> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.maiagent.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.maiagent.ai/maiagent-user-guide/maiagent-user-guide-en/agent-builder/decision-guide.md).

# I Want to Do X, What Should I Use?

Not sure which module to use? Start from your need and find the right starting point.

## Scenario Comparison Table

### Let the Agent Answer Questions

| I want to...                                                        | Use                      | Why                                                       |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------- |
| Let the Agent answer product-related questions                      | **Knowledge Base**       | Upload product manuals so the Agent can find answers      |
| Let the Agent answer frequently asked questions                     | **Knowledge Base** (FAQ) | Create FAQ pairs for precise matching of common questions |
| Let the Agent check order status                                    | **Database**             | Orders are in structured tables, requiring Text to SQL    |
| Let the Agent query real-time information (weather, exchange rates) | **Tools**                | Needs to call external APIs to get real-time data         |

### Let the Agent Take Action

| I want to...                                     | Use        | Why                                                                         |
| ------------------------------------------------ | ---------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Let the Agent send notification emails           | **Tools**  | Integrate with an Email API; the Agent triggers the send                    |
| Let the Agent create customer records in CRM     | **Tools**  | Integrate with a CRM API; the Agent executes the creation                   |
| Let the Agent handle complaints following an SOP | **Skills** | Define a complete workflow to ensure no steps are missed                    |
| Let the Agent guide customers through booking    | **Skills** | Multi-turn conversation to collect information, following a defined process |

### Let the Agent Automate

| I want to...                                                 | Use                  | Why                                                            |
| ------------------------------------------------------------ | -------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Automatically generate a report every morning                | **Agent Scheduling** | Set a scheduled execution to automatically deliver results     |
| Check system status every hour                               | **Agent Scheduling** | Set an interval execution, combined with Tools to check status |
| Automatically import website content into the Knowledge Base | **Crawler**          | Scrape web content and import it into the Knowledge Base       |

## Common Module Combinations

Most scenarios don't use just a single module. Here are common combinations:

### Smart Customer Service

```
Agent + Knowledge Base + FAQ
```

The most basic and common combination. The Agent uses the Knowledge Base to answer product questions, and FAQ handles high-frequency questions.

### Business Assistant

```
Agent + Knowledge Base + Database + Tools
```

Can look up product information (Knowledge Base), check inventory and pricing (Database), and help customers place orders (Tools).

### Automated Reporting

```
Agent + Tools + Agent Scheduling
```

The Agent uses Tools to retrieve data, Agent Scheduling triggers it on a timer, and results are automatically pushed to Slack or LINE.

### Process-Guided Bot

```
Agent + Skills + Tools + Knowledge Base
```

Skills define the complete SOP. During the process, the Agent queries the Knowledge Base for reference materials and uses Tools to execute actions.

## Still Not Sure?

Start with the simplest setup: **Agent + Knowledge Base**. Get the Agent answering questions first, then decide what capabilities to add based on actual user feedback after going live.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.maiagent.ai/maiagent-user-guide/maiagent-user-guide-en/agent-builder/decision-guide.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
