Maximize Excel: Microsoft Copilot

CPE Credit: 2 hours

In this presentation, author and Excel expert David H. Ringstrom, CPA, will explore the transformative capabilities of Microsoft Copilot within Microsoft 365 for Windows, focusing on how to enhance productivity and streamline data management. Attendees will learn about the AutoSave feature, the benefits of both the free and Pro versions of Microsoft Copilot, and strategies for disabling distracting icons to maintain focus. David will also introduce techniques for cleaning data efficiently with Copilot, demonstrating how to compare data before and after cleanup and address common data issues automatically. Additionally, participants will discover the power of the COPILOT worksheet function, including interpreting formula error values and utilizing LAMBDA to automate repetitive AI calls. Finally, David will showcase how to leverage ChatGPT for as an alternative to Copliot for writing and deconstructing formulas, as well as creating Excel macros. Microsoft Copilot’s capabilities are changing rapidly, so the topic mix for this webinar will be updated as needed to keep you abreast of the latest Copilot developments.
 
David demonstrates every technique at least twice: first, on a PowerPoint slide with numbered steps, and second, in the subscription-based Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) version of Excel. David draws your attention to any differences in the older versions of Excel (2021, 2019, 2016 and earlier) during the presentation as well as in his detailed handouts. David also provides an Excel workbook that includes most of the examples he uses during the webcast.
 
Microsoft 365 is a subscription-based product that provides new feature updates as often as monthly. Conversely, the perpetual licensed versions of Excel have feature sets that don't change. Perpetual licensed versions have year numbers, such as Excel 2021, Excel 2019, and so on.

Who should attend:
Professionals seeking to enhance their Excel skills, streamline data management, and leverage AI tools like Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT for improved productivity and efficiency.

Topics typically covered:
 
• Removing blanks, duplicates, and formatting problems.
 
• Explore how to use the free version of the Microsoft Copilot AI tool.
 
• Understanding the risks and nuances of the AutoSave feature and OneDrive in Excel 2021 and Microsoft 365.
 
• Exploring the requirements and constraints of Microsoft Copilot in Excel.
 
• Transforming inconsistent values into polished results.
 
• Deconstructing existing formulas by asking ChatGPT to explain the formula in detail.
 
• Simplifying messy tables with one-click cleanup.
 
• Create your own custom worksheet functions without writing any code in Microsoft 365.
 
• Formalizing a LAMBDA function by assigning a name.
 
• Using ChatGPT to create formulas in Excel based upon a written description of the desired calculation.
 
• Jump-starting data visualization with the Quick Analysis feature.
 
• Automating repetitive tasks in Excel by having ChatGPT write Visual Basic for Applications programming code.
 
Learning objectives:
 
• Recall how to use the COPILOT function in Excel to generate formula suggestions, interpret results, and apply natural-language queries within a worksheet.
 
• Identify the requirements and limitations of the AutoSave feature in Microsoft Excel, including supported file types, storage locations, and how to enable or disable the feature.
 
• Identify the argument structure of the COPILOT function and distinguish it from traditional Excel worksheet functions.