Microsoft has introduced a family of products called “Copilot” that are built on Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). “Generative” means that the technology can create something new. The capability to create text, images, and other content is amazing on its own, but what is even more groundbreaking about this AI technology is that you can interact with it using back and forth conversation, just as you would if you were working with your own administrative or research assistant.
Imagine the types of tasks you would ask an assistant to do, and that’s how Copilot fits into your workflow. For example, let’s say you need to prepare a presentation. Using your input and guidance, Copilot can help you gather and organize your information, create an outline, turn the outline into PowerPoint slides, create graphics, and write a script.
While revolutionary, it won’t do your work for you. You’ll still have to take what Copilot gives you and polish up your presentation using your own skills and knowledge. It functions beside you to help you work more efficiently. At the same time, it can enhance your capabilities in ways that previously weren’t possible. For example, you can become a better communicator, project manager, data analyst, or time manager because Copilot anticipates your needs, offers suggestions, and automates repetitive tasks.
In the suite of Copilot products, Copilot for Microsoft 365 is the one geared for general business use and can be added to any Microsoft 365 business license. Once purchased and installed, the power of Generative AI is infused into all your Microsoft 365 apps and data. Not only does Copilot become available in programs like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams, but it can access all your documents, emails, chats, meetings, and anything else you have stored in OneDrive, SharePoint, and other data sources.
Watch this video to see how Copilot works.
Copilot’s presence in the apps that you use every day means it can help with the work you’re already doing. This seamless integration empowers Copilot to act as a proactive assistant throughout your workday. What’s more, it can learn from your documents and interactions to make your experience more personalized and effective over time. By anticipating your requirements and streamlining repetitive tasks, Copilot enables you to spend more time on creative and strategic work.
When exploring how to integrate Copilot into your daily work, consider the tasks you already perform in Microsoft apps. Copilot is designed to complement and enhance these activities. Look at the tasks you do every day and ask yourself where Copilot can help you do them quicker, better, and more efficiently.
Here are some examples of how you can work with Copilot in Microsoft 365 apps.
Watch an example of how Copilot can work in Word.
Watch an example of how Copilot can work in Outlook.
Watch an example of how Copilot can work in Excel.
Watch an example of how Copilot can work in Teams.
As you can see from these examples, the power of Copilot is not just within your apps but in how it connects with all information within your Microsoft 365 environment. Keep in mind you don’t have to try all its possible uses all at once. Pick one thing that you routinely use within Microsoft 365 and experiment to see what you can do.
Getting started with Copilot requires planning, training, and experimentation to maximize its benefits. Here’s what you can expect.
1. Readiness Assessment
Before implementing Copilot, a readiness assessment is needed to evaluate your current IT environment and confirm your compatibility with Copilot's requirements. This assessment involves examining your existing Microsoft 365 licenses, network stability, data security measures, and hardware capabilities of devices running Copilot-enhanced applications. The assessment should also review your organization's data governance policies to make sure they align with how Copilot accesses data.
2. Identify Key Users and Departments
Tailor the rollout of Copilot to departments or employees who will benefit most from its capabilities. This varies by organization, but those who work extensively within the Microsoft ecosystem and perform repetitive tasks, such as report generation or document-heavy work, are ideal candidates.
3. Encourage Exploration and Experimentation
Give your early adopters the freedom to explore and experiment with Copilot's features. Instead of initially focusing on specific problems, allow users to explore what Copilot can do. This approach helps everyone discover the tool's full potential in their own context, leading to more innovative uses and applications. Through this exploration, users will naturally identify tasks and processes that Copilot can improve.
4. Collect and Share Experiences
Encourage users to share their experiences and feedback on using Copilot. This can help continuously improve how Copilot is used within your organization. You can also establish a training library and Centers of Excellence to provide users with resources and best practices, facilitating knowledge sharing and collaborative learning.
After you create a plan, give individuals time to learn what Copilot can do and integrate it into their daily workflows. Then, you can potentially change the way your organization operates.
The integration of AI such as Copilot into our workspaces will change how we work and interact with technology. As AI evolves, we can expect even more personalized assistance that will make AI assistants feel more natural and help everyone get on board, no matter their skill level.
As Copilot and similar tools get better and smarter, we're looking at a future where our work is not just more efficient but also full of possibilities. The journey with AI is just beginning, and it's gearing up to transform our digital environments in exciting ways.
Exploring AI with Microsoft Copilot presents a unique set of challenges, but you don't have to go it alone. VC3 offers the expertise and support clients need to integrate Copilot seamlessly into their daily operations. We're here to help organizations adopt and leverage Copilot by ensuring they have the right data structure and policies in place while offering guidance on how to best leverage AI.
With VC3, adopting AI becomes less about the hurdles and more about unlocking new opportunities for efficiency and innovation—making sure AI technology not only fits your needs but also propels you forward. If you’re not getting that kind of IT guidance from your managed IT service provider, it’s time to AIM higher.
Get in touch to schedule a consultation.