Microsoft 365 Copilot is quickly gaining attention as one of the most promising advancements in workplace productivity, leveraging generative AI to transform the way we work. While it’s still early days for many organizations adopting Copilot, the potential for significant improvements in productivity and efficiency is clear. In this blog, we’ll explore how IT teams can successfully pilot Microsoft 365 Copilot and assess its value—setting the stage for a successful rollout that maximizes the benefits of generative AI.
The Growing Interest in Copilot
The buzz around Microsoft 365 Copilot is unmistakable. With the capabilities of generative AI transforming industries across the board, organizations are increasingly eager to harness the power of Copilot to improve workflows and optimize productivity. At $30 per user per month, M365 Copilot represents a notable investment, but for many organizations, the opportunity to redefine work processes and drive efficiency makes this a smart choice for the future.
Despite the challenges, the benefits are clear. Microsoft’s early access program, with data from 297 users, showed that 70% of users reported higher productivity, and 68% noted improvements in work quality. Although the sample size is relatively small, these results are promising and suggest that M365 Copilot could be a game-changer for many businesses looking to optimize operations and improve performance.
Transforming the Way We Work
Microsoft 365 Copilot isn’t about creating new capabilities—it’s about making existing tasks more efficient. From summarizing meetings to drafting content in Word and PowerPoint, Copilot can help workers be faster and more productive in their day-to-day tasks. This shift presents an exciting opportunity to redefine how employees engage with technology and unlock new levels of efficiency across teams.
As more organizations pilot M365 Copilot, the understanding of its capabilities will evolve. These early signs of success are laying the groundwork for future scalability and offering valuable insights into how organizations can adapt and leverage Copilot to maximize their potential.
Safeguarding Your Data: A Critical Priority
While the excitement around Copilot is justified, it’s essential to address the concerns around data security and governance. M365 Copilot interacts with data within your Microsoft 365 environment, and as with any AI-driven tool, the quality of the output depends on the quality of the data it has access to.
By ensuring proper permissions, governance controls, and data accuracy, organizations can mitigate risks and avoid oversharing or misinformation. This proactive approach not only secures the implementation but also reinforces trust in the tool across the organization. As IT teams take the necessary steps to bolster security, the rewards of a successful Copilot deployment become even greater.
Best Practices for a Successful Copilot Pilot
To make the most of M365 Copilot and ensure a successful pilot, here are some key best practices that will help IT leaders unlock its full potential:
- Establish a Cross-Functional Center of Excellence (COE): To maximize the benefits of M365 Copilot, form a COE within your Microsoft 365 or digital workplace teams. This group will provide clear leadership, governance, and alignment across departments—ensuring a streamlined approach to piloting Copilot.
- Review Permissions and Governance: Before launching your pilot, assess your Microsoft 365 environment to ensure permissions and data governance controls are in place. By proactively managing access and ensuring data integrity, you can reduce the risk of data issues and help users feel confident in the tool.
- Select High-Impact Departments and Processes: Identify areas where M365 Copilot can make an immediate impact. Whether it’s automating repetitive tasks or enhancing collaboration, selecting the right processes and personas will set the stage for a successful pilot and help you measure success effectively.
- Engage Users with Ongoing Training and Support: Copilot is a new way of working, and employees will need time to adapt. Regular training and support, such as prompt crafting and best practices, will ensure smooth adoption and help users unlock the full potential of Copilot.
- Collect Feedback and Monitor Progress: Monitoring usage and gathering feedback are essential to understanding the tool’s impact. While quantitative data is helpful, qualitative insights from surveys and focus groups will provide a more comprehensive view of Copilot’s value and user experience.
- Evaluate Impact and ROI with Data-Driven Insights: As your pilot progresses, assess the ROI through a data-driven approach. Rather than viewing M365 Copilot as just a cost, consider the value it brings in terms of saved time, increased productivity, and enhanced collaboration. This holistic evaluation will guide your decision on scaling Copilot across the organization.
Why Piloting M365 Copilot is a Game-Changer
Piloting M365 Copilot is an opportunity to unlock transformative benefits across your organization. Here’s why it’s different from traditional IT pilots:
- A Strategic Investment with Long-Term Gains: While the upfront costs may be significant, the potential benefits of improved efficiency, productivity, and collaboration make M365 Copilot a strategic investment with long-term returns.
- Unlocking New Ways of Working: Copilot empowers employees to leverage AI to work smarter, not harder. This shift will help organizations evolve their workflows, embrace more efficient processes, and adapt to new ways of working.
- A Chance to Enhance Information Governance: By ensuring proper permissions and data governance, IT teams can create a more secure and efficient environment for Copilot, reducing risks and enhancing trust across the organization.
- A Path to Scalable Success: While piloting M365 Copilot presents challenges, it also provides the opportunity to test, learn, and scale the tool in a way that benefits the entire organization. With careful planning and evaluation, the pilot phase can pave the way for broader adoption and long-term success.
InterVision: Your Partner in the GenAI and Copilot Journey
As a Microsoft and GenAI services organization, InterVision is here to guide you through every step of your Copilot journey. We specialize in helping organizations optimize their Microsoft 365 environments and leverage generative AI tools like Copilot to drive real business outcomes.
From assisting with setting up your pilot environment to providing ongoing support and optimization, InterVision is committed to ensuring your organization maximizes the potential of Copilot. Our team of experts can help you navigate the complexities of Copilot implementation, optimize data governance, and assess the ROI of your investment. With our experience and support, you can embrace the future of work with confidence and ensure a smooth and successful transition to a more efficient, AI-powered workplace.
Looking Ahead: A Future Powered by Copilot
The future of work is here, and Microsoft 365 Copilot is at the forefront of this transformation. With a thoughtful, data-driven approach to piloting and deployment, organizations can unlock the full potential of Copilot and usher in a new era of productivity.
As more organizations pilot and scale M365 Copilot, the insights gained will continue to shape how businesses use AI to enhance existing workflows and unlock new opportunities. By embracing these best practices and committing to continuous improvement, IT teams can ensure that their Copilot pilots not only succeed but deliver lasting value.
Ready to unlock the full potential of Microsoft 365 Copilot? Partner with InterVision to ensure a seamless pilot, maximize productivity, and drive real business outcomes. Let’s navigate your Copilot journey together—Get started today.
