๐ง What is the Process Framework in Semantic Kernel?
The Process Framework in Semantic Kernel is a high-level orchestration layer that allows developers to define complex AI-driven processes as reusable workflows.
These processes can:
- Involve multiple steps or phases
- Utilize plugins, agents, prompts, or planners
- Support stateful execution and decision logic
Think of it as an AI-native state machine that defines what should happen, when, and how.
Example: You can define a process like
Onboard New Employee
which involves gathering details, generating a welcome email, and scheduling orientation meetings โ all coordinated by the kernel.
๐ Why Use the Process Framework?
Using the Process Framework gives your AI app superpowers like:
โ Repeatable AI Workflows
Define repeatable, human-like processes that AI can follow every time a task is triggered.
โ Declarative Structure
Design your logic in YAML or C#โeasy to maintain, version, and update.
โ Plugin & Planner Integration
Let AI choose when to use a plugin vs. LLM generation vs. planner to solve problems.
โ Dynamic Decision Making
Incorporate logic, memory, or prompts dynamically based on context or conditions.
๐ฆ Common Use Cases
1. ๐งโ๐ผ Employee Onboarding Automation
- Collect user data
- Generate personalized emails
- Create calendar invites
- Notify HR
2. โจ Blog Generation Pipeline
- Research keyword
- Generate blog outline
- Write content with SEO focus
- Publish to CMS
3. ๐ Document Review Workflow
- Analyze uploaded doc
- Extract key points
- Flag action items
- Notify reviewers
๐ ๏ธ Example: YAML-Based Process Definition
Hereโs a simplified YAML-style structure:
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This defines a flow where:
- AI collects input from the user
- Uses a plugin to summarize
- Sends it using another plugin
๐ Best Practices
- โณ๏ธ Start simple: Begin with 2-3 step processes before scaling
- ๐ Design for reusability: Make steps generic so they work across scenarios
- ๐งฉ Use plugins smartly: Use them to avoid LLM hallucinations on predictable logic
- ๐ง Add memory: Maintain context between steps with long-term memory
๐ง Final Thoughts
The Process Framework in Semantic Kernel helps developers codify AI behavior with precision, logic, and reuse. It enables building structured flows instead of just ad-hoc prompt chains โ making your AI systems smarter, more maintainable, and enterprise-ready.
Whether youโre building internal tools, chatbots, document processors, or content pipelines โ Semantic Kernel’s Process Framework brings powerful orchestration to your AI toolkit.