10 ways to save time with AI automation

A person typing AI process automation commands to streamline his task list

AI automation isn’t just for boardrooms and big tech—it’s your new secret weapon for getting through the day smarter and faster. With Microsoft Copilot integrated into Microsoft 365 apps when you purchase a subscrption, you can breeze through repetitive work, stay organized, and get more done in less time. In this article, we’ll discuss what AI automation is and walk you through ten practical ways to put Copilot to work for you.

What is AI automation?

AI automation refers to the use of artificial intelligence to perform tasks that typically require human input. It combines machine learning, natural language processing, and data analysis to understand context, make decisions, and execute actions. And when you purchase a subscription to Microsoft 365, Copilot is embedded directly into the Microsoft 365 apps you already use, making it easy to get started without learning new software. Here are ten ways you can put Copilot to work so you can enjoy the things that matter most:

1. Manage your calendar

In Outlook, Copilot can schedule meetings, suggest optimal times, and draft invites:

Find a time when everyone on the marketing team is available next week.
Draft a calendar invite for our Q3 planning session.

2. Summarize emails

Facing a mountain of unread emails in Outlook? Use Copilot to summarize long threads, suggest replies, and more:

Draft a polite follow-up to this email.
Highlight the deadlines mentioned in this email.

3. Create documents

Whether you need to draft a quick thank-you note, blog post, or something else, you can rely on Copilot in Word to generate what you need with just a few instructions:

Draft a quick thank-you note for my friend’s thoughtful birthday gift.
Turn this outline into a brief blog post about local bird watching.

4. Analyze data in Excel

Making a household budget or comparing data? Let Copilot in Excel help you create charts and find insights:

Create a bar chart from the data in cells B2:G14 for my household budget.
Highlight any blank cells in this dataset.

5. Generate meeting notes

If you’re a professional looking to streamline your work, Copilot in Teams can summarize meetings, list decisions, and more:

Create a meeting recap email.
Highlight key decisions made during the meeting in this transcript.

A person relaxing after using AI process automation to clean out their inbox

AI art created via Copilot

6. Plan projects

Gearing up for a home improvement project or a creative endeavor? Copilot can help you plan out timelines and suggest ways to track your progress:

Create a basic project plan with needed materials for rebuilding my patio deck.
Help me plan out the steps for refinishing an old dresser so I can track my progress.

7. Plan meals and make grocery lists

When you need a meal plan refresh or quickly make a grocery list, you can depend on Copilot to suggest nutritious meals based on your preferences and make lists of items to buy next time you go to the grocery store.

8. Shopping and price comparison

Doing some online shopping? With the new Copilot Shopping feature, you can get price alerts, instant suggestions on similar products, and curated lists of items that might interest you.

9. Track goals and habits

Use Excel or OneNote to monitor personal progress.

“Create a habit tracker for daily workouts.”
“Log my weekly reading goals.”
“Visualize my progress over the past month.”
“Suggest improvements to my productivity routine.”
“Summarize trends in my sleep data.”

10. Make to-do lists

Do you feel like your tasks are piling up? Copilot can help you prioritize tasks, organize your days, and help you stay on top of daily to-dos.

“Turn this list of tasks into a prioritized to-do list."
"Create a daily checklist for my morning routine."
"Make a project task list with deadlines based on this description."
"Generate a packing list for a 5-day business trip."
"Help me organize my weekend chores into a manageable list."

Automation for the future

AI automation isn’t just a business buzzword anymore—it’s your personal productivity sidekick. With tools like Copilot, you can take the guesswork out of daily tasks and get more done with less effort. And with your AI companion at your side in Microsoft 365, you’ll find opportunities to simplify your workflow using the apps you already rely on. These real-world examples show just how easy it is to put AI to work. Try Copilot today and see just how much time you save.

DISCLAIMER: Features and functionality subject to change. Articles are written specifically for the United States market; features, functionality, and availability may vary by region.