An AI app performs a single task on command — for example, running a rule check on a CAD model when an engineer presses a button. An AI agent operates with a higher level of autonomy, executing multi-step workflows without requiring the engineer to prompt every individual check. The agent understands how to perform a complete review based on predefined workflows and organizational context, producing structured output that integrates into the engineering team's existing review process. The distinction matters because agents deliver compounding value over time — they don't just automate a task, they automate a workflow.