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Data and research agents in action

1. Data and research agents in action

Hello again! In this video, you'll meet two special Copilot helpers, the Analyst Agent and the Researcher Agent. Each has a unique role in helping you work smarter in Microsoft 365.

2. Analyst Agent overview

The Analyst Agent is designed for deep data analysis. Think of it like a data detective, it looks for patterns, trends, and relationships in your numbers, all from natural language prompts. You don't need to write formulas or complex queries.

3. Analyst Agent overview

For example, you can upload a spreadsheet of event registrations and ask: "Which region has shown the fastest growth compared to last quarter?" The key is that this agent works best with structured datasets like spreadsheets or CSV files, where information is organized into rows and columns. That structure lets Copilot analyze with precision. By using plain language, you stay focused on your business questions while the Analyst Agent does the heavy lifting.

4. Analyst Agent example

Let's use the EcoGreen_Registration.xlsx file as our example. You might ask: "Find the top 3 regions with the highest sign-ins and show the growth pattern compared to last month". The Analyst Agent will scan the file, surface the answer, and even create a chart if needed, all without you writing a single formula. In many cases, you'll also see the reasoning steps displayed in the interface. This shows how the agent reached its conclusion, making the analysis more transparent and easier to explain to your team.

5. Researcher Agent overview

The Researcher Agent is designed for in-depth information gathering. It goes beyond basic summarization; it scans through your documents and presentations to extract exactly what you need. Unlike standard summarization in Copilot, which simply condenses content, the Researcher Agent offers deeper analysis.

6. Researcher Agent overview

It identifies relationships between ideas. It can highlight gaps or themes across multiple files. And it supports higher-level work like campaign planning, background research, or building strategic messaging. Think of it as your business analyst Copilot, not just summarizing, but connecting the dots to deliver real insights.

7. Researcher Agent example

Using the EcoGreen Product Launch Overview.docx, you could ask: "Summarize the key product benefits and launch responsibilities, then suggest how to position this in a sustainability campaign". The Researcher Agent will pull this directly from the document and give you a ready-to-use summary, tailored for campaign planning. Normally, this kind of task would mean scanning through multiple sections, taking notes, and trying to connect the dots yourself. But with the Researcher Agent, you get a clear, structured answer in minutes - saving time and helping you stay focused on strategy, not searching.

8. Let's practice!

The Analyst Agent is your data expert, and the Researcher Agent is your information specialist. Together, they make working in Microsoft 365 faster and more accurate. Now it's time to practice what you have learned with some exercises.

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