Microsoft Dynamics 365 Copilot is a new AI-powered feature that brings the next gen of AI and natural language processing to Dynamics 365. This is a direct byproduct of Microsoft's acquisition of OpenAI, which, since then, they have been working together on various AI projects. 

Copilot is based on the same language-learning model as ChatGPT, and It’s designed to work alongside businesses to help them create ideas and content faster. It does so by handling tedious tasks, providing insights, and the next best steps just by the user describing what’s needed. Copilot is the world’s first AI copilot natively built-in to both CRM and ERP applications.

Copilot uses natural language processing to understand what the user is trying to accomplish and provides suggestions and recommendations based on that understanding. Copilot works across all Dynamics 365 applications, including Sales, Customer Service, Field Service, Finance, Supply Chain Management, and Commerce.

3 Key Features of Copilot:

• Natural Language Processing: Copilot uses NLP to understand what the user is trying to accomplish and then gives suggestions and recommendations based on that understanding.

• Contextual Answers: Copilot in Dynamics 365 Customer Service is an awesome tool for agents. Copilot drafts contextual answers to queries in both chat and email, as well as providing an interactive chat experience over knowledge bases and case history so this AI-powered expertise is always available. 

• AI-Assisted Content: Copilot in Dynamics 365 Sales helps sellers with customer follow-up by generating AI-assisted content and recommendations, such as contextual emails based on the customer’s interests and preferences.

How Developers Can Use Copilot

With its machine-learning algorithms, Copilot has a lot to offer to developers, specifically when it comes to coding. Copilot works well with JavaScript, TypeScript, Python, Ruby, and Go, and it can analyze code - and then provide suggestions for the next line. That’s still just surface level, this is a more in-depth look at what Copilot can do:

Documentation:

• It can create code comments, write a function or class descriptions, and explain code segments.

• Developers can ask Copilot to generate documentation for specific functions, classes, or code blocks, saving them time in the long run. 

Troubleshooting:

• When developers encounter issues or error messages, Copilot can help with troubleshooting. It will give suggestions for debugging, recommend potential solutions, and explain the more common programming errors.

• Developers can also describe the problem they're facing, and Copilot can guide them on how to address it.

Code Formatting:

• Copilot can help developers adhere to the guidelines for standards and formatting. It will suggest things like formatting options, style improvements, and best practices.

• Developers can use Copilot to automatically format their code or make it consistent with their preferred coding style.

Code Review:

• During code reviews, Copilot helps by suggesting improvements and identifying potential issues, and even offering alternative coding approaches.

• Developers can work with Copilot to make sure the code quality meets the standards.

Code Snippets:

• Copilot can supply code examples and snippets for common programming tasks, algorithms, and even libraries. Developers can request code samples for specific functionalities, which inevitably will save them the effort of searching for examples online.

Integrations:

• Developers can integrate Copilot into their preferred development environments, such as code editors or integrated development environments (IDEs). This allows them to access Copilot's assistance seamlessly while coding.

Customization:

• Developers may have the option to customize Copilot's behavior and preferences based on their specific coding requirements and coding standards.

Learning:

• Developers, especially those learning to code or exploring new languages, can use Copilot as a learning tool. It’ll provide explanations, code samples, and insights into programming concepts.

Use Cases

Microsoft claims that more than 63,000 organizations have used Copilot's AI features, the draw is that it can integrate AI and ML across business functions. The reason a company would turn to Copilot in 2023 is because this is where the potential to normalize AI lies for Microsoft users. 

Imagine the Chat GPT responsiveness integrated into every form of customer service, sales, informational sessions, email chains, supply chain management, and operations. When people say “AI will take over”, the underlying fear there is that it’s going to increase productivity and innovation to a point people couldn’t even conceive. 

The Takeaway

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Copilot represents a significant leap in the integration of AI and natural language processing within business applications. Copilot is engineered to empower businesses by streamlining processes, which can either paint it as a public enemy or a trusted ally, depending on how it's embraced and leveraged.

Written By Ben Brown

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ISU Corp is an award-winning software development company, with over 17 years of experience in multiple industries, providing cost-effective custom software development, technology management, and IT outsourcing.

Our unique owners’ mindset reduces development costs and fast-tracks timelines. We help craft the specifications of your project based on your company's needs, to produce the best ROI. Find out why startups, all the way to Fortune 500 companies like General Electric, Heinz, and many others have trusted us with their projects. Contact us here.