What is Copilot Studio?

What is Copilot Studio and how does it work? 

To make Copilot more accessible for organisations with unique requirements, Microsoft extended Copilot’s capabilities to enable the creation of custom AI assistants.  

Copilot Studio functions as a visual, drag-and-drop development environment, making it easy to use for those with varying technical expertise. Here’s a closer look at how it operates: 

• Pre-built AI models and customisation
  Copilot Studio provides pre-built AI models, but organisations can also fine-tune and customise AI behaviour using prompt engineering. Users can specify how the AI should respond based on context, rules, and industry-specific language. 
• Connector and API integration
  Copilot Studio can connect with external data sources and third-party applications. Using Microsoft’s Power Platform Connectors, link your AI copilot to databases like Dataverse, external APIs, SharePoint, Teams, Dynamics 365, and even non-Microsoft applications. 
• Copilot Studio knowledge sources
  Studio allows organisations to integrate knowledge sources (structured and unstructured data repositories that improve the AI’s ability to retrieve relevant information). These can include internal documents, wikis, FAQs, CRM data, and more. 
• Security
  Since Copilot Studio operates within Microsoft’s secure cloud ecosystem, it adheres to enterprise-grade security, compliance, and governance standards.  

 Copilot Studio vs Copilot for Microsoft 365: key differences 

At first glance, Copilot Studio and Copilot for Microsoft 365 may seem similar, but they have different capabilities.  

Copilot for Microsoft 365 is embedded directly into Microsoft applications like Word, Excel, and Teams. It is designed to assist users by offering suggestions, generating content, and automating repetitive tasks across applications. It’s easy to use and doesn’t need any customisation, making it a good option for organisations looking for AI models that don’t need much setup or maintenance. 

Copilot Studio offers a more tailored experience. It allows for deeper integration of proprietary data, giving organisations the flexibility to create custom AI tools. This is ideal for organisations that require more complex solutions or want to develop AI applications beyond the core functionality of Microsoft 365. 

Copilot Studio knowledge sources 

One of the most powerful features of Copilot Studio is its connection to Copilot Studio knowledge sources. These sources serve as the backbone of the AI’s learning and decision-making processes. Knowledge sources are retrieved from both internal and external data points, including organisational documents, databases, or even third-party services. This allows organisations to give the AI highly specific information that improves the accuracy and relevance of its output. 

For example, an organisation may choose to integrate proprietary customer data into Copilot Studio, enabling the AI to assist with customer service tasks by recommending solutions based on past interactions. By using these knowledge sources, businesses gain greater control over how AI is used and ensure it aligns more closely with organizational objectives. 

For example, a government organisation could use Copilot Studio to integrate data from various public records into the AI, helping assist with citizen inquiries by providing accurate information based on historical data. By utilising these knowledge sources, your organisation will ensure you provide efficient and accessible services to the community.