AI Agent & Copilot Podcast: Microsoft MVP Brad Prendergast on Embracing AI, Business Central, and Microsoft Copilot

Key Takeaways

• Overview: Brad is a Microsoft MVP for Business Central with product experience beginning in 1998, having worked in various roles for both customers and partners, giving him a unique perspective on successful implementations. Currently, he focuses on development and system architecture and believes that understanding both the technical and functional aspects of Business Central is crucial for successful architecture and implementation.
• Impressions of Copilot: Brad elaborates on his opinions of artificial intelligence and specifically, Copilot, which he deems to be a versatile tool that enhances efficiency by assisting with various tasks. It can summarize meetings, conversations, and emails, allowing users to focus on other important activities, and similarly, in email threads, Copilot can provide a summary, helping users catch up quickly on missed communications. Although it may not always be 100% accurate, it significantly reduces the time he spends on these tasks, making it a valuable asset in the workplace.
• Relativity: Copilot's ability to summarize emails and effectively reduce time begs the question of whether it's more effective to write concise emails with key points highlighted, rather than lengthy emails that may require summarization by Copilot. Brad suggests that using bullet points initially could improve clarity and communication.
• AI around us: We use AI more frequently than we realize. For example, Brad explains that he uses Copilot to generate images for posts and presentations, replacing his stock photography subscriptions.
• AI implications: Brad reflects on the implications of AI tools like Copilot, which can generate professional-quality content, such as headshots and stock photography, reducing the need for traditional services. Further, he highlights the efficiency gains in software development, where tools like GitHub Copilot can handle mundane tasks, allowing developers to focus on more complex work.
• AI Agent & Copilot Summit NA: In closing, Shawn encourages listeners to attend the AI Agent & Copilot Summit NA, running March 17-19 in San Diego, CA. Brad adds that sessions and education on Copilot Studio will be prominent at the event and notes it's an excellent place for learning about AI and creating your own agents for business use. The Summit will also provide insights into Microsoft's efforts to govern AI use ethically and efficiently within the business space.