Enhancing Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations with Copilot - PART 1 - Introduction

DYNAMICS 365 FINANCE AND OPERATIONS & MICROSOFT'S AI COPILOT

This article series provides an overview of Copilot usage in Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations apps.

Copilot will be explained in 3 posts:

PART 1: Introduction to Copilot

PART 2: Install Copilot and connect to an Dynamics 365 ERP

PART 3: Copilot applications in Dynamics 365 ERP

Let's get started with PART 1

INTRODUCTION TO COPILOT

Microsoft Copilot in Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations uses AI to enhance ERP functionality, providing a blend of conversational AI, embedded insights, and integration across applications. This innovative approach aims to streamline operations, boost productivity, and facilitate smarter decision-making. 

Before going further, let's talk about the some of new terminologies:

• Sidecar – Copilot sits alongside the application as a sidecar and provides conversational support to the user. The sidecar is the primary Copilot interface in finance and operations apps. It provides a natural language chat experience that helps users work with application functionality and data.

• Embedded – These Copilot features add intelligent capabilities to the application itself. In this way, they bring AI to the center of the application experience. For example, in the Confirmed purchase orders with changes workspace, AI capabilities that are built into the page help users understand and react to changes in confirmed purchase orders.

• Outside – External agents help orchestrate across different apps and tasks. For example, users can use Copilot to ask questions about finance and operations data.

• Responsible AI – An AI system includes not only the technology but also the people who use it, the people who are affected by it, and the environment where it's deployed. Microsoft's Responsible AI FAQs are intended to help you understand how AI technology works, the choices that system owners and users can make that influence system performance and behavior, and the importance of thinking about the whole system, including the technology, the people, and the environment. You can use Responsible AI FAQs to better understand specific AI systems and features that Microsoft develops. Responsible AI FAQs are part of a broader effort to put Microsoft's AI principles into practice. To learn more, see Microsoft AI principles.

Next is the application areas. Copilot features include:

• Conversational AI Support: A sidecar where Copilot provides natural language interactions to help users navigate and perform tasks within the finance and operations applications, simplifying complex processes.

• Embedded Intelligence: AI can be directly integrated into Dynamics 365 business processes. Application example: Copilot helps users manage changes in confirmed purchase orders and other critical financial operations, embedding insights where they're most needed​​. More to come in the near future.

• Cross-Application Orchestration: Copilot extends beyond Dynamics 365, leveraging AI to interact with data across Microsoft's ecosystem, enhancing efficiency and providing seamless access to information​​. Application example: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Center is an enterprise-grade solution that integrates data from ERPs and supply chain systems into Microsoft Dataverse to enhance supply chain resiliency. It provides actionable insights, end-to-end visibility, and potential disruption prediction.

Bringing Microsoft Copilot into the Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations mix is pretty much a game changer for how businesses manage their financial and operational processes. It’s like having a super smart assistant that not only talks back but also gets what you’re trying to do, making your life a lot easier. The integration of conversational AI, embedded intelligence, and cross-application orchestration within Dynamics 365 offers a comprehensive, user-friendly solution that enhances efficiency, productivity, and decision-making capabilities.

The introduction of terminologies such as Sidecar, Embedded, Outside, and Responsible AI highlights Microsoft's commitment to developing AI technologies that are accessible, intuitive, and ethically responsible. These features not only streamline user interactions but also ensure that AI implementations are transparent, understandable, and considerate of their impact on individuals and the environment.

As Microsoft continues to expand the capabilities of Copilot, users can anticipate further innovations that integrate AI more deeply into finance and operations workflows. These advancements are likely to open up new possibilities for automating complex processes, predicting market trends, and providing actionable insights that drive strategic decision-making.

To sum it up, Microsoft Copilot is shaking up the traditional ERP scene in a big way. It’s about making technology not just work harder, but smarter and in a way that’s way more user-friendly. With its focus on making things easier for us humans, predicting our needs, and keeping the ethical side of tech in check, Copilot is paving the way for a new chapter in how businesses operate. As we all start getting on board with this tech, we’re in for a smoother, smarter, and more efficient ride. Pretty exciting times ahead!

The next article (PART 2) will address the initial steps necessary for integrating Copilot into Dynamics 365 ERP systems. It will detail the prerequisites required for installation and the activation of Copilot capabilities within finance and operations applications. This guide is intended as an overview resource for professionals looking for leveraging AI capabilities to enhance their ERP systems.