3 min Applications

Microsoft’s 365 Copilot optimizes field workers’ schedules, travel times

Microsoft’s 365 Copilot optimizes field workers’ schedules, travel times

Microsoft recently introduced a series of mostly Microsoft 365 solutions that help field employees of mostly large companies become more productive. One example is the introduction of Copilot in several Dynamics 365 applications.

Field employees are now getting more options from Microsoft within the Microsoft 365 portfolio to make their work more productive. This includes the introduction of the generative AI solution Copilot.

With Copilot in Dynamics 365 Field Service with integrations for Outlook and Microsoft Teams, they can further streamline their work order with relevant details from their e-mail or from chats. In addition, technicians can optimize their work schedules with data-based recommendations such as travel time, availability and skills needed.

They can also answer customer questions based on automatically written summaries. This eliminates the need for them to use different apps all the time. That’s the aim

Managers of field employees will soon have more options for managing their teams through Copilot. A new Shifts plug-in for Microsoft 365 Copilot, combined with user and company data, will make it easier to assign shifts and onboard new employees.

Mobile Dynamics 365 Field Service app

The new Dynamics 365 Field Service mobile app in Microsoft Teams gives technicians access to key workflow functionality. They see upcoming jobs appear immediately in their familiar Teams environment. With Dynamics 365 Remote Assist, they can consult with experts when they need more support in performing their jobs.

Communication solutions

Microsoft is also introducing new capabilities for communication with field staff. New functionality in Viva Connections enables intra-company distribution of important announcements, role-specific updates and changes in safety instructions to field employees. This does not require the relevant internal communications staff to leave their MS Teams environment.

Targeted Campaigns in Viva Engage allows internal communicators to create campaigns for company-wide initiatives specifically targeted to field employees.

Other new tools

Other newly introduced functionality for field employees is that administrators using Intune can now use Microsoft Entra ID, the new name for Azure Active Directory, for single sign-in or sign-out in MS Teams, Outlook and Power Apps, among others. This via shared device mode for Android and iOS devices. Field employees can thereby quickly wipe their shared devices clean and make them compliant for subsequent shifts.

Finally, for companies using SOTI or VMware Workspace ONE as their endpoint solution, Microsoft is introducing the ability to log Android devices into Microsoft Entra ID.

Also read: Azure AD becomes Entra: Microsoft acts like a bull in the China shop