Exploring AI Innovation and Automation with Zach Bernstein and Jack Fallon
AI Agent & Copilot Podcast Insights
The AI Agent & Copilot Podcast provides valuable insights into the latest advancements in AI Copilot and agent technologies, focusing particularly on innovations from Microsoft and its partners. The podcast emphasizes how integrating AI with cloud technology is transforming business operations.
Featured Episode Overview
In a recent episode, host Tom Smith engaged with two guests, discussing their upcoming presentations at the AI Agent & Copilot Summit. Their sessions include:
- Using Copilot Agents to Chat with Your Structured and Unstructured Data
- AI Builder in Action: Smart Contract Automation with AI and Power Platform
Roles within Crowe and AI Transformation Team
Key Responsibilities (01:07)
Bernstein, a member of the AI transformation team at Crowe’s Chicago office, shared insights into his team’s purpose, which aims to integrate AI solutions within the Microsoft ecosystem. This relatively new team is dedicated to guiding clients through their AI journeys.
Fallon, another team member, highlighted their mission to assist businesses in starting and advancing their AI endeavors. Their focus is on providing AI enablement services tailored to each client’s needs.
Team Ambitions and Client Engagement (02:24)
Bernstein explained that their team caters to a diverse range of clients, from those new to AI to those already implementing various AI use cases. The primary objective is to help clients take significant steps toward utilizing AI, moving beyond simple question-and-answer interactions. Much of the learning at the summit is expected to come from shared experiences and collaborative experimentation.
Session Previews
Copilot Agents and Data Interaction (04:47)
Fallon discussed a practical use case involving client sales orders and unstructured data. They demonstrated how they used a large language model (LLM) alongside the Azure Power Platform to enable a client to interact with their data seamlessly. Bernstein added that this technology represents capabilities that were previously unavailable.
Automating Smart Contracts (06:43)
During this session, Bernstein detailed how participants would learn to analyze and extract information from contracts and lease agreements. By utilizing Power Automate and AI Builder, the extracted data can be seamlessly integrated into Microsoft Dataverse tables, which improves efficiency by minimizing manual effort.
Best Practices for AI Implementation
Strategies for Success (08:13)
When discussing AI implementation, Smith sought advice on best practices and common pitfalls. Fallon recommended starting with low-code tools like Microsoft Copilot Studio and Power Automate. He emphasized the advantages of leveraging Microsoft’s ecosystem for data security and simplifying deployment and maintenance. Notably, Fallon pointed out that approximately 72% of companies struggle to realize a return on their initial AI investments, often due to inadequate planning.
Data Readiness and Integration (10:36)
Towards the end of the discussion, Bernstein highlighted the significance of data readiness in AI implementations. He stressed that successful AI projects depend on robust data integration, understanding data locations, and ensuring continuous data flows.
The AI Agent & Copilot Summit is set to convene from March 17-19 in San Diego, CA, focusing on AI’s role in driving business value and outcomes. Attendees can anticipate actionable insights and valuable networking opportunities as they explore the evolving landscape of AI applications in business.
