Better than SharePoint Search - Build a Copilot Agent in SharePoint

Key insights

• Copilot Agents in SharePoint are AI-powered tools designed to enhance search and navigation, offering a more efficient alternative to traditional SharePoint search methods.


• These agents can be customized to focus on specific document libraries, providing context-specific results by understanding user queries better than traditional searches.


• Accessibility: Users without Microsoft 365 Copilot licenses can interact with these agents through a Pay-As-You-Go model, expanding AI-driven assistance across the organization.


• To create a Copilot Agent, users must access their SharePoint site, create an agent by specifying information sources, customize its behavior with prompts and messages, and deploy it for use.


• The technology is now generally available as of Microsoft Ignite 2024, allowing widespread adoption and integration with Microsoft 365 Copilot for seamless usage across organizations.


• This new approach leverages AI for personalized assistance in navigating complex information environments, significantly enhancing productivity and efficiency within Microsoft 365 ecosystems.

Introduction: The Rise of Copilot Agents

The year 2025 marks a significant milestone in the evolution of artificial intelligence within enterprise environments. Daniel Anderson, a recognized Microsoft MVP, has highlighted this transformation through his latest YouTube video, which delves into the creation of Copilot Agents in SharePoint. These AI-driven tools are set to revolutionize how businesses interact with data and streamline workflows across various departments. As Gartner predicts, by 2028, 33% of enterprise software applications will incorporate agentic AI. However, SharePoint is already leading the way with its innovative Copilot Agents.

Understanding SharePoint Copilot Agents

SharePoint Copilot Agents are AI-powered assistants that enhance search and navigation within SharePoint sites. Unlike traditional search functions, these agents are designed to provide more context-specific results, making data retrieval faster and more efficient. They can be customized to search through specific document libraries and offer answers based on the content they are trained on. Notably, these agents can be utilized by users without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license, albeit with some limitations, thereby expanding their accessibility.

Advantages of Implementing Copilot Agents

The introduction of Copilot Agents brings several advantages to organizations:

• Enhanced Search Capabilities: Copilot Agents understand user queries better, providing more relevant and context-specific results compared to traditional SharePoint search.
• Customization: Users can tailor agents to focus on specific document libraries or file types, enhancing the precision of information retrieval.
• Accessibility: Even without a Microsoft 365 Copilot license, users can interact with these agents through a Pay-As-You-Go model, democratizing access to AI-driven assistance.

Steps to Create a Copilot Agent

Creating a Copilot Agent in SharePoint involves several straightforward steps:

• Access SharePoint Site: Begin by navigating to your SharePoint site and locating the Copilot icon.
• Create an Agent: Specify the sources from which the agent should draw information, such as particular libraries or files.
• Customize Agent Behavior: Set a welcome message, define starter prompts, and determine how the agent should interact with users.
• Deploy the Agent: Once configured, the agent can be accessed via the Copilot icon, allowing users to query it for information.

Innovative Approach to Information Retrieval

The deployment of Copilot Agents marks a novel approach to information retrieval within SharePoint. Recent updates have made these agents generally available, facilitating widespread adoption across organizations. A key feature is the Pay-As-You-Go model, which allows companies to extend AI assistance to employees without individual Microsoft 365 Copilot licenses. Moreover, the integration with Microsoft 365 Copilot ensures that these agents are accessible via a common user interface, promoting uniformity and ease of use.

Conclusion: Transforming Workflows with AI

In conclusion, the integration of Copilot Agents into SharePoint represents a significant leap forward in AI-driven productivity tools. By offering personalized assistance and streamlining complex information retrieval processes, these agents are poised to transform workflows across various business functions. As organizations continue to adopt these technologies, they will likely experience enhanced efficiency and productivity, paving the way for a more automated and intelligent workplace environment.

Keywords

SharePoint Copilot Agent, SharePoint Search Alternative, Build Copilot in SharePoint, Enhance SharePoint Search, AI in SharePoint, Improve SharePoint Functionality, Custom Search Solutions SharePoint, Advanced SharePoint Tools