Softchoice Embraces Microsoft Copilot to Boost Productivity and Enhance Customer AI Journeys
Softchoice, a prominent IT solutions provider and Microsoft partner, is at the forefront of leveraging generative AI. The company is witnessing substantial improvements in business efficiency while simultaneously providing its customers with hands-on experience in integrating AI into their own workflows. Their experience offers valuable insight into how generative AI, specifically Microsoft Copilot, can transform workplace dynamics.
In 2023, Softchoice initiated a test phase of Copilot for Microsoft 365. Various teams across the organization explored how generative AI could streamline daily operations and empower employees. Through a strategy that prioritized comprehensive employee training, Softchoice has achieved remarkable productivity gains. These include a 97% reduction in time dedicated to summarizing technical meetings and a remarkable decrease of up to 70% in the time needed for content creation. These real-world results are then shared with Softchoice’s customers as examples of how Copilot can revolutionize their businesses.
Jumpstarting the AI Journey with Microsoft Copilot
Softchoice’s deep experience in the technology sector, spanning over 30 years, has allowed them to assist customers in optimizing their technology investments. As a Microsoft partner with extensive knowledge of Microsoft products and services, Softchoice offers expert knowledge and tailored solutions to customers seeking technology solutions. Given the rapid emergence of generative AI tools, Softchoice was motivated to boost in-house productivity and streamline employees’ daily workflows, empowering its workforce to assist customers with their own digital transformations.
Their long-standing relationship with Microsoft made Copilot for Microsoft 365 a logical choice for incorporating generative AI into their business approach. “People are very familiar with the Microsoft suite of tools, and they’ve been using them for many years,” stated Craig McQueen, Vice President, AI Solutions at Softchoice. “Microsoft then integrated one of the most advanced AI engines—it was a pretty easy decision for us.”
Significant Productivity Gains from Copilot Implementation
In September 2023, Softchoice implemented an incremental approach to building its generative AI capabilities, assembling a pilot group of users across the organization to experiment with Copilot for Microsoft 365. The company understood that cultivating AI skills necessitated employee education and organizational commitment.
“Successful implementation came down to senior leaders visibly emphasizing this as a priority,” explained Jeff Reis, Senior Vice President, IT and Workplace, at Softchoice. “We tasked experts who have spent years driving optimization and adoption of Microsoft technologies for our customers to shape our Copilot adoption and then test and perfect that methodology with Softchoice’s own people.”
As Softchoice gained insights from the pilot group, Copilot for Microsoft 365 was gradually extended to more users. Employees from different departments, including marketing, sales, and finance, were also guided on effectively using prompts to enhance their efficiency. Softchoice employees using Copilot in their daily routines began to see the value in the improved quality and speed of their work.
“Of the users we polled, 82% agreed that Copilot helped them complete a task faster and with higher quality. And 89% agreed that moving to Copilot would help teams achieve their goals,” Matthew Vasil, Director, Emerging Technology, at Softchoice.
Reduced Content Creation Time and Increased Employee Engagement
Softchoice saw immediate efficiency gains in many areas, including meeting summaries and content creation. Time spent on summarizing technical meetings was reduced by 97%. Sales and marketing teams also reduced time spent on creating customer-facing content by 62%–67% . “I’ve seen evidence of people who have felt better about what they are doing because some of the more mundane tasks that would normally stretch out over a long time can be completed much faster,” says McQueen.
The use of Copilot is increasing employee engagement and allowing employees to focus on more meaningful work. Employees in the learning and development business group reduced the time needed to create internal training modules by 70%. A member of the sales enablement team created an internal training module in one afternoon rather than spending weeks on development.
“Copilot has been extremely helpful when it comes to scaling what I do and how I manage my work,” says Katey Teekasingh, Sales Training and Enablement Lead at Softchoice. “It really enhanced my ability to get training content built, and I was able to ask less of my subject matter experts, whose time is already limited.”
This firsthand experience is preparing Softchoice employees to assist customers on their own AI journeys. Softchoice’s internal rollout is serving as a model for its Copilot methodology and service delivery. Sales representatives are able to show customers firsthand at events how much Copilot saves them on time daily.
Future Vision and Key Advice
With the adoption of Copilot for Microsoft 365 well underway, Softchoice is exploring other Microsoft Copilot services, such as Microsoft Copilot for Security and Microsoft Copilot Studio. Softchoice envisions a future where Copilot serves employees as a reliable assistant, building on the technology investments the company has made over the years. A core principle is standardizing wherever possible within the Microsoft environment, optimizing for efficiency.
Softchoice advises all business leaders to begin using these powerful tools immediately. “Now is the time to start learning how to apply this in the workplace because the longer you wait, the bigger the technology gap will be. It’s important to start somewhere, start with focused user groups, and grow from there,” says McQueen.
