We are, of course, referring to Microsoft Dynamic 365’s Copilot feature and earlier this month conducted a poll on how well it’s been received since it was released in 2023.
The results were interesting with 14% of respondents saying they use it every day, 43% use it occasionally, it’s not the first choice for 29% and 14% never use it.
So just what is it? And how does it differ from other AI tools?
Copilot is an AI-powered assistant integrated into apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook which aims to enhance the capability of the 365 platform. It can be used to provide valuable insights and automate routine tasks, ultimately improving productivity and decision-making across an organisation.
Put more simply, just like with all good AI assistants, you can ask it to do things and it will throw up answers a business will find immensely useful.
So how does it compare to stand-alone AI tools? And why at HG Technology do we consider it far superior and encourage all Microsoft users to start taking notice and use it more?
Smoothly does it
The fact that it’s embedded within 365 apps means integration with familiar tools is seamless. There are no separate logins or additional integration efforts, and the user interface is consistent and can even automatically adapt to suit individual working styles. In short, it’s straightforward and saves time.
It makes it personal
Copilot provides ‘contextual assistance’ which means it uses data sets from within an individual company’s 365 ecosystem. Data contained in emails, documents and meeting records are all interrogated so that responses are specific rather than general. It makes it far more effective.
Tasked to deliver
All AI tools are capable of automating routine and repetitive tasks such as writing emails, data entry, generating reports and creating presentations, freeing up users’ time.
But Copilot draws on data directly from Microsoft 365, from previous interactions and ongoing projects, and by analysing workflow patterns, suggests improvements. This tighter integration delivers efficiency and consistency.
Very reassuring
Not all AI tools are up to scratch when it comes to regulatory compliance, data protection and security. Copilot benefits from Microsoft’s robust framework and will always meet enterprise standards.
It’s a similar story with data privacy protocols. Other tools will need to be reviewed to ensure they meet specific requirements.
Complex comms
Many AI tools use what’s called Natural Language Processing (NLP) yet not all are as contextually advanced and insightful as Copilot which is capable of responding to complex queries all within Microsoft 365. It helps users make informed decisions quickly.
Real use scenarios
Real business scenarios help illustrate the point. For example, at HG Technology we use it on a regular basis to ask questions like ‘how many opportunities closed last week’ or ‘how many new contacts were added to the system in a particular month’.
Similarly, sales teams can use it to get insights on customer behaviour and to generate personalised marketing campaigns. And within the context of customer service, agents can benefit from automated responses, case management insights, and efficient resolution of customer issues.
As to the value it can bring to finance and operations, there are predictive insights on financial performance, and the automation of supply chain processes.
If your organisation needs help getting the most out of Copilot and the Microsoft platform in general, please get in touch.
