Which failure modes should we expect to see and how should we score them?
Common failure modes include dropped conditions, wrong product templates, authority breaches, duplicate writes, premature release and invented identifiers, each of which can be scored from state and action logs.
**Which failure modes does a task pack target?**
A pack can tag cases for the following:
- **Dropped conditions:** a condition in a memo or amendment never reaches the schedule or the instruction. - **Wrong template:** a product template is chosen that does not match the approved structure. - **Authority breach:** the agent accepts a variation that exceeds the approver's delegated authority. - **Duplicate or orphaned writes:** retries create extra records. - **Premature release:** the account goes to servicing with an open condition. - **Invented identifiers:** the agent cites a record or document that does not exist. - **Silent skipping:** a blocked case is neither booked nor escalated.
**How should we score them?**
Score each tag separately from the end-state diff and the action log, and report them side by side. A single pass rate hides which behaviour is failing.
**Does a good score mean the agent is ready for production?**
No. It shows how the agent behaves on the generated cases. Your own process, systems and risk appetite still need separate validation, ideally with staged rollout and human review.
**Should I check the key as well?**
Yes. When an agent fails a case that looks reasonable, review the key. Some disagreements reveal ambiguity in the case, and that feedback is useful to give back during a pilot.
Naming failure modes in advance lets you score them separately and see which behaviour to fix first.
- Audience:
- Agent developers
- Content type:
- FAQ
- Buyer question:
- How to evaluate it
Content release: r-a220eb6e099b243b
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