391638 – Microsoft Copilot (Microsoft 365): Excel Copilot supports generating multiple formula columns from a single prompt (archived)

Product:

Copilot, Microsoft 365 Apps

Platform:

Mac, Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Launched

Change type:

Links:

Details:

Users can ask Copilot to generate multiple formula columns suggestions at once, from a single prompt, such as "split the name into first name and last name."

Change Category:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2024-04-12

updated:
2024-06-18

Docu to Check

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MS workload name

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Direct effects for Operations**

- Impact on IT Operations and Services
- Increased demand for support and training resources
- IT support teams may experience a surge in inquiries as users adapt to the new Copilot feature.
- Roles impacted: IT Support Staff, Training Coordinators, Helpdesk Technicians.
- Reference: [Microsoft 365 Copilot Overview](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/03/16/introducing-microsoft-365-copilot/)

- Potential integration issues with existing Excel workflows
- Users may encounter compatibility issues with existing macros or custom formulas that could disrupt established processes.
- Roles impacted: Business Analysts, Data Analysts, Excel Power Users.
- Reference: [Excel Copilot Features](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/excel-blog/introducing-excel-copilot/ba-p/3851230)

- Impact on IT Users
- Enhanced productivity but possible initial confusion
- Users may experience a learning curve with the new feature, leading to temporary decreases in productivity as they familiarize themselves with the functionality.
- Roles impacted: General Users, Project Managers, Team Leaders.
- Reference: [Microsoft 365 Copilot Benefits](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/03/16/introducing-microsoft-365-copilot/)

- Risk of over-reliance on AI-generated formulas
- Users may become overly dependent on Copilot for generating formulas, potentially leading to a lack of understanding of Excel functions and data manipulation.
- Roles impacted: Data Analysts, Financial Analysts, Operations Managers.
- Reference: [AI in Excel: Benefits and Risks](https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2023/03/17/how-ai-is-changing-the-way-we-use-excel/?sh=5c7b0c4e1e5b)