How to Build Purpose-Built AI Agents That Actually Solve Business Problems

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AI is everywhere- and so are the headaches it's causing for IT and business leaders. With new models launching every week and employees experimenting with dozens of tools on their own, it's becoming harder (and riskier) than ever to manage AI (Artificial Intelligence) at scale. There's also a problem with shadow IT. With 83% of employees admitting to using unsanctioned apps, this creates security holes and data silos that hinder secure and efficient AI adoption. Unchecked tech sprawl undermines governance, compliance, and ROI from AI initiatives.

However, there's a more strategic approach than constantly playing catch-up. Leading companies are opting to build custom AI agents-purpose-built, secure, and trained on their own data-to address specific business challenges.

If you're trying to bring structure, governance, and real value to AI in your organization, this post is for you.

Why one-size-fits-all AI doesn't work for your business

While tools like ChatGPT are excellent for general productivity, off-the-shelf models often fall short for context-specific tasks. Whether it's interpreting internal sales data, answering customer-specific support questions, or drafting proposals in your brand voice, AI needs to understand your business, systems, and data securely. This is where custom-trained AI agents come into play.

Understanding purpose-built AI agents

A purpose-built AI agent is more than just a chatbot. It's a software agent powered by large language models (LLMs) trained to perform specific tasks using your organization's data, tools, and rules. Simple examples might include:

• Sales agent: Drafts outbound emails using your CRM and product playbooks.

• Support agent: Provides accurate responses from your help docs, updated in real-time

• Compliance agent: Flags sensitive content in internal documents before they go public

These agents are effective because they are securely trained on the specific information your team uses daily and can integrate into your business systems.

Building AI agents the right way

Forward-thinking organizations are transitioning from ad-hoc AI usage to platform-based AI. This structured approach includes:

• Centralized access to top models: Instead of choosing between OpenAI, Anthropic, Mistral, Meta, or others, use a platform offering access to all under one subscription

• Secure training on iInternal data: Train agents using company content without exposing data to public models

• Governance and oversight: IT leaders manage AI usage, data access, and model deployment-reducing risk and enhancing control

• Developer-friendly customization: AI agents can be built and refined by internal teams to meet evolving needs

This approach improves AI output quality and relevance, aligning AI usage with company policies, compliance standards, and business goals.

Why this matters for IT and innovation leaders

Recent surveys indicate over 75% of workers use AI-often through unapproved tools-creating risks like data leakage, inconsistent outputs, compliance violations, and missed opportunities to standardize best practices. By offering a secure, centralized, and flexible way to create custom AI agents, IT leaders can:

• Support innovation without compromising security

• Empower teams while maintaining oversight

• Turn AI from a distraction into a competitive advantage

See it in action at Thrive

At Thrive by AppDirect, we're hosting an interactive session moderated by the team at Devs.ai, an AppDirect company. Experts will demonstrate how companies build secure, custom-trained agents, access 30+ LLMs through a unified platform, and turn AI into real ROI. Meet Aaron Bailey, General Manager of Devs.ai, and explore agentic AI further.

Devs.ai offers a no-code solution simplifying the creation, deployment, and management of AI agents within a secure, centralized environment. "AI is a game-changer for businesses, but building and scaling AI solutions is complex. Devs.ai makes it easy to create, launch, and manage powerful AI agents without the usual headaches. Everything runs on private Azure instances, you own your data, and we handle the messy parts so you can focus on making AI work for you. Simple, secure, no BS." -Aaron Bailey, General Manager, Devs.ai

What's the AI channel opportunity?

A platform-based approach to AI, also opens up a unique opportunity for technology advisors, channel partners, MSPs, agents, and others who guide clients in their technology decisions. Partners can position themselves as their customers' AI consultants, helping them adopt a holistic AI strategy that drives real business value.

Because Devs.ai offers a single, secure platform to resell leading LLMs, technology advisors can guide customers to access and use their preferred AI models efficiently. Additionally, there is a white-label opportunity for providers to offer the Devs.ai platform under their own brand, further strengthening customer relationships and expanding their AI service offerings.

Additional strategies for using AI effectively

Read more about strategies for using AI effectively "How AI Can Transform Education: Enhancing Learning with AI."

• Develop a vision: Define how AI aligns with your specific goals and values. Whether personalizing learning, supporting administrative tasks, or fostering creativity, a clear vision guides AI initiatives toward meaningful outcomes.

• Study AI usage across audiences: Understand how different roles can benefit from AI tools. Conduct surveys, focus groups, and pilot programs to gather feedback and refine your approach.

• Test and refine implementation plans: Avoid large-scale rollouts without careful planning. Start with pilot programs, gather data on effectiveness and user experience, and adjust based on feedback.

• Continuously iterate for responsible AI: Establish a culture of ongoing learning and improvement. Stay updated on best practices, ethical considerations, and new AI developments.

• Choose the right LLM: Selecting the right large language model is critical. Consider its size, capabilities, efficiency, data security protocols, and alignment with your budget and ethical standards. For more expert insights, read A Framework for Choosing the Right LLM.

Join us at Thrive

Experience how agentic AI can transform your business. Check out our upcoming agenda of expert-led breakout sessions, including our session: Create purpose-built AI agents securely trained on your data. Explore what's new and register now at: https://www.appdirect.com/thrive.