update_consignment

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

No annotations are present, so the description must carry the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It only says 'update' and gives a date format; it does not explain whether unspecified fields are left unchanged, whether updates are reversible, or what side effects occur.

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 short, front-loaded with the core action, and contains no filler. The second sentence about date format earns its place, though the overall terseness leaves major gaps.

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?

With seven parameters, zero schema descriptions, no annotations, and no output schema, this description is massively under-specified. An agent has no way to know what each field means, which field is the required identifier, or what the API returns.

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?

Schema description coverage is 0%, and the description does not compensate. It adds a date format for date-like fields but never maps 'shipping status' to is_shipped or explains name_of_3pl, tracking_number, delivery_agent_phone_number, or the date fields individually.

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 states a specific verb and resource: 'Update a consignment's shipping status.' It is easy to tell this from creation or read tools like create_consignment or get_consignment_stock. It does not explicitly name sibling alternatives, but the action is clear.

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?

There is no guidance on when to use this tool versus create_consignment, mark_ready_to_ship, or pack_orders. The only hint is the word 'Update', which implies an existing consignment, but prerequisites such as needing purchase_order_number are not stated.

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