Technology giant Microsoft has unveiled exciting new capabilities that will allow businesses to build and manage autonomous Artificial Intelligence (AI) agents, starting in November 2024. This innovative feature is set to transform how companies handle routine tasks, enabling them to streamline processes across various sectors such as sales, service, finance, and supply chain management.
In a blog post released on Monday, Microsoft, which boasts a market capitalization of $3.20 trillion, emphasized its commitment to making AI-first business processes accessible to all organizations. The announcement detailed that the new agentic capabilities will be available through Microsoft’s Copilot Studio, aimed at accelerating operational efficiency and effectiveness.
“Today, we’re announcing new agentic capabilities that will accelerate these gains and bring AI-first business processes to every organization. First, the ability to create autonomous agents with Copilot Studio will be in public preview next month,” stated the company in its post.
The upcoming release will feature ten new autonomous agents that are integrated into Dynamics 365. These agents are designed to automate critical business processes such as lead generation, sales order processing, and supply chain management. By utilizing data from Microsoft 365 Graph, Dataverse, and other sources, these agents will be equipped to support various operational needs, including IT help desks and employee onboarding.
The transition from private to public preview means that a broader range of customers will now have the opportunity to leverage these powerful tools, enhancing their critical business processes. Microsoft highlighted that several organizations are already benefiting from these autonomous agents, demonstrating their effectiveness in real-world applications.
Among the early adopters are notable names such as Clifford Chance, McKinsey & Company, Pets at Home, and Thomson Reuters. For instance, Pets at Home, the United Kingdom’s leading pet care business, has successfully created an agent for its profit protection team. This innovation has led to more efficient case compilation for human review, potentially resulting in significant annual savings for the company.
McKinsey & Company is also piloting an autonomous agent aimed at expediting client onboarding, with impressive results. Reports indicate that this agent has reduced lead time by an astonishing 90 percent and cut administrative tasks by 30 percent, streamlining operations significantly.
Similarly, Thomson Reuters has developed a professional-grade agent designed to enhance its legal due diligence workflow. Tests conducted indicate that certain tasks can now be completed in half the usual time, showcasing the potential for increased efficiency in legal processes.
Overall, Microsoft’s introduction of autonomous AI agents marks a significant milestone in the integration of AI into business operations. By enabling organizations to automate routine tasks, Microsoft is paving the way for enhanced productivity and operational efficiency, ultimately transforming how businesses function in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. As these tools become publicly available, it will be interesting to see how various industries adapt and benefit from this innovative technology.
