The future of work is here, and with it comes the powerful AI tool, Copilot for Microsoft 365. Designed to streamline your workflows and enhance productivity, Copilot can be a game-changer for businesses of all sizes. But before you can unlock its full potential, there are several steps to take to ensure your business is ready.
Assessing Your Readiness for Copilot
Before implementing Copilot for Microsoft 365, it’s essential to ensure your business is prepared. This involves more than just a simple software installation; it requires that your team has access to the right tools, data is managed correctly, and security protocols are in place.
1. Prerequisites: Microsoft 365 Apps
First, make sure your team has access to the essential Microsoft 365 apps. These include:
- Word
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- Outlook
- Microsoft Teams
- OneDrive
- SharePoint
- Exchange
Additionally, all devices must be enrolled in either the Current Channel or Monthly Enterprise Channel to ensure compatibility with Copilot. Not sure if you meet the requirements? Contact us at Arbelos for assistance.
2. Licensing Requirements
Copilot for Microsoft 365 is an add-on available with specific Microsoft licensing plans. These include:
- Microsoft 365 E3, E5
- Office 365 E3, E5
- Microsoft 365 Business Standard, Business Premium
Unsure which plan is right for your business? Our team at Arbelos can help you identify the most cost-effective solution.
3. User Readiness and Licensing Assignment
Determine which members of your team will benefit most from Copilot and ensure they are assigned the appropriate licences. Head over to the Microsoft 365 admin centre or use Azure to streamline the process.
4. Managing Security and Permissions
Security is paramount when dealing with an AI that integrates with multiple apps and data sources. Copilot follows the same security protocols as other Microsoft 365 tools, ensuring that users only access data they are authorised to view.
To guarantee data protection, review your permissions before deploying Copilot. Our Managed IT Services team can support you in assessing and managing security settings.
5. Data Management and Access
Because Copilot for Microsoft 365 draws on your business’s data stored across various apps, it’s crucial to ensure that this data is easily accessible but secure. Organisations should have an Azure Active Directory account with the appropriate security measures in place, such as Purview Information Protection, to control data access.
Extend Copilot Beyond Microsoft 365
One of the exciting features of Copilot for Microsoft 365 is its ability to integrate with third-party systems like Jira or CRM platforms, allowing you to automate even more workflows. Want to know how to expand Copilot’s capabilities for your business? Contact us to learn more about how we can help you integrate and maximise Copilot’s potential across multiple platforms.
Get Expert Help with Arbelos
At Arbelos, we specialise in helping businesses integrate and optimise Microsoft 365 tools, including Copilot. From readiness assessments to deployment and training, we can guide your team every step of the way. Learn more about how our Managed IT Services can help you prepare for the future of work with Copilot.
