HOW TO MAXIMISE THE POTENTIAL OF MICROSOFT COPILOT 

Are you ready to dramatically increase your efficiency and save time? Then Microsoft Copilot could be your new best friend! This advanced AI-powered solution revolutionises the way you work by automating tedious routine tasks and providing intelligent recommendations. Early users report time savings of up to 90 minutes per week and a 12% reduction in processing time for customer service cases. But is that really the case?

Microsoft Copilot is more than just another tool

Microsoft promises a lot: Microsoft Copilot is more than just another tool in your digital armoury. It's a revolutionary AI-powered solution designed specifically to transform the way you work. Seamlessly integrated into the Microsoft 365 suite, Copilot helps you automate routine tasks and receive intelligent recommendations that can significantly boost your productivity. Imagine how automated email reply suggestions, smart calendar entries and document creation based on existing data can lighten your daily workload. With these features, you can focus on more strategic tasks and minimise repetitive activities, resulting in a more efficient and productive way of working. Copilot brings the future of work to your organisation and sets new standards for efficiency and collaboration.

Strengths in the areas of creativity and knowledge acquisition

Copilot is a generative AI that is particularly characterised by its ability to produce text, making it ideal for overcoming writer's block. By integrating with Microsoft 365 and other data sources, Copilot can seamlessly access your business data. This is particularly beneficial for organisations with large, unstructured data sets. Copilot quickly finds the information you need or summarises business-specific content and creates new documents based on existing ones.

Example summary of the document
Example summary of the document

Although Copilot offers many advantages, companies should not expect it to function as a fully-fledged virtual assistant at present. For example, it is not yet possible to fully delegate tasks such as appointment coordination, including email and calendar management, to Copilot. Care should also be taken with the accuracy of the information provided - user verification is essential to avoid errors.

Example of false information
Example of false information

MICROSOFT COPILOT AT A GLANCE 

Microsoft Copilot is an advanced AI tool that is seamlessly integrated into the Microsoft 365 Suite. It makes everyday work easier by automating routine tasks and providing intelligent recommendations that increase productivity. Key features include:

  • Automated reply suggestions for emails
  • Creation of documents based on existing data
  • Seamless integration with Microsoft Teams
  • Support for project management

These features help employees to focus on more strategic tasks and minimise repetitive work.

CAN THE INTRODUCTION OF COPILOT REVOLUTIONISE A COMPANY? 

The labour savings are currently still limited, but it is definitely worth looking into the technology. Forecasts predict that generative AIs will make considerable progress in the near future and set new standards. These technologies have the potential not only to automate repetitive tasks, but also to support and improve creative processes. Many companies expect AI to significantly increase their productivity. According to a Forbes Advisor survey, 64% of companies believe that AI will improve their overall productivity.

Success stories and case studies

There are already numerous success stories of companies that have implemented Microsoft Copilot. Here are some specific examples:

  • CONA Services was able to build applications up to 80% faster and increase success rates by 60% using Copilot in Power Apps. A project that would normally have taken six to eight hours was realised in just a few minutes using simple language descriptions
  • Valencia CF, the long-established football club in Spain, uses Copilot to create personalised fan experiences. By using Copilot, they were able to improve customer loyalty and make business processes more efficient.
  • Prada Group uses Copilot to speed up onboarding processes for customer advisors while ensuring fast and smooth customer service. This saves time searching for answers and focusses employees on delivering outstanding customer experiences.

Microsoft's own sales team reports that using Copilot results in a weekly time saving of 90 minutes. 83% of salespeople said Copilot increased their productivity, while 67% were able to spend more time with customers.

CHALLENGES: DATA PROTECTION AND SECURITY 

Data protection is a key issue when introducing AI-supported tools. Companies must ensure that sensitive data is protected and that all legal requirements are met. Microsoft Copilot offers robust security functions that guarantee the protection of data. This includes the integration of comprehensive security, compliance and data protection measures embedded throughout the Microsoft 365 suite. Copilot utilises the Microsoft Graph and only accesses data for which users already have access rights. This ensures that only authorised information is used.

However, careful planning and implementation is required to ensure that all data protection requirements are met. If you want to introduce Copilot, you should carry out a thorough risk analysis and ensure that all security precautions are taken. This includes setting up clear guidelines for data access and use as well as training employees on how to handle sensitive data. Regularly reviewing and updating security measures is also essential in order to meet new threats and requirements.

HOW DO I INTRODUCE MS COPILOT 

To successfully implement Microsoft Copilot in your organisation, you should follow the steps below. Each step is crucial to ensure that the implementation goes smoothly and the full potential of AI is realised.

  • Step 1: ComplianceStart by reviewing and adapting compliance guidelines. Ensure that all legal and company-specific requirements are met. Create a user instruction for dealing with AI to inform all employees about the correct use and the most important data protection regulations.
     
  • Step 2: System readinessEnsure that your IT infrastructure is ready. This includes the installation and configuration of Windows 11, Microsoft 365 Apps, Modern Teams and Modern Outlook Client. Check whether your systems fulfil the requirements of Copilot and are running optimally.
     
  • Step 3: Data sourcesIntegrate external data sources and systems into your existing IT landscape. These can be file servers, ERP systems and other relevant data sources. Seamless integration is important so that Copilot can access and process all the necessary information.
     
  • Step 4: ChampionsDefine a test group within your organisation. These ‘champions’ should represent different departments and user profiles. Carry out comprehensive tests to discover the potential of the AI and ensure that Copilot works optimally. Use the feedback from the test group to make any necessary adjustments.
     
  • Step 5: Rollout & employee trainingCarry out extensive employee training to prepare all users for the introduction of Copilot. Explain the functions and benefits of the AI solution and how it can make everyday work easier. Implement Copilot step-by-step to ensure a smooth rollout and provide support during the transition.

MTF: YOUR PARTNER FOR A SUCCESSFUL INTRODUCTION OF COPILOT 

The future of Microsoft Copilot is promising. With continuous updates and new functions, the software is becoming ever more powerful. Companies should keep a close eye on developments and be prepared to adapt these new technologies in order to remain competitive and further increase their efficiency. Microsoft Copilot has the potential to change the world of work for good and help you achieve your goals more efficiently. Use this advanced technology to optimise the way you work and bring the future of work to your organisation.

Increase your productivity with Microsoft Copilot!

Are you ready to increase the efficiency and productivity of your company with Microsoft Copilot? MTF can help you make the most of this innovative technology. Contact us to find out more about our customised IT solutions, which are specifically tailored to the needs of Swiss companies. Let's drive the digitalisation of your company forward together!

FAQ 

What is Microsoft Copilot?
Microsoft Copilot is an AI-powered solution integrated into the Microsoft 365 suite that automates routine tasks and provides intelligent recommendations.

How can Microsoft Copilot improve productivity?
Copilot automates monotonous tasks, analyses data, suggests email responses and helps organise meetings, significantly increasing productivity.

Which platforms does Microsoft Copilot support?
Copilot supports various Microsoft 365 tools such as Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams and OneNote.

How easy is it to implement Microsoft Copilot?
Implementation is simple and seamlessly integrated into existing Microsoft 365 environments.

What are the benefits of Microsoft Copilot for Teams?
Copilot promotes team collaboration by providing intelligent tools for working together on documents and organising meetings.

Which companies benefit most from Microsoft Copilot?
Companies that regularly work with large amounts of data and have to complete many routine tasks can particularly benefit from the advantages of Microsoft Copilot.

Do you have Questions ?

Rubén Saiz
Managing Director Liechtenstein, St. Gallen & Chur