Business Processes with Microsoft 365 Copilot Agents

Microsoft Copilot Agents

Copilot Agents are AI assistants designed to automate and execute business processes, working with or for users in Microsoft 365. They range in capability from simple, prompt-and-response agents to more advanced, fully autonomous agents that can replace repetitive tasks.

Microsoft Copilot Agents

Key Features of Copilot Agents

Agents can be created using Copilot Studio, a low-code tool that allows users to build custom agents and extend Copilot's capabilities by connecting to organizational knowledge and data sources. Agents can draw from valuable data in SharePoint, Microsoft Dynamics 365, or other business systems to help Copilot become smarter about the business and its processes.

Agents can be published directly into Microsoft 365 Copilot, surfacing right in the user's workflow. Users can find them in a new store in Microsoft 365 Copilot Business Chat, Teams, and the Microsoft 365 app. Agents can be invoked by @ mentioning them in a chat or by interacting with them directly. IT admins can curate the agent catalog from the Microsoft 365 admin center.

Agents can integrate with existing lines of business systems, enabling employees and customers to easily take action in their workflow. Agents can help automate routine tasks, improve efficiency, and foster a more collaborative environment. Best practices include regular updates, leveraging analytics for insights, and encouraging user feedback to refine functionalities.

Examples of Copilot Agents

Here are some real-world examples of Copilot agents in action, showcasing their functionalities and how they assist users across various tasks:

1. Microsoft Meetup

  • Functionality: This agent simplifies the process of organizing and managing meetings.
  • Case Study: Jane, a project manager, uses Microsoft Meetup to track her daily guests. By typing @Microsoft Meetup in the Copilot chat, she activates the agent and selects the prompt to "List my guests for the day." The agent then displays a list of all invited guests, including their names, roles, and meeting times, streamlining her scheduling process.

2. Priority Matrix

  • Functionality: This agent helps manage high-impact work and improves team productivity by tracking personal tasks and balancing workloads.
  • Case Study: David, a product manager, needs to set up a project timeline for a new feature launch. He uses the agent to access project management templates. The agent provides various templates and tools to create a professional timeline and allows him to invite team members for collaboration, ensuring everyone is aligned on the project.

3. Teladoc

  • Functionality: Customer service agents use Copilot to enhance response efficiency.
  • Impact: Agents at Teladoc save up to five hours each week by using Copilot to draft responses to common client questions, significantly improving productivity and customer satisfaction.

4. Vodafone

  • Functionality: Vodafone has invested in Copilot for its workforce.
  • Impact: The company deployed Copilot for 68,000 employees, enhancing operational efficiency and streamlining workflows across various departments.

5. Amgen

  • Functionality: Amgen utilizes Copilot in its research processes.
  • Impact: The agent helps accelerate research on rare diseases, enabling researchers to access information quickly and efficiently.

6. Finastra

  • Functionality: Marketers at Finastra leverage Copilot for content creation.
  • Impact: They report being able to go from content ideation to production 75% faster, showcasing how Copilot enhances marketing workflows.

These examples illustrate how Copilot agents can automate routine tasks, improve collaboration, and enhance productivity across various sectors by providing targeted assistance tailored to specific user needs.

By leveraging Copilot Agents, users can automate repetitive tasks, enhance collaboration, and boost productivity within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.