Hybrid Automation

The right tool for every task

Not everything needs AI. Our hybrid approach uses agentic AI where it adds unique value and deterministic system automation where rules suffice — optimising for cost, speed, and reliability.

When AI leads vs. when rules lead

Scenario

Rules

Reasoning

Structured data extraction from fixed templates

Deterministic rules are faster and cheaper for predictable formats.

Unstructured document understanding

AI excels at interpreting varied layouts, language, and context.

Routing based on known business rules

Rule engines handle if/then logic with zero latency and 100% predictability.

Customer intent classification

Natural language understanding requires AI to handle ambiguity and nuance.

Data validation against fixed schemas

Schema validation is deterministic — no AI overhead needed.

Anomaly detection in financial data

AI identifies novel patterns that rule-based systems would miss.

Scheduled report generation

Templated reports are best handled by automated scripts.

Intelligent prioritisation and triage

AI weighs multiple factors and learns from outcomes over time.

Hybrid architecture patterns

AI Pre-processing + Rules Routing

AI agents extract and classify data from unstructured sources, then deterministic rules route the structured output to the right workflow.

Example

Contract review: AI extracts clauses and flags risks, rule engine routes by contract type and risk level to the appropriate solicitor.

60% cheaper than full AI, 90% more accurate than full rules

Rules Handling + AI Escalation

Rule-based automation handles the 80% of predictable cases instantly. AI agents handle the 20% that require judgement, context, or nuance.

Example

Customer service: Rules handle order tracking, returns, and FAQs. AI handles complaints, complex enquiries, and sentiment-driven routing.

Optimal cost balance — AI only used where it adds value

Parallel Processing with Consensus

Both AI and rules process the same input independently. Results are compared, and discrepancies trigger human review. Highest accuracy possible.

Example

Fraud detection: Rule-based checks flag known patterns while AI identifies novel anomalies. Both must agree before auto-approving.

99%+ accuracy with minimal false positives

AI Decision + Rules Execution

AI agents make strategic decisions (what to do), and deterministic systems execute them (how to do it) with guaranteed consistency.

Example

Dynamic pricing: AI determines optimal price points. Rule engine applies them across channels with guaranteed consistency and audit trails.

Strategic intelligence with operational reliability

Not sure which approach suits your workflows?

Our consultants will analyse your processes and recommend the optimal AI-to-rules ratio for maximum cost savings.

No commitment required. Get a custom quote in minutes.