{"id":50119,"date":"2026-07-09T16:25:08","date_gmt":"2026-07-09T14:25:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/implema.se\/news\/agentic-ai-from-ai-as-a-tool-to-ai-as-a-colleague\/"},"modified":"2026-07-09T16:29:34","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T14:29:34","slug":"agentic-ai-from-ai-as-a-tool-to-ai-as-a-colleague","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/implema.se\/en\/news\/agentic-ai-from-ai-as-a-tool-to-ai-as-a-colleague\/","title":{"rendered":"Agentic AI \u2013 from AI as a tool to AI as a colleague"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For organizations, agentic AI represents a far bigger shift than just another new language model. It\u2019s about how work is organized and how business processes are built, but also what role the ERP system takes on in an AI-driven organization. <strong><br\/><\/strong><\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>First wave: Digitization laid the foundation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first wave wasn\u2019t really about AI. Over several decades, organizations digitized their processes. Financial systems, ERP, CRM, and other business systems replaced manual routines and created structured information. The result was enormous amounts of business data. It was only when this data started to become accessible that modern AI became possible.    <br\/><br\/><\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/implema.se\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50099\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Second wave: Generative AI<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When large language models broke through, expectations of AI changed overnight. Suddenly, AI could <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>write reports<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>analyze documents<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>create code<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>translate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>summarize meetings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>generate images<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AI became a powerful tool for knowledge work, but it still worked on request. A human asked for something. AI delivered.  <br\/><br\/><br\/><\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/implema.se\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/3-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-50108\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Third wave: Agentic A<\/strong>I<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now the next shift is happening. Instead of helping people do work, AI is starting to do the work itself. This is what is commonly described as agentic AI.  <br\/><br\/>An AI agent can, for example<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>analyze incoming orders<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>check inventory levels<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>create purchase recommendations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>contact suppliers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>update the ERP system<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>notify responsible parties if something deviates<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">without each step needing to be initiated by a human.<br\/><br\/>In other words, AI is no longer just a tool. It becomes a digital coworker. <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>From &#8220;Human in the Loop&#8221; to &#8220;Human above the Loop&#8221;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mckinsey.com\/capabilities\/people-and-organizational-performance\/our-insights\/the-agentic-organization-contours-of-the-next-paradigm-for-the-ai-era\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">McKinsey<\/a> describes the development as people increasingly working &#8220;above the loop,&#8221; i.e., further along in the flow and taking more of a supervisory role. That doesn\u2019t mean people disappear from decision-making. Rather, the human role shifts. Instead of performing every task, the work is about   <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>setting goals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>defining rules<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>prioritizing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>approving exceptions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>following up on results<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AI does the operational work. Humans lead the process. That\u2019s a much bigger change than simply using ChatGPT as a writing aid.  <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>That\u2019s why ERP becomes more important than ever<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When AI starts executing business processes, a crucial question arises: How does AI know what\u2019s right? The answer is rarely in the language model itself. It\u2019s in the business\u2019s processes.   <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The ERP system contains<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>business rules<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>master data<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>authorizations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>processes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>financial relationships<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>suppliers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>customers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>inventory<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>purchasing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The more AI is allowed to do, the more important the quality of this information becomes. That\u2019s why the ERP system is taking on a new role\u2014not just as a transaction engine, but as AI\u2019s operational brain.   <br\/><\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Next step: Physical AI<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many observers believe the next step has already begun. When agentic AI is combined with robotics, sensors, and autonomous machines, what\u2019s often called Physical AI emerges. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AI then leaves the computer and starts controlling the physical world. Examples already exist in <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>autonomous warehouses<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>self-driving vehicles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>robotic manufacturing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>drones<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>logistics<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What does this mean for organizations?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The biggest mistake is to think AI is mainly about which language model you choose. The real competitive advantage will likely be determined by something entirely different. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Organizations that have<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>clear processes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>high data quality<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>shared definitions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a modern ERP platform<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>clear data ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>effective governance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">will be able to implement agentic AI much faster than organizations that still work in silos.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The future of AI is therefore less about technology than about the business. And perhaps that\u2019s exactly why the ERP system\u2014which many thought would become less important in the AI era\u2014is instead becoming more important than ever. <br\/><br\/><br\/><br\/><\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQ<\/h2>\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1783603843025\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>What is AI\u2019s third wave?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>AI\u2019s third wave refers to the shift from generative AI to agentic AI. While generative AI primarily creates content\u2014such as text, images, and code\u2014agentic AI can plan, make decisions within given boundaries, and execute entire workflows. The focus shifts from AI as a tool to AI as a digital coworker that collaborates with people and other AI agents.  <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1783603901788\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>What is agentic AI?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Agentic AI consists of AI agents that can receive goals rather than individual instructions. They can analyze information, choose the next step, use multiple systems, and carry out tasks with limited human involvement. Examples include AI that handles procurement, customer service, or inventory planning by working directly in the organization\u2019s ERP system.  <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1783603957079\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>What\u2019s the difference between generative AI and agentic AI?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Generative AI creates content based on an instruction from the user, such as a text or an image. Agentic AI, on the other hand, can plan and carry out multiple steps on its own to reach a goal. Where generative AI answers a question, agentic AI can execute an entire workflow\u2014for example, registering an order, checking inventory levels, ordering goods, and informing relevant people.  <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1783603993777\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>Why does ERP become more important as AI evolves?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>AI needs to understand how the business works in order to make the right decisions. The ERP system contains business rules, processes, master data, authorizations, and transactions that give AI the business context it needs. The more AI automates the business, the more important data quality, process maturity, and a modern ERP system become.  <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1783604020068\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>How is SAP working with agentic AI?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>SAP\u2019s strategy is built around making the ERP system the hub for AI. With SAP Business Data Cloud, Joule, and AI agents, business data, processes, and AI are connected. The goal is for AI to work directly in business processes and use the same rules, data, and business context as the organization\u2019s employees.  <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1783604057493\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>How is Microsoft Dynamics working with agentic AI?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Microsoft is evolving Copilot from a personal assistant into a platform for AI agents. Together with Dynamics 365, Microsoft Fabric, Dataverse, and Copilot Studio, organizations can create AI agents that work in business processes and use information from both Microsoft\u2019s own systems and external data sources. <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1783604084076\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>What is Physical AI?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Physical AI means AI controls physical systems such as robots, autonomous vehicles, warehouse robots, or drones. Here, AI is combined with sensors and robotics to perform work in the real world. Many see this as the next step after agentic AI, where digital decisions are turned into physical actions.  <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1783604112306\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>Do companies need to replace their ERP system to use agentic AI?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Not necessarily. But organizations with modern, cloud-based ERP systems often have better prerequisites because they offer standardized processes, higher data quality, open APIs, and built-in support for AI. For older systems, the challenge is often more about data, integrations, and process maturity than the AI model itself.  <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For organizations, agentic AI represents a far bigger shift than just another new language model. It\u2019s about how work is organized and how business processes are built, but also what role the ERP system takes on in an AI-driven organization. First wave: Digitization laid the foundation The first wave wasn\u2019t really about AI. Over several [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22,"featured_media":50097,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2721,2586,2720,2518],"tags":[2745,2583,2689,2744,2539,2592],"class_list":["post-50119","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-expert-article","category-featured-news","category-insights","category-news","tag-agentic-ai","tag-ai","tag-ai-agents","tag-ais-third-wave","tag-business-systems","tag-erp"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/implema.se\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50119","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/implema.se\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/implema.se\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/implema.se\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/22"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/implema.se\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=50119"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/implema.se\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50119\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":50121,"href":"https:\/\/implema.se\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50119\/revisions\/50121"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/implema.se\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/50097"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/implema.se\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=50119"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/implema.se\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=50119"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/implema.se\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=50119"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}