Welcome to the AI Agent & Copilot Podcast, analyzing the latest AI Copilot and agent developments from Microsoft and its partners, delving into customer use cases, and exploring how AI plus the Cloud helps customers reimagine their business.
In this episode, Tom Smith talks with two speakers about their upcoming sessions at AI Agent & Copilot Summit: “Using Copilot Agents to Chat with Your Structured and Unstructured Data” and “AI Builder in Action: Smart Contract Automation with AI and Power Platform.”
- Zach Bernstein, AI Transformation Senior Consultant, Crowe LLP
- Jack Fallon, AI Transformation Consultant, Crowe LLP
Highlights
Roles and Responsibilities at Crowe (01:07)
Bernstein describes his role at Crowe’s Chicago office, focusing on the AI transformation team, which is less than a year old. He mentions that the team builds and implements AI offerings within the Microsoft ecosystem. Fallon adds that the team also helps clients start their AI journey through AI enablement.
Ambitions and Objectives of the AI Transformation Team (02:24)
Bernstein explains that the team works with a full spectrum of clients, from those just starting with AI to those with multiple use cases. He mentions that the team aims to help clients take the next step towards an agentic future, moving beyond prompt and response. Learning and sharing best practices at the summit will be critical, as much of the learning comes from experimentation.
Session Previews: Using Copilot Agents and AI Builder (04:47)
Fallon provides background on a use case, explaining how they helped a client with sales orders and unstructured data. He details the process of extracting data using a large language model (LLM) and Azure Power Platform, allowing the client to chat with the data instantly. Bernstein adds that this use case leverages technology that wasn’t possible before large language models.
AI Agent & Copilot Summit is an AI-first event to define opportunities, impact, and outcomes with Microsoft Copilot and agents. Building on its 2025 success, the 2026 event takes place March 17-19 in San Diego. Get more details.
Session Previews: Smart Contract Automation with AI and Power Platform (06:43)
Bernstein explains that attendees will learn to analyze and extract data from contracts and leases using Power Automate and AI Builder components. He describes how the extracted data flows into a Microsoft Dataverse table embedded in a Power App, significantly reducing the time required for manual work. Smith acknowledges the tangible business benefits of the use case.
Best Practices and Common Pitfalls in AI Implementation (08:13)
Smith asks Fallon and Bernstein about best practices and common pitfalls in AI implementation. Fallon recommends starting with low-code citizen developer tools like Microsoft Copilot Studio and Power Automate to build AI solutions. He emphasizes the benefits of using Microsoft’s ecosystem for data safety and centralized deployment and maintenance. Fallon mentions that around 72% of businesses do not see ROI on their initial AI investment due to poor planning and execution.
Data Readiness and Integration Challenges (10:36)
Smith thanks Fallon and Bernstein for the insightful discussion and looks forward to their sessions at the AI Agent & Copilot Summit. Smith inquires about data readiness and its importance in AI implementation. Bernstein explains that effective AI implementation relies on sound integrations, knowing where data is located, and maintaining continuous data pipelines.
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