> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.sipgate.de/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.sipgate.de/ai-agents/en/behavior/playbooks.md).

# Playbooks

Playbooks define how your AI Agent responds to specific requests and which steps are carried out. They are used when conversations should not only be answered, but handled in a targeted way. For example, to collect information, review requests, or pass content on to your team.

In this way, playbooks form the basis for structured and automated conversation flows.

<figure><img src="/files/8712376a8a4a233e271cf532f21eb50eb4789ce6" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### What are playbooks used for?

Playbooks are suitable for requests that require a clear, structured process.

**Examples of use for playbooks:**

* Record callback requests with full contact details
* Document support or service requests in a structured way
* Categorize and route invoice or contract questions
* Capture appointment requests when no calendar integration is connected

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Note:** If you have connected a calendar integration, do not create an additional playbook for scheduling appointments. The AI Agent automatically recognizes appointment requests via the calendar integration and can book appointments directly. An additional playbook can cause the request to be assigned incorrectly.
{% endhint %}

### How do playbooks work?

A playbook controls how your AI Agent handles a conversation. It can be used to specifically request information such as customer numbers, problem descriptions, or contact options. The agent confirms the captured details and then passes them on. For example, by email, webhook, or as a summary in the sipgate app.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note:** Newly created playbooks are initially deactivated. The AI Agent can only use them for suitable requests after they have been activated. Deactivated playbooks are ignored and do not need to be deleted.
{% endhint %}

### Give playbooks clear names and descriptions

The title and description of a playbook influence when it is selected by the AI Agent. Formulate both clearly, unambiguously, and with clear topical separation. Similar, imprecise, or overly general details can cause the AI Agent to select an unsuitable playbook.

{% hint style="success" icon="lightbulb" %}
Test the naming of your playbooks deliberately with different formulations and adjust titles if needed to ensure clear assignment.
{% endhint %}

### Define playbook conditions

Make sure the conditions are precise and specific to reliably trigger relevant playbooks. These conditions could include keywords, certain phrases, or specific callers' concerns. Regularly check whether the defined conditions are still working correctly and optimize them if needed for better AI Agent performance.

## Use tasks in the playbook in a targeted way

A playbook consists of individual tasks. They define what the AI Agent should do in the conversation:

* **Request information**, for example customer numbers, contact details, or problem descriptions
* **Pass on instructions**, such as instructions or information for callers
* **Map simple if-then workflows**, for example, ask an additional question depending on an answer
* **Highlight important details in the summary**, so they are directly visible for follow-up processing

Tasks can be created as mandatory or optional. This allows the conversation flow to be tailored specifically to the respective request.

Further information can be found under [**Summaries & Transcripts**.](/ai-agents/en/post-processing/summaries-and-transcripts.md)

### Define closing action

When creating playbooks, you can set the desired closing action as a transfer to a freely selectable phone number, to a channel, or a callback. Channels do not require their own routed phone number for this. The analytics dashboard will then show which channel a call was transferred to.

Use tasks to obtain the callers' consent for the desired closing action. Based on the answer, alternative actions can then be defined. e.g. “Ask whether a callback is desired. If not, say that this will be noted and hang up.”

### Interaction: Playbooks, knowledge base, and customer questions

Playbooks define conversation flows. The [**Knowledge base**](/ai-agents/en/behavior/wissensdatenbank.md) and [**customer questions**](/ai-agents/en/behavior/kundenfragen.md) provide the answers, while playbooks control the AI Agent's structured approach. In combination with conversation handling, routing, and follow-up processing, this creates a stable, traceable process for your telephony.


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