Phase 3: Build Agents

Goal: Build department-specific agents that automate real business processes. This is the transform.

3.1 Agent Strategy Workshop

• Identify 2-3 high-impact business processes per department
• Map processes to agent types: retrieval agents (Agent Builder), custom agents (Copilot Studio), autonomous agents
• Define success metrics and ROI targets

3.2 Build & Deploy Agents (Copilot Studio)

Following the LUCSP lab progression:

Level 1 — Retrieval Agent (Agent Builder)

• Build a simple retrieval agent using Copilot Studio Agent Builder
• Quick win to demonstrate value
• ~30 minutes to build

Level 2 — Custom Agent (Copilot Studio Full)

• Copilot Studio UI: create agent, extend knowledge base, configure generative AI orchestration
• Define Topics: single-turn, multi-turn, adaptive cards, multi-language support
• Integrate Tools: Excel, Dataverse, Power Apps tables
• Build Power Automate flows for process automation
• Example: Customer Service Virtual Agent for e-commerce (product discovery, appointment booking, returns/refunds)

Level 3 — Advanced / Autonomous Agents

• Autonomous agent capabilities with triggers (e.g., email-triggered automation)
• MCP (Model Context Protocol) server connectivity for third-party integration
• Multi-agent architectures and orchestration
• Computer Use controls, Code Interpreter, Document Processor
• Advanced approval workflows

3.3 Secure & Govern Agents

• Configure Copilot Studio access with Conditional Access
• Manage publishing approvals and agent permissions (Zero Trust principles)
• Apply DLP to limit sensitive data in agent interactions
• Restrict agent access to approved data sources only
• Enable audit logging and monitoring for all agent activity
• Use Agent 365 for unified agent inventory and policy management
• Set up cost controls and consumption management (pay-as-you-go)

3.4 New Intelligence Layer: Work IQ

• Leverage Work IQ for contextual insights: data (Graph + LOB), memory (conversational + explicit), inference (predictive actions)
• Position Work IQ-powered agents: Workforce Insights Agent (leadership analytics), People Agent (colleague discovery), Learning Agent (personalized microlearning)

Opportunity Stage: TRANSFORM

• Activities: Agent strategy workshop, agent build sprints, security hardening, adoption
• Deliverable: Working agents in production, governance framework, ROI report
• Exit Criteria: Agents deployed and active, measurable business impact