Is Microsoft 365 Copilot a Waste of Money? Yes, If Your Business Isn’t Ready For It.
Copilot for Microsoft 365 business users is a revolution in productivity: AI-driven tools automate tasks, boost efficiency and transform operations. But at an additional $30 per month per user licence, is Microsoft 365 Copilot a waste of money? After our own extensive testing and user experience, we recommend you consider five things very carefully before making the investment.
Five things to consider before investing in Microsoft 365 Copilot licences
- Features and benefits – What does Microsoft 365 Copilot actually do?
Copilot integrates with Microsoft 365 applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams and it acts as your personal assistant while you’re working in these apps. It can help you draft emails, summarise meetings and analyse data. (There’s more detail on this below under “Ten Ways Microsoft 365 Copilot helps you work better”.) This integration streamlines tasks and allows your employees to focus on more strategic work. - Pricing for Microsoft 365 Copilot
At the time of writing, the subscription plan for SMEs works as an add-on to Microsoft 365 Business Standard or Business Premium subscriptions, priced at $30 per user per month. There are flexible billing options – annual or monthly payment plans – to help you choose the right payment structure for your financial plans. - Return on investment (ROI)
Initial studies indicate that implementing Microsoft 365 Copilot can lead to a projected ROI ranging from 132% to 353% over three years, attributed to time savings and increased productivity. - Data security and compliance
Copilot ensures that prompts and responses remain within the Microsoft 365 service boundary, adhering to data protection regulations such as GDPR and supporting compliance standards like ISO/IEC 27018. - Implementation and support
Microsoft provides resources to help your IT guys implement Copilot like the Copilot Success Kit for Small and Medium Businesses. This offers guidance on deployment, user onboarding and best practices although it’s aimed at technical implementation teams, not users.
FOMO. And why your implementation of Microsoft 365 Copilot could fail
Microsoft 365 Copilot is a must-have for businesses, but only when approached strategically. FOMO (or Fear Of Missing Out) isn’t a good enough reason to invest in Microsoft Copilot. Without a solid plan, you risk paying for tools your employees can’t or don’t want to use. With the right strategy, however, Copilot can deliver transformational results; without it, Is Microsoft 365 Copilot a waste of money? Yes.
Buying Copilot without an AI strategy for your business operations is like hiring a top employee and giving them no direction. You’re wasting money and missing out on their potential. Our Microsoft 365 Copilot Implementation Services Microsoft 365 Copilot Implementation Services ensure that you not only adopt Copilot but also integrate it seamlessly into their existing workflows, maximising its value from day one.
Copilot isn’t just a plug-and-play tool. It requires integration with the broader Microsoft AI ecosystem, including tools like Copilot Studio, Microsoft Graph, and Power Platform. Without a roadmap for incorporating these components, you won’t be able to unlock its full potential. Ziptech’s Strategic IT Planning for AI Integration is designed to help you create tailored roadmaps that align AI tools like Copilot with specific goals and challenges.
Ten ways Microsoft 365 Copilot helps you work better
- Drafting communications quickly
Generate first drafts of emails, documents and presentations, saving time for more critical tasks. - Streamlining summaries
Summarise lengthy email threads, documents or meeting notes, allowing you to focus on key points. - Automating tasks
Use Copilot to automate repetitive actions like scheduling meetings or formatting documents. - Brainstorming
Generate fresh ideas for strategies or projects with Copilot’s creative suggestions. - Extracting insights
Analyse data from Excel or reports and extract trends and opportunities. - Enhancing collaboration
Provide real-time suggestions in Teams to make conversations more productive and focused. - Improving writing
Suggest edits for grammar, tone and clarity in documents and emails if writing isn’t your strong point. - Creating visuals
Design charts or visual elements in PowerPoint or Excel, making your presentations more engaging. - Customising workflows
Automate workflows across apps like Word, Excel, and Teams, boosting productivity. - Learning while you work
Use Copilot to guide you through unfamiliar Microsoft 365 features, enhancing your skills on the go.
Without a strategic approach, you will face two major risks when adopting Copilot:
1. Missed opportunities
Failing to identify where Copilot can deliver the most value. For example:
– Which processes should you automate first?
– How can Copilot integrate with your existing workflows?
– What training does your staff need to use these tools effectively?
2. Data security challenges
AI tools like Copilot rely on user permissions to access data. If permissions are outdated or misconfigured, AI could retrieve sensitive information without users even realising it. Ziptech’s AI and Automation Consulting Services include a review of your data governance policies, ensuring your permissions are secure before deploying Copilot or any other AI tools.
A Roadmap to successful implementation of Microsoft 365 Copilot in your small enterprise
To ensure you don’t waste your money with underwhelming results, here’s our three step guide to maximising the value of Microsoft 365 Copilot:
1. Educate your leadership team
AI is complex, and its implications vary by business. Start by hosting workshops with your leadership team to understand AI’s potential and how it can align with your business goals.
We run tailored workshops to help you understand AI-driven process automation, and how to integrate tools like Copilot into your operations.
2. Train your staff
Copilot requires new skills. Invest in training programs to equip your employees with the knowledge they need.
3. Start small with high-impact processes
Identify processes that are time-consuming, manual or error-prone. Automating these tasks first allows you to see quick wins and build momentum for broader AI adoption. For example, you could use Copilot for HR processes like onboarding or documenting annual reviews and setting objectives.
Is Microsoft 365 Copilot a waste of money? Are you still unsure?
Microsoft 365 Copilot isn’t just another productivity tool—it’s a game-changer. According to the World Economic Forum, 60% of businesses expect to transform because of AI by 2030, with 85% planning to upskill their employees in AI tools.
However, jumping in without a plan is costly and counterproductive. To unlock Copilot’s full potential, you need a clear strategy, robust data governance and a well-trained team. Our CEO, Jim Simpson likens Copilot to and aeroplance with incredible power: “If you try to fly without a plan or a runway, you’ll crash. But with the right preparation, Copilot will take your business to new heights.”
Ready to get started with Microsoft 365 Copilot?
Microsoft 365 Copilot is vital for businesses looking to thrive in a competitive, AI-driven world. But preparation is key. At Ziptech Services, we’ve helped countless businesses build AI strategies that maximise ROI and avoid costly mistakes.
We’re offering a free 90-minute AI strategy session to help you create a roadmap for success.
[Contact us to book your free strategy session] and take the first step toward smarter, more efficient AI adoption.