learning: AI curates adaptive onboarding journeys, training schedules, and learning pathways tailored to each employee.
- Continuous Performance Management: “Listening agents” gather real-time feedback, nudging employees toward goals.
- Proactive Employee Support: Conversational AI resolves complex queries about payroll, benefits, and policies, even initiating resolution workflows proactively.
The result? Significant cost savings, reduced HR workload, and higher-quality employee experiences.
Read our Comprehensive Guide to Enhancing HR with Robotic Process Automation to discover more.
The Autonomous Enterprise Is Here
The convergence of agentic AI and Gartner’s BOAT framework isn’t just another tech trend- it’s a revolutionary force reshaping enterprise operations.
For business leaders and IT architects, this is your call to action. By embracing BOAT as the orchestration layer for agentic AI initiatives, you’re not just automating tasks- you’re building a future of unparalleled efficiency, agility, and innovation.
The autonomous enterprise is no longer a distant dream. With BOAT, you have the roadmap to navigate the journey.
Let’s orchestrate tomorrow, today.