Copilot – BeyondIntranet https://www.beyondintranet.com/blog SharePoint | Intranet | Power BI | Powerapps Wed, 30 Jul 2025 07:43:43 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 https://www.beyondintranet.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/cropped-companyLogo-e1510668450564-32x32.png Copilot – BeyondIntranet https://www.beyondintranet.com/blog 32 32 All You Need to Know About Microsoft Copilot Wave 2 https://www.beyondintranet.com/blog/microsoft-copilot-wave-2/ Thu, 24 Oct 2024 07:11:13 +0000 https://www.beyondintranet.com/blog/?p=5269 In September 2024, Microsoft announced Wave 2 of Microsoft Copilot. Just like the launch of the original Office suite in 1990, which revolutionized productivity, this marks a pivotal moment for businesses and AI. Microsoft Copilot is transforming workflows for more than 400 million users, and Wave 2 aims to push the limits even further. 

Wave 2 isn’t just an update. It’s a full-on transformation of how work happens. If you’re a decision-maker, you must  know about this kind of innovation. Let’s explain exactly what’s new and why it matters for your business. 

What’s the Big Deal with Microsoft Copilot? 

First, let’s get clear on what Copilot does. In simple terms, Copilot integrates AI directly into Microsoft 365 apps—Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and more. The result? Routine tasks are automated. Data is analyzed faster. Workflows are streamlined. 

Imagine having an AI assistant that drafts emails, summarizes meetings, analyzes data, and even helps you collaborate more effectively. That’s Copilot. 

And now, with Microsoft Copilot Wave 2, it’s becoming more powerful than ever. 

Why Should You Care About Microsoft Copilot Wave 2? 

You’re busy. You don’t have time for fluff. So let’s get right to it: Wave 2 changes the game for businesses. Here’s how: 

  • Pages: A New AI-Powered Collaboration Canvas 
  • Deeper Integration Across Microsoft 365 Apps 
  • Copilot Agents: Automating Complex Workflows 

Each of these brings serious firepower to your everyday work. Let’s dig into them.

  1. Pages: The Future of Collaboration

Wave 2 introduces Pages—a dynamic, AI-powered canvas. It’s built for real-time collaboration. But here’s the kicker: you’re not just collaborating with colleagues. You’re also working with AI, seamlessly. 

What Can You Do with Pages? 

Picture this: You’re working on a business proposal. You need data, fast. Instead of hunting across the web, you ask Copilot to pull it for you. 

 Numbers? Check. Trends? Check. It’s all there, ready to go. 

Now, you want your team’s input. Share the Page—just like you’d share a Word doc. Everyone can jump in, make edits, add comments, and even ask Copilot for more data. It’s collaborative, it’s dynamic, and it’s persistent. The Page evolves as your project does. 

Why This Matters for Your Business 

No More Silos: All the work happens in one place—no more jumping between apps or documents. 

Real-Time Collaboration: Your team and AI work together, live. 

Faster Decision-Making: Copilot pulls in data from the web and your internal systems, giving you insights instantly. 

  1. Deeper Integration Across Microsoft 365 Apps

This is where Microsoft’s strength really shines. In Microsoft Copilot Wave 2, Copilot integrates more deeply into the tools you already use: Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. The goal? Keep you in your flow. 

Copilot in Excel: Python for Everyone 

You know Excel is a powerhouse for data analysis. But what if you could supercharge it with Python—without needing to know Python? 

In Wave 2, Copilot in Excel does just that. It can write and run Python code to analyze your data. Need a revenue forecast? Copilot handles it. Want to visualize your customer segments? Done. 

Copilot in PowerPoint: Narrative Builder 

Building presentations is time-consuming. Let’s face it, even with templates, it’s a slog. But now, with Narrative Builder in PowerPoint, Copilot helps you structure, design, and tailor presentations—without the headache of formatting. 

Drafts Outline: Copilot creates an outline, so you don’t start from scratch. 

Generates On-Brand Slides: It pulls in images, applies your company’s template, and writes initial copy. 

AI-Generated Images: Need visuals? Copilot taps into DALL-E 3 to create them. 

Copilot in Outlook: Prioritize My Inbox 

Does your inbox feel like a mountain you can’t climb? Copilot in Outlook introduces Prioritize My Inbox—an AI-powered feature that sorts your emails by relevance and urgency. It even suggests responses or drafts for you. Oh, and if you’re on the go? You can tweak those drafts from your phone. 

  1. Copilot Agents: Automating Complex Workflows

Here’s where things get really interesting. Copilot Agents are the new secret weapon. These aren’t just AI assistants—they are autonomous agents that can orchestrate entire workflows, across systems. 

What Are Copilot Agents? 

In simple terms, agents are AI-powered helpers that handle repetitive, complex tasks. Think of them as smart bots, but on steroids. They can: 

Automate Business Processes: From customer support to procurement, agents can handle it all. 

Integrate with Your Systems: Need to connect your agent to Dynamics 365, Salesforce, or SharePoint? No problem. 

Reason and Take Action: Agents can reason over data, make decisions, and even execute tasks, like placing orders or sending reminders. 

How Copilot Agents Work 

Let’s say you run a field service team. When a technician encounters an issue, a Field Service Agent can pull up product info, diagnose problems, and walk them through a repair—all in real-time. 

 Or, maybe you’re in procurement. An agent can track inventory levels, place orders, and follow up with suppliers. 

Why This Matters 

Scale Your Workforce: Agents can handle repetitive tasks, freeing up your team for more strategic work. 

Reduce Errors: With AI in control, the chances of human error drop significantly. 

Speed Up Processes: Agents work 24/7, handling tasks that would otherwise take weeks of back-and-forth. 

The Business Value of Microsoft Copilot Wave 2 

Here’s the bottom line: Copilot Wave 2 delivers serious ROI for businesses. It drives efficiency, enhances collaboration, and enables better decision-making. If you’re a decision-maker, here’s what you need to know: 

Productivity Boost: Automate routine tasks and focus on high-value work. 

Smarter Collaboration: Pages and BizChat let teams and AI work together seamlessly. 

Data-Driven Insights: Copilot pulls insights from structured and unstructured data, helping you make smarter decisions. 

Automated Workflows: With Copilot Agents, you can automate processes across HR, finance, sales, and more. 

How to Get Started with Copilot Integration 

At Beyond Intranet, we help businesses integrate Copilot into their existing systems. Our goal is simple: make it seamless.  

Here’s how we do it: 

  • API Integrations: Connect Copilot with your existing tools. 
  • Workflow Automation: Streamline tasks to save time and reduce errors. 
  • Custom Solutions: Tailored to your specific needs and challenges. 

We’ve worked with companies across multiple industries. The results? Increased productivity. Lower costs. Happier employees. 

Let’s make that happen for you too. 

Microsoft 365 Copilot Wave 2 is Here 

It’s more than just a tool—it’s a business transformation. From collaborative Pages to Copilot Agents automating tasks, the possibilities are endless. 

AI-powered workflows aren’t the future—they’re the present. Want to know more? Let us help you integrate Copilot. Visit our Copilot Integration Services. 

Together, we’ll build the future of work. 

 

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Copilot Adoption Guide for Microsoft 365: Can It Revolutionize Your Workflows? https://www.beyondintranet.com/blog/copilot-adoption/ Tue, 15 Oct 2024 08:26:10 +0000 https://www.beyondintranet.com/blog/?p=5184 Copilot adoption for Microsoft 365 is the game changer your organization needs right now. 

Forget everything you thought you knew about workplace efficiency. You’re about to discover why Copilot isn’t just another tool—it’s your golden ticket to dominating your industry.

What is Copilot for Microsoft 365?

Imagine having a personal assistant that never sleeps, never takes a break, and knows everything about your business. That’s Copilot for Microsoft 365—a groundbreaking AI-powered tool that integrates seamlessly with Microsoft’s productivity suite. 

With Copilot, you’re not just automating tasks; you’re supercharging your team’s creativity, efficiency, and decision-making abilities.

Where Does Copilot Adoption for Microsoft 365 Fit?

Copilot for Microsoft 365 isn’t an add-on—it’s the core of your digital transformation. It’s the engine that powers every department, every role, every task, every day. 

Whether you’re drafting documents in Word, crunching numbers in Excel, or leading meetings in Teams, Copilot adoption is right there with you, making sure everything you do is faster, smarter, and more effective.

AI Integration

Copilot’s AI integration is off the charts. It’s not just about automating repetitive tasks. It’s about embedding intelligence into every click, every command, every decision. The AI is trained on billions of data points, making it not just smart, but brilliant. It’s like having a genius on your team who’s laser-focused on making you look good.

How Does It Work?

So how does Copilot Adoption for Microsoft 365 pull off this magic trick? It’s all about the synergy between Microsoft Graph and Large Language Models (LLMs). 

  • Microsoft Graph is the nervous system of your organization—it knows everything from your files to your calendar, emails, and even your Teams chats.
  • LLMs are the brain behind Copilot, processing all that data to give you insights, suggestions, and solutions that are spot-on.

This combination is why Copilot feels less like software and more like a superpower. It’s context-aware, real-time, and always learning from you. The more you use it, the smarter it gets.

Why You Can’t Afford to Ignore Copilot

You’ve heard the hype—now let’s talk about the real benefits. Here’s why your organization needs Copilot adoption for Microsoft 365, like, yesterday.

1. Time is Money

Time is Money

Every second your team spends on mundane tasks is a second they’re not innovating, strategizing, or closing deals. Copilot slashes the time spent on routine work. Look at the numbers: 

  • Meeting Catch-up: 25% time saved.
  • Information Retrieval: 20% time saved.
  • Document Creation: 18% time saved.
  • Email Management: 15% time saved.

This isn’t just about doing things faster. It’s about freeing up your team to focus on what really matters—growing your business. 

2. Creativity, Unleashed

Productivity Impact

What happens when your team isn’t bogged down by routine tasks? They get creative. With Copilot handling the grunt work, your employees can think bigger, bolder, and more strategically. 

  • Productivity Enhancement: 73.8% faster task completion.
  • Creativity Boost: 70% of users say they’re more creative with Copilot.

3. Cross-App Functionality

Copilot adoption isn’t limited to one app. It works across the entire Microsoft 365 suite, ensuring that your workflow is seamless, integrated, and tailored to your needs. 

  • Draft a proposal in Word, and Copilot can turn it into a PowerPoint deck in seconds.
  • Analyze sales data in Excel, and Copilot will create charts, graphs, and even suggest next steps.

4. Unrivaled Security

Concerned about data security? Don’t be. Copilot operates within your Microsoft 365 tenant, inheriting all existing security, privacy, and compliance standards. Your data stays yours—safe, secure, and never used to train external models.

7 Impact Areas with Copilot Adoption for Microsoft 365 

Here’s how Copilot adoption transforms your daily grind in seven easy steps: 

1. Ask a general query—Get an instant, accurate answer.

    tools

2. Draft a product announcement—Copilot crafts a polished, on-brand message in seconds.

product announcement

3. Create a presentation—Transform a Word document into a stunning PowerPoint deck instantly.

Transform into Powerpoint deck

4. Get quick answers from Excel—Analyze data, identify trends, and visualize it—all with a simple question.

  quick answers from Excel

5. Draft an email—Copilot pulls in data, crafts responses, and even adjusts the tone.

draft an email

6. Get meeting summaries—Missed the meeting? No problem. Copilot adoption gives you the highlights and action items in no time.

Get meeting summaries

7. Explore endless possibilities—Copilot is your go-to for everything from managing projects to brainstorming ideas.

endless possibilities

Copilot for Microsoft 365 Application Implementation

Now that you’re sold on the benefits, here’s how to get started:

1. Assess Your Needs

Identify the areas where Copilot can make the most impact. Start small, but think big. What tasks take up the most time? Where could AI make a difference?

2. Pilot Program

Don’t jump in headfirst. Start with a pilot program in select departments. Gather feedback, measure productivity improvements, and refine your approach.

3. Training

Copilot is powerful, but only if your team knows how to use it. Invest in training programs to get everyone up to speed. The learning curve is small, but the impact is huge.

4. Gradual Rollout

Based on your pilot results, gradually expand Copilot adoption across your organization. This ensures a smooth transition and minimizes workflow disruption. 

5. Integration with Workflows

Identify and modify existing workflows to incorporate Copilot. This will maximize its potential benefits and ensure it’s seamlessly integrated into your daily operations. 

6. Continuous Learning

Copilot is always evolving, and so should your team. Stay updated with new features, best practices, and continuous training to keep everyone on the cutting edge. 

7. Security and Compliance

Ensure your security measures are in place and that Copilot usage aligns with your organizational data protection policies. Copilot is built on trust—make sure your team trusts it. 

8. Success Metrics

Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of Copilot adoption. Look at time saved, quality of output, and user satisfaction. Adjust as needed to maximize ROI. 

9. Culture Shift

Foster a culture of AI-assisted productivity. Encourage employees to explore, innovate, and push the boundaries of what’s possible with Copilot. 

Envision the Potential

Still on the fence? Imagine a future where your team is free to innovate without being bogged down by administrative tasks. That’s the future with Copilot for Microsoft 365.

Get an envision session to see firsthand how Copilot can transform your business.

These virtual seminars showcase how leading companies are already leveraging Copilot to stay ahead of the competition. Eligibility applies—don’t miss out.

See copilot in action

See Copilot in Action

The Future is Now, Don’t Get Left Behind

In a world where time is money, creativity is king, and efficiency is everything, Copilot adoption for Microsoft 365 is your secret weapon. It’s not just about doing more—it’s about doing better, faster, and smarter.

Adopt Copilot today, and watch your productivity soar. Your competitors won’t know what hit them.

Ready to revolutionize your workflow? Let’s get started.

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Microsoft Copilot vs Microsoft 365 Copilot: Key Differences https://www.beyondintranet.com/blog/microsoft-copilot-vs-microsoft-365-copilot/ Wed, 03 Jul 2024 08:23:33 +0000 https://www.beyondintranet.com/blog/?p=5047 The release of Microsoft’s new AI assistants Copilot and 365 Copilot has caused some confusion over their respective purposes and target users. While both leverages advanced AI capabilities to enhance productivity, Microsoft Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot are distinct tools aimed at different audiences. In this post, we’ll clarify the use cases and key differences between these two Copilot offerings from Microsoft. 

Microsoft 365 Copilot is an AI assistant embedded into Microsoft apps like Word, Excel, and Teams, designed to boost productivity.


Microsoft Copilot (general) refers to AI capabilities across multiple Microsoft products, including GitHub, Power Platform, and Azure.

A Brief History 

First, some background. In recent years, Microsoft began developing AI technology under the Cortana brand to provide voice-based assistance on Windows devices. However, Cortana faced challenges in gaining traction, especially against market dominators like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. 

In 2021, Microsoft started shifting its strategy. They began decoupling Cortana from its tight integration with Windows, eventually announcing it would be discontinued on the operating system. 

In its place, Microsoft introduced two new productivity-focused AI tools: 

  • Microsoft Copilot – Unveiled in 2022 as an AI assistant integrated directly into Windows 11. It is designed to help optimize individual users’ experience with their personal devices. 
  • Microsoft 365 Copilot – Announced in 2023 as an AI tool incorporated into Microsoft’s suite of productivity apps for enterprises. It focuses on assisting with professional workflows like document creation, analysis, presentations, and more. 

Understanding who each Copilot is built for is key to differentiating them. Next, we’ll explore these assistants in more depth. 

What is Microsoft Copilot and how does it work?

Microsoft 365 Copilot is an AI productivity assistant designed for enterprise and professional environments. It integrates directly into core Microsoft 365 apps to help streamline common business workflows. 

Overview 

Microsoft 365 Copilot utilizes the same advanced AI model that powers GitHub Copilot, CoPilot for Developers, and Azure Cognitive Services. It is optimized specifically for enhancing productivity in Microsoft’s market-leading productivity suite. 

The assistant draws on Microsoft’s massive data set of real-world enterprise usage patterns across Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Teams, OneNote, and other 365 apps. This allows 365 Copilot to provide informed recommendations and automate tasks to boost productivity for workers. 

What is the difference between Microsoft Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot?

Microsoft 365 Copilot’s key features include: 

  • Tight integration with Microsoft 365 apps – Unlike the standalone Cortana assistant, 365 Copilot is incorporated directly into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneNote and more. This enables contextual assistance within the apps professionals already use daily. 
  • Intelligent writing assistance in Word – 365 Copilot can help author drafts by making content suggestions as you type in Word. This could include proposing relevant text, assisting with edits, and adapting tone/style for different audiences. 
  • Data analysis and presentation aids in Excel and PowerPoint – 365 Copilot can scan Excel data sets and identify key trends, outliers, and insights to include in reports. It can also make smart slide recommendations in PowerPoint based on analyzing text and image content. 
  • Email and meeting summarization – 365 Copilot can digest lengthy email threads and Teams meeting recordings to provide condensed summaries of the key discussions and action items. This saves time catching up on essential communications. 
  • Automated note-taking with OneNote – 365 Copilot can passively listen in on meetings, calls, and events to automatically draft relevant notes and minutes in OneNote. This frees up creators to focus on engaging. 

Availability and Pricing 

Microsoft 365 Copilot will begin rolling out to commercial Microsoft 365 subscribers in late 2023. It will eventually be included in select subscription plans, but specific licensing requirements are still to be announced. Pricing will also likely vary based on company size and integration needs. 

How much does Microsoft 365 Copilot cost

Microsoft 365 Copilot is available as an add-on for eligible Microsoft 365 business and enterprise plans at $30 per user per month (billed annually). This pricing is in addition to your existing Microsoft 365 subscription (e.g., Business Standard, Business Premium, E3, or E5).

For U.S. small and mid-sized businesses, Microsoft also offers bundled plans starting at:

  • $36/user/month for Business Basic + Copilot

  • $42.50/user/month for Business Standard + Copilot

  • $52/user/month for Business Premium + Copilot

Please note: Microsoft 365 Copilot requires a 12-month commitment and is not available as a standalone product.

Is Microsoft 365 Copilot included in my Office 365 subscription?

No, Microsoft 365 Copilot is not included in your existing Office 365 or Microsoft 365 subscription. It is a paid add-on that costs $30 per user per month and requires a qualifying Microsoft 365 plan—such as Microsoft 365 Business Standard, Business Premium, E3, or E5.

To use Copilot, your organization must purchase it separately and commit to an annual subscription.

Understanding Microsoft Copilot 

Unlike 365 Copilot for professional settings, Microsoft Copilot is designed as a personal productivity AI assistant embedded in Windows 11 itself. 

Overview 

Microsoft Copilot serves as an evolution of the virtual assistant capabilities Cortana originally provided at the operating system level. However it focuses more on streamlining core PC functions versus informational queries. 

Copilot aims to save home users time on common tasks while personalizing their Windows experience. It adopts a conversational UI similar to Alexa or Siri, invoking Copilot via voice commands, typing, or the built-in chat interface. 

Key Features and Capabilities 

Microsoft Copilot can: 

  • Optimize Windows settings and shortcuts – Copilot helps adjust system preferences like dark/light mode, font sizes, desktop backgrounds, and more based on simple requests. 
  • Organize windows efficiently – Copilot can quickly snap windows into place using commands like “Put browser on left and Explorer on right.” It integrates directly with the Snap Assist feature. 
  • Take and manage screenshots – You can ask Copilot to capture screenshots, crop images, add text annotations, and save files. It utilizes the integrated Snipping Tool capabilities. 
  • Summarize webpages and answer questions – Copilot provides condensed previews of webpages from Bing searches. You can also ask natural language questions, similar to Cortana’s legacy capabilities. 
  • Generate images and creations – Copilot taps into the DALL-E model to produce whimsical images and art from text prompts and descriptions. 

Over time, Microsoft plans to expand Copilot’s integration to offer even broader personal productivity assistance. 

Availability 

Microsoft Copilot is currently available in preview form for Windows Insiders testing early Windows 11 builds. It is expected to ship standard for all Windows 11 users later in 2023, starting with English-language markets like the US and UK. 

Accessing Copilot will be straightforward – invoking it from the taskbar, shortcut (Windows key + C), or via voice. 

Can small businesses in the USA benefit from Microsoft Copilot?

Yes, small businesses in the USA can greatly benefit from Microsoft 365 Copilot. It helps streamline day-to-day operations by automating tasks like writing emails, summarizing meetings, generating reports, and analyzing data across Microsoft apps like Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.

Microsoft offers Copilot bundles specifically for small businesses, such as:

  • Business Standard + Copilot at $42.50/user/month

  • Business Premium + Copilot at $52/user/month

With AI-powered productivity tools, small U.S. businesses can save time, boost efficiency, and stay competitive—without needing large IT teams or complex tools.

Key Differences Between the Microsoft Copilot vs Microsoft 365 Copilot

Now that we’ve outlined Microsoft Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot independently, let’s summarize some of the key differences: 

  • Target users – 365 Copilot is designed for enterprise professionals, while Microsoft Copilot serves individual home users. Their feature sets optimize for these distinct use cases. 
  • Integration – 365 Copilot integrates into SaaS apps like Word and Excel. Microsoft Copilot is part of the client Windows 11 OS itself. 
  • Use cases – 365 Copilot focuses on accelerating document creation, analysis, communications, and presentations. Microsoft Copilot helps personalize OS settings, organize windows, generate images, and summarize web content. 
  • Availability – 365 Copilot will roll out to commercial Microsoft 365 plans first. Microsoft Copilot is currently in Windows Insider preview and will ship with consumer Windows 11 later. 

Ultimately, both flavors of Copilot leverage similar AI capabilities from Microsoft. But 365 Copilot aims to enhance productivity for large organizations, while Microsoft Copilot streamlines experiences for individual users. Understanding this distinction is key to determining which tool best fits your needs. 

Beyond Intranet Simplifies AI Assistance 

Microsoft Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot represent a new era of AI assistance from Microsoft. Moving past the Cortana legacy, these Copilots focus squarely on optimizing productivity in distinct environments. 

For enterprise professionals, Beyond Intranet helps with Microsoft 365 Copilot integration into core business apps to assist with documents, analysis, presentations, communication, and more. We ensure to help you save time on manual workflows by leveraging AI to generate informed suggestions and content. 

For individual users, Microsoft Copilot brings AI directly into the Windows 11 interface. It streamlines system personalization, task automation, and information lookup to customize experiences. 

Both tools promise to meaningfully enhance productivity by applying Microsoft’s cutting-edge AI capabilities. 365 Copilot targets workflows for global enterprises, while Microsoft Copilot streamlines OS-level interactions for home users. Understanding their differing purposes, integrations, and use cases is key to benefiting from the right Copilot for your needs. 

Conclusion 

If determining the best strategies for AI adoption is a challenge, solutions integrators like Beyond Intranet can help. With expertise in deploying Microsoft technologies, we guide clients in integrating tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot to enhance productivity across their organizations. Want to implement Microsoft 365 Copilot for your U.S. team? Talk to our Microsoft experts in the USA today.

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PowerApps Copilot: AI in the Power Platform https://www.beyondintranet.com/blog/powerapps-copilot/ Tue, 02 Jul 2024 10:52:59 +0000 https://www.beyondintranet.com/blog/?p=5044 The future of app development is here – one where humans collaborate with artificial intelligence to build solutions faster, easier, and more intelligently. Powerapps Copilot represents a fundamental shift in how people create business applications. 

In this post, we’ll explore how Copilot is transforming Power Apps by acting as an AI assistant that generates components of your apps through natural language conversations. This allows you to focus on important tasks while Copilot handles the routine work. 

Introduction to Powerapps Copilot

Power Apps provides a rapid, low-code approach to building custom business apps for web and mobile. It has an intuitive drag-and-drop interface and connections to data sources like SharePoint, Dynamics 365, and hundreds more. 

Copilot is Microsoft’s integration of next-generation AI into Power Apps. It utilizes advanced large language models, allowing you to describe what you want your app to do in natural language. Copilot then generates the necessary formulae, data connections, controls, and other elements to make it happen. 

By combining a powerful low-code platform with an AI co-developer, Power Apps Copilot enables a new way of creating apps through conversations. This represents a profound shift in how humans and machines collaborate. 

Key Capabilities of Microsoft PowerApps 

Power Apps empowers users to develop business apps with minimal coding. Key capabilities include: 

  • Canvas Apps – Build responsive web and mobile apps visually 
  • Model-Driven Apps – Generate feature-rich apps connected to Microsoft Dataverse 
  • Portal Apps – Design web portals for external users 
  • Connectors – Integrate data from Microsoft and third-party sources 
  • AI Builder – Add artificial intelligence capabilities like computer vision 

Power Apps provides the breadth of services to digitize workflows, improve customer engagement, and automate processes through modern apps. 

Integrating Data into Apps 

A key strength of Power Apps is its ability to connect data from a wide range of sources. This includes: 

  • SharePoint – Capture lists, libraries, and user profiles 
  • Microsoft 365 – Bring together Office 365 data 
  • Dynamics 365 – Integrate CRM and ERP information 
  • SQL Server – Connect on-premises and cloud databases 
  • Other Services – Leverage data from Salesforce, Oracle, Twitter and more 

With built-in connectors and data integration capabilities, Power Apps delivers unmatched access to data across environments. 

Expanding Possibilities with Microsoft Copilot 

Microsoft Copilot is an AI assistant that aims to boost productivity by generating code and content through natural language interactions. 

 Copilot uses large language models trained on billions of lines of public code. This allows it to provide suggestions as developers work based on conversational prompts. 

For example, a developer can comment “Parse this JSON and return the name field.” Copilot will then propose possible code snippets to accomplish the task. 

Over time, by observing how developers work and providing feedback, Copilot’s recommendations continuously improve. It adapts to each developer’s style. 

How Copilot Enhances PowerApps Development 

By integrating Copilot’s AI assistant into Power Apps, Microsoft unlocks new potentials: 

  • Copilot can suggest formulas, connectors, and controls as you describe app needs conversationally 
  • It can generate entire data models and app layouts from descriptive prompts 
  • Copilot saves time by handling repetitive tasks while you focus on strategic logic 
  • Its suggestions improve over time based on your feedback 
  • Continued upgrades to Copilot’s AI will enhance its capabilities within Power Apps 

Let’s explore some specific use cases for how Copilot augments Power Apps development: 

Building Apps Through Natural Conversations 

One major benefit is the ability to generate full apps from conversational descriptions. For example: 

“Build an app to track product inventory. Connect it to the SQL Server database. Include data tables for products, vendors, and shipments.” 

Based on this, Copilot can propose: 

  • Dataverse schema with relevant tables 
  • Sample formulae for key operations 
  • Wireframes for core app screens 

This kickstarts the development process through plain English prompts. You can then refine Copilot’s initial suggestions. 

Auto-Generating Data Models 

Copilot also simplifies creating data models for apps: 

“Create tables for customers, orders, and products with relevant fields for each.” 

Based on this prompt, Copilot can generate Dataverse tables for customers, orders, and products with appropriate columns defined. 

“Customers can have multiple orders, and orders contain multiple products.” 

Copilot can then establish relationships between the tables, allowing customers to have multiple related orders, and orders to have various associated products. 

“Bring in sample customer data from the CRM system.” 

Copilot can pull in sample customer records from the connected CRM data source to populate the customer table. 

“Retrieve the total dollar amount for a customer’s orders.” 

To enable useful data operations, Copilot can suggest formulae like summing the order amounts for all orders associated with a particular customer. 

“Ensure the email field contains a valid email address format.” 

For data validation, Copilot can write formulas to validate entries in certain fields match expected formats. 

“When order status changes to ‘shipped’, update the inventory count.” 

Copilot can also propose formula logic to implement business rules, like reducing inventory when orders are shipped. 

Automating Repetitive Tasks 

Copilot really shines at helping automate repetitive, routine development tasks: 

  • Generate boilerplate code for objects, functions, and classes 
  • Suggest implementations of common operations like parsing JSON, reading files, calling APIs 
  • Find and pull examples for reference from Microsoft docs or GitHub 
  • Draft blocks of formula logic, UI markup, and programmatic code

This allows you as the developer to focus on higher-level logic and overall app architecture rather than mundane coding mechanics. 

For example, you can focus on mapping out end-to-end business processes while Copilot handles writing the formulas and connectors to implement each step. 

Evolving Continuously Through Feedback 

A key advantage of Copilot is its ability to improve its suggestions based on your feedback continuously: 

  • You can accept, reject, modify or rate the quality of proposals 
  • Over time, Copilot adapts to your programming style and improves relevance 
  • Updates to Copilot’s AI will further enhance its capabilities 

This creates a positive feedback loop where Copilot learns as you use it. The more you work with it, the better it understands your codebase and preferences. 

Integrating AI Throughout App Building 

Copilot Integration into Power Apps enables AI assistance across the entire app lifecycle: 

  • Conceptualization – Describe app needs conversationally 
  • Design – Generate wireframes and prototypes 
  • Data Modeling – Craft data schema and relationships 
  • Development – Write formulae, connectors and business logic 
  • Testing – Suggest test cases and scripts 
  • Deployment – Automate release pipelines and versioning 

At each stage, Copilot provides relevant suggestions tailored to your requests. This makes the entire process more productive. 

Unlocking the Future of App Creation 

The natural language capabilities unlocked by Copilot enable a new paradigm for app development. 

By collaborating with an AI co-developer like Beyond Intranet, you can build apps faster and spend more time on strategic work rather than repetitive coding. Copilot automates the mundane while you provide the creative vision. 

This represents just the beginning of a revolution in how Power Apps are created. As Copilot’s AI capabilities grow more advanced, it will become an integral partner for both professional and citizen developers. 

The future of making apps lies in this harmonious melding of human creativity and machine intelligence. Power Apps Copilot provides a glimpse into the new horizons of app development. 

 

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A Beginner’s Guide to Using Microsoft Copilot in SharePoint https://www.beyondintranet.com/blog/copilot-in-sharepoint/ Mon, 19 Feb 2024 08:46:26 +0000 https://www.beyondintranet.com/blog/?p=4831 AI changes how we handle daily work tasks. To stay competitive, teams must know how to use AI tools in regular work. AI can boost productivity and efficiency. Microsoft’s new AI writing tool, Copilot, makes it easy to benefit from AI in apps like SharePoint. Leaders see AI as augmenting human abilities, not replacing jobs. Now organizations should embrace AI and unlock its benefits. This guide gives insights on using Copilot in SharePoint to improve productivity. Let’s learn how Microsoft’s AI copilot helps teams collaborate and create impactful content. 

Introducing Microsoft Copilot – Your AI Pair Programmer 

What is Copilot? It is an AI chatbot using large language models. It integrates into Microsoft 365 apps like SharePoint, Outlook, Teams and Word. 

Copilot helps with repetitive tasks. This reduces workload so employees can focus on high-value work. Microsoft says Copilot helps workers be more creative and focused. 

Studies show 64% of employees struggle with time management and focus at work. Copilot helps by automating repetitive drafting, scheduling, and data analysis. This frees up mental bandwidth so workers are more engaged. 

The name “copilot” shows this technology collaborates with humans, not replaces them. Like two pilots flying together, Copilot’s AI complements human abilities for shared goals. Microsoft designed Copilot to assist with daily tasks. Enabling real-time teamwork between humans and AI. 

Copilot integrates with Microsoft 365 apps like SharePoint, Teams, Word, and Outlook. This boosts productivity and creativity. Copilot sparks innovation and efficiency. 

Using Copilot in SharePoint 

SharePoint enables team collaboration, knowledge sharing, and document management. Copilot enhances SharePoint by improving the user experience. 

Microsoft says Copilot is the biggest SharePoint advancement in 22 years. It revolutionizes how sites, pages, and content are created. 

Copilot lets SharePoint users make sites, pages, content easily. It uses plain language prompts. Copilot’s AI makes initial drafts with company data and design from Microsoft. 

Users just tell Copilot what site or page they need. Copilot asks questions. Then quickly makes a basic version using company templates and brands. 

Copilot doesn’t just simplify building SharePoint sites. It also lets real-time editing of content using conversational prompts. Copilot helps tweak design, navigation, images, text, more until owner is happy. 

Copilot acts as a website design partner in SharePoint. It reviews content and makes engaging pages using new SharePoint web layouts. Copilot may suggest tweaks to improve reader engagement based on analytics. 

Key Benefits of Using Copilot in SharePoint 

Copilot as AI assistant in SharePoint has many benefits: 

  • Makes SharePoint easier and more efficient for all users 
  • Simplifies and speeds up creating new sites, pages and content 
  • Automates repetitive formatting, proofing and text optimization 
  • Lets Premium users easily organize, summarize and extract insights from content 
  • Enables users to customize Copilot’s behavior to their needs 
  • Boosts creativity by sparking ideas and assisting with writing and design 
  • Reduces owner workload by handling mundane upkeep tasks 
  • Analyzes site performance and suggests improvements 
  • Helps ensure brand consistency and governance 

Copilot reduces friction so users can focus on strategy rather than routine tasks. It simplifies collaborating and creating high-quality, impactful content. 

Prerequisites for Accessing Copilot 

To start benefiting from Copilot in SharePoint and other Microsoft 365 apps: 

  • Have an active Microsoft 365 license that includes Copilot 
  • Use an account connected to Azure Active Directory for single sign-on 
  • Have a OneDrive account for personal storage used by Copilot features 
  • Use the latest version of Outlook for Windows 
  • Access Teams via the desktop or web app (limited functionality on mobile) 
  • Have Microsoft Loop enabled across apps 
  • Have the necessary permissions to access SharePoint sites 
  • Understand how to activate Copilot within the desired apps 
  • Be ready to provide feedback to help train Copilot on your preferences 

Best Practices for Using Copilot in SharePoint Effectively 

Here are some best practices to get the most out of your AI copilot: 

  • Take time to customize Copilot’s settings for your preferred behavior 
  • Be very specific when prompting Copilot to avoid misalignments 
  • Use clear everyday language, not complex technical jargon 
  • Provide plenty of constructive feedback when Copilot misses the mark 
  • Let Copilot handle repetitive tasks like proofing, formatting and cleaning up text 
  • Take advantage of Copilot’s ability to rapidly produce initial drafts 
  • Review and refine Copilot’s work rather than accepting it outright 
  • Have it explain its reasoning to you when you are uncertain about its suggestions 
  • Monitor Copilot’s impact on efficiency and creativity over time 
  • Share tips and tricks with colleagues to spread adoption best practices 

The Future of SharePoint is AI-Driven 

Microsoft sees AI driving SharePoint’s future. With Copilot, they aim to provide seamless, user-friendly experiences. 

This means site owners, teams, and users can benefit a lot. How? By collaborating and creating high-quality content more efficiently. IT benefits from reduced burden managing SharePoint. 

Thanks to AI like natural language processing, Copilot enables smarter discovery and content use. It improves knowledge sharing and collaboration on digital platforms. 

SharePoint combines powerful document management, workflow automation, and collaboration. Adding AI through Copilot unlocks new productivity and innovation. 

However, adopting AI requires planning and change management. This includes training, process alignment, and outcome measurement. 

Partnering with experts can help organizations a lot. It effectively integrates AI tools like Copilot into apps like SharePoint. This maximizes benefits while mitigating risks. 

Next Steps with Copilot 

Copilot brings AI power into daily collaboration apps. By adding it to SharePoint, Microsoft aims to remove friction. In areas such as creating sites, pages, documents, and content. 

Learn more about harnessing Copilot Integration in SharePoint. Contact the SharePoint experts at Beyond Intranet.  

We provide advisory services, custom integrations, and change management to successfully adopt AI. This ensures your organization unlocks SharePoint’s full potential with Copilot. 

Maximize productivity, boost innovation, and empower your digital workplace with AI. The future of work is now. Take advantage of Microsoft’s advances and copilot the future of SharePoint. 

 

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