How to get your business Microsoft 365 Copilot ready?

Companies continue to look for opportunities to increase productivity and reduce costs using Microsoft 365 Copilot.

Approximately 60% of businesses use Microsoft 365 for their email and productivity needs.  

Microsoft 365 is used by over a million companies worldwide, with over one million customers in the United States alone using the office suite software. 

Microsoft 365 Copilot is a robust AI assistant embedded within the Microsoft 365 suite, which helps boost productivity. 

By summarizing emails, creating content, and providing real-time intelligent support, Copilot can significantly enhance workflow efficiency and empower your workforce. 

But before implementation efforts, it’s important to conduct Copilot readiness assessment. This article will outline the key considerations for businesses to determine their readiness for Microsoft 365 Copilot, an AI-powered productivity assistant. 

Benefits of using Microsoft 365 Copilot

Microsoft 365 Copilot is an AI-powered tool that integrates seamlessly with your Microsoft 365 suite. It leverages data within your M365 applications (emails, chats, files, etc.) to provide personalized assistance, automate tasks, and boost employee productivity across departments.  

Microsoft 365 Copilot can help you:

1. Increase productivity
   Automate tasks and free up employee time
2. Make smarter decisions
   Gain insights from your data to make more informed decisions and achieve better outcomes. 
3. Streamline workflows
   Simplify complex processes and improve collaboration across teams.
4. Enhance security
   Microsoft 365 Copilot operates within your secure M365 environment, ensuring data privacy and compliance. 

The effectiveness of using Microsoft 365 Copilot depends on proper implementation, use, and training.

Prepare for Microsoft 365 Copilot

Microsoft 365 Copilot offers much potential, but to unlock its full benefits securely, organizations need to implement proper safeguards. Without this, Copilot could inadvertently share sensitive information to unauthorized individuals. 

1. Secure Data
   Ensure your organization’s data is stored and secured properly across your organization in proper siloes.
2. Classify Data
   Ensure data is properly classified between such categories as public data, confidential data, and restricted data.
3. Assess Implementation Opportunities
   Understand what areas of the organization, what job functions, and what tasks can most benefit from the use of Copilot. 
4. Update Policies
   Update your data classification and AI data policies to inform employees of what is permissible or not permissible to be used with Copilot and other AI tools.

Implement Microsoft 365 Copilot

1. Purchase Licenses
   Copilot isn’t included in all Microsoft 365 plans. Verify your subscription includes Copilot or purchase the add-on.
2. Assign Licenses
   Confirm users have been assigned the proper Copilot licenses.
3. Update Desktop Applications
   Ensure Microsoft 365 applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) are installed and updated to the latest versions on user devices. 
4. Train Employees
   Ensure employees understand how to utilize Copilot, and other AI tools, while also abiding by data security policies. 
5. Monitor and Optimize
   Monitor Copilot usage and license assignments to ensure paid licenses are being utilized. Determine if additional training is required for wider adoption. 

Conclusion

Varyence can help you assess your company’s AI readiness and ensure a smooth implementation.  

Our team of experts will guide you through the technical requirements and user adoption strategies, ensuring you can fully leverage Microsoft 365 Copilot’s capabilities while maintaining data security and governance. We can also assist with data policy and security for regulatory compliance.