Plain English
Automation
Software that runs a fixed set of steps for you when something happens, without anyone clicking.
A fixed sequence of steps that runs by itself when a trigger happens, like “when a form is submitted, add a row to the sheet and email the team.” AI can do one of the steps, such as summarizing or sorting.
Why it matters
Automations follow the steps you set, which makes them predictable and easier to trust than agents. Add a person’s approval before anything that reaches a customer or moves money.
At work
When a web inquiry arrives, an automation asks an AI step for a two-line summary, adds both to your CRM and alerts the right person.
Think of it like a row of dominoes: one push runs the whole line, the same way every time.
Related terms
Where it appears