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What is Microsoft Copilot?

Blog

Emily Keeling

Posted Sep 19, 2024

What is Copilot?

Copilot is Microsoft’s AI-powered assistant. It’s similar to ChatGPT, but has loads of integration opportunities across the Microsoft stack, including Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, and Power Platform. By embedding artificial intelligence into the tools that businesses use day-to-day, it helps teams work smarter, not harder.

 

History of Copilot

Copilot isn’t Microsoft’s first AI assistant. Cortana helped users schedule meetings and manage emails – but didn’t have half the capability that Copilot has. Copilot builds on years of advancements in AI, machine learning, and natural language processing, with its origins tracing back to collaborations with OpenAI (the developers of GPT). Copilot was designed to enhance user experiences across its suit of products, and gradually rolled out across businesses and enterprises, until its widespread adoption.

 

Copilot use cases

Copilot’s advanced natural language processing helps users automate tasks, streamline workflows, and gain insights from data. It’s handy across a variety of business tasks, but the most common uses include:

  • Document creation: Copilot generates drafts, document summaries, and can even suggest improvements for better readability and clarity. It’s not best practice to use AI-created text without humanising it, as it can lack personality and feel a bit unhuman. But it’s great for drafting and brainstorming.
  • Data analysis: Automate data insights in Excel, generate charts and visualisations, and predictions based on user data.
  • Customer relationship management: Thanks to its integration with Dynamics 365, Copilot can assist with customer interactions by automating responses and then suggesting next steps based on historical data.
  • Project management: Plan projects more efficiently in Microsoft Planner and Teams by getting Copilot to track task and send reminders.
  • Coding: Copilot has the capability to build low-code/no-code solutions in Power Platform, and aid with general coding requirements.

 

Why you should use Copilot

When using Copilot to its full potential, businesses can reap loads of benefits from the AI assistant.

  • Increased productivity: Automating repetitive tasks frees up precious employee time.
  • Better decision making: By providing smart suggestions and insights from vast amounts of data, employees can make decisions faster.
  • Cost efficiency: Saving time and resources through automation saves businesses a lot of money.
  • Improved customer experience: Automating customer service helps businesses respond to customer needs quickly and effectively.

 

Using Copilot with the help of a technology provider

Businesses don’t require a technology partner to implement Microsoft Copilot – anyone can use it. But if you want to fully unlock its potential, partnering with a technology partner is invaluable.

A technology partner such as Techcare can help integrate Copilot into your existing systems, provide training for you team, and ongoing support if you have further queries. We ensure Copilot is optimised to work with your workflows seamlessly, so you get all of the benefits with added security, compliance, and scalability in mind.

 

Copilot is a powerful tool for business of all shapes, sizes, and industries. Leverage AI to drive efficiency, innovation, and productivity, but with the right technology provider you can maximise the benefits and stay ahead of the rapidly growing landscape.

Get started with Copilot