Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central: Microsoft Copilot Misconceptions

Kevin Alexander

June 26, 2024

Est. reading time

5 min read

ERP Systems & Solutions

Microsoft Dynamics Business Central

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Microsoft is positioning Copilot as a transformative productivity tool. Now Copilot isn’t new, it was introduced by Microsoft as Bing Chat in early 2023 as an artificial intelligence (AI) tool. Under the hood it’s nearly the same technology that runs ChatGPT.

What is AI?

AI has a long and fascinating history, stretching back to the 1950’s and the term implies some form of non-human intelligence. Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini are not that, despite what the tech companies would lead us to believe. The more you think of them as AI that should have some degree of intelligence, the more you may struggle to truly understand what they are capable of.

Both large language models, (LLM) which are complex mathematical representations of language (think of it like a word calculator), and machine learning (ML) which use statistical algorithms and historical data to predict unseen data, are AI fields of study and are what power Copilot.

Copilot AI and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

We have witnessed the impact technology has had on our work productivity from the electronic calculator, the fax machine, Microsoft Word and Excel, to the internet. AI-powered Copilot is the next productivity evolution which Microsoft has integrated with Microsoft 365 Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC).

AI is not new to BC, it has had several machine learning features such as inventory forecasting and cash flow analysis.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central: AI-powered product descriptions

LLM or ML

But with BC 2024 Wave 1 several new features powered by Copilot have been delivered. The chart below outlines the current Copilot feature set and whether the feature is based on a large language model or machine learning.

Copilot Feature: Chat with Copilot

Value: Copilot allows users to ask questions using natural language, providing instant answers and reducing search time

Pros: Efficient, user-friendly, and promotes self-service.

Cons: Limited to the scope of available knowledge.

LLM/ML: LLM

Copilot Feature: Analyze data in lists with Copilot

Value: Copilot automates tedious, repetitive tasks like data entry or report generation

Pros: Sales time, reduces manual effort

Cons: Requires clear instructions; occasional misinterpretations

LLM/ML: ML

Copilot Feature: Enhanced Bank Reconciliation

Value: Copilot streamlines month-end tasks by reconciling bank statements

Pros: Increases accuracy, speeds up financial processes.

Cons: Requires proper setup and validation.

LLM/ML: ML

Copilot Feature: Marketing Text Suggestions

Value: Copilot assists in crafting compelling marketing content.

Pros: Helps maintain consistent messaging, accelerates content creation.

Cons: May lack nuance or context.

LLM/ML: LLM

Copilot Feature: Inventory Forecasting for Customer Service

Value: Copilot predicts inventory needs, aiding customer service teams.

Pros: Improves stock management, enhances customer satisfaction.

Cons: Relies on historical data; occasional inaccuracies.

LLM/ML: ML

Copilot Feature: Late Payment Prediction for Risk Reduction

Value: Copilot predicts late payments, allowing proactive measures.

Pros: Mitigates financial risk, improves cash flow.

Cons: Requires accurate data and monitoring.

LLM/ML: ML

Copilot Feature: Cash Flow Analysis for Financial Stability

Value: Copilot analyzes cash flow patterns, helping businesses make informed decisions.

Pros: Enhances financial planning, prevents cash shortages.

Cons: Sensitivity to data quality and assumptions.

LLM/ML: ML

Copilot Feature	Value	Pros	Cons	LLM/ML
Chat with Copilot	Copilot allows users to ask questions using natural language, providing instant answers and reducing search time	Efficient, user-friendly, and promotes self-service.	Limited to the scope of available knowledge.	LLM
Analyze data in lists with Copilot	Copilot automates tedious, repetitive tasks like data entry or report generation	Sales time, reduces manual effort	Requires clear instructions; occasional misinterpretations	ML
Enhanced Bank Reconciliation	Copilot streamlines month-end tasks by reconciling bank statements	Increases accuracy, speeds up financial processes.	Requires proper setup and validation.	ML
Marketing Text Suggestions	Copilot assists in crafting compelling marketing content.	Helps maintain consistent messaging, accelerates content creation.	May lack nuance or context.	LLM
Inventory Forecasting for Customer Service	Copilot predicts inventory needs, aiding customer service teams.	Improves stock management, enhances customer satisfaction.	Relies on historical data; occasional inaccuracies.	ML
Late Payment Prediction for Risk Reduction	Copilot predicts late payments, allowing proactive measures.	Mitigates financial risk, improves cash flow.	Requires accurate data and monitoring.	ML
Cash Flow Analysis for Financial Stability	Copilot analyzes cash flow patterns, helping businesses make informed decisions.	Enhances financial planning, prevents cash shortages.	Sensitivity to data quality and assumptions.	ML

The Verdict

Is AI coming for your job? A resounding no, AI is designed to assist and augment human work rather than replace it entirely. Remember humans bring unique qualities like creativity, critical thinking, and skills that complement AI’s capabilities. A person needs to understand how to apply technology to solve a problem.

There is a ton of possibility with what exists today. Microsoft Copilot has laid an awesome foundation that can be built upon as technology advances. But as of today, don't fully rely on Microsoft Copilot to get all the facts right, fact-check, proofread, and adjust before you share it with someone.

Get ready to play with a fascinating piece of technology that can speed up certain tasks and save time when applied correctly. Let us show you the power of Microsoft Copilot and how it can help speed up your business processes today!