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(Source: Microsoft ) As 2024 draws to a close, Microsoft is making bold moves with Wave 2 of its CoPilot AI. These updates aren't just incremental improvements—they represent a fundamental shift in how businesses can operate smarter and more efficiently. At Synergy, we’re seeing this as a turning point for businesses that want to stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly competitive landscape. The integration of new features across Microsoft 365—from Outlook and PowerPoint to CoPilot Pages and CoPilot Agents—opens up significant opportunities for streamlining workflows, fostering collaboration, and driving intelligent automation. Here’s our take on what’s new in CoPilot Wave 2 and why we believe it’s crucial for shaping the future of work. CoPilot Pages: Revolutionizing Collaboration One of the standout innovations in Wave 2 is CoPilot Pages , and we think this is going to redefine how teams collaborate. Built on Microsoft Loop, CoPilot Pages allows you to capture, organize, and share ideas across different apps in a digital workspace. Imagine pulling together thoughts and drafts seamlessly, without the need for constant back-and-forth emails or struggling to keep everyone on the same page. At Synergy, we see this feature making a massive impact, especially for teams that need to work on projects across multiple departments. It provides an organized approach to collaboration, letting teams brainstorm freely and then refine those ideas in one place. Whether you’re in marketing, project management, or product development, CoPilot Pages is going to elevate how projects are executed from start to finish. Outlook: Cutting Through the Noise Let’s be real—email can be a productivity killer. Sorting through endless messages and trying to keep track of important ones is a challenge for nearly every professional. That’s why CoPilot’s intelligent inbox prioritization  in Outlook is such a game-changer. By learning from your email habits, it identifies and flags high-priority messages, letting you focus on what really matters. For us at Synergy, this goes beyond just filtering emails. We believe businesses spend far too much time dealing with email overload, and CoPilot is offering a solution that saves time and reduces mental clutter. CoPilot can also summarize long email threads, giving you key points at a glance, so you’re not spending hours in your inbox. It’s a vital tool for improving communication management, allowing you to stay on top of important tasks without getting bogged down by irrelevant messages. PowerPoint: Taking Presentation Creation to the Next Level Presentation creation has always been a time-consuming task, especially when you’re under pressure to deliver. But the new narrative builder  in PowerPoint takes this process to a whole new level, helping you build and organize entire slide decks more effectively. CoPilot doesn’t just help with layout; it helps you tell a cohesive story with your slides. At Synergy, we see this as a game-changer for teams in marketing, sales, and leadership who often rely on PowerPoint to deliver pitches, updates, or reports. Now, instead of spending hours tweaking slide design, you can focus on crafting your message. With Microsoft Designer integration, you can also add AI-generated images and use company templates to ensure everything stays on-brand. This upgrade will streamline the creation process, allowing businesses to make a bigger impact with their presentations, faster. Excel: A New Era of Data Insights We’ve always turned to Excel for deep data analysis, but Wave 2 makes it even more powerful. The fact that CoPilot in Excel  can now handle unstructured data—like survey results or plain text—without the need for table formatting is a game-changer. You can get insights faster and more easily than ever before, freeing up time to focus on decision-making rather than data wrangling. What really excites us at Synergy is the new Python integration. Whether you’re an analyst or a non-technical user, this feature allows for deeper, more meaningful analysis without needing to write code. It’s a critical leap forward for businesses that work with large datasets, empowering teams to create custom visualizations and uncover insights that might have otherwise been missed. For anyone looking to make data-driven decisions faster, this is an exciting development. CoPilot Agents: Custom AI Workflows Without Code We’re particularly enthusiastic about CoPilot Agents , which allows businesses to create custom AI-driven workflows without writing a single line of code. Built on SharePoint and Power Automate, this feature enables non-technical teams to leverage AI in a way that was previously reserved for IT or data science departments. From our perspective at Synergy, this democratizes AI in a meaningful way. Now, HR teams can build workflows to automate responses to employee inquiries, or finance teams can streamline approval processes—all without needing to rely on developers. This is an incredibly powerful tool that allows businesses to tailor AI solutions to their specific needs, empowering non-technical teams to solve complex problems and automate repetitive tasks. Teams: Comprehensive Recaps to Keep Projects on Track We all know how challenging it can be to stay on top of meeting follow-ups, especially in fast-paced environments. With CoPilot in Teams , those challenges are a thing of the past. CoPilot now compiles complete meeting recaps, pulling in both chat conversations and in-meeting notes to create a comprehensive summary of discussions, decisions, and next steps. At Synergy, we see this feature as invaluable for teams working on high-stakes projects where every detail matters. Previously, only in-meeting notes were captured, but now entire conversations are recorded and synthesized, making it easier to keep track of what’s been decided and what needs to happen next. In a fast-moving business environment, this feature will be essential for keeping teams aligned and projects on track. Why We Think CoPilot Wave 2 is a Game-Changer From our vantage point at Synergy, CoPilot Wave 2 isn’t just a set of product updates—it’s a glimpse into the future of work. The integration of AI into everyday workflows offers businesses an unprecedented opportunity to save time, improve efficiency, and foster innovation. As businesses face increased pressure to stay competitive and agile, the ability to automate mundane tasks and focus on strategy becomes critical. We believe that companies who embrace these advancements now will be better positioned to lead in their industries. Whether it’s improving how teams collaborate in CoPilot Pages , unlocking deeper insights in Excel , or creating custom AI workflows  without code, Wave 2 delivers tools that can fundamentally transform the way businesses operate. Our Take on the Future of Work At Synergy, we’re excited about the direction Microsoft is taking with CoPilot, and we see this as a blueprint for the future of work. By integrating AI across tools that businesses already rely on, CoPilot is paving the way for smarter, faster, and more efficient workflows. As we close out 2024, we’re ready to help our clients fully leverage these new tools, ensuring they’re well-positioned to thrive in this rapidly evolving AI landscape. Whether you’re just beginning your AI journey or looking to optimize existing workflows, we believe now is the time to take full advantage of what CoPilot Wave 2 has to offer.

At Synergy, we understand that the way teams collaborate and create is constantly evolving. That's why we’re always on the lookout for tools  that push the boundaries of what’s possible in a digital workspace. The introduction of the Canvas feature in ChatGPT  is a game-changer, offering a dynamic, interactive environment that enhances collaboration and takes your projects to the next level. Currently in beta, Canvas allows users to interact with content in ways that feel more natural and intuitive, all while streamlining the process of sharing and creating information. What is Canvas? Canvas is far more than a standard text editor—it's an adaptive workspace designed to accommodate evolving ideas and strategies. Imagine an environment where your documents are not just static files, but interactive spaces that grow with your thoughts. Whether you're drafting a project proposal, writing code, or brainstorming new ideas, Canvas gives you the flexibility to lay out your work in a way that best suits your creative process. Why Canvas Stands Out Before Canvas, teams often juggled multiple tools to collaborate, with traditional document editors limiting them to a linear, static approach. This often led to fragmented conversations and scattered ideas. Canvas, on the other hand, reimagines collaboration by providing a space that mirrors how creativity naturally flows—non-linear, adaptable, and visually engaging. With everything in one place, your work becomes easier to manage, and your ideas can truly flourish. How Canvas Improves Collaboration Canvas offers a more flexible and powerful environment for collaboration. It allows you to zoom in on specific elements or step back to view the bigger picture of your project. The workspace is designed to accommodate the fluidity of creative processes, empowering teams to connect ideas in ways that are both dynamic and visually compelling. Key Features of Canvas Dynamic Editing Environment Canvas allows for a more freeform approach to content creation. You can move elements around, split discussions into smaller threads, and structure documents to suit your workflow. Seamless Collaboration Canvas integrates real-time collaboration tools, ensuring that feedback, comments, and contributions come together effortlessly in one space. Versatile Content Handling From text to diagrams, embedded media to data tables, Canvas gives you the versatility to make your work more impactful by integrating various types of content. Context at a Glance Keep related discussions and content side by side without losing track of conversations. Everything you need is within reach, without having to toggle between windows. How Canvas Can Help Your Team Canvas is designed to support a wide range of tasks, making it useful for any team looking to streamline their workflows. Consider using it for: Brainstorming Sessions . Organize ideas visually and move elements around until everything clicks into place. Collaborative Writing . Eliminate the chaos of multiple comment threads by having a shared, organized space for input and collaboration. Project Planning . Visualize tasks, milestones, and ideas with ease, adjusting them as your project evolves. Whether you're planning a project or collaborating on complex tasks, Canvas gives you the flexibility and control to work the way you want. What’s Next for Canvas? Canvas is just the beginning of what’s possible. Looking ahead at what OpenAI has planned , several exciting features are in the pipeline, including: Advanced Visualization Tools Soon, flowcharts and mind maps will be available to help teams visualize complex relationships between ideas. Enhanced Integration Canvas will integrate more seamlessly with the tools your team already relies on, making it the central hub for your projects. AI-Powered Assistance We're excited about the potential for AI-powered features that will help with everything from organizing ideas to suggesting content improvements. A New Way to Collaborate At Synergy, we believe that tools like Canvas represent a significant step forward in how teams can collaborate. By bringing together conversation, content, and creativity in one space, Canvas allows for a more meaningful and efficient way to work. As this feature continues to evolve, we look forward to seeing how it can unlock new possibilities for businesses looking to optimize their workflows. We’re eager to hear your feedback on Canvas and how it has impacted your team's productivity. Your insights will help shape future content updates from Synergy’s team.

Macquarie University Empowers 3,000+ Staff Through Microsoft 365 Training with SYNERGY 3,000 Staff learn Microsoft 365 with Synergy’s Cloud training Services OVERVIEW: Synergy was chosen as Macquarie University’s training partner for the migration to Microsoft 365, in late July 2015. Macquarie needed a training partner with Microsoft product knowledge and training certifications, as well as a working knowledge of Microsoft 365 in Education. Synergy’s team of MS certified consultants and trainers developed custom training material that directly addressed Macquarie staff needs; from Academic to Administrative staff. Macquarie University undertook the email migration from Gmail to Office 365 for over 3,000 staff in the second- half of 2015. The project required an approach that offered a variety of training methodologies due to the differing needs of staff. The training approach accommodated a series of seminars, group training courses and hands-on labs/workshops to ensure all staff were given the opportunity to learn how Microsoft 365 would be utilised by them. University specific training materials were developed in the traditional electronic .pdf format as well as Wiki online tutorials stored in a training site on Macquarie’s servers. Goals / Challenges: Hudson Scenic Studio—a renowned scenic production company serving Broadway and major theatrical productions—was running core production systems on aging, end-of-life hardware . With limited budget and growing demands, they needed a cost-effective way to modernize their infrastructure  without disrupting business operations. Their existing environment was not only limited in storage capacity but also costly to maintain due to the power, cooling, and footprint requirements of multiple physical servers. Moreover, to support business continuity, Hudson needed a more resilient infrastructure  with simplified backup and recovery procedures  in case of hardware failure. Key challenges included: Training over 3,000 staff  with varying levels of Microsoft 365 experience—from complete beginners to advanced users. Developing custom courseware  and branded materials specific to how Macquarie would use the Microsoft 365 platform. Coordinating training logistics using an event management system  to handle scheduling, rooms, trainers, and attendees. Encouraging high attendance rates across lectures, seminars, and workshops, all within a tight four-month timeframe. Ensuring knowledge retention  post-training, with resources available for continued self-learning and onboarding. Solution/Approach: Synergy took a comprehensive approach, beginning with a university-wide Training Needs Analysis (TNA) to identify user profiles, skill gaps, and preferred learning styles. Identified “Microsoft 365 Champions”  to foster peer learning and accelerate adoption. Nine custom courses  were created, with manuals and presentation packs tailored to Macquarie’s environment. Delivered a blended learning model  with self-paced resources, in-person sessions, and drop-in support centers. Assisted the university’s IT help desk  and provided real-time support for staff needing assistance with device configuration or Microsoft 365 usage. Continuously iterated training content based on post-course feedback , ensuring sessions stayed aligned with user needs. “We created a sustainable learning model that went far beyond launch day. Macquarie now has the resources and internal capability to continue growing with Microsoft 365.” – Murray Campbell, Consulting Manager , Synergy The Results: The overall result for Macquarie University was a comprehensive program of training that introduced staff to the core features of Microsoft 365 and allowed them to hit the ground running after the launch on 14th December 2015. This assisted in a very smooth transition to the new software and allowed staff to be productive on Microsoft 365 from day one. Course attendance increased due to positive feedback and internal referrals which resulted in a far greater reach than predicted with over 2500 trainees attending classes and many more accessing online material. The training solution has provided for the future by allowing current staff to refresh themselves via the online courseware and training environment. Future training needs of any new staff that join Macquarie University have been catered for in the full-suite of high-quality relevant courseware. INDUSTRY GEOGRAPHY CONSULTING software Education Australia SharePoint Consulting Training SharePoint Microsoft 365 Ready to upskill your workforce with Microsoft 365? SYNERGY offers tailored, high-impact training solutions that scale with your organization’s needs—designed to engage your team, accelerate adoption, and drive real productivity.

IMC Industrial Group Teams Up with SYNERGY to Launch a Modern Digital Workplace IMC Industrial Group (IMC) embarked on a transformative journey to revamp their existing intranet, IMC Connect, into a modern, engaging, and efficient digital workplace. The goal was to create a centralized hub that would enhance employee engagement, streamline communication, and provide easy access to critical resources across their global operations. To achieve this, IMC partnered with Synergy to implement the Powell Intranet solution, leveraging SharePoint Online and other Microsoft 365 technologies. OVERVIEW: IMC Industrial Group partnered with Synergy to transform their outdated intranet into a modern digital workplace using Powell Intranet and Microsoft 365. The new platform solved key issues—limited access, complex upkeep, and low engagement—by delivering a unified design, mobile accessibility, intuitive content tools, and engaging features. Synergy’s Rapid Delivery Framework ensured smooth rollout across four countries. The result: higher engagement, easier content management, and a consistent user experience company-wide. Goals / Challenges: The legacy intranet posed several challenges, including restricted access outside the corporate network, making it difficult for remote users. It demanded time-consuming manual maintenance and lacked a cohesive design, hindering usability. These limitations, combined with a dated interface and minimal functionality, led to low employee engagement and adoption. Solution/Approach: SYNERGY implemented a Powell Intranet built on Microsoft 365, delivering a secure, scalable solution tailored to IMC’s business needs. The project was rolled out using our Rapid Delivery Framework to ensure speed and consistency across regions. Key solution components included: Unified Design and Navigation: A role-based, branded interface with consistent headers, footers, and intuitive menus ensured usability across departments. Mobile and Desktop Accessibility: Employees can now securely access the intranet from any device, whether in the office or on the move. Self-Service Content Management: Non-IT teams were empowered to manage their own pages using Powell’s intuitive dashboard, reducing IT overhead. Built-In Engagement Features: Social media feeds, alerts, and dynamic content blocks boosted participation and made the experience more interactive. Scalable Deployment and Maintenance: Powell Manager allowed seamless updates across environments, supporting long-term growth and sustainability. "This initiative pushed us to engineer a robust, scalable solution that precisely aligned with IMC Industrial Group’s operational data landscape—demonstrating Synergy’s unwavering focus on delivering measurable value in complex, industrial environments." — Milan Gross , Synergy Implementation Team The Results: The new intranet significantly boosted employee engagement through its user-friendly design and interactive features. With full mobile and desktop access, employees enjoyed greater flexibility and productivity. Content management became more efficient, easing the load on IT teams. A consistent design and intuitive navigation also enhanced the overall user experience and information sharing. INDUSTRY GEOGRAPHY CONSULTING software Industrial Shipping Singapore SharePoint Consulting Intranet Branding & Design Powell Microsoft 365 Is your organization still running on a legacy intranet? Let SYNERGY help you modernize your digital workplace with scalable, engaging solutions that empower your workforce.

Supporting Remote Learning at Trinity Grammar School with Nintex Workflow Cloud and Synergy Pre-K to year 12 school successfully transforms its daily attendance register to support remote learning and student safety programs by leveraging the easy and powerful automation capabilities of Nintex Workflow Cloud.  OVERVIEW: When the COVID-19 pandemic forced a sudden shift to remote learning, Trinity Grammar School in Sydney had just days to pivot from traditional classrooms to digital-first instruction. With over 1,600 middle and senior school students to account for each day, the school urgently needed a reliable way to track student attendance and ensure learning continuity. Long-time technology partner Synergy stepped in to help implement a secure, flexible, and fully automated digital attendance solution—delivered in just 48 hours. Goals / Challenges: In early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced Trinity Grammar School to pivot from in-person to remote learning with just days to prepare. This shift brought a unique set of challenges: Ensure Student Accountability : The school needed a fast, accurate method for tracking daily student attendance while continuing to follow the existing class timetable. Enable Rapid Deployment : Any solution had to be deployed and fully operational within a tight timeframe to avoid gaps in instruction. Support Remote Accessibility : The attendance system had to be device-agnostic and work seamlessly from home—whether on mobile, tablet, or desktop. Integrate with Existing Infrastructure : The solution needed to align with Trinity's existing technology stack, including Canvas LMS, SQL databases, and Single Sign-On systems. Enable Parental Notifications : Missed check-ins required a backup system to notify parents in real-time for follow-up. Solution/Approach: Having worked with Synergy for nearly a decade, Trinity relied on their deep knowledge of the school’s systems to deliver a solution fast. Together, they: Implemented Nintex Workflow Cloud  to build a responsive attendance form integrated with Canvas. Connected to SQL  databases for secure storage and real-time tracking. Automated Notifications  to send SMS alerts to parents when attendance wasn’t logged. Ensured Accessibility  by designing the system for mobile and desktop use—students could log in from any device at home. “Our work with Trinity Remote Learning showcased the critical role of technology in education, especially during unprecedented times.” — Gavin Adam, Lead Consultant, Synergy The Results: Within 48 hours, Trinity Grammar School launched a fully automated student roll call solution: Over 1,600 students  were able to log their daily attendance using the school’s Canvas LMS. Automated SMS alerts  kept parents informed and engaged. The lightweight system was device-agnostic and scalable for future remote learning scenarios. With Synergy’s help, Trinity reduced its technology footprint while increasing operational efficiency. The success of this initiative has prompted Trinity to explore additional use cases for process automation with Nintex, positioning the school for long-term digital transformation. INDUSTRY GEOGRAPHY CONSULTING software Education Australia Process Automation SharePoint Consulting SharePoint Nintex Is your institution prepared for the future of digital learning? Whether you're planning for hybrid education, remote student management, or simply want to streamline internal operations, Synergy can help. Our experts build flexible, secure solutions tailored to the needs of modern schools—fast.