handoff-protocols

To prevent context loss during multi-agent handoffs, you must explicitly define the context transfer payload. Deciding whether to carry full, summary, or structured context ensures task continuity when an autonomous agent passes work to another.

A human-in-the-loop handoff protocol is a structured rule set for transferring tasks from autonomous agents to humans. It specifies triggers, sources, destinations, payload, and acknowledgment requirements to preserve context and ensure reliable task continuity.

To design a multi-agent handoff protocol for task escalation, model your scenario by explicitly specifying the trigger, source, destination, payload, and acknowledgment. This defines the execution path for sequential, parallel fan-out, fan-in, or fallback handoffs.

Yes, you can track and audit autonomous agent handoffs to ensure user transparency. The protocol design supports handoff auditing, user-initiated actions, and visibility options to make the context transfer process transparent or invisible.

Common failure modes in agent orchestration handoffs include dropped handoffs, lost context, repeated work, and abandoned tasks. Performing a failure-mode analysis during protocol design helps identify these risks and establish reliable fallback procedures.