Agentic AI describes software that plans and completes several steps toward a goal. For example, an assistant could compare products, check availability, and prepare a purchase rather than simply answer one question.
For businesses, this means product details and website actions may be read or used by assistants working for customers. Clear pricing, availability, and terms help both people and assistants compare options.
An agent may use search, websites, and connected tools as it works. Its actions should stay within the user’s permissions, with approval for consequential steps such as paying or changing an account.
The difference from a basic chatbot is the sequence of work: an agent can choose the next step after seeing a result, without a new instruction for every step. Agentic commerce is one use of this capability in shopping and checkout.