Module 1 • 22 min
Platform Categories and Architecture
Recognize the technology categories that make up an AI automation environment.Core Concept
Workflow platforms, integration layers, agent orchestration tools, data platforms, and custom services solve different parts of an automation problem. A platform decision begins by separating these responsibilities instead of searching for a single tool that claims to do everything.
This decision affects the value, delivery effort, operating ownership, and risk profile of the initiative long after the first release.
How to Apply This in Your Organization
Map the workflow, integration, data, and decision components separately. This reveals whether the organization needs one platform, several connected products, or a focused custom capability.
Use one real workflow, its current systems and data, and the people accountable for the outcome. The purpose is a decision-ready recommendation, not a theoretical evaluation.
Decision Checklist
- Name the workflow capability required.
- Identify the systems and data it must connect.
- Define the ownership and control boundary.
Worked Decision Scenario
A team is evaluating platform categories and architecture fundamentals for a current automation initiative. It uses the framework to identify the narrowest viable next step, the dependency that could change the decision, and the owner responsible for resolving it.
The recommendation explains which responsibilities must be handled by a workflow layer, integration layer, and AI capability before the team evaluates specific vendors.
Apply it
Working Exercise
Map the technology categories required for one candidate automation.
Saved locally for this review prototype. Your response will become private account data when the approved course backend is connected.