AI Agents Guide for Microsoft 365
Always On (7/7)

The Problem Everyone Has

You're in front of Excel with data and a deadline. You have 4 different AI agents. Which one do you choose?

If your answer is "try them all until something works," you're not alone. But there's a better way.

The Golden Start

One Agent = One Job
The key is knowing who does what.

Your 4 Tools

🏗️

Agent Mode

The Architect

Builds structures from scratch. Templates, tables, dashboards, formulas.

When to use:

• Need a template
• Create dashboard
• Organize data

📊

Copilot Analyst

The Economist

Analyzes existing data. Calculates metrics, finds trends, compares periods.

When to use:

• Calculate ROE/ROA
• Compare 2023 vs 2024
• Find anomalies

🔍

Copilot Researcher

The Detective

Searches information online. Benchmarks, regulations, competitors, best practices.

When to use:

• Industry benchmarks
• Regulatory changes
• Best practices

🤖

Custom Agent

The Personal Assistant

Automates repetitive tasks. Combines all capabilities.

When to use:

• Repetitive tasks
• Monthly reports
• Complex workflows

How Do I Choose?

What do I want to do?

BUILD something new

🏗️ Agent Mode

Creates templates, structures, tables from scratch

ANALYZE data

📊 Analyst

Calculates metrics, compares, finds patterns

FIND information

🔍 Researcher

Searches online for benchmarks, regulations, best practices

AUTOMATE

🤖 Custom Agent

Executes workflows automatically with consistency

Powerful Combinations

Combo #1: Mode + Analyst

Scenario: Financial analysis from scratch

Step 1: Agent Mode Creates balance sheet

Step 2: Analyst Calculates metrics

✓ Clean structure + Deep analysis

Combo #2: Researcher + Analyst

Scenario: Competitive benchmarking

Step 1: Researcher Brings industry averages

Step 2: Analyst Compares with your data

✓ Know where you stand vs competition

Combo #3: Researcher + Mode

Scenario: Best-practice implementation

Step 1: Researcher Finds methodologies

Step 2: Agent Mode Builds the template

✓ Industry-standard tools

Common Mistakes

Mistake #1: "Analyst, build me a balance sheet"

❌ Result: "I can't create structures"

✅ Correct: Agent Mode to create → Analyst to analyze

Mistake #2: "Researcher, calculate our ROE"

❌ Result: "I don't have access to your data"

✅ Correct: Analyst for your data → Researcher for industry average

Mistake #3: Using the same agent for everything

❌ Result: Mediocre results everywhere

✅ Correct: Right tool for the right job

Quick Reference

I want to...	Agent	Example
Create balance sheet	Agent Mode	"Create balance sheet from trial balance"
Calculate ROE/ROA	Analyst	"Calculate profitability metrics"
Compare periods	Analyst	"Compare 2023 vs 2024"
Find benchmarks	Researcher	"Average current ratio in our industry"
Learn about new standards	Researcher	"Changes in IFRS 2024"
Create dashboard	Agent Mode	"Dashboard with 10 KPIs"
Detect anomalies	Analyst	"Find outliers in expenses"
Automate reporting	Custom Agent	Create workflow

Pro Tips

1

Start with Agent Mode

Building from scratch? Structure first, then analyze.

2

Researcher for Context

Don't know what's "good"? Ask for benchmarks.

3

Analyst for Quick Wins

Have data? Analyst gives instant insights.

4

Custom Agent = Automation

Same task 3+ times? Build a Custom Agent.

5

Learn the Limits

Each agent has superpowers AND limitations.

Real-World: Monthly Report

❌ Old Way

1. Export trial balance (15 min)
2. Manual categorization (30 min)
3. Create balance sheet (45 min)
4. Calculate metrics (30 min)
5. Google benchmarks (20 min)
6. Compare periods (20 min)
7. Formatting (30 min)
8. Summary (20 min)

~3.5 hours

✅ With AI Agents

1. Upload trial balance (2 min)
2. Agent Mode: balance sheet (3 min)
3. Analyst: metrics (5 min)
4. Researcher: benchmarks (5 min)
5. Agent Mode: dashboard (3 min)
6. Export PDF (1 min)

~20 minutes

Time Saved: 3 hours 10 minutes (93% reduction!)

Where to Start

Basics

• Try Agent Mode
• Try Analyst
• Try Researcher

Combos

• Mode + Analyst
• Researcher + Analyst

Automation

• Identify repetitive task
• Create Custom Agent

Mastery

• End-to-end workflow
• Document best practices
• Train your team

ALL TOGETHER

Agent	Does	Doesn't Do	Use When
Agent Mode	Creates structures	Analysis/Research	Building from scratch
Analyst	Analyzes data	Creation/Research	Have data
Researcher	Searches online	Analysis/Creation	External info needed
Custom Agent	Automation	One-offs	Repetitive >5x/month

Right Agent → Right Job → Right Results → Time Saved