
Agentic AI vs Generative AI: What Businesses Need to Know

We’ve all witnessed the rise of artificial intelligence shaking up industries and reshaping the way we work. What is the most famous example? Generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot are now regularly making headlines.
As we’re getting comfortable with GenAI, a new wave is arriving: agentic AI, and it’s poised to transform how businesses interact with technology altogether. Why is agentic AI our future, and why should businesses think about it now? When should you use one over the other? And how can they work together to accelerate innovation? Let’s break it down.
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Agentic systems will be the next major wave of AI. According to the World Economic Forum’s 2024 report 50% of companies already use generative AI, or they expect to deploy agentic systems by 2027. Overall, the WEF report states that businesses with agentic AI can adopt human-in-command oversight, continuous alignment, and audit trails to keep autonomous systems safe and accountable.
Gartner also analyzed the situation in 2024 and stated that less than 1% of enterprise software applications include agentic AI, but by 2028 the situation will have changed and 33% of apps will be with it. Agentic AI has the potential to enhance automation, productivity, and customer experience. Multiple studies showed that agentic AI increased productivity in organizations. And these numbers range from 14% to 34%. So, if your company wants to stay competitive, you need agentic AI on your side. Still, it’s important to understand the difference between agentic AI and generative AI before you dive in.
Generative AI is all about creating content. It uses powerful machine learning models like GPT-4 or image models like DALL·E to generate human-like text, images, code, and even music.
It works by learning from vast datasets, spotting patterns, and then producing something new when you give it a prompt. That’s why you can ask it to draft emails, write code snippets, summarize reports, or create marketing copy.
In simple terms, GenAI helps you create faster, with less manual effort.
Agentic AI, on the other hand, is one of the most advanced forms of AI we’ve seen so far. Think of agentic AI as a digital teammate. You set the goal, and it figures out the rest. It adapts to challenges. It keeps working when conditions change. These agents can also collaborate with other systems, connect to tools and APIs, and learn from each interaction.
So how does agentic AI differ from traditional AI? Agentic AI helps you stay ahead — and here’s why:
For example, a GenAI-powered chatbot can give you return instructions when you ask about an order. However, an agentic AI can do more. It will automatically pull up your order, initiate the return, update the system, and send you a confirmation — all without needing you to lift another finger. In short, agentic AI helps you achieve outcomes.
You may already use AI agents like chatbots. But agentic AI goes further. There are all kinds of AI agents out there — sales agents, support agents, marketing agents, and more. Each one is built to handle specific jobs and help you get better results. Let’s look at the stages of AI maturity on three levels:
Generative AI | Agentic AI | |
Level 1 Basic | Template-based content | Rule-based workflow automation |
Basic NLP interfaces | Sequential task execution | |
Assisted data entry | Notification agents | |
Structured document extraction | Guided decision support | |
Level 2 Advanced | Contextual content creation | Semi-autonomous process execution |
Interactive data exploration | Cross-departmental coordination | |
Semi-automated report generation | Learning-based optimization | |
Process documentation | Collaborative agents | |
Level 3 Transformative | Strategic insight generation | Fully autonomous decision-making |
Multimodal interfaces | Self-optimizing systems | |
Dynamic documentation | Proactive business agents | |
Simulation and scenario generation | Ecosystem orchestration | |
Digital twins |
If you’re still deciding between agentic AI and generative AI, we’ve put together a simple framework to help you figure out where you stand and what your business really needs.
When choosing whether to deploy GenAI, Agentic AI, or both, ask yourself:
In short, while generative AI can bring quick wins, agentic AI is the smarter choice for businesses that look to create lasting value and long-term impact.
So how does agentic AI differ from traditional AI? Agentic AI helps you stay ahead — and here’s why:
With the right tools and team, you can build an agentic AI system fast and start seeing results sooner than you think.
Generative AI is already revolutionizing industries across the globe. It’s helping brands move faster, create smarter, and connect better with customers.
Agentic AI takes things further. It helps worldwide businesses handle complex tasks, adapt on the fly, and keep learning.
Let’s look at some other use cases across key industries.
Industry | Generative AI | Agentic AI | Business impact of Agentic AI |
Retail | Writes product copy | Handles returns, manages discounts, updates inventory | Faster sales, lower costs, happy customers |
Manufacturing | Writes manuals, instructions | Predicts machine failures, schedules repairs | Less downtime, higher output |
Healthcare | Drafts medical notes | Coordinates appointments, manages referrals | Faster care, better outcomes |
Real Estate | Writes listings | Schedules viewings, updates pricing | Faster deals, more sales |
Automotive | Suggests car options | Automates diagnostics, orders parts, updates customers | Faster service, better customer satisfaction |
These use cases show clearly: you need to know when to use generative AI or agentic AI. But if you want to be competitive and deliver meaningful results in the long run, you need to choose agentic AI.
Glorium Technologies helps businesses build agentic AI solutions that can orchestrate all operations without increasing the number of human teams. With 15+ years of digital transformation expertise, we specialize in AI and lead in agentic AI innovation. Our company has a portfolio with more than 150+ successful projects. And you can choose a plan that fits your needs, with flexible pricing options.
Our last case study is a partnership with a leading platform for parents and homeschoolers. The client needed to automate its campaign management. We built an AI agent using the AI and OpenAI technologies. The solution streamlined the processes involved in data preparation, segmentation, insight extraction, and campaign content generation. As a result, the client reduced costs by 50% and accelerated execution. They could consistently deliver content aligned with their audience.
The future belongs to companies that use AI well. Agentic AI is changing how businesses work, create, and stay ahead. Would you like to see what we can do for you? Get in touch with us for a strategy call, and let’s engineer your next big advantage. We’ll answer your questions and show you how Glorium Technologies can help you make the most of agentic AI.