What is a function

A tool (also called a function) is a single, specific capability an agent or workflow can use — like sending an email, querying a database, or creating a ticket. Tools are the building blocks that actions are made of.

Sending a Slack message, looking up a customer record, updating a spreadsheet — each of those is one function. Functions are what give agents and workflows the power to actually get work done across your software.

How functions work

• One task at a time — each function performs one specific job. One function might search Google Drive for a file, while another posts a message to a team channel.
• Building blocks for big tasks — complex automations are created by chaining simple functions together in order. Combining a “find customer info” function with a “draft email” function lets an AI worker handle an inquiry from start to finish.
• Use anywhere — once a function is built and approved, any team member can reuse it across different agents and workflows.

Why functions matter for enterprise teams

• Build once, reuse everywhere — a single function can be reused across dozens of workflows, agents, and teams, saving time and preventing duplicated effort.
• No coding required for daily users — technical teams write complex code once and publish it as a simple function. Everyone else uses it like a plug-and-play button.
• Centralized safety and oversight — admins control exactly which functions can be created, who can use them, and what systems they are allowed to touch.
• Secure access — functions run through approved company links, so they only reach the specific databases or endpoints your IT team permits.

A quick example: account reconciliation

1. IT builds the function — the data team writes a custom “Reconcile Transactions” function that checks sales records between two company databases.
2. An admin approves it — IT reviews the function against security policy and marks it approved.
3. Finance uses it — a finance manager drops the function straight into their monthly reporting workflow, running complex data checks safely with a single click.

Connectors vs. functions vs. workflows

Platform feature	What it does	Simple analogy	Example
Connector	Connects Rival to a software app	The bridge to the app	Your CRM connection
Function	Performs a single action in that app	A single capability in the workspace	”Update Deal Status”
Workflow	Connects multiple functions into a full process	The complete project plan	Sales approval pipeline

Related

• The full Functions reference → What is a function
• Discover pre-built functions → Functions marketplace
• Equip AI team members with functions → Building agents
• Quick lookups → Glossary