Microsoft 365 Copilot: Is It Worth the Investment for Your Business?

Unlike other AI tools on the market, Microsoft has chosen to integrate Copilot as an add-on feature for Business Standard and Business Premium customers. So, what exactly do you get for your investment?

Unleashing the Power of AI in Your Daily Workflow

Microsoft 365 Copilot introduces a fully integrated AI experience into the apps you already use, leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs) and your organisation’s data in the Microsoft Graph. This means Copilot becomes a personalised productivity hub for your business, generating content tailored to your context and needs.

By tapping into your business information – from calendars and emails to chats and documents – Copilot provides intelligent assistance unique to your users’ prompts. It can summarise meetings in Teams, draft content in Word, prioritise and respond to important messages in Outlook, and seamlessly integrate with other M365 apps to streamline tasks and spark creativity.

Calculating the ROI: Is It Worth the Extra Cost?

The value of Copilot lies in its ability to liberate your team from mundane tasks, freeing up valuable time and capacity to focus on more impactful work.

Pros:

• Integrates across Microsoft 365 apps.
• Enhances productivity by automating tasks.
• AI-driven support for various functions.
• Facilitates collaboration and communication.
• Contributes to security and compliance.

Cons:

• Raises privacy concerns due to data analysis.
• Steep learning curve for optimal use.
• Potential over-reliance on technology.
• It may produce unchecked errors or glitches.
• Significant additional cost for the subscription - it's double the monthly cost of Business Standard

But is it worth the investment? Based on the average UK salary of £18 per hour, consider this: if Copilot can save a M365 user one and half hours per month – equivalent to £27.00 – then it pays for itself.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/microsoft-365/business/copilot-for-microsoft-365#Pricing

Q&A

Q: Is the online experience better than the desktop version?

A: Its online features are particularly useful for seamless collaboration, real-time updates, and access to files from anywhere with an internet connection. By leveraging the cloud, Microsoft 365 Copilot allows users to work together on documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and more in real time, making online collaboration smoother and more efficient compared to traditional desktop-based methods.

Q: Can Microsoft Copilot be used for complex data analysis in Excel?

A: Yes, Copilot can automate and assist with complex data analysis in Excel, offering insights and simplifying the process.

Q: How does Copilot handle privacy and data security?

A: While Copilot analyses user data for effective functioning, Microsoft emphasises compliance with data security and privacy standards. However, users should be aware of the data sharing involved.

Q: Is there a learning curve associated with Microsoft Copilot?

A: Yes, most definitely. Adapting to Copilot’s AI-driven functionalities may require some learning, especially for users unfamiliar with AI tools.

Q: Can Copilot integrate with other Microsoft 365 apps besides Word, Excel, and Outlook?

A: Yes, Copilot integrates with various Microsoft 365 apps, including Teams and PowerPoint, offering versatile support across the suite.

Q: Are there additional costs associated with using Microsoft Copilot?

A: Yes, Copilot is an add-on to the existing Microsoft 365 subscriptions and comes with an additional cost of £ 24.70 per user per month.

Conclusion

Microsoft Copilot, as a part of the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, marks a significant advancement in AI-driven workplace tools. Its ability to enhance productivity, streamline tasks, and offer intuitive AI assistance positions it as an asset for modern small businesses. However, its adoption has challenges, including privacy concerns, a learning curve, potential dependency on technology, occasional technical glitches, and additional monthly opex costs. Microsoft Copilot, thus, represents not just a tool but a step towards a more interconnected and AI-assisted future in the workplace, redefining what productivity means in the modern era.

Getting Started: Building a Business Case and Rolling Out Copilot

Ready to harness the power of AI with Copilot? Start by reviewing your cybersecurity and data security protocols to ensure a seamless integration. Then, take a strategic approach to rollout by initiating a proof-of-concept trial.

Leverage M365 and Teams usage reports to identify departments that could benefit most from Copilot, such as finance teams reliant on Excel. Engage a group of super users to test Copilot’s capabilities, develop protocols, and uncover use cases that support your wider business objectives.

While not every team may find value in the monthly license fee, the potential impact of Copilot across your organisation is undeniable. With careful planning and strategic implementation, Copilot can become a gamechanger for your business, unlocking new levels of productivity and efficiency.