Enhancing Copilot to Drive Transformation
Transforming Business Processes with Microsoft 365 Copilot
When organizations integrate Microsoft 365 Copilot into their operations, they are not simply purchasing software; they are sparking a significant transformation within their structure. Key speakers from a recent First Distribution and Microsoft webinar emphasized this shift and provided insights on maximizing the benefits of Microsoft 365 Copilot.
Understanding the Impact of Microsoft 365 Copilot
Poll results from the webinar highlighted that approximately 70% of current Copilot users are realizing a substantial return on investment (ROI) within their organizations. However, there are still concerns regarding data security among 61% of participants, with additional worries about oversharing (18%), license assignment (11%), and content management (9%).
Key Phases of Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption
Kejendree Pillay, Microsoft Portfolio Manager at First Distribution, and Elaine Van Der Plank, Senior Partner Development Manager at Microsoft, shared a structured approach to adopting Microsoft 365 Copilot. This approach consists of four essential phases:
- Preparation: Assess the current business landscape to identify areas where Copilot can deliver the most significant impact.
- Onboarding and Engagement: Implement methods to securely onboard the technology and foster user engagement.
- Delivering Impact: Focus on how to effectively use Copilot to bring measurable results.
- Extension and Optimization: After initial deployment, continually look for ways to enhance the usage of Copilot.
Pillay pointed out that a thorough analysis is critical for determining the placement of Copilot for maximum effect. She mentioned the “Microsoft 365 Copilot Optimization Assessment,” which helps identify implementation challenges and works towards a successful rollout.
Security and Oversharing Concerns
Addressing security issues, Microsoft 365 Copilot is packaged within Business Basic and Business Standard packages, which include foundational security features like:
- Multi-factor authentication for secure access
- Manual sensitivity and retention labels
- Data loss prevention policies
For higher security needs, Microsoft 365 Business Premium includes enhanced enterprise-grade protections.
To counteract the risks of oversharing, Pillay referenced the Microsoft Copilot Deployment Blueprint. This framework provides guidance on avoiding oversharing within Microsoft SharePoint and offers recommendations tailored to different license types, ensuring a smooth and secure deployment.
Establishing a Supportive Framework
Once Copilot is in place, a robust support framework is needed. Elaine Van Der Plank highlighted the necessity of a service plan that includes regular health reviews of the system. Best practices involve designating a “success owner” to champion Copilot usage and conducting reviews on a monthly and quarterly basis to adapt and expand its use.
Van Der Plank stressed the importance of leadership in driving AI alignment with business strategies. Having an executive sponsor and forming an AI council or steering committee can greatly enhance the implementation process.
Building Community and Skills
Effective communication and building a supportive community within the organization are essential for user enablement. Creating a community of practice allows employees to share best practices and encourages excitement around Copilot. Regular reviews of adoption reports, usage trends, and group activities ensure that the organization captures the full value of Copilot.
Using Agents for Optimization
Pillay and Van Der Plank emphasized that utilizing agents is vital for optimizing Microsoft 365 Copilot’s capabilities. Organizations can leverage pre-built agents or develop custom ones using tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat and Copilot Studio. Some examples include:
- Onboarding Buddy: Assists in onboarding processes.
- Resume Reviewer: Streamlines candidate review processes.
- Contract/Legal Review: Aids in analyzing legal documents.
- Research Assistant: Supports research activities.
- Policy Search: Helps locate relevant policies quickly.
By using these tools, businesses can enhance efficiency and refine their processes, enabling a broader transformation within their operations.
