What I like best about Microsoft Copilot is how it supports my daily engineering tasks and reduces manual effort. In my work at alten , where we handle projects related to lighting products (Acuity Brands), I frequently deal with part numbers and attribute data that include coded descriptions.
For example, many part numbers contain abbreviations like BLK, WH, or DBR, and it’s not always clear what they represent. Using Copilot, I can quickly identify these as Black, White, Dark Brown, etc., which helps me proceed without delays.
Another major advantage is handling drawing data. In tools like SolidWorks, we often have configuration tables and part details in image format. Manually converting this into text or Excel is time-consuming, so I take a screenshot and use Copilot to extract the data. It helps convert that information into structured format, which I can directly use in Excel for further work.
I also use it for quick calculations and formula support, such as unit conversions (for example, cubic inches to cubic millimeters) while calculating volume and weight. This makes validation much faster.
Additionally, it is very useful for communication. I use it to draft and rephrase emails so that they sound clear and professional when sharing updates with my manager or team.
Overall, Copilot has become a reliable support tool in my daily workflow, helping me save time, improve accuracy, and handle repetitive tasks more efficiently. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
One thing I dislike about Microsoft Copilot is that it does not always give exactly what I expect on the first try. In my daily work, I sometimes need outputs in a very specific format, like downloadable Excel files or precise unit conversions. However, Copilot may not always generate the output in the required format directly, so I need to refine the prompt or adjust the results manually.
For example, when converting dimensions from inches to millimeters, I expect a clear and consistent format (like values inside brackets), but sometimes it misses that structure. Similarly, while extracting data, it may not always provide a ready-to-download Excel format as expected.
Another issue is that it doesn’t always take initiative in understanding context. I need to guide it clearly with detailed prompts to get accurate results. In some cases, it also gives slightly broader or unrelated options (like suggesting multiple color variations when I only need a specific one), so a bit of filtering is required.
Overall, while it is very useful, it still requires proper prompting and minor corrections to get the exact output needed. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
