Insight

RAG versus live operational APIs

Use retrieval for approved knowledge and APIs for facts that change with the operation.

RAG is useful for policies, procedures and product guidance. It is a poor substitute for live stock, current price or the status of a specific order.

An operating agent often needs both. It retrieves the relevant rule, then queries the source system for the current fact.

Keeping those sources distinct makes errors easier to diagnose and gives operators a clearer evidence trail.

Related work