Summarize inventory totals

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true and destructiveHint=false, covering the safety profile. The description adds that it returns grouped totals but does not disclose additional behaviors like whether it reflects real-time data, pagination, or any limitations. With annotations in place, the description adds moderate value but lacks deeper behavioral context.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is a single, front-loaded sentence that states the core action and output without any fluff. Every word contributes meaning, and it is appropriately sized for a tool with no parameters.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a parameterless tool with annotations covering safety and no output schema, the description fully specifies what the tool returns and how it is grouped. Nothing essential is missing for an agent to call it correctly and interpret the result.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

There are zero parameters, so the schema carries no burden. The baseline for no-parameter tools is 4, and the description does not need to explain parameter semantics. The description implicitly confirms that no inputs are required, which is sufficient.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states a specific verb ('Return') and resource ('inventory totals') with explicit output fields (record counts, quantity, declared value) and grouping criteria (object type and currency). This distinguishes it from siblings like search_inventory (searching) and get_inventory_object (retrieving a specific object).

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

No guidance is provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives. The description does not mention when an agent should prefer this over search_inventory or list_contents, nor does it state exclusions or prerequisites. The purpose implies it's for aggregate summaries, but that is not explicitly stated.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.