Copilot, Microsoft's new generative AI, is designed to optimize productivity in the daily tasks carried out with the Microsoft 365 Suite. Thanks to its advanced artificial intelligence, Copilot offers assistance and suggestions to improve efficiency and simplify operations within the Microsoft ecosystem.
Microsoft Copilot – Introduction
Copilot it is the new AI generative software from Microsoft which focuses on increasing productivity in the daily tasks we carry out with the Microsoft 365 Suite, the evolution of the office software series that was previously known as the “Office package”.
Microsoft Copilot works similarly to Chat GPT or any other AI which interprets natural language, but with a substantial difference: Copilot is natively integrated into Suite 365 e allows you to automate a large number of operations. For example:
- Transcript and minutes of Microsoft Teams meetings
- Generation of email drafts and summary of threads in Outlook
- Generating texts on Word
- Generating graphs, statistics and formulas in Excel
- Generation of PowerPoint presentations, already perfectly formatted
How to use Microsoft Copilot
Using Microsoft Copilot is very easy and immediate, because the input is based on natural language. Copilot is therefore capable of interpret and carry out tasks which are given verbatim by the user.
However, to achieve the best possible result, there are some strategies to keep in mind in the writing phase Prompt. Let's go and see them:
- Objective – What do you want from Copilot?
The first step in writing the perfect Copilot prompt is to provide a clear instruction, such as: “I want a list of 3 – 5 essential points to prepare for…”
- Context – Why do you need it and who is involved?
In this phase we explain to Copilot why we need its help, so that it can calibrate the response in the most meaningful way possible for the use we need to make of it based on the context. Furthermore, by explaining to Copilot who the other interlocutors are, the AI will use information relevant to that specific Organization or person. For example: “…for an upcoming meeting with [Customer], focused on their current status and what they are trying to achieve.”
- Expectations – How should Copilot respond?
We indicate to Copilot the tone and manner in which it should respond to the request. Just as you would respond differently if you had to turn to the CEO for an important report or to a colleague to organize a coffee break. Example: “Reply in a friendly but authoritative tone…”
- Source – What information or examples do you want Copilot to use?
We specify the set of information that Copilot should refer to. It could be a project, a topic, the latest information exchanged with a person, etc. For example: “…and focus on the emails and Teams chats you exchanged with [people] in the last three weeks.”
The final prompt will look like this: “I want a list of 3 – 5 essential points to prepare for an upcoming meeting with [Client], focused on their current status and what they are trying to achieve. Respond in a friendly but authoritative tone and focus on the emails and Teams chats you've exchanged with [people] in the last three weeks.”
Is Copilot really worth it to me?
In short, the answer is: it depends.
Copilot is indeed a great tool, which can really make a difference in terms of productivity. To understand if your company should implement Copilot, an analysis of internal processes must be carried out that are carried out and the time that employees spend.
The calculation to be made is that of ROI, or of Return on Investment.
If the cost of Copilot is smaller of the cost of the time of the staff responsible for carrying out a certain activity that can be automated with AI, then its implementation it is certainly advantageous for the organization.
Furthermore, is not mandatory purchase Copilot for all business users. You can start by introducing it in the areas that benefit most from it, and later evaluate whether to extend its application.
Do I have to have Microsoft 365 to use Copilot?
To use Copilot you must have a Microsoft 365 license to associate.
Copilot is in fact a add-on available for some M365 licenses, specifically the Business Standard, Business Premium, E3 , E5.
This is a fundamental step, because the assistant of Copilot uses information in its Tenant 365 to generate responses to user requests.
For this reason, Copilot is not available on Office On-Prem installations.
Copilot and data security
Copilot was created to make the most of all your company's data and information. But what happens if this data is not properly managed?
Without appropriate regulation of data access, Copilot may respond to requests using data that they must remain private.
For example, a person could ask Copilot for a colleague's RAL, confidential project details, or a client list.
It is therefore important, even before implementing Copilot, apply policies to regulate access to data by users.
If you need help implementing security and data access policies, our Experts will be happy to give you support, all you need is click here and fill out the form.
Conclusion
Microsoft Copilot is certainly an innovation that it will revolutionize the way we work.
The transition may happen immediately or later, but AI is destined to enter companies, and is already doing so.
Why wait then?
Contact our experts by clicking here and find out how to start using Microsoft Copilot in your company!
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