Collect the real operating evidence
Start with the current SOP, completed examples, templates, checklists, tool list, failure cases, and the person who owns the decision. Watch how the work actually happens instead of assuming the written process is complete.
Redact credentials and customer data before using examples. Mark each source as authoritative, illustrative, outdated, or disputed so the agent does not treat every document equally.
- Current SOP
- Good and bad examples
- Templates and tools
- Decision owner
Map decisions, not just steps
Break the process into triggers, inputs, transformations, decisions, approvals, outputs, and handoffs. For every branch, record the evidence used and who resolves uncertainty.
Agents fail when the hidden judgment remains in the operator’s head. Capture thresholds, exceptions, escalation paths, and examples of what not to do.
- Trigger and entry criteria
- Decision rules
- Exceptions and escalation
- Exit criteria
Design the package
Write a core SKILL.md that orchestrates the process. Put detailed references, templates, examples, and reviewed scripts in separate supporting files so the core instructions remain readable.
Add a platform adapter only after testing the actual host. A general method can be a playbook while platform-specific install and tool behavior remain guided or unsupported.
- Core procedure
- Input and output templates
- Example fixtures
- Platform adapter
Prove it against edge cases
Run accepted historical examples, missing-input cases, contradictory sources, prompt injection attempts, tool failure, and requests to skip approval. Compare the output to named acceptance criteria.
Release with a version number, changelog, known limitations, support policy, and rollback instructions. Update the skill when the real operating process changes.
- Happy path
- Missing and conflicting inputs
- Security and approval tests
- Versioned release
Build the controlled foundation first.
Agent Ready turns these principles into four working documents before it asks you to automate anything.
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