“In 2025, a crack commando unit was sent to trial Microsoft Copilot by their company for a productivity enhancement they didn’t commit. These men and woman promptly escaped from their mundane tasks to the digital underground. Today, still wanted by their colleagues, they survive as soldiers of fortune. If you have a problem, if no one else can help and if you can find them, maybe you can hire… The A.I. Team.”
If you don’t recognise the above voice-intro from a popular 1980s television programme then you’re probably too young to understand the majority of this article. However, please humour me and read it anyway – I hope this will be of some use to you.
In the ever-evolving world of technology, staying ahead of the curve isn’t just a goal, it’s a necessity. That’s why we embarked on an exciting journey to trial Microsoft Copilot, a cutting-edge AI assistant designed to revolutionise the way we work. But why did we do it, who was involved and what did we discover? Buckle up, because we’re about to take you on a rollercoaster ride through our Copilot adventure with the A.I. Team!
Doing more and doing better
Picture this: a bustling office filled with the sound of keyboards clacking, phones ringing and the occasional cry for help when someone accidentally deletes an important file. We needed a hero and Microsoft Copilot seemed like the perfect candidate. Our goal was simple: to enhance productivity, streamline workflows and reduce the number of “Oops, I did it again” moments. Plus, who wouldn’t want a digital sidekick that can draft emails, summarise documents and even crack a joke or two? We’d heard the rumblings about AI being used in the housing sector but couldn’t see anyone really nailing it, yet…
Our trial was spearheaded by a team of tech-savvy enthusiasts from across the business. Together, they formed the A.I. Team, ready to put Copilot through its paces. Each member brought their unique needs and point of view to the table, from finance and HR to housing and assets, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of Copilot’s capabilities.
Versatile assistance
As we delved into the trial, we uncovered a treasure trove of insights. Copilot proved to be a versatile and intelligent assistant, capable of handling a wide range of tasks. From drafting emails to summarising lengthy documents, it was like having a supercharged assistant who never needed a coffee break. We also discovered that Copilot had a knack for understanding context, making it an invaluable asset in meetings and brainstorming sessions. Its ability to generate creative content and provide relevant information on demand was particularly impressive.
The benefits of our Copilot trial were nothing short of impressive. Productivity soared as Copilot took on mundane tasks, freeing our team to focus on more strategic initiatives. Collaboration improved, with Copilot acting as a bridge between departments, ensuring everyone was on the same page. Copilot’s integration with our existing Microsoft tools and systems made it easy to incorporate into our workflow, enhancing overall efficiency. And let’s not forget the entertainment facto; Copilot’s witty responses and occasional jokes brought a smile to our faces, even on the busiest days.
Human interventions
Of course, no trial is without its hiccups. While Copilot was a fantastic assistant, it occasionally struggled with more complicated tasks, requiring human intervention. Additionally, some team members felt that relying too heavily on Copilot might lead to a loss of critical-thinking skills. After all, it’s important to keep our brains sharp, even in the age of AI.
Another challenge we faced was the occasional misinterpretation of context. While Copilot was generally accurate, there were instances where it misunderstood the nuances of certain tasks, leading to errors that required manual corrections. Despite these challenges, the overall experience was positive and the advantages far outweighed the disadvantages.
Let’s talk about the real value of our Copilot trial. By automating the mundane stuff, we could focus on the fun, creative and strategic parts of our jobs. The time we saved was used for brainstorming sessions, innovative projects and maybe even a few extra coffee breaks. In short, Copilot showed us that AI can be a game-changer, making our work lives easier and more efficient.
Feedback & improvements
Feedback from our team members was crucial in evaluating the effectiveness of Copilot. Overall, the feedback was positive, with team members recognising the potential of Copilot to enhance productivity and streamline workflows. Many users appreciated Copilot’s ability to draft and summarise emails as well as its integration with our existing tools. The feedback also helped us to identify areas for improvement and fine-tune our approach to integrating Copilot into our daily operations. We have also held briefings with our other staff members who are now keen to join the A.I. Team.
During our trial, we gathered some interesting statistics that highlight the impact of Copilot on our workflow:
- 77 per cent of users reported a significant reduction in the time they spent drafting and summarising emails.
- 69 per cent of users found Copilot’s ability to summarise Teams chats and meetings extremely helpful.
- 85 per cent of users appreciated the integration of Copilot with our existing tools, making their workflows smoother and more efficient.
- 90 per cent of users expressed interest in continuing to use Copilot after the trial.
These figures demonstrate the positive impact of Copilot on our team’s productivity and efficiency, reinforcing the value of integrating AI into our daily operations.
The potential of AI in our sector is immense. It has the power to revolutionise the way we operate, offering innovative solutions to complex problems and improving service delivery. Here are some key areas where we believe AI can make a significant impact:
- Predictive maintenance – AI can analyse data from diverse sources to predict when maintenance problems are likely to occur, allowing for proactive repairs and reducing downtime.
- Tenant engagement – AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants can provide tenants with instant support and information, enhancing their overall experience.
- Data analysis – AI can process vast amounts of data to identify trends and insights, helping us to make informed decisions and optimise our operations.
- Energy efficiency – AI can monitor and optimise energy usage in buildings, reducing costs and our environmental impact.
What’s next?
We’re now planning to integrate Copilot into more areas of our workflows, for a greater number of staff, focusing on tasks where it truly excels. We’ll continue to monitor its performance and make adjustments as needed – our goal is to strike the right balance between human ingenuity and AI efficiency.
We also plan to explore additional features and capabilities of Copilot, such as Copilot Studio and its potential for data analysis and predictive insights. By leveraging these advanced functionalities, we aim to further enhance our decision-making processes and foster innovation.
Our Microsoft Copilot trial was an eye-opening experience that showcased the immense potential of AI in transforming our work environment. We discovered that Copilot could handle a variety of tasks, boost productivity and even add a touch of humour to our daily routines.
While there were some challenges, the overall benefits far outweighed the negatives. As we move forward, we’re excited to integrate Copilot into more areas of our workflows and explore new possibilities. The future is bright, and with AI by our side, we’re ready to embrace it with open arms.
Adam Rigg is an IT digital analyst at Housing Solutions.
