Using Copilot for Model-Driven Power Apps

In this training session, Brian Knight from Pragmatic Works demonstrates how Microsoft’s Copilot can be integrated into Model-Driven Power Apps. He walks through the steps required to enable this AI-powered feature and shows how it can transform the way users interact with their data.

Overview of Copilot in Power Apps

Copilot integrates directly into both Model-Driven and Canvas Apps, allowing users to query data conversationally. Instead of building complex reports, users can ask natural-language questions and receive instant results. This capability extends to Dynamics, where Copilot can answer questions about opportunities and other business data. The focus of Brian’s demo is on enabling Copilot specifically for Model-Driven apps.

Three Key Steps to Enable Copilot

Brian breaks the setup process into three main steps:

1. Turn it on at the environment level:
   • Access the Power Platform admin center with environment admin rights.
   • Navigate to Settings > Product > Behavior to adjust the refresh rate. Setting it to “monthly” ensures the latest updates are applied.
   • Under Settings > Product > Features, enable two options:
     • Allow Canvas editors to access Copilot.
     • Get AI power for Model-Driven apps.
   • Save changes. This enables Copilot across the selected environment.
2. Turn it on at the table level:
   • Open the solution containing the table.
   • Go to table properties > Advanced options.
   • Enable:
     • Track Changes – required for monitoring data updates (cannot be turned off later).
     • Appear in Search Results – ensures the table participates in Copilot queries.
3. Turn it on at the column (view) level:
   • Edit the Quick Find view for the table.
   • Select columns to include in Copilot’s search, such as totals, counts, or custom fields.
   • Save and publish changes to finalize the setup.

Optional Step: Enable Dataverse Search

Brian also highlights the Dataverse search option. By managing indexed columns in the solution, administrators can allow Copilot to search across multiple tables. This adds a unified search bar where users can query data beyond a single table, providing an even broader Copilot experience.

Live Demo: Asking Questions with Copilot

Once enabled, Brian demonstrates Copilot’s functionality using sample soup kitchen data. Through natural-language queries, Copilot can provide insights such as:

• Average pounds of cheese served.
• Meals grouped by kitchen.
• Volunteer organizations with the most participation.
• Kitchens that have served the most meals.

These results would traditionally require exporting data to Excel or creating detailed reports. With Copilot, the answers appear instantly, making ad-hoc analysis accessible to anyone.

Challenges and Considerations

Brian notes that Copilot’s accuracy depends on how questions are phrased. For example, using technical terms like “rows” can sometimes yield better results than natural English phrasing. While the system occasionally “hallucinates” results, it improves quickly as Microsoft refines the AI engine. Users are encouraged to provide feedback through the thumbs-up or thumbs-down options, which helps Microsoft improve Copilot’s responses.

Regional Availability

At the time of recording (September 2023), Copilot for Model-Driven apps was only available in the United States. However, international rollout is planned, so global users should check availability regularly.

Conclusion

Brian Knight’s walkthrough demonstrates how enabling Copilot in Model-Driven Power Apps can dramatically reduce the effort required to analyze and interact with data. By following the environment, table, and column-level steps, organizations can empower users to ask questions in plain language and receive actionable insights instantly. While still evolving, Copilot promises to change the way businesses approach data exploration within Power Apps.

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