Workshop contents
Session 1 · Workflows and Tools
Workflows and Tools
From talking to working
The AI moves from answering questions to helping produce the work. It can run calculations, build charts, retrieve data and draft documents.
Workflow Map
| Work stage | What AI does | What people review |
|---|---|---|
| Find | Pulls the relevant records from the dataset | Whether the right records were included |
| Analyze | Groups the data and calculates patterns | Whether the comparison is meaningful |
| Visualise | Builds charts that make the pattern easier to see | Whether the chart is clear and honest |
| Draft | Turns the findings into a message or report | Whether the recommendation is accurate and appropriate |
Run a connected workflow
PromptClick the text, then ⌘C or Ctrl+C
WORKFLOW: 1. Query the DataCo dataset: pull all order lines flagged as late delivery. Remove any rows where the required fields are blank. 2. Group the data by: region, shipping mode, customer segment, product category 3. Generate a visual dashboard with 4 charts. Use a consistent corporate color palette (navy and gold) and label every chart axis clearly: - Late delivery rate by region (bar chart) - Delay days by shipping mode (box plot showing the spread of delays) - Profit associated with late deliveries by category (treemap / category size chart) - Trend: late delivery rate over time (line chart) 4. Identify the three strongest combinations associated with late delivery (e.g. Standard Class + West of USA + a specific category) and state what additional evidence would be required before claiming one factor caused the delay 5. Draft an email to the VP of Logistics summarising findings with the dashboard attached
Outcome. The AI produces analysis, four charts, a pattern assessment and a draft email in one connected workflow.
Discussion question
That took the AI sixty seconds. How long would it take your team?
Recognise the tools behind the answer
The workflow uses four kinds of tools:
- Code execution: ran Python or SQL over the dataset
- Visualization: generated the charts
- Document generation: drafted the email
- Data retrieval: found the exact rows needed for the question
Key takeawayAn AI model without tools is a consultant with no laptop. It can advise, but it cannot deliver.