Multi-agent systems: coordination, cost and acceptance
A multi-agent system divides tasks and combines results. It can help with independent subtasks, although coordination adds complexity. Compare it with one assistant or a defined workflow before adoption.
Ian · 2026-05-19
Practical guide
Multi-agent systems: coordination, cost and acceptance
A multi-agent system divides tasks and combines results. It can help with independent subtasks, although coordination adds complexity. Compare it with one assistant or a defined workflow before adoption.
Planning a first application
- Bound functions, sources and permissions per agent.
- Define result sharing and conflict handling.
- Keep a person responsible for accepting the complete result.
What to check before deciding
Measure correctly completed tasks, retries, cost and time. Logging should support reconstruction of actions and failures as implemented. Do not attribute improved accuracy to additional agents without a reproducible comparison.
Primary reference: Anthropic · Building effective agents
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