Piloting Microsoft Copilot: AI-Driven Productivity
About this project:
Exploring Copilot M365's potential to enhance productivity in a risk-averse private banking environment.
"By tailoring the trial to real use cases and embedding ongoing support, we uncovered measurable value and real enthusiasm for Copilot."
Nicholas Deveney
Group Head of Data & Consulting
Executive Summary
Microsoft Copilot Trial
Objective: The objective of the work was to undertake a trial of Copilot M365 in order to find whether a full roll out to all employees would be beneficial for the business.
Solution: We collated use cases that represented both typicality and complex scenarios and provided the client with a trial of Copilot across a small portion of the business. This was gradually extended to reach 10% of employees. Before being tasked with specific challenges, users were trained and supported to increase engagement and offer tailored guidance.
Results: We delivered a comprehensive report outlining our findings and clear recommendations, including a confident proposal for a full rollout of M365 Copilot. this is currently being considered by the board.
Challenge
Solution
Outcome
A prestigious private bank with ~500 employees, sought to explore the potential of AI to support productivity without compromising its high-risk-averse standards.
With a crowded AI marketplace and limited internal experience, the bank needed expert guidance to test Microsoft Copilot safely and strategically.
Concerns around implementing unproven AI technology meant a cautious approach was vital. The bank wanted to understand Copilot’s business impact before committing to a wider rollout, ensuring both compliance and value for investment.
Seeking impact whilst eliminating risk
Designed & executed a structure pilot program for Copilot
Between September 2024 and January 2025, Eden Smith Consulting designed and executed a structured pilot program for Copilot, primarily focused on M365 but including mini pilots for Dynamics, Azure, and Fabric.
Key activities included:
- Use Case Development: Interviews across departments to identify high-value scenarios, from simple tasks to complex operations.
- Pilot Group Formation: A cross-functional business forum trialled selected use cases, with participation gradually expanding to 50 users.
- Hands-on Enablement:
- Foundational training to establish Copilot literacy.
- Use case workshops for collaborative problem solving.
- Weekly Copilot Cafés as informal support hubs.
- One-on-one coaching for advanced or sensitive needs.
- Feedback Loops: Surveys, open discussions, and Microsoft dashboards were used to monitor performance, user sentiment, and time saved.
The pilot yielded strong, measurable results. Eden Smith Consulting produced a comprehensive findings report, recommending a full Copilot M365 rollout across the organisation.
Key outcomes included:
- Time Savings: Users saved an average of 150 minutes per week.
- Increased Efficiency: Notable improvements in note-taking, information retrieval, and document creation.
- Financial Insight: One use case alone demonstrated a potential £5,000 saving.
- User Engagement: A high level of enthusiasm and adoption from across departments.
The board is now reviewing the findings and considering a full enterprise rollout of Copilot M365 in the coming months.
