AI is no longer a distant future concept. During the webinar on Agentic AI, it became clear that smart agents are already transforming the field today. Not through magic, but with data, structure, and the courage to experiment.
The main question during the session: โWill you still have a job in the future, or will an AI agent take over?โ A confronting, yet above all inspiring, way to start a conversation about technology that is rapidly maturing - and fundamentally changing the way we work.
What actually is Agentic AI?
While traditional AI learns to perform a single task (such as pattern recognition), Agentic AI goes a step further. Think of a digital intern that not only provides answers but also independently carries out tasks: from preparing sales meetings to enriching customer data or analyzing market information.
Combine several of these digital assistants, and you get a network of agents working together on larger projects. They can set up complete campaigns, automate processes, or forecast inventory levels. Agentic AI makes something possible that was previously unthinkable: teams of smart, digital colleagues collaborating with each other, and with humans. But before starting such a project, there are a few things you need to have in order.
Data and policy are the keys to success
As guest speaker Karsten Marijnissen (Field CTO at Incentro) emphasized:โGarbage in, garbage out.โ Poor data means poor output. To make Agentic AI work effectively, you need three pillars:
- Clean and uniform data. AI agents learn from the data you provide them. Without reliable source data, success is impossible.
- Rules of engagement. What an agent can and cannot do? Guidelines prevent systems from making decisions that fall outside your policy.
- Policy and awareness. From C-level to the office floor: everyone must understand the impact of AI and how it adds value.
In other words: Agentic AI is not just a technical issue, but also an organizational one. Companies that wait for โthe hype to passโ will soon find themselves falling behind.
Listen to: The Future of B2B Marketing #5: Data and Agentic AI: Is Your Organization AI Ready? (Dutch)
From experiment to impact
Many organizations enthusiastically start AI pilots, but 95% fail, according to a recent MIT study. The reason? Too little preparation and overly high expectations. The successful 5% start small, with a single concrete use case. Think of an agent that filters customer inquiries or automatically populates quotes with company data. By testing, measuring, and learning, AI evolves from an experiment into a reliable part of the workday. The secret lies in repetition and fine-tuning: the more an agent is used, the smarter it becomes. In this way, AI shifts from a fun trial to a sustainable method for improving processes.
Humans remain indispensable
Yes, AI is changing jobs. But as the speakers emphasized: It doesnโt replace people; it empowers them. Agentic AI takes over repetitive tasks, freeing up employeesโ time for strategy, creativity, and customer relationships. Just like with previous technological revolutions, from computers to the cloud, new roles emerge, such as AI operator or AI supervisor.
Organizations that invest in training and guidance turn AI into an asset rather than a threat. The future doesnโt lie with machines replacing humans, but with teams where people and technology complement each other.
Interesting read: From human to machine: How Typeahead becomes the key to successful AI agents
Start today
You donโt need to be a tech giant to get started with Agentic AI. Begin with three simple steps:
- Dive into the subject. Watch webinars, read research, and explore successful case studies.
- Choose one use case. Where can AI add immediate value? Start small, but with concrete goals.
- Ensure proper data management and clear guidelines. This prevents AI from becoming unstable or unreliable.
Want to know how Altares Dun & Bradstreet can help your organization get ready for Agentic AI? Watch the full webinar and discover insights from industry experts.
