A recent architecture analysis compared agent frameworks (such as the Claude Agent SDK connected to tools through the Model Context Protocol) with workflow engines like n8n. The conclusion is practical:
If the plan can be written down in advance, let the workflow own it and call the agent at judgment points. If the plan must emerge, let the agent own it.
What it means for an SMB
- Most back-office work is plannable. Invoice intake, lead routing, and reminders follow known steps. Workflows are cheaper, easier to audit, and easier to fix when something breaks.
- Agents earn their place at judgment points — classifying a messy email, drafting a reply, or deciding which of several tools to use.
- The strongest designs mix both: a workflow for the steps, an agent for the thinking, and a person for the exceptions.