Full speed ahead into the future: Proof of value for the use of M365 Copilot at the AMAG Group

In order to ensure a high degree of practical relevance at an early stage of the proof of value phase, the AMAG Group worked with Campana & Schott to carry out the project with over 300 users from various areas across the company. 

The first step was to review and establish the technical requirements for M365 Copilot. At the same time, persona workshops were held to identify specific use cases. As the project moved forward, the AMAG Group teamed up with Campana & Schott to give users optimum preparation for live use of Microsoft Copilot for M365 through transparent communications, supporting materials, and workshops. Surveys and in-depth interviews with participating users were conducted to evaluate the success of the proof of value process and to gain valuable insights and options for analysis and interpretation for the management presentation.

The AMAG Group was aware that these kinds of innovative projects require close supervision and support right from the start. For that reason, the company prioritized the subjects of change and adoption right away during the kickoff in order to establish the necessary cultural change and build new competencies within the pilot community early on. This approach emerged as a key success factor in the course of the study. “The feedback we got from participating users about the training and support from our colleagues was highly positive across the board, further underscoring the positive effects of the strategic user adoption,” Baumhauer says.

The AMAG Group joined forces with Campana & Schott to implement concrete measures including the following:

• Intensive training and deep dive workshops: The users participating in the proof of value study get to know the technical possibilities, applications, and limitations and can harness them effectively.

• Regular feedback rounds: Users share their experiences, challenges, and insights. The suggestions for improved use in practice deserve special attention.

• Community building: A community is built as a place where users can engage in dialogue, thereby advancing and optimizing use.

Managers are also both ambassadors and role models for the project. 

During the proof of value stage at the AMAG Group, Microsoft Copilot for M365 was utilized across various corporate units and for different use cases selected at the outset. The goal was to support employees in their daily work and evaluate the practical benefits of using this solution. Examples include drafting and translating texts and documents, assisting with creative processes, summarizing e-mail chains, and performing searches. 

These many different uses can help employees get through their daily tasks faster and more efficiently or minimize time-consuming routine work. The enrichment of company data is one area in particular that can deliver significant benefits. “The insights and results from the proof of value study will help us identify use cases that make more or less sense, as well as usage scenarios for M365 Copilot. After all, it's clear that some departments will find it more productive than others," Baumhauer points out.

One key point for the use of M365 Copilot is considering it holistically. Investments in technical preparation, data quality, and expansion possibilities were crucial. For example, the steps necessary to a larger-scale rollout were identified as part of the proof of value stage, opening the door to clear management of expectations among users. 

The AMAG Group conducted in-depth surveys and interviews with the users participating in the proof of value study to gather detailed feedback. This feedback will be analyzed and interpreted together with other findings from the project to identify appropriate next steps. “During this project, Campana & Schott really supported us in crafting well-founded action recommendations and demonstrating proof of value for the use cases identified. The proof of value stage was successful, and in addition to yielding relevant insights, it was also really a lot of fun for everyone involved,” Baumhauer says.

This project illustrates how important it is to take a strategic approach to using new tools (especially AI tools) like Microsoft Copilot for M365. To tap into the full advantages in the long term and ensure employee satisfaction, company-specific use cases must be identified early on and their advantages realized. It is also crucial to manage employee expectations and consider the subject of user adoption right from the start.

Campana & Schott advises companies at every step of the Copilot and AI journey. From strategic planning to piloting and then widespread rollout, we ensure that you can get the full benefits where and when you need them and that your employees can see where they can apply these solutions to their specific use cases. Contact us for a free consultation or envisioning workshop to start your journey into the future!