402191 – Microsoft Copilot (Microsoft 365): Excel – Preview and “Apply” changes suggested by Copilot (archived)

Product:

Copilot, Microsoft 365 Apps

Platform:

Mac, Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Launched

Change type:

Links:

Details:

Previously, when a user asked Copilot to make changes to their table data, Copilot would make the changes directly. Now, Copilot will respond with a description of the planned changes, along with a button to "Apply". Users can choose to refine before applying. This provides more user awareness and control over Copilot's changes.

Change Category:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2024-07-09

updated:
2024-08-06

Docu to Check

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MS workload name

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Direct effects for Operations**

- Impact on IT Operations
- Increased user training requirements
- Users will need guidance on how to effectively use the new "Apply" feature of Copilot.
- Roles impacted: IT Trainers, Help Desk Support
- Potential for increased support tickets
- Users may encounter confusion or issues with the new functionality, leading to a rise in support requests.
- Roles impacted: IT Support Staff, System Administrators
- Dependency on Microsoft 365 service stability
- Any outages or performance issues with Microsoft 365 could directly affect users' ability to utilize Copilot effectively.
- Roles impacted: IT Operations Managers, System Administrators

- Impact on IT Services
- Changes in user workflows
- The new feature may alter how users interact with Excel, requiring updates to documentation and training materials.
- Roles impacted: Business Analysts, IT Documentation Specialists
- Integration with existing data governance policies
- Organizations may need to reassess data handling and approval processes in light of the new Copilot functionality.
- Roles impacted: Data Governance Officers, Compliance Managers
- Dependency on third-party integrations
- If users rely on third-party tools that interact with Excel, changes in Copilot's functionality could affect those integrations.
- Roles impacted: Integration Specialists, Application Support Teams

- Impact on IT Users
- Enhanced user control and awareness
- Users will have more oversight of changes made to their data, which could lead to increased confidence in using Copilot.
- Roles impacted: End Users, Data Analysts
- Learning curve for new functionality
- Users may experience a temporary decrease in productivity as they adapt to the new "Apply" feature.
- Roles impacted: All Excel Users, Project Managers
- Potential for user resistance
- Some users may prefer the previous method of direct changes and may resist adapting to the new process.
- Roles impacted: Change Management Teams, User Experience Designers

References:
- Microsoft Copilot Overview: [Microsoft Official Documentation](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/copilot)
- Change Management Best Practices: [Prosci](https://www.prosci.com)

Opportunities**

- Enhanced User Control and Training Opportunities
- Users can review and refine changes before applying them, leading to better understanding and mastery of Excel functionalities.
- Opportunity for training sessions or workshops to educate users on how to effectively leverage Copilot's suggestions, improving overall productivity.
- Roles that might profit: Data Analysts, Business Analysts, and any team members who frequently use Excel for reporting and data manipulation.

- Streamlined IT Support and Reduced Support Tickets
- With users having more control over changes, there may be a reduction in support tickets related to accidental data modifications or misunderstandings of Copilot's functionalities.
- IT can focus on proactive support and training rather than reactive troubleshooting, improving overall IT operations efficiency.
- Roles that might profit: IT Support Staff, Help Desk Technicians, and IT Administrators.

- Improved Data Integrity and Decision-Making
- The ability to review changes before applying them can lead to better data integrity and more informed decision-making across departments.
- This can enhance the quality of reports and analyses generated by teams, ultimately benefiting strategic planning and operational efficiency.
- Roles that might profit: Management, Financial Analysts, and Project Managers.

References:
- Microsoft Copilot Overview: [Microsoft 365 Copilot](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/copilot)
- User Experience Improvements: [Microsoft Blog on Copilot](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/10/01/introducing-microsoft-365-copilot-in-excel/)

Potentional Risks**

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