Halley's AI Guide · Glossary

AI Tools.

Definition — An AI Tool is a specific action an AI assistant or agent can call to get something done, such as searching a directory, looking up a record, running a calculation, booking a time, or opening a ticket. In Halley AI™, each tool is scoped to the data and actions your workflow allows.

In short Building blocks

The specific actions an AI Agent can take, such as a search, a lookup, or a booking, so it can act, not just answer.

Called by AI Agents and assistants
How It Works

Turning raw data into action.

A tool gives the model a defined way to act. The model decides when a question needs a tool, calls it with the right inputs, and uses the result in its answer. Without tools, an assistant can only answer from what it already knows. With them, it can check a record, run a search, or start a process.

Key Features

  • Defined inputs and outputs: each tool has a contract, so the model can only call it in the ways you have approved.
  • Scoped access: a tool reads or changes only the data its workflow needs.
  • Common types: directory and record lookups, calculators, schedulers, ticket creation, and CRM handoffs.
  • Human handoff: a tool can route the case to a person instead of acting on its own.
  • Logged calls: tool calls can be recorded, so you can see what the assistant did and why.

Why It Matters

Tools are what turn an assistant from something that answers questions into something that finishes the job. For the American Gem Trade Association, Halley's assistant calls a directory search tool that handles misspellings and synonyms, so members find the right supplier without knowing its exact name.

Put AI Tools to work on your data.

See how the right tools, orchestrated by an agent, fit your workflow.

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