Level one: repeat the task
The system follows a deterministic trigger and performs a narrow action. This is ideal when the workflow is stable, the data is structured, and exceptions are rare.
Level two: reason inside a boundary
The system interprets unstructured context and selects from approved actions. Evaluation sets, confidence thresholds, and fallback paths become necessary because the same input can produce variable reasoning.
Level three: operate accountably
The agent coordinates tools and people while preserving identity, approvals, traces, cost controls, and incident handling. Autonomy increases only where evidence shows that it improves the outcome.