Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a far-off daydream seen primarily in science fiction films. It has arrived, and it is transforming the way businesses operate on a fundamental level. With 35% of Australian SMBs having already adopted the technology, one thing is clear: whether you like it or not, it is time to consider whether AI is a worthwhile investment. Early adoption better prepares your company for the challenges ahead.
Which AI should you choose? One convenient, low-commitment option is Microsoft Copilot. But why? What are the benefits of Microsoft Copilot, and are they really worth the cost?
What is Microsoft Copilot?
Copilot is Microsoft’s AI-powered assistant, designed to work with 365 applications such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. It uses natural language processing (the ability to comprehend and respond to human speech) and machine learning (ML) to automate tasks, generate content, and analyse data. Copilot is designed to be user-friendly for employees of skill levels, reducing the need for excessive training.
How to Get Copilot
Microsoft Copilot is available as a low-cost add-on for most existing 365 Business and Enterprise plans. Be careful to get the right one – despite the name, Copilot pro is designed for home users and not businesses. The version you need will be called “Microsoft 365 Copilot or “Copilot for 365”.
To use Copilot, you must already have an appropriate Microsoft 365 subscription. You will then be able to add Copilot to this existing plan. Be aware that the technology is still being fine-tuned, and availability may change over time. So if your plan does not currently support it, check back regularly. Once you have purchased a subscription, you will need to set Copilot up.
Do I Really Need AI?
Many businesses still hesitate to adopt AI, due to reasonable concerns about whether the benefits are worth the investment. You may also fear that employees will quit en masse, expecting to be replaced in the near future. But here is the truth: AI is not replacing anyone. It works best alongside human staff, and explaining this may help assuage any concerns your employees have.
If you are on the fence, ask yourself the following questions:
- How much time does your team spend on repetitive tasks like drafting emails, summarising reports, or analysing data?
- Are employees bogged down by manual processes, reducing their ability to focus on strategic work?
- Could your team benefit from real-time insights and automation to improve decision-making?
If the answer to any of these questions is “yes”, then the benefits of Copilot for Microsoft 365 could far outweigh the risk.
What are the Benefits of Microsoft Copilot for 365?
1. Better Productivity
One of the most significant benefits of Microsoft 365 Copilot is its ability to automate time-consuming tasks. Whether your employees are drafting reports, summarising emails, or generating data insights, Copilot reduces manual effort and allows them to focus on more strategic work.
2. Improved Decision-Making
Copilot analyses trends, detects patterns, and provides actionable advice. In Excel, for example, it can generate financial forecasts based on the information provided and suggest a budget that will address those needs. By turning raw data into meaningful insights, Copilot empowers your business to make data-driven decisions faster and with more accuracy.
3. Seamless Integration with Microsoft 365 Apps
Unlike other AI assistants, Copilot integrates seamlessly with Microsoft’s other apps. It is designed to work directly within Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. This ensures a consistent user experience across platforms, making it easy for staff to transition between tasks quickly and effortlessly.
4. Effortless Document Creation and Summarisation
Copilot assists with the creation of reports, contracts, and marketing materials by:
- Generating polished drafts based on a given prompt.
- Summarising lengthy documents into key takeaways.
- Formatting documents to align with your branding.
5. Smoother Collaboration
Meetings are an important part of doing business – but they can also be difficult to run efficiently. One person is rushing to finish their overdue report, another is falling asleep in their chair after a late night. The result, inevitably, is that nobody remembers what they should be doing.
Copilot solves this critical problem by summarising Teams meetings, identifying the action points, and automatically drafting follow-up emails. Instead of messaging you to ask for a refresher, your staff can independently check what they missed. This keeps everyone aligned and on the same page.
6. More Efficient Email Management
Copilot improves email and inbox management by:
- Prioritising emails, keeping staff focused on critical matters first.
- Summarising long threads and highlighting key points.
- Drafting responses.
7. Increased Security
The introduction of new IT solutions always brings a certain amount of risk. Fortunately, Microsoft has always prioritised security – and Copilot is no exception. Built to protect your business from threats, Copilot:
- Follows data privacy regulations like the GDPR and ISO 27001.
- Allows admins to set access controls, preventing unauthorised use.
- Does not store or share business-sensitive data.
This allows you to integrate AI without compromising security or compliance in the process.
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How to Maximise the Benefits of Microsoft 365 Copilot
Implementing new technology is never a set-and-forget process. To ensure success and maximise the benefits of Copilot for Microsoft 365, follow these best practices:
- Train employees to ensure effective use.
- Customise settings to align with your needs.
- Monitor use to optimise workflows without over-reliance.
- Combine Copilot with other Microsoft 365 security tools for better protection.
Embrace Improved Efficiency With Copilot
From boosted productivity to easier collaboration, the benefits of Microsoft Copilot are undeniable. AI-powered solutions are changing the way businesses across the world operate, and those that refuse to adopt it risk being left behind. To stay ahead of the competition and ensure long-term success, it is essential to use every tool at your disposal – and that might include Copilot.
Is Microsoft 365 making your head spin? You’re not alone. National IT Solutions provides strategic guidance to help you make the most of your chosen plan and maximise your ROI. If you’re ready to embrace the future, speak to a consultant to get started.