What is Function calling?
Function calling gives an AI agent hands. Instead of plain text only, the model produces structured calls like “create_invoice(customer, amount)” that your systems can execute. The AI decides when to use a tool, formats its request as a structured command (the 'structured payload'), and waits for the tool to send back a result. That’s how agents move from answers to actions safely.
How does it work?
Define the tools and their inputs. The AI decides when to call which tool, sends a structured payload, and reads the result. Policies, permissions, and logging keep control, while fallbacks ask a human to approve sensitive steps.
When does it matter? (Examples)
- You want the AI to create or update records (CRM/ERP) instead of telling a user what to do.
- Work spans several systems and needs coordination (look up → transform → write back).
- You must keep an audit trail of who did what, when, and with which permissions.
Benefits
- Automates multi-step tasks
- Improves data quality at the source
- Keeps actions auditable
Risks
- Over-permissioned tools
- Bad inputs causing errors
- Hidden costs from noisy calls
Antire and Function calling
We design tool schemas, approval points, and least‑privilege access so agents can act with confidence. Integration targets your core apps and follows your governance rules.
Services
Real AI agents (story)
Related words
AI agent, Tool schema, System prompt, Orchestration layer, Guardrails, HITL