AI tools

AI tools are used by AI agents to complete actions in Order Hub. Each AI tool represents a single, well-defined capability, such as searching for orders, canceling an order, or validating a coupon.

AI agents call tools instead of directly starting Order Management System APIs or services. AI tools also define how the system connects to external services. This configuration helps maintain consistent behavior across environments.

Tool properties

The following properties define how each AI tool behaves:

  • Tool name and description, which help AI agents understand when to use the tool.
  • Schema, which defines the inputs that an AI agent provides and how the system validates those inputs.
  • Permissions, which control whether the tool completes read-only or write-enabled actions.

Each AI tool is implemented as a service in the Sterling Order Management service definition framework.

Tool types

AI tools are of two types:

  • System-defined tools, which are tools for built-in agents.
  • Custom tools, which administrators or developers create to meet organization-specific needs.

System-defined tools can be overridden to adjust descriptions and schemas, while custom tools can be fully edited.

AI tools serve as the foundation for safe and predictable AI interactions by clearly defining what AI agents can do and how they do it.

Dependencies between AI tools and services

AI tools depend on service definition files. Changes to one resource can affect the other. For example, you can’t delete a service definition file while an AI tool uses it. Remove or update the association in the AI tool first.