Microsoft Copilot wave 2 was announced at the beginning of autumn and part of that release was Copilot Agent Builder. Powered by Copilot Studio, it makes it even easier for business users to automate and execute business processes on your behalf merging Copilot for M365 and Copilot Studio.
In this blog post, we will explore how Microsoft’s new Agent Builder simplifies the creation of Copilot agents (custom copilots) and how Rencore Governance provides essential governance solutions to manage these agents effectively.
The Power of Copilot Agents
What are Copilot Agents?
Copilot agents are AI-driven assistants designed to automate complex business processes, making daily tasks easier and more efficient. With the introduction of the Agent Builder in BizChat, users can create custom agents tailored to their specific needs without requiring extensive technical knowledge..
Creating Copilot Agents with Agent Builder
The Agent Builder features an intuitive interface that enables users of all skill levels to create a Copilot agent with just a few clicks. For example, if you wish to develop an onboarding agent, you only need to outline its intended functions—such as retrieving product information or delivering real-time guidance—and the agent will be set up in seconds. Additionally, you can enhance its capabilities by incorporating information from SharePoint or other data sources.
Benefits of Using Copilot Agents
Enhanced Efficiency: Automating routine tasks allows employees to focus on higher-value work.
Scalability: Custom agents can be easily modified as business needs evolve.
Real-Time Assistance: Agents provide immediate support, which is invaluable for teams needing quick access to information.
The Need for Governance
Challenges of Managing Custom Copilot Agents
While the ease of creating custom agents is a significant advantage, it also presents governance challenges. Organizations must ensure that these tools are used responsibly and comply with regulatory requirements. Key challenges include:
Control and Compliance: Ensuring that AI tools are used in accordance with established policies.
Security: Protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access.
Oversight: Maintaining visibility over the creation and usage of AI assistants to prevent misuse.
How Rencore Governance keeps Copilot Agents under control
We are currently in the process of finding market fit for our Copilot Studio Governance solution, and below is what we are currently experimenting with so far.
Comprehensive Insights and Reporting
Rencore Governance provides detailed insights into the usage of Copilot Studio, the power behind the agent builder, enabling organizations to monitor who is creating custom copilot agents and when. This visibility is crucial for maintaining compliance and security.
Prebuilt Policies for Compliance
Rencore’s prebuilt policies help organizations scan for publicly available custom copilot agents that may pose security risks. By enforcing data access rules, Rencore ensures that sensitive information is protected while allowing teams to leverage AI effectively. For example, making sure no custom copilot agents is connecting to external websites or sensitive internal documents unknowingly.
Streamlining Operations with Rencore Governance
Lifecycle Management of Custom Copilot agents
With Rencore Governance, organizations can manage the lifecycle of their custom copilot agents, ensuring that only active and necessary agents are maintained. This reduces clutter and enhances operational efficiency.
Enhancing Security and Compliance
By automating governance processes, Rencore helps organizations minimize human error and maintain compliance with established rules. For example, automating the resolution of unwanted public access agents and making sure their knowledge base is from a correct source.
In summary
The combination of Microsoft’s Agent Builder for creating custom Copilot agents and Rencore Governance for managing them creates a powerful solution for organizations looking to enhance productivity while ensuring compliance and security. By empowering users to build tailored AI solutions while maintaining oversight through robust governance practices, businesses can fully leverage the potential of AI tools.
For organizations considering adopting these AI solutions, exploring Rencore Governance is essential for ensuring effective management and compliance.
Over to you
Are you interested in Copilot Studio Governance? Would you like to take part in a 30 minute Jobs-to-be-done interview to explain your market needs for such a solution? Please get in contact and we will be happy to hear your experiences that could help us shape our future offering.
