Agent Operating Procedures (AOPs) are pre-configured AI workflows that automate complex tasks through intelligent, repeatable processes. Think of AOPs as your AI-powered standard operating procedures that can perform research, analysis, content generation, and decision-making tasks with minimal human intervention.
AOPs can be executed via the Python SDK for seamless integration into your existing workflows!

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What are AOPs?

AOPs represent a revolutionary approach to workflow automation, combining the flexibility of AI with the reliability of structured processes. Each AOP contains:
  • Intelligent Prompts: Carefully crafted instructions that guide AI behavior
  • Dynamic Parameters: Configurable inputs that adapt the AOP to different scenarios
  • Tool Integration: Access to Athena’s comprehensive toolkit for various tasks
  • Execution Modes: Multiple ways to run AOPs based on your needs

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Key Features

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Dynamic Parameter System

AOPs use a powerful parameter system that makes them highly adaptable:

Text Inputs

Simple text parameters for names, descriptions, and custom instructions
Example: [[company_name|type=text]]

Asset Selection

Select specific assets like documents, databases, or presentations
Example: [[documents|type=assetSelector|filterType=document]]

Option Selection

Choose from predefined options for consistent results
Example: [[priority|type=textOptions|options=High,Medium,Low]]

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Multiple Execution Modes

AOPs offer flexibility in how they’re executed:
  • API Mode: Direct execution with immediate results
  • Async API Mode: Background processing for long-running tasks
  • Chat Integration: Interactive execution with conversational feedback
  • SDK Integration: Programmatic execution via Python SDK

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Intelligent Configuration

Each AOP contains sophisticated configuration options: 
{
  "name": "Market Research Analysis",
  "description": "Comprehensive market analysis with competitor insights",
  "tools": ["web_search", "data_analysis", "report_generation"],
  "parameters": {
    "industry": "text",
    "target_market": "text",
    "competitors": "assetSelector"
  }
}

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How AOPs Work

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Parameter Parsing

AOPs use a special syntax to define dynamic inputs within their prompts:
  • Basic Text: [[parameter_name]] - Simple text input
  • Typed Parameters: [[name|type=text|placeholder=Enter company name]]
  • Asset Selectors: [[documents|type=assetSelector|filterType=document]]
  • Options: [[priority|type=textOptions|options=High,Medium,Low]]

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Execution Flow

  1. Parameter Collection: AOP identifies required inputs from the prompt
  2. Input Validation: Ensures all required parameters are provided
  3. Context Building: Combines user inputs with AOP configuration
  4. AI Processing: Executes the workflow using Athena’s AI capabilities
  5. Result Delivery: Returns formatted results based on execution mode

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Tool Integration

AOPs can leverage any of Athena’s available tools:
  • Research Tools: Web search, data analysis, document review
  • Content Creation: Document generation, presentation creation, report writing
  • Data Processing: Database queries, spreadsheet analysis, data visualization
  • Communication: Email composition, meeting scheduling, notification sending

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Creating and Managing AOPs

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AOP Library

The AOP Library serves as your central hub for workflow management:
  • Browse Existing AOPs: Discover pre-built workflows for common tasks
  • Create New AOPs: Build custom workflows tailored to your needs
  • Edit and Refine: Continuously improve your AOPs based on results
  • Share and Collaborate: Make AOPs available to your team

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Best Practices for AOP Creation

  1. Clear Objectives: Define exactly what the AOP should accomplish
  2. Flexible Parameters: Use dynamic inputs to make AOPs reusable
  3. Comprehensive Prompts: Provide detailed instructions for consistent results
  4. Tool Selection: Choose appropriate tools for the task at hand
  5. Testing and Iteration: Refine AOPs based on real-world usage

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AOP Configuration

When creating an AOP, you’ll configure:
  • Basic Information: Name, description, and category
  • Prompt Template: The core instructions with parameter placeholders
  • Tool Selection: Which Athena tools the AOP can access
  • Parameter Definitions: Types and validation rules for inputs
  • Execution Settings: Default mode and performance options

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Using AOPs Effectively

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Via the Web Interface

  1. Access AOP Library: Navigate to the AOP section in your workspace
  2. Select AOP: Choose the workflow that matches your needs
  3. Provide Inputs: Fill in required parameters through the intuitive interface
  4. Execute: Run the AOP and monitor progress
  5. Review Results: Examine outputs and take follow-up actions

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Via Python SDK

from athena import AopExecuteRequestIn, Athena

client = Athena(api_key="YOUR_API_KEY")

# Execute an AOP with custom inputs
response = client.aop.execute(
    request=AopExecuteRequestIn(
        asset_id="asset_9249292-d118-42d3-95b4-00eccfe0754f",
        user_inputs={
            "company": "Acme Corp",
            "quarter": "Q1 2024",
            "analysis_type": "comprehensive"
        }
    )
)

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Integration Patterns

AOPs integrate seamlessly with other Athena features:
  • Project Integration: Link AOPs to specific projects for context
  • Agent Workflows: Use AOPs as building blocks in larger agent processes
  • Scheduled Execution: Run AOPs on regular schedules for ongoing tasks
  • Event Triggers: Execute AOPs based on specific conditions or events

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Common Use Cases

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Business Analysis

  • Market Research: Comprehensive competitor and market analysis
  • Financial Analysis: Revenue forecasting and financial modeling
  • Risk Assessment: Identify and evaluate potential business risks
  • Performance Reviews: Automated analysis of business metrics

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Content Creation

  • Report Generation: Automated creation of business reports
  • Presentation Building: Generate presentations from data and requirements
  • Documentation: Create and maintain technical documentation
  • Marketing Content: Develop marketing materials and campaigns

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Data Processing

  • Data Analysis: Statistical analysis and insight generation
  • Database Operations: Automated database queries and updates
  • Spreadsheet Automation: Complex calculations and data manipulation
  • Visualization: Create charts and graphs from raw data

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Research and Intelligence

  • Competitive Intelligence: Monitor and analyze competitor activities
  • Industry Research: Stay updated on industry trends and developments
  • Due Diligence: Comprehensive research for business decisions
  • Regulatory Compliance: Monitor and ensure compliance with regulations

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Advanced Features

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Custom Tool Integration

AOPs can be extended with custom tools specific to your organization:
  • API Integrations: Connect to internal systems and databases
  • Specialized Analysis: Industry-specific analytical capabilities
  • Custom Workflows: Multi-step processes unique to your business
  • External Services: Integration with third-party platforms and services

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Performance Optimization

Optimize AOP performance through:
  • Caching: Store frequently used data for faster execution
  • Parallel Processing: Execute multiple tasks simultaneously
  • Resource Management: Efficient use of computational resources
  • Result Optimization: Streamline output formatting and delivery

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Monitoring and Analytics

Track AOP performance and usage:
  • Execution Metrics: Monitor success rates and performance times
  • Usage Analytics: Understand which AOPs are most valuable
  • Error Tracking: Identify and resolve common issues
  • Optimization Insights: Data-driven improvements to workflows
AOPs represent the future of intelligent automation, combining the power of AI with the reliability of structured processes to transform how you approach complex tasks and workflows.