Too many agent tools can make every request expensive
A central AI agent is being used across company products, including s and a software service. It runs through . The main problem is that every extra tool adds more , even when the user sends a very short message.
A simple “hi” can use about 10,000 tokens because the model still receives tool descriptions so it knows how to act. These tools include actions such as rescheduling meetings, sending emails, and checking upcoming meetings. The long-term goal is to let users do almost anything an admin can do through chat or voice.
That does not scale well when mature products have many features and the service is offered for free to attract early users. The useful direction is a setup where the agent can discover tools step by step or search for the right tool only when needed.
Key points
- More tools can increase on every request.
- Even a short greeting can consume about 10,000 tokens.
- Tool descriptions are needed so the agent knows how to perform actions like email and scheduling.
- A product with many admin features can become expensive if every tool is always included.
- Progressive tool discovery or is the likely direction to reduce cost.