Index
Stopping an agent does not automatically undo actions already delivered to destination systems. The experience must show completed work, in-progress activity and steps that were prevented.
The design to commission
Define interruption points and cancellation capabilities for each tool. Internal preparation may be discarded, while dispatch already accepted by an external service needs different treatment. Do not promise universal reversal. Confirm pause, record in-flight operations and prevent further steps when control state changes. Decide how resumption works: old context may be unsuitable after data or permissions change. Compare small execution steps with long indivisible calls. Splitting workflows improves control but does not erase confirmed effects. Scope should include a status interface with clear states and destination queries when outcomes remain unknown. Avoid labeling the entire request cancelled when some actions completed. Operators need evidence to decide what happens next rather than reassuring messages that hide actual outcomes. Test pause during a tool call, not only between calls, and document whether that particular tool can be interrupted.
Supplier criteria
- Distinguish confirmed pause from a submitted pause request.
- Retain completed actions with inspectable references.
- Revalidate context and permissions before resuming work.
Acceptance with an exception
For hypothetical acceptance, pause arrives after a record is created but before another stage. The existing record must appear completed and the next stage remain blocked until a resumption decision.
Reference for assessing scope
Prepare your project with Quantum9
Bring Quantum9 a workflow with multiple operational effects. We assess pause points, confirmations and partial-result presentation without promising to reverse actions that are not reversible.