Build vs. Delegate: The AI Agent Company Decision Framework
A systematic framework for knowing when to use autonomous AI agent orchestration platforms (like Paperclip) versus staying hands-on with Claude Code. Based on Chase AI's analysis of the Paperclip platform and the rise of AI agent companies — this workflow helps you avoid 'productivity theater' by applying the core Delegation vs. Creation distinction: building something new requires you in the loop, while running established processes is where agent orchestration shines.
The critical first step
Define your project goal and classify it
Break into discrete phases
Plan and scope the project
One discrete phase at a time
Implement the next phase
The tight feedback loop
Review output and give immediate direction
Design before deploying agents
Map the org chart and task ownership
Set up org chart in dashboard
Configure agent hierarchy and deploy
Board of directors setup
Set heartbeat intervals and oversight rules
Maintain board-level oversight
Review agent outputs and dashboard health
Steady state
Continue delegating and refine as needed
New project → Claude Code tight loop | Established workflow → Agent orchestration
Instructions degrade across agent layers → regression to the mean → mediocre output
Agents spin up every 5/30/60 min to check for new instructions from you or their superiors
Dashboards with agent org charts feel impressive. Results are the only measure that matters.
Recipe
11 nodes · 4 phasesBuild vs. Delegate: The AI Agent Company Decision Framework
A systematic framework for knowing when to use autonomous AI agent orchestration platforms (like Paperclip) versus staying hands-on with Claude Code. Based on Chase AI's analysis of the Paperclip platform and the rise of AI agent companies — this workflow helps you avoid 'productivity theater' by applying the core Delegation vs. Creation distinction: building something new requires you in the loop, while running established processes is where agent orchestration shines.