Introduction

  • 3 minutes

Agents in Copilot Studio often need to interact with external systems. Tools expand your agent's capabilities so it can perform actions in response to user requests or autonomous triggers.

Copilot Studio workflows (formerly agent flows) can be used as tools to expand what your agent can do beyond conversation. They allow it to take action and interact with systems.

Note

Microsoft is updating terminology from agent flow to workflow. In this module, the term workflow is used. In some current UI elements or older documentation, you might still see agent flow.

Benefits of Copilot Studio workflows as tools

Copilot Studio workflows are deterministic workflows that streamline repetitive tasks, improve efficiency, and ensure consistency in processes. A workflow can automate back-end tasks that extend your agent's capabilities to perform actions in external systems.

Let's say you're working in a finance department and you receive numerous invoices from vendors. Normally, someone has to read each invoice, pull out the important details - the amount, date, who it's from, and check if everything matches your records. Then send it to the right person for approval. This process takes time and effort.

With Copilot Studio workflows as tools for agents in Copilot Studio, you can automate this process. As soon as the invoice comes in, the agent:

  • Reads the document using intelligent document processing to find the key information.
  • Checks the details against your enterprise data to make sure everything looks correct.
  • Routes it for approval to the right person.

Automating this process saves time, reduces mistakes, and makes the whole process smoother.

Think of it this way

  • Copilot Studio agents: the smart decision-makers
  • Copilot Studio workflows: the reliable executors

Why it matters

  • You get the best of both worlds: reliable automation and flexible agentic AI.
  • It's easy to build and update workflows as your business needs change.
  • You can scale automation across teams.

Main goal

By the end of this module, you'll be able to use Copilot Studio workflows as tools in Copilot Studio agents.