What exists beyond the chat window — what it can do, and what it costs
“Write a summary of this quarter’s results.”
“Use these results and last quarter’s deck to build the next review. Flag missing data.”
The useful difference is the output: a file, a working draft, or an action you can inspect.
A document, a design, a clip, an answer or a repeatable task.
The tools your team already has, then a specialist if needed.
Accuracy, permissions, export, rights and the cost of iteration.
Product and price tables are optional reference material. The main talk is about choosing a useful workflow.
Illustrative workflow. Ask it to flag gaps; verify that it actually did. Review the numbers and the story before sharing.
You ask → it tells you what to do → you open the files, do the steps, paste results back… and repeat.
You ask → it does the work itself — reads the files, takes the steps, checks the result → you review at the end.
An agent combines a model with tools and a loop. Whether it acts safely depends on the access and checks around it.
For the review deck: read the CSV → build a chart → reconcile the totals → revise the draft.
Check which files it used. A connected folder is not evidence that every document was read.
Reconcile numbers with the source. Open important citations.
Review more carefully when money, people or public communication are involved.
Approve publishing and external actions separately from making a draft.
A review step reduces risk only when someone performs a relevant check.
CSV + last deck → editable draft. Check every important number.
Source documents → summary or audio. Check the claims against the originals.
Approved message + brand files → draft formats. Check layout and wording.
Choose one task with a result you already know how to judge.
Try the file and agent features available in your approved assistant.
Check the AI features your organization already provides inside its apps.
Try a dedicated tool when the included option cannot produce the needed result.
Compare one real task before buying another subscription. Check availability for your account and region.
Example product: Claude Cowork. Inspect the input list, changed files and unresolved questions.
Name the audience, purpose, brand references and required output.
Change one visible thing at a time: hierarchy, wording, layout or emphasis.
Open the actual file. Check fonts, charts and editability before sharing.
Example tools: Claude Design or Canva. Supplying a brand kit still requires a review of the result.
“What changed in the customer study, and which pages support that?”
Open the cited passage. Check that it supports the summary and its qualifications.
A source-grounded assistant such as Google’s notebook product can help you navigate documents. A citation is a starting point for verification.
A recurring fee with usage limits. Check what your existing plan includes.
Each generation consumes a balance. Discarded drafts and retries count too.
For team use, check per-seat terms, data handling and commercial rights. API integrations add metered usage.
A tool can change its name, plan or export support. Your work should remain usable.
“Make a savings calculator with these inputs and an explanation of the result.”
Test the calculations, empty states and forms. Review access and data handling before launch.
Examples: Lovable, v0 or Replit. Budget for revisions; a working preview still needs checks.
State the subject, action, framing and duration. Start from approved material when useful.
Check continuity, text, product details, rights and the credit cost of discarded takes.
Examples: Veo / Flow, Runway or Higgsfield. A good shot is one ingredient in a finished video.
Set layout, fonts, colours and timing once.
Render another report or language version, then check text fit, data and timing.
Example: HyperFrames. A reusable template improves consistency; new content still needs review.
Turn an approved script into narration or a translated voice-over.
Check names, numbers, pronunciation and meaning. Confirm rights and consent for the voice.
Example: ElevenLabs. Compare a short sample before choosing a voice or buying capacity.
Use a design tool when you need controlled text, logos and repeatable formats.
Use image generation for a concept or source image, then inspect and refine it.
Examples: Canva, Firefly or Ideogram. Review text, rights, privacy settings and visual accuracy.
A form arrives → prepare a follow-up and a proposed CRM update.
A person checks the draft → send and record only the approved changes.
Examples: Zapier, Make or n8n. Check the actual data flow, permissions and failure handling.
Can you use the output commercially? Are inputs or outputs public?
Where does the data go, and which actions can the tool perform?
What do retries cost? Who checks the result before it is used?
Check the actual plan and intended use. A paid tier alone does not establish permission, privacy or suitability.
Claude ran a snack shop: ordering stock, setting prices and talking to customers.
Early failures exposed weak inventory and decision controls. Later iterations added tools and operating structure.
A bounded experiment, not evidence that an agent can run any business unattended. Source: Anthropic, Project Vend.
Anthropic’s Super Bowl campaign used human performers and a conventional production team.
Use AI where it helps the brief. A lower production barrier does not decide the best creative approach.
One campaign is an example, not proof of a universal ceiling on AI-generated work. Campaign sources are in the reference list.
Upload the source material in chat and download an editable draft.
Use an approved assistant inside the document or spreadsheet.
Give access to the specific records or actions the task needs.
Start with the route that fits the task. Check your organization’s approved tools and permissions.
Confirm that your tool supports the required file type and that the downloaded output remains editable.
“Update this chart from the new data. Preserve the formulas and template.”
Check the affected cells or slides. Recalculate, compare with the source, and review the final file.
Use an approved Office or Workspace integration. Availability and permissions depend on your account and organization.
Optional reference: product tables and supporting examples · All talks
All figures verified July 2026. This market moves monthly — re-check the vendor's page before quoting a price outside this room.