Thread by @tyler_agg

everything you need to build reliable AI systems:

most people want an AI that can operate autonomously

they want it to make every decision, handle entire workflows, and figure everything out without guidance

the result is different outputs every time with little consistency

when an AI makes all decisions, you get random results

ask Cursor to "build a customer service chatbot" 10 times and you'll get 10 completely different solutions

but with automating business tasks you need predictability

the right way: map out how YOU do the task manually first

write it like training instructions for a dipshit intern

every decision point, every step in order

here's an example with cold email reply management:

step 1: reply comes in you read it

step 2: categorize response type (interested / not interested / wrong person / bad timing)

step 3: if interested - ask for their availability

step 4: check if their suggested time matches your calendar

if available - send calendar invite

if not available - follow up with open times

notice there are multiple decision points here:

first categorization: what type of response?

second categorization: does timing work?

each decision has clear options and next steps

now here's where AI fits in:

don't ask an AI to design this entire process as everyone has their own unique processes

but you can ask it to make specific choices at each decision point

for cold email reply management that’s going to be:

"what type of response is this:

> interested
> not interested
> wrong person
> bad timing?
"
then route to your predetermined next action based on the category

for the second decision point:

"does their suggested Tuesday 2pm conflict with my calendar? yes or no?"

if yes - send alternative times template

if no - send calendar invite

to recap this framework for building reliable AI systems:

> map out your manual process step by step
> identify each decision point in the workflow
> turn decisions into clear categories for AI to choose from
> let AI categorize and route, not create

all you’re doing is designing the process and the AI helps route everything