Why it matters
Sequences and AI agents serve different automation needs in Whippy. Sequences automate structured, time-based outreach, while AI agents handle real conversations. Combining them lets you run multi-step workflows that include AI-powered interactions at the right stages.
Key Concepts
Sequence: A multi-step workflow that sends messages or performs actions over time. Ideal for drips, reminders, onboarding flows, and conditional follow-ups.
AI Agent: An automated conversational assistant that can message or call contacts, answer questions, qualify leads, update data, and escalate conversations. AI agents respond in real time rather than following a schedule.
AI Agent Step: A sequence step where an AI agent is launched as part of the workflow. An agent can start a conversation or wait for the contact to speak first depending on configuration.
When to use sequences: For scheduled messaging, linear or branched flows, and controlled multi-step logic.
When to use AI agents: For live interaction, dynamic replies, natural conversations, data extraction, and qualification tasks.
Step-by-Step: Add an AI Agent to a Sequence
Go to Sequences in the left navigation.
Select the sequence you want to edit or create a new one.
Open the Steps tab.
Click Add Step.
Choose Voice AI Agent or Chat Agent (depending on channel availability).
Select the agent from the dropdown.
Configure step details:
Optional step title
Timezone
Schedule (send immediately, delay, or send based on a custom object date)
Choose whether the agent should send the first message or wait for the contact to message first.
Save the step.
Add additional steps, triggers, or branching logic as needed.
Turn the sequence on when ready.
Tips and Best Practices
Use AI agents when you want a conversation, not just a message.
Place agent steps after initial outreach steps so the contact understands who they are speaking with.
Use response triggers to route contacts differently based on AI outcomes (for example, qualified vs unqualified).
For phone-based workflows, use Voice AI agent steps to automate screening or scheduling tasks.
Keep sequences simple when combining multiple agents to avoid overlapping conversations.
Troubleshooting
Issue | Possible Cause | Fix |
AI agent not appearing in dropdown | No agents set up or access restricted | Create an agent in Settings → AI Agents or adjust permissions |
Agent does not send the first message | Step configured to wait for contact | Edit the step and enable “Agent sends first message” |
Agent does not start | Quiet hours or business-hour rules blocking execution | Review sequence settings and modify timing controls |
Sequence step appears but agent never engages | Wrong channel selected | Ensure selected channel supports the agent type |