Revolutionise is an overused word. Much like transformation.
So that makes it difficult when you finally find something that will make as significant a difference to business productivity as Copilot. But let’s look at two of the real-world ‘stars-of-the-show’ examples so you can judge for yourself:
First, Copilot for Power Automate.
Now, if you thought Power Automate (previously Microsoft Flow) was brilliant - but at times complicated - for creating automated workflows, just imagine it on Copilot steroids. Power Automate requires you to work like a developer would with code – and code is something that Copilot loves! For example, ask it (in natural language) to build a workflow where receiving an email creates a record in Dynamics 365 – and within minutes, it will truly build that flow in front of you. Copilot will ask you to authorise the connections, and presto – it’s done. And it won’t allow you to do anything you don’t have the authority to do.
You can add iterations – like specifying that it only creates a record if there’s a particular word (for example: urgent!) in the email subject – and that step will be added in. For anyone used to using Power Automate, it’s a game-changer, as is the latest V3 designer for Copilot.
To put this in a productivity context, pre-Copilot, we would have started this workflow with a diagram or scoping out what needs to happen and a blank canvas. From then, each step would need to be manually created - one at a time. Pre-Copilot, this workflow would have taken 20-100 steps – with Copilot - about three. Time saved? 40% to 60% time saving on average.
Next, another shining example of Copilot productivity: Teams Premium Copilot.
With Copilot sitting in on your meetings, it can create a transcript, review it, and then provide a recap for attendees or those who couldn’t make the meeting.
The recap covers what was discussed, who was mentioned, topics covered, and any tasks assigned for follow-up. And the user can even drill down into the recap for more detail or context. It also creates auto-chapters based on the discussion points covered during the meeting.
While it may be hard to quantify the time savings, it’s obvious that Copilot fulfils the role of a highly organised and competent PA combined with a court reporter. The productivity gains of being presented with a concise, accurate and action-orientated meeting recap are significant.