August 19, 2025

Navigating the new era of AI-powered productivity with a Copilot agent

Steve Bedwell
Consultant at Data#3 Limited

Technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace, fundamentally transforming the way we work. Leading this evolution is Microsoft Copilot, a generative AI platform that goes far beyond basic task assistance. What was once seen as a novelty is rapidly becoming an indispensable, trusted collaborator for organisations around the world.

While many businesses have since embraced the ability to enhance productivity through natural language interactions and intelligent insights, the next wave of value lies in Copilot’s ability to streamline workflows, automate repetitive tasks, and proactively anticipate user needs. This marks a shift from reactive support to intelligent orchestration, where AI becomes a trusted partner and not just a helpful tool.

Enter Copilot agents. Designed to extend the capabilities of Copilot, these purpose-built AI assistants work with your organisation’s data and knowledge systems to deliver tailored support. They collaborate with users to simplify tasks, offer proactive recommendations, automate routine processes, and surface valuable insights. Ultimately leading to smarter workflows and better-informed decision making.

Real-world impact with Managed Service Assist agent

A notable example of Copilot agents driving tangible value in the workplace is the Managed Service Assist agent, developed by Data#3 to improve ticket resolution rates for IT help desks.

This was delivered in two phases:

  1. Establishing connectors to ticketing systems and the Knowledge Base for use with Microsoft 365 Copilot (M365 Copilot).
  2. Building a dedicated Managed Service Assist agent in Copilot Studio, scoped specifically to ServiceNow connectors with customised instructions and topic flows.

So, what does this look like for helpdesk staff?

They simply ask the agent how to resolve a support ticket. If a similar issue has been resolved before, the agent quickly surfaces the relevant solution, saving time and reducing manual effort.

Microsoft’s Copilot Jumpstart Initiative

As a result of our continued work and leadership with Copilot (we were part of the Copilot Early Adoption Program) and AI adoption more broadly, Data#3 has been named a Prioritised Tier partner in Microsoft’s Copilot Jumpstart Initiative. A recognition that places us among a small group of global partners selected to support the next phase of enterprise AI adoption.

This is Microsoft’s highest level of Copilot recognition, reserved for partners with validated Copilot delivery programs, clearly demonstrated customer outcomes, and a strong track record of innovation. It reflects more than technical skill; it signals trust and the ability to help organisations move forward with confidence.

A measured, proven approach

Earning this recognition wasn’t about ticking boxes. Data#3 underwent a rigorous assessment of its Copilot and AI capabilities, including readiness evaluations, technical implementations, scalable governance, and customer success frameworks to ensure we met Microsoft’s high standard. As one of the few Australian organisations to reach this tier, we bring a balanced perspective to a fast-evolving space. This recognition underscores not just our technical know-how, but also our ability to guide customers at any stage of their journey, whether that’s early exploration or full enterprise rollout. We don’t just implement AI solutions; we mentor and support our customers through the change, ensuring they derive real value at each step.

Real-world experience with Copilot and agents

From Microsoft 365 (M365) Copilot pilots to the development of custom Copilot agents, Data#3 has already delivered practical outcomes for customers across a range of industries. Our focus is clear and unwavering: secure, sustainable, and strategic use of Generative AI (GenAI) in the workplace. This hands-on experience means our team has encountered and overcome the real-world challenges that come with AI adoption, such as data security concerns, change management hurdles, and measuring value realisation.

We’ve learned important lessons from these projects. For instance, we know that technology alone isn’t enough, and that success with tools like Copilot requires user training, leadership buy-in, and robust governance. By moving beyond a plan into action, we help organisations navigate these challenges in practice. One key takeaway was that by addressing security and user adoption challenges for previous customers, we helped new customers avoid common pitfalls and achieve success faster.

Leading by example in AI

Recognition at this level also reflects Data#3’s continued investment in innovating with AI. Initiatives like our JuiceIT conference AI presentations and the team’s work on Copilot agent development have helped define what GenAI means for organisations in the real world. This thought leadership isn’t just about showcasing new tools, it’s about reshaping how we work. We lead by example, from early adoption of M365 Copilot as part of Microsoft’s Early Access Program, to our structured approach to developing agents which improve our business processes internally.

It’s about more than deploying the latest features for the sake of it. It’s about designing for human-centric productivity, where AI empowers teams to do more, think deeper, and work safer. By first challenging and improving our own workflows with AI, we’re equipped to help customers do the same with confidence.

What does prioritised tier status mean?

Being recognised as a Prioritised Tier partner strengthens our ability to support Australian organisations and collaborate with Microsoft. It provides:

This enables us to deliver more informed guidance, faster resolution, and Copilot solutions that reflect the latest innovations, without compromising security or governance.

What does this mean for you?

For organisations working with Data#3, this status brings several advantages:

In short, our elevated status removes obstacles and risk for your organisation. It allows us to innovate with you more efficiently and effectively, turning Copilot’s promise into practical improvements which can benefit how your teams work day-to-day.

Supporting your AI journey, end-to-end

Whether you’re just beginning to explore what Copilot could do for your business or you’re already on the path and looking to scale it securely, Data#3 is ready to help. From executive briefings and discovery workshops for AI newcomers, to technical rollouts and custom agent development for advanced projects, we support customers at every stage of the AI journey.

We understand that every Copilot journey is unique. Our team works shoulder-to-shoulder with your stakeholders to design solutions that fit how your people work best, not a one-size-fits-all approach. Along the way, we co-create use cases, map out business value, and assist with change management programs to ensure Copilot is embraced by your teams.

Even better, all of this is backed by Data#3’s broader expertise across security, cloud, and modern workplace solutions, ensuring Copilot isn’t an isolated initiative, but rather a seamless part of your technology landscape. With each deployment, we gather new insights to continually improve and tailor our approach, so you benefit from the learnings of every Copilot project we’ve delivered.

Getting started

As one of the few global partners in Microsoft’s Early Adopter Program and a recognised leader across the Microsoft ecosystem, Data#3 has the experience and insight to help you unlock the full value of Copilot for M365.

No matter where you are on your journey, our Copilot specialists are ready to help you take the next step. Contact us to begin your journey today.

Contact us

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