3 Ways Microsoft Copilot Can Help Your Business Perform Better
Post-pandemic, we are witnessing the biggest shift in the workplace in generations. Some of the key drivers behind this are changing work habits and an exponential increase in the use of AI. There’s a lot of noise around AI-powered business apps, but one that’s making waves is Microsoft Copilot.
Copilot is an AI-powered assistant that is accessible, affordable, and easy to implement in workplaces worldwide, and recently removed its licensing restrictions to become accessible to everyone. Yet, many business owners and IT decision makers remain unclear about the many benefits of Copilot and how it can help their business perform better on all levels.
We need to work with AI, not against it, to truly unlock its potential and improve business performance. If we don’t, competitors will, so it’s in everyone’s best interest to implement responsible AI practices in the workplace today to stay ahead. How can Copilot help your business performance?
Copilot has the potential to transform the workplace and its effects are far-reaching and impactful.
Technology Director at digital transformation company ANS.
Integration with existing software
As an established, leading enterprise software provider, Microsoft Office is already a trusted mainstay in many organizations, from small and medium-sized businesses to enterprises and multinationals. For this reason, Microsoft Copilot integrates seamlessly with existing Microsoft software, meaning there is minimal disruption to a business during the rollout phase.
Microsoft Copilot spans the entire suite of Office 365 products, whether it’s Word, PowerPoint, Excel or Outlook. Copilot’s reach also extends to Teams, the popular office messaging application, meaning colleagues can easily collaborate within their teams and with others in a company. Copilot can also run across a variety of devices, whether it’s mobile apps, iPads or laptops, making it an all-in-one solution.
Unlocking accessibility and efficiency
Microsoft Copilot’s new accessibility transforms the way individuals and businesses work, streamlining workflows and increasing productivity. A large part of working life is taken up by administrative tasks, whether it’s organizing meetings, reading and responding to long email threads, or wading through unnecessary emails.
For example, Copilot has the power to summarize key discussion points raised in a chat and highlight areas of agreement and disagreement. Takeaways are also provided after Teams meetings, with action plans and follow-up meetings now firmly under the jurisdiction of AI. With Copilot, we can shift our efforts to the tasks that really matter.
Stimulate creativity
Whether it’s a report for a client or an important presentation to the board, starting with a blank canvas can be daunting for anyone. But with Microsoft Copilot, engaging content is just a prompt away. Whether you need some starter ideas or a first draft, Copilot can help when inspiration just won’t strike.
And while Copilot handles time-consuming administrative tasks, it frees up time for employees to challenge the ordinary and be more creative. A significant burden is lifted from employees’ shoulders, and in return, they have more time to explore new territory, come up with ideas that will drive meaningful change within the company, and implement them.
Taking the next steps
For many companies, Copilot will be their first major step into the world of AI. But by laying this foundation, companies will be better prepared for future technologies. AI is not going anywhere and will only grow in capability. Preparing employees and operations for AI will only have a positive impact on performance in the long run.
For any company looking for guidance in starting their digital transformation, partnering with an expert can be the optimal way. This is often the fastest way to get value from AI projects, as tech partners have expertise and resources at their disposal.
However, it is crucial when choosing a partner that they offer some kind of co-managed service, so that technical teams can learn from the AI experts and gain the knowledge to run the systems themselves. Employees will need to be trained effectively on Copilot to work in harmony with AI and reap all the benefits it offers. But once this upskilling is implemented, the possibilities for improving business performance are truly endless.
What’s next for Copilot?
Copilot predicts the evolving role of AI, moving toward “invisible AI” that seamlessly integrates into our workflows. While generative AI currently requires human activity to guide prompts, we can expect a larger platform for invisible AI now and in the near future. Once enabled within an enterprise, apps can work in the background on a wide range of different tasks. This transition points to a future where AI proactively drives innovation and efficiency, revolutionizing the way we work.
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