Tools Reference Manual

Tools provide extensible action capabilities that transform passive AI assistants into active systems capable of interacting with external services, performing computations, and executing custom business logic. They serve as the bridge between conversational AI interfaces and operational systems within organizational infrastructure.

Architectural Purpose

Tools extend language model capabilities beyond text generation by providing structured interfaces for external system integration. They enable assistants to perform concrete actions including data retrieval, system operations, and workflow automation while maintaining security boundaries and operational governance.

System Integration Framework

Gen AI Builder Components

• Assistants: Invoke tools through language model decision-making processes
• Structures: Incorporate tools as workflow components within pipeline operations
• Rulesets: Define tool usage policies and operational constraints
• Memory Systems: Maintain context for multi-step tool execution sequences

External System Connectivity

• APIs: RESTful and GraphQL service integration for data exchange
• Databases: Direct database connectivity for operational data access
• Services: Internal system integration through authenticated connections
• Workflows: Business process automation through multi-tool orchestration

Technical Architecture

Tool Implementation Framework

Tools implement standardized interfaces that enable consistent integration across different assistant types and operational contexts. The framework supports both simple single-purpose tools and complex multi-step workflow automation.

Implementation Reference Tools are developed using the pgai-ai-builder SDK framework available at EnterpriseDB/pgai-ai-builder. This SDK provides the foundational classes and utilities for tool development.

Execution Architecture

Tool Invocation Flow

1. Decision Phase: Language models determine tool necessity based on conversation context
2. Parameter Extraction: Relevant information extraction from user inputs and conversation history
3. Security Validation: Permission verification and rate limit enforcement
4. Execution Phase: Tool-specific logic execution with error handling and timeout management
5. Result Integration: Output formatting and incorporation into conversation flow
6. Context Updates: Memory system updates reflecting tool execution results

Tool Categories

System Integration Tools

API Connectors External service integration tools that provide standardized interfaces for diverse API types including REST, GraphQL, and service-specific protocols.

Common Implementations:

• CRM Integration: Customer relationship management system connectivity
• ERP Systems: Enterprise resource planning data access
• Payment Processors: Financial transaction processing capabilities
• Communication Services: Email, SMS, and notification system integration

Database Access Tools Direct database connectivity tools that enable structured data queries while maintaining security boundaries and performance optimization.

Supported Database Types:

• PostgreSQL: Native integration with Vector Engine capabilities
• Cloud Databases: AWS RDS, Google Cloud SQL, Azure Database
• Data Warehouses: Snowflake, BigQuery, Redshift
• NoSQL Systems: MongoDB, Redis, Elasticsearch

Computational Tools

Mathematical Operations Specialized computational tools that perform calculations beyond language model capabilities, including statistical analysis, financial modeling, and scientific computations.

Business Logic Processors Custom business rule implementation tools that encode organizational logic including pricing calculations, eligibility determinations, and compliance validations.

Data Transformation Tools Content processing tools that manipulate data formats, perform aggregations, and execute complex transformations required for business operations.

Workflow Automation Tools

Process Orchestration Multi-step workflow coordination tools that manage complex business processes including approval workflows, data synchronization, and system integration sequences.

Notification Systems Communication coordination tools that manage alert distribution, status updates, and stakeholder communication across multiple channels and systems.

Implementation Patterns

Enterprise System Integration

Organizations implement comprehensive tool suites that connect AI assistants with existing operational systems while maintaining security boundaries and performance requirements.

Security Framework

• Authentication Integration: Organizational identity system connectivity
• Permission Boundaries: Role-based access control for tool operations
• Audit Logging: Comprehensive operation tracking for compliance requirements
• Rate Limiting: Resource protection through configurable usage constraints

Customer Service Automation

Customer-facing applications leverage specialized tools that provide real-time access to customer information, order status, and support system integration.

Typical Tool Suite

• Account Lookup: Customer information retrieval from CRM systems
• Order Management: Order status queries and modification capabilities
• Payment Processing: Secure financial transaction handling
• Ticket Management: Support case creation and status updates

Internal Productivity Enhancement

Knowledge worker applications utilize tools that integrate with productivity systems including document management, project tracking, and communication platforms.

Productivity Integration Tools

• Document Retrieval: Enterprise content management system access
• Calendar Integration: Schedule management and meeting coordination
• Project Management: Task creation and status tracking across project systems
• Analytics Access: Business intelligence and reporting system integration

Configuration Management

Tool Configuration Schema

Tools require systematic configuration that defines operational parameters, security boundaries, and integration requirements.

Environment Management

Tool deployment requires systematic configuration management that balances operational flexibility with security requirements.

Quality Assurance

Performance Monitoring

Operational Metrics

• Execution Latency: Tool operation completion time measurements
• Success Rates: Operational success percentages across different tool types
• Error Patterns: Systematic analysis of failure modes and error conditions
• Resource Utilization: CPU, memory, and network resource consumption tracking

Security Validation

Security Assessment Framework

• Access Control Verification: Permission boundary testing and validation
• Authentication Testing: Security credential validation and rotation procedures
• Data Protection: Sensitive information handling verification and audit procedures
• Compliance Validation: Regulatory requirement adherence verification

Development Framework

SDK Integration

Tool development utilizes the pgai-ai-builder SDK which provides:

• Base Classes: Standardized tool interfaces and result structures
• Utility Functions: Common operations for API integration and data processing
• Configuration Management: Environment variable handling and security validation
• Testing Framework: Unit testing utilities for tool validation

SDK Documentation: Complete implementation guidance available in the pgai-ai-builder repository.

Deployment Process

Tool Packaging Tools package as deployable components that include:

• Implementation code using pgai-ai-builder SDK
• Configuration schema defining parameters and requirements
• Documentation including usage examples and security considerations
• Test cases validating functionality and error handling

Operational Considerations

Deployment Management

Tool Lifecycle

• Version Control: Systematic tool versioning with backward compatibility management
• Deployment Automation: Consistent tool deployment procedures across environments
• Rollback Procedures: Automated rollback capabilities for problematic deployments
• Documentation Maintenance: Comprehensive documentation updates aligned with tool evolution

Maintenance Procedures

Ongoing Operations

• Dependency Management: External system connectivity monitoring and maintenance
• Performance Optimization: Continuous performance tuning based on usage patterns
• Security Updates: Regular security assessment and vulnerability remediation
• Capacity Planning: Resource allocation optimization based on usage growth

Implementation Resources

Development Guides

Specific implementation procedures are covered in dedicated how-to guides:

• Create a Tool: Step-by-step tool development using pgai-ai-builder SDK
• Tool Configuration: Configuration schema and deployment procedures
• Run Tool: Execution testing and validation procedures

Reference Materials

SDK Documentation

• pgai-ai-builder SDK: Complete SDK documentation and examples
• Tool API Reference: Technical specification for tool interfaces

Integration Documentation

• Assistant Integration: Tool utilization within conversational interfaces
• Structure Workflows: Tool incorporation in automated processes

Tools transform passive AI systems into active participants in organizational workflows by providing secure, scalable interfaces for external system integration and custom logic execution within the Gen AI Builder ecosystem.