Semantic Layers: The Operating System for Agentic AI

Two procurement agents receive the same purchase request: "Order 500 units of Product X from the approved supplier list." The first agent; operating without semantic grounding; searches by keyword, finds a vendor match, and places the order. The second agent, equipped with a semantic layer, cross-references the product specification against compliance requirements, verifies the supplier's certification status has not expired, and checks whether the quantity aligns with current inventory policy thresholds. Only one makes the right decision.