Standard workflow automation executes fixed sequences: when trigger A fires, run actions B → C → D.

AI agent orchestration dynamically allocates tasks across multiple specialized agents based on real-time context, workload, and conditional outcomes.

Practical example—law firm client intake:

Standard automation (Zapier/Make): New form submission → create CRM record → send welcome email → notify paralegal.
Linear. Breaks when input doesn’t match template.

Agent orchestration: Form arrives → Triage Agent classifies matter type → routes to specialist agents:

• Conflicts Agent: checks database, flags issues, escalates if found
• Scheduling Agent: scans attorney calendars, proposes times, books consult
• Document Agent: generates custom engagement letter using matter-specific templates
• Finance Agent: sets up billing codes, payment schedules
• Oversight Agent: monitors completion, reports blockers

Each agent operates independently. If Scheduling Agent hits a conflict, Document Agent continues drafting while Oversight escalates to staff.

Why this matters for 10-50 person firms:

Automation handles volume at fixed cost. Orchestration handles complexity without adding headcount.

Accounting firms use orchestrated agents to manage month-end close: one agent pulls bank feeds, another reconciles, a third drafts variance reports, a fourth flags anomalies for partner review. The system adjusts when data arrives late—standard automation would stall.

Build requirements:

• Agent registry (which agent handles what)
• Message bus (agents communicate via events, not hardcoded calls)
• State management (shared context across agents)
• Failure isolation (one agent crash doesn’t cascade)

Orchestration costs 40-60% more to implement than linear automation. Break-even occurs when process complexity would otherwise require hiring.

If your workflow has fewer than 5 conditional branches and runs the same way every time, stay with standard automation. If outcomes vary based on client type, matter complexity, or external dependencies, orchestration recovers time that automation leaves on the table.