Lesson 3 of 8
The AI Step
The AI step should have one job, a defined input and a predictable output contract.
Active reading
Input contract
What the model receives.
Task
One transformation or decision.
Output contract
What downstream steps expect.
Keep the AI step narrow
Automation is easier to debug when one AI step performs one transformation, such as classifying a ticket or extracting three fields.
Downstream systems should not need to guess the output. Define field names, allowed categories or validation rules.
Example
Input: ticket text. Task: classify urgency. Output: {"priority":"low|medium|high","reason":"..."}.
Quick check
Explain this lesson back in one sentence before continuing. If you cannot, reread the example and key takeaway.
Common mistake
Do not combine classification, reply writing, account changes and notification into one opaque AI step.
Key takeaway
One AI step, one responsibility, one output contract.