Category: AI Adoption

Exploring the Future of Work with Microsoft Copilot

Exploring the Future of Work with Microsoft Copilot: A TechCon365 Recap

Attending the Microsoft TechCon365 Conference in Seattle was an enlightening experience, particularly with the spotlight on Microsoft Copilot. Here’s a recap of my top six standout sessions.

Next Level Productivity with Microsoft Copilot
The journey began with Andy Huneycutt’s all-day workshop which showcased Copilot’s vast capabilities. Key takeaways from the workshop included the detailed overview of Copilot plus the ROI Calculation to measure Copilot’s cost-effectiveness (ROI= Time per iteration × Number of iterations × Hourly rate); a deep dive on Microsoft Graph integration, and an overview of the many Prompt Engineering techniques available.
Process Mining and AI Integration

The Process Mining session showcased the innovative integration of process mining with AI capabilities and how Copilot can analyze data to identify inefficiencies and trends, and then make actionable recommendations. The use of Power BI for creating monitoring dashboards and the anticipation of Copilot for PowerAutomate going live were also significant points of discussion. This integration represents a leap forward in process optimization, offering a glimpse into the future of automated workflow management and data-driven decision-making.

Enhancing Collaboration with Teams Premium
The session on Teams Premium highlighted its advanced features designed to enhance collaboration and meeting experiences. The session covered the add-on license, improved meeting experiences, advanced protection, richer engagement, and the creation of custom meeting templates. Intelligent Teams meetings and recaps were introduced, including automatic generation of meeting notes and tasks from transcriptions, personalized timeline markers, and mentions. The recap tab, available post-meeting, and intelligent speaker recognition were also discussed, emphasizing the need for transcription activation. The meeting underscored Teams Premium’s potential to revolutionize meeting dynamics with its innovative capabilities.
Overcoming Barriers to Copilot Adoption

Stephen Rose’s “Garbage In Garbage Out” session shared the top 10 blockers for Copilot adoption, including data overload and the need for enhanced security opportunities, providing insights for organizations aiming to streamline their technological infrastructure. His recommendations included suggestions around storage that caught the attention of digital hoarders:

  • Outdated information in archives, necessitating the purging of emails older than 12-18 months.
  • Obsolete documents in OneDrive over 3 years old and unused in the last 90 days should be moved to Azure cold storage.
  • Integration of data across platforms, ensuring all data is in the M365 Cloud.
  • Removal of non-integrated third-party apps like Box, Slack, Zoom, and Blue Jeans.
Adaptive Cards: Bringing Tools to Users
Later in the week, Derek Cash-Peterson covered Adaptive Cards, highlighting their integration with Viva Connections and the new Adaptive Card Extensions (ACE). These cards are designed to bring tools directly to users within their work context, serving as a hub for news and resources across Microsoft 365. They offer extensibility for custom functionality, presenting a collection of features accessible through an app bar, the Connections app, and a dashboard in SharePoint. The updated Teams app and mobile-friendly design ensure that Adaptive Cards cater to a wide range of users, including those on the go. With various development options, including no-code, low-code, and pro-code, Adaptive Cards empower many vendors to create web plugins, making them accessible to HR and Marketing professionals who may not be familiar with JSON. The cards are theme-aware, offer different layouts, and provide quick view options, enhancing user experience with efficient navigation and personalized content.
Copilot in OneDrive: Streamline Workflows

My last session of the conference was with Ben Truelove on the new (coming soon) Copilot in OneDrive. His moto: Spend less time doing the work to get your work done. He broke features down into 6 categories.

  • Discover allows users to quickly find information within their files.
  • Catch Up to provide summaries of file updates.
  • Organize to automate content organization,
  • Create to transform existing files into more meaningful content.
  • Banish Busywork to reduce preliminary tasks.

He shared ways to conduct Q&A on files without opening them, compare images for insights, and convert Copilot responses into documents. This final session really emphasized the continuous evolution of Copilot across the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.

Conclusion

TechCon365 offered a glimpse into the future where Microsoft Copilot and its suite of tools will play a pivotal role in the way we work, collaborate, and create. The conference was a testament to Microsoft’s commitment to innovation and productivity, providing a wealth of knowledge and a vision of a more empowered workforce.

Author: Carolyn Humpherys, Learning and Change Management Consultant, Traveling Coaches

Ready to take the next step in AI adoption? Contact us today to learn how Alterity can help you fully unlock the potential of Microsoft 365 Copilot in your organization.

AI Adoption Challenges for Organizations

The business world is experiencing profound transformation, driven by tools like Microsoft Copilot and custom GPTs. These tools promise the moon with enhanced efficiency, streamlined workflows, and improved client service. However, for many organizations, adopting these technologies presents a series of challenges that prevent them from realizing their full benefits. 

Common Challenges

1. Resistance to Change

Organizations often resist adopting new technology due to unfamiliarity, skepticism about their effectiveness, or concerns about disrupting established practices. Overcoming this resistance requires addressing these concerns head-on and demonstrating the tangible benefits of AI tools.

2. Lack of Time and Patience

Some team members may lack the time and patience needed to test and try prompts. This can lead to frustration and underuse of AI technologies. Targeted, hands-on, instructor-led training with relevant use cases is essential to build the skills needed to use AI confidently and effectively.

3. Data Privacy and Security Concerns

Team members handle sensitive client information and must ensure that AI tools comply with stringent data protection regulations. Concerns about data security and privacy are paramount, and any AI tool used must adhere to the highest standards of confidentiality and protection.

4. Uncertainty About ROI

Organizations may be hesitant to invest in AI tools without a clear understanding of the return on investment (ROI). Measuring the impact and value of these tools is crucial to justify their cost and demonstrate their benefits to stakeholders.

How Alterity Can Help

Customized Training Programs

Organizations may be hesitant to invest in AI tools without a clear understanding of the return on investment (ROI). Measuring the impact and value of these tools is crucial to justifying their cost and demonstrating their benefits to stakeholders.

Change Management Strategies

Successful AI adoption involves more than just technical implementation; it requires managing cultural and organizational change. Our change management strategies help organizations overcome resistance and foster a culture of innovation, ensuring a smooth transition to new technologies.

Data Privacy and Security Awareness Training

Protecting sensitive client information is a top priority. We offer guidance on best practices for maintaining data privacy and security while using AI tools, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards.

ROI Assessment and Justification

Understanding the ROI of AI tools is essential for making informed decisions. We help organizations evaluate the impact of these tools, develop metrics to measure success and provide justification for their continued use.

Conclusion

The successful adoption of AI tools like Copilot or custom GPTs can significantly enhance efficiency and client service — but you must overcome the challenges to realize their potential. At Alterity, we support organizations through every step of the adoption process, from change management to training to security awareness and measurement.

Ready to take the next step in AI adoption? Contact us today to learn how Alterity can help you navigate these challenges and harness the power of AI tools in your organization.

Embracing AI: Empowering Organizations for the Future

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a major buzz word, not only in organizations, but all around. However, the use of AI requires significant investments in training and can pose risks if not used with proper care, especially in organizations. It’s critically important that all members of a company engage in ongoing conversations about AI usage and the ethical implications that come along with it. Accepting this fact means that training becomes a vital piece of ensuring your team is set up for success.

Training is vital in unlocking your organization’s AI potential. Ensuring that your teams have the know how to leverage an effective AI tool is key to taking full advantage of the potential benefits from any AI technologies, while mitigating risk. Proper training can involve learning AI’s potential abilities, its potential pitfalls and best practices to utilize AI tools. Doing so will enhance productivity, boost creativity and innovation across the board, and instill a culture determined to progress.

Equally important to training is helping people understand the social and ethical issues at stake, and to make decisions on how it’s used. AI is a tool made by people for people, to be used by people. It can help us expand our power, not replace it. By prioritizing transparency and accountability, organizations can ensure that AI is implemented in such a way that benefits everyone. Clear guidelines and best practices from the initial rollout will ensure that every person feels empowered to take this life changing technology and utilize it both correctly and ethically.

Ultimately, the successful deployment of AI depends on a shared dedication to learning, ethical integrity, and the never-ending pursuit of improvement. Together, we can build a future in which AI enhances our capabilities, sustains our values, and drives our success.

Alterity is ready to help you implement AI responsibly and effectively across your organization. Learn more about our AI Adoption solutions and Contact Us today to discuss how Alterity can help you seamlessly adopt AI for maximum benefits.

How to talk to employees about AI and understand responsible and effective use

Before we get into the specifics of this article, let’s level-set on a few things about Generative Artificial
Intelligence (GenAI):

  • Is it Evil or is it Good? NEITHER. It’s probably best to stop ascribing morality to a technology. It’s in the use of things that it gets such a moniker.
  • Is it intelligent? NO. It is really machine learning based on what it has to learn from (there are some interesting tangential thoughts here – think GIGO …or Garbage In, Garbage Out).
  • Is it AMAZING? Oh yeah, most definitely YES! The technology is extraordinary and has the potential to do things in seconds that would take a really talented person hours.
  • Will it take over the world and be the end of all life as we know it? NO. While it clearly provides the conspiracy theorists with fodder for Skynet references (come on … we’ve all seen Terminator), this technology will be disruptive but not destructive (IMHO).

There are a lot of directions you can take when discussing GenAI for employees and organizations. You can take the complete risk-averse mindset of “Not only NO, but heck NO!” Or you can take the daredevil mindset of “these are innovations that will change everything.” Of particular interest to many industries, however, is a balanced view of both. There are interesting stories around its misuse, some cool stories around efficiency gains, and a whole lot of speculation about its impact on job roles and how it might change the look of the modern-day company. But how do we talk about the GenAI juggernaut with employees? Here are a few things to consider:

Know Your Audience

In fact, I would take this one step further. Don’t assume you know your audience. Ask them. A mistake many have made over the years is to take a new technology and try to “make it fit” into an employee’s way of working. Instead, we should start with the business issue(s) facing the employee and how this can help solve the business need(s). The best way to know the business issues facing employees …is to ask employees.

Something else to consider … what matters to you may not matter to your employee. Always approach the introduction of technology changes with employees based on the real (not perceived) business needs of the employee.

Know the Ethical Guiding Principles to which All Organizations Are Bound

Ethical rules are not just platitudes or suggestions or “it would be nice if” types of things for some businesses and employees. They are rules that some are bound by and that they’ve sworn to. For example, there are sanctions for not staying within the ethical guidelines established for lawyers. This is no small thing. Lawyers are held to a higher standard …and they should be. This is also not a bad thing. In fact, it’s a good thing. Ethical standards and rules help tremendously when faced with a decision tree moment. For example, they provide guidance and direction for when to and when not to use certain technologies (which is OH SO relevant to the GenAI discussion).

The American Bar Association’s (ABA) model rules are guides for this discussion. For reference, the ABA sets model rules that are, in most cases, adopted by each state for lawyers with their State Bar in that state. Using the ABA’s model rules provides us with a broad, yet widely adopted place to start. Two notable rules come to mind.

Duty of Competence: Let’s cover some salient points to this rule:
It requires you to maintain requisite knowledge and skill. It also makes clear that things are constantly changing, and an employee has a responsibility to stay current …including technologically. The laws and rules around the use of GenAI are changing by the minute. In fact, some judges are adding rules for their court specifically around the use of GenAI. It requires you to understand the risks and benefits associated with relevant technology. See any connections here to the use of GenAI? You are required to be aware not only of the good things (the benefits), but also the not-so-good things (the risks).

Duty of Confidentiality: This one should be clear, but sometimes gets lost in the practical application. Comment 16 to this rule states that “Reasonable precautions” must be taken to safeguard and preserve confidential information. Understanding the technology tools and how they handle, store, and secure access to confidential information is part of that reasonable precaution mandate. 

What about Data Privacy? It has been said that public GenAI solutions are the exact opposite of Data Privacy. Adding confidential information to a public GenAI solution makes that confidential information very public. Data Privacy laws are changing rapidly world-wide. All ethical use of GenAI solutions must align with an organization’s responsibility to maintain data privacy and protection. It’s the law.

Take a Balanced Approach

Employees want a breakdown of the facts so they can make informed decisions. Employees also want practical and actionable steps to use a technology like GenAI. Put GenAI topics into ethical and effective use case scenarios. Find the uses of GenAI that add efficiencies and solve business problems without violating their ethical requirements. Align the discussions of the effective use of GenAI with the policies and procedures established by the organization and its core values.

About the Author

Kenny Leckie

Traveling Coaches | Senior Technology & Change Management Consultant

In his role as Senior Technology and Change Management Consultant, Kenny provides thought leadership and consulting to the legal community in areas of information security/cybersecurity awareness, change management, user adoption, adult learning, employee engagement, professional development, and business strategy. He also works with clients to develop and deploy customized programs with an emphasis on user adoption and increased return on investment. Kenny is a Prosci
Certified Change Practitioner, a Certified Technical Trainer and has earned the trust of firms across the US, Canada, The UK, Europe and Australia.

Kenny has more than thirty years of combined experience as a law firm Chief Information Officer, Manager of Support & Training, and now consultant providing him a unique point of view and understanding of the challenges of introducing change in law firms. He combines his years of experience with a strategic approach to help clients implement programs that allows focus on the business while minimizing risk to confidential, protected, and sensitive information. Kenny is an author and speaker and a winner of ILTA’s 2018 Innovative Consultant of the Year.

Why training is essential to your AI strategy

Generative AI, seen in models like OpenAI’s GPT series, is a revolutionary leap in machine learning. AI solutions such as Microsoft Copilot and NetDocuments PatternBuilder MAX are working to address past security concerns, access control issues, and privacy constraints critical across many industries. Effective use of these AI tools by professionals, however, depends on user prompts, strategic document corpus utilization, and an ongoing commitment to innovation.  

Because there is a learning curve in transitioning from traditional methods, a well-executed training program is essential for the efficient adoption of these technologies. Customized training programs, tailored to each organization’s workflows, ensure a thorough understanding of AI functionalities and create a culture of learning that helps firms thrive.

Addressing the Learning Curve

Recognizing the dynamic nature of AI, organizations must provide continuous learning opportunities. Updates and enhancements are regular, and staff must stay current on the latest developments in AI tools. This proactive approach ensures that the investment in AI technology yields long-term benefits. To bridge this gap, organizations need comprehensive training that covers the functionalities of tools like Copilot and ndMAX. This support ensures that employees can harness the full potential of these AI solutions from day one.

Customized Training Programs

Organizations operate with unique workflows and business practices. Therefore, a one-size-fits-all training approach may not be sufficient. Tailored training programs that align with the specific requirements, use cases, and focus areas of any industry are essential. These programs should not only cover the basics but also delve into advanced features, maximizing the utility of AI tools in day-to-day operations.

Navigating the AI Arena

Navigating the complexities of AI adoption, particularly with tools like Copilot and ndMAX, requires more than technical knowledge. Leveraging Copilot’s AI-powered code suggestions and understanding how ndMAX’s generative AI enhances business document workflows, empowers professionals to maximize the capabilities of these tools in day-to-day operations. Highlighting the benefits of AI adoption and showcasing success stories illustrate how these tools enhance human expertise rather than replace it. Effective training goes beyond the technical knowledge to instill confidence in teams to embrace AI as a valuable asset.

Continuous Learning Opportunities

The field of AI is dynamic, with updates and enhancements regularly introduced. Organizations must provide continuous learning opportunities to their staff, keeping them up to speed with the latest developments in generative AI tools like Microsoft Copilot and NetDocuments. This proactive approach ensures that as firms invest in AI technology they will continue to reap the long-term benefits. 

While AI solutions like Microsoft Copilot and NetDocuments offer immense potential for many professionals, the journey towards a future-ready organization necessitates a commitment to training. Investing in comprehensive and customized training programs ensures that organizations not only unlock the efficiency promised by AI but also empower their professionals to navigate the evolving landscape of technology with confidence and proficiency.

Alterity is your AI training partner

At Alterity, we recognize that the true power of AI lies in the hands of educated and empowered users. As a comprehensive AI training partner, Alterity emphasizes the importance of acquiring cutting-edge tools alongside investing in knowledge and skills. This dual approach ensures the effective utilization of AI tools. Reach out to us today to discuss your AI training and adoption plan. 

How AI Can Transform Your Business

Businesses are facing a seismic shift with the arrival of artificial intelligence (AI). Its transformative potential holds immense promise for employees, offering greater efficiency, improved accuracy, and enhanced client service. However, harnessing this power requires a strategic approach grounded in both ethical considerations and unwavering commitment to security.

AI in Action:

Research Revolution: Utilize tools like Netdocuments ndMAX and Microsoft 365 Copilot to scour databases with laser-like precision. Uncover critical details in seconds, freeing you from the manual research grind.

Drafting Dynamo: AI-powered writing assistants like Gemini can craft messages, clear and concise emails, allowing you to focus on strategy and client interactions.

Predictive Prowess: AI analyzes trends and past outcomes to offer valuable insights. Predicts, identifies, and optimizes with AI-powered forecasting.

Client Care Champion: Chatbots powered by AI can be your 24/7 client concierge, fielding basic questions, scheduling appointments, and offering resources. Happy clients, happy business!

Safety First:

Data Defender: Choose AI tools with robust data security measures. Prioritize established platforms like Microsoft 365 Copilot or Netdocuments ndMAX built with data protection at their core.

Transparency Advocate: Understand the limitations and potential biases of AI algorithms. Be open and transparent with clients about how AI is used in your industry.

Human in the Loop: Remember, AI is a powerful tool, not a replacement for human judgment. The final decision-making always rests with you. Use AI to augment your expertise, not replace it.

Navigating the AI Arena

ChatGPT: This creative writing whiz is a great brainstorming tool, but its capabilities are still under development. Think of it as a muse, not a trusted companion.

Microsoft, Bing, and Google Gemini: These search engines are masters of general information, but they lack the nuances needed for your business. Think of them as helpful librarians, not advisors.

Remember: AI is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Carefully research and compare tools like Netdocuments ndMAX and Microsoft 365 Copilot to find the perfect fit for your business and expertise.

Embrace the future and let AI take your business to new heights. With careful selection, responsible use, and a healthy dose of critical thinking, AI can be your business’s secret weapon, helping you deliver with greater speed, accuracy, and efficiency.

Don’t let data entry, manipulation, and analysis drag your team down. Transform them into streamlined workflows with our AI training program. Master data cleanliness with AI-powered pattern recognition, formula suggestions, and best practices to ensure accuracy and analysis-readiness. Level up your Excel game by discovering intricate calculations and automation techniques, accelerating your data manipulation skills. Dive deeper with advanced analysis like pivot tables, charts, and data summaries to unlock hidden trends and make data-driven decisions with confidence. Fine-tune your workflows, eliminate redundancies, and troubleshoot common issues, saving you valuable time.

Don’t let AI intimidate your team! Alterity turns this powerful technology into a practical tool, boosting your team’s efficiency, accuracy, and data analysis confidence. Connect with us today and see your skills, and your business, be empowered!

Unlocking Efficiency and Productivity: AI Solutions for Business Professionals

In the fast-paced world of business, staying ahead often requires more than just expertise. The integration of cutting-edge technology can significantly enhance efficiency, allowing professionals to focus on what they do best—providing top-notch services. In this article, we’ll explore two groundbreaking AI solutions designed to streamline workflows and boost productivity within the workforce: Microsoft Copilot and ndMAX. We’ll also discuss choosing the right AI tool for the task at hand.

Microsoft Copilot: Your Intelligent Assistant

Seamless Integration with Microsoft 365 (M365)

Microsoft Copilot sets itself apart by being a secure, enterprise-level solution seamlessly integrated into the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. This means professionals can harness the power of Generative AI directly within their familiar M365 applications. Whether you’re drafting documents, analyzing data, or managing your calendar, Copilot acts as your personal assistant, providing invaluable support at every step.

Generative AI at Your Fingertips

Microsoft Copilot goes beyond being a time-saving device. It leverages Generative AI to assist professionals in nearly every aspect of their work. Imagine having an intelligent tool that not only helps you draft documents but also analyzes data, making your research more efficient and comprehensive, assists with business development, and more. With Copilot, the power of AI is truly at your fingertips whenever and wherever you need it.

Enhancing Workflows

Professionals can now streamline their workflows with Microsoft Copilot, allowing for more strategic thinking and less time spent on routine tasks. From recapping meeting minutes and action items, to reviewing your inbox and prioritizing emails to drafting effective business and trial presentations, Copilot becomes an indispensable ally, contributing to the overall effectiveness and success of your business.

ndMAX: Revolutionizing Productivity on NetDocuments

AI-Powered Products within NetDocuments

ndMAX is a groundbreaking suite of AI-powered products strategically embedded throughout the NetDocuments platform for the development of important documents. Specifically designed for the professional community, ndMAX aims to maximize productivity while maintaining the highest standards of security and user compliance.

Efficiency Across Workflows

Business professionals can now save valuable time on tasks such as drafting documents, business intake, summarizing lengthy records, analyzing forms, and more with ease. ndMAX is engineered to accelerate business productivity for speed, impact, and accuracy, ensuring that your team operates at its full potential.

Responsibly Leveraging AI

One of the key strengths of ndMAX is its commitment to responsible AI usage. The suite operates within user guardrails, providing a secure and ethical framework for business professionals to leverage AI capabilities. ndMax is exempt from Microsoft’s standard automated and human review processes. This ensures that the power of AI is harnessed responsibly, aligning with the highest standards of business.

A Future-Ready Business

In a business that demands both speed and accuracy, embracing AI solutions like Microsoft Copilot and ndMAX can revolutionize the way professionals operate. These innovative tools not only save time but also empower staff to elevate their organization to new heights. By seamlessly integrating into existing ecosystems and offering tailored solutions for your workflows, Copilot and ndMAX pave the way for a future-ready organization—one where efficiency, productivity, and excellence go hand in hand.

The Imperative of Training and Support for AI Integration

To harness the efficiency and productivity promised by AI solutions like Microsoft Copilot and ndMAX, comprehensive training and ongoing support are imperative. Recognizing the transformative potential of AI, businesses must invest in tailored training programs to equip their people with the skills and confidence needed for seamless integration into daily workflows. 

Addressing the learning curve associated with adopting AI tools is crucial, requiring programs that cover basic functionalities and provide advanced training. Continuous learning opportunities are essential to keeping professionals updated on the latest features, ensuring that AI integration remains an evolving and beneficial aspect of the business. 

Alterity is your AI training partner.

A future-ready business not only involves acquiring cutting-edge AI tools but also requires investment in the knowledge and skills necessary for their effective utilization through robust training and support initiatives. Reach out to us today to discuss your AI training and adoption plan.