This blog is part of our Data & AI spotlight series! Over the coming weeks, we are giving you a look into some of the hot topics in today’s evergreen world of Data & AI, and how working with FSP will give you a strategic edge and transform your organisation.

The integration of AI (Artificial Intelligence) into the workplace is no longer a distant future but a present reality, with tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot leading the charge. Designed to support and enhance employee productivity, creativity, and collaboration, Microsoft 365 Copilot promises a transformational impact on modern workplaces.  

However, implementing such a powerful tool requires careful planning, execution, and ongoing support. This is where FSP steps in to guide organisations through the process, cutting through the hype to focus on the core use cases where Microsoft 365 Copilot can truly benefit organisations. 

In this blog, we will explore the strategic advantages of launching Microsoft 365 Copilot and how FSP can assist organisations in harnessing this innovative technology. We will delve into the benefits it offers, the potential challenges, and the essential steps for effective implementation. 

Why Launch Microsoft 365 Copilot? 

Microsoft 365 Copilot leverages Large Language Models (LLMs) and integrates seamlessly with your data and Microsoft 365 Apps. The combination of these things has the potential to provide many benefits for employees, enabling them to work smarter and faster. 

Microsoft’s comprehensive report ‘What Can Copilot’s Earliest Users Teach Us About Generative AI at Work?’ discusses the impact of Microsoft 365 Copilot on productivity and creativity at work, based on research and surveys conducted with early users. It highlights significant productivity gains, time savings, and the potential for generative AI to transform organisational capabilities. 

• Improve productivity 

Microsoft 365 Copilot significantly enhances productivity by enabling users to complete tasks faster. It assists with various activities such as meetings, email management, information searching, and writing, allowing users to save time and focus on more meaningful work. Early users have reported that Copilot boosts their productivity, making it a valuable tool for transforming personal and organisational efficiency. 

• Enhanced quality 

Microsoft 365 Copilot significantly enhances the quality of work by assisting users in tasks such as writing, summarising meetings, and searching for information. It ensures that the output is both accurate and high-quality. Users have reported that Copilot improves the clarity and conciseness of their work, making it a valuable tool for maintaining and elevating the quality of their tasks. 

• Boost creativity 

Microsoft 365 Copilot significantly boosts creativity by helping users generate ideas faster and improve the quality of their work. It acts as a supercharger for ideas, allowing people to focus on refining and expanding their concepts rather than starting from scratch. Users have reported that Copilot helps them reach their creative potential more efficiently, making their work not only faster but also more innovative. 

Generative AI in the Microsoft 365 Trust Boundary 

A study by Salesforce found that over a quarter (28%) of workers are currently using generative AI at work, and over half without the formal approval of their employers. This highlights the need for companies to provide employees with a secure environment and properly governed tools to explore and adopt Generative AI. Otherwise employees with likely find a way that won’t be properly governed and put the business and their IP at risk. 

Copilot enables your employees to embrace and explore the potential of AI within the trust boundaries of the Microsoft 365 tenancy. The information contained within your prompts, the data they retrieve, and the generated responses remain within the Microsoft 365 service.  Furthermore, this information isn’t used to train any foundational LLMs, including those used by Microsoft themselves. 

FSP’s Approach to Microsoft 365 Copilot Deployment 

To truly unlock the value, realise the benefits of Microsoft 365 Copilot and build trust, requires thoughtful and responsible approach to driving adoption and proficiency.  

FSP’s approach to launching Microsoft 365 Copilot is structured, drawing on industry best practices and deep expertise in Microsoft technology. At FSP we know the importance of taking a people-centric approach to maximising the value that Copilot provides and help your organisation to embed long-lasting positive change.​ 

Here’s how FSP helps organisations realise the benefits and navigate potential risks: 

• 1. Strategy and Vision 

We assemble and collaborate with key cross-functional business stakeholders to define the scope and gather information on key business scenarios. Through demos and high-level overviews, we introduce stakeholders to Copilot and demonstrate the art of the possible. We support you in assessing the expected business benefits and identifying KPIs that measure the realisation of these benefits. 

• 2. Data Readiness 

Ensuring data readiness and governance is crucial for the quality, security, and compliance of the generated content. We conduct audits of your existing Microsoft 365 tenancy to identify high-risk areas and establish information management practices that maximise security and information discovery. 

• 3. Communication and Engagement 

Building awareness and enthusiasm for Copilot lays the foundation for adoption. We develop a comprehensive communications plan aligned with key use cases, creating a champion network of early adopters who drive best practice use among peers. Utilising tools like Teams, SharePoint, and Viva Engage, we help you to foster a culture of learning and sharing. 

• 4. Education and Upskilling 

Identifying training needs and defining tailored materials ensures that users have the confidence and capability to adopt the change. We deliver online instructor-led courses, e-learning, and onsite training, supported by a Champion Network that drives users to the material through active communications. 

• 5. Trial approach and outcomes 

We run trials by assembling diverse and cross-functional groups and conducting onboarding workshops to clarify the roles of trial participants. Daily activities across Microsoft 365 apps maintain engagement, supported by gamification and regular check-ins. We gather feedback through surveys and maintain a dedicated Microsoft Teams site to share prompts and best practices. 

The outcomes of these trials include identifying key beneficial uses and risks, assessing the impact on productivity, creativity, and learning, and building a Champion network. We also test and iterate the change and adoption activities, identify areas for extensibility and enhancement, inform the business case and implementation roadmap, share lessons learned, and create necessary training materials. 

• 6. Ongoing Support and Measurement 

We emphasise the importance of incorporating BAU (Business As Usual) support from the beginning, defining support activities and scenarios to ensure a smooth transition. User surveys, feedback sessions, and the Copilot Dashboard within Viva Insights help monitor usage patterns, measure productivity gains, and continuously improve the Copilot experience. 

• 7. Extend and enhance​​ 

Further enhance and extend the functionality of Copilot to suit your needs. Create the opportunity for a single interface for applications and platforms by integrating with your data and systems through bespoke plugins, Graph connectors via Copilot Studio. We support you to create a seamless integrated experience and maximising the utility of your existing data and systems. 

Addressing Key Concerns 

Organisations may have several concerns when considering Microsoft 365 Copilot, such as the return on investment (ROI), data security and privacy, and effective tool usage. FSP’s structured approach addresses these concerns: 

• ROI:

By assessing the impact on productivity, creativity, and learning during the trial phase, FSP provides data that enables organisations to evaluate the ROI and target future activities for maximum benefits. 

• Data Security:

Copilot operates within the Microsoft 365 Trust Boundary, ensuring that data is encrypted and secure. FSP’s risk mapping and mitigation strategies further protect sensitive information. 

• Effective Usage:

Through comprehensive training and ongoing support, FSP ensures that employees understand Copilot’s value, capabilities, and limitations, adopting it responsibly and ethically. 

The Path Forward 

Launching Microsoft 365 Copilot is an important decision that requires careful planning and preparation. FSP’s end-to-end programme delivery ensures that every aspect, from strategy and vision to education and ongoing support, is meticulously planned and executed. By partnering with FSP, organisations can confidently navigate the complexities of Copilot deployment, realising significant benefits while mitigating risks. 

Get in touch to discuss how we can help you to ​successfully launch Microsoft 365 Copilot. ​ 

See this in action with Sir Robert McAlpine in our latest case study. Find out about the key outcomes, challenges and innovations introduced when supporting them with launching Microsoft Copilot.