> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.usepylon.com/pylon-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.usepylon.com/pylon-docs/agents/background-agents.md).

# Background Agents

{% hint style="info" %}
This feature is currently in beta, with access limited to those participating in the beta.
{% endhint %}

Background Agent runs asynchronous workflows so work can happen in the background.

For example, it can investigate a new issue, gather evidence, run a Skill, and prepare findings for Assist Agent.

<figure><img src="/files/KBRagy1zhuCo7nu3duDW" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### How Background Agent works

Background agents can be configured from the [Agents](https://app.usepylon.com/settings/ai-controls/agents?tab=internal) page:

1. A configured trigger matches an issue, or an external system sends a webhook.
2. Background Agent runs the instructions provided using the context, tools, and skills available to it.
3. Depending on it's configuration it either sends its results into the Assist Agent panel or runs fully in the background.&#x20;
4. A teammate reviews the output with Assist Agent and can ask follow-up questions or take further action.

### Example: Issue Investigator

<figure><img src="/files/Gb0IMzBoPe906pQnwpOL" alt=""><figcaption><p>A background agent prepares an investigation each time a new issue arrives.</p></figcaption></figure>

### Example: Update documentation

<figure><img src="/files/mYa6Bj9eYIznJR6OQjRs" alt=""><figcaption><p>A background agent that runs when there is a new feature released to update relevant knowledge base articles.</p></figcaption></figure>

### Context

{% hint style="info" %}
You have full control over which tools, skills, and connectors the Background Agent has access to.
{% endhint %}

Depending on your configuration, Background Agent can work with:

* The context of the triggering object (issue, account, webhook, etc)
* Knowledge base articles and connected documentation
* Past issues
* Account fields and notebooks
* Connected codebases and logs
* MCP connectors and other enabled tools
* Skills assigned to the agent

For any connectors that are enabled for the background agent, they will use the [Agent](/pylon-docs/agents/connectors.md#connection-types) connection - native tools and tools from connectors can be enabled or disabled on the Tools tab of the Agent.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.usepylon.com/pylon-docs/agents/background-agents.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.