Part 1: Manufacturing
This is part 1 of our new series exploring Microsoft Copilot for business across different industries, highlighting where organisations could benefit most from AI-powered productivity tools.
Across the series, we’ll take a look at a variety of sectors and show how Copilot could help improve workflow, productivity and overall business performance. From reducing admin and speeding up reporting to improving communication and helping teams get more from Microsoft 365, Copilot has the potential to transform the way different industries work.
At SMS, we provide expert support throughout your Copilot journey, from choosing the right package to implementation, user adoption and ongoing guidance.
Learn more about our Copilot packages here:
https://smsbusinesscloud.com/services/microsoft-365/microsoft-copilot/
Manufacturing businesses are under pressure from every angle: rising costs, supply chain delays, skills gaps, compliance demands and the constant need to improve productivity.
That is exactly where Microsoft Copilot can make a real difference.
Copilot brings AI directly into the Microsoft 365 apps your team already uses every day, including Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel and PowerPoint. For manufacturers, this means less time spent on admin and more time focused on production, customers, quality and growth.
Why manufacturing needs smarter productivity tools
AI adoption in manufacturing is already accelerating. Deloitte’s 2025 Smart Manufacturing Survey found that 29% of manufacturers are using AI or machine learning at facility or network level, while 24% have deployed generative AI at the same scale. A further 38% are piloting generative AI, showing that many manufacturers are already exploring how AI can support operations.
Microsoft’s own Copilot research also shows strong productivity benefits. Early Copilot users reported that 70% felt more productive, 68% said it improved the quality of their work, and users were 29% faster across tasks such as searching, writing and summarising.
For a manufacturing business, those gains can show up in very practical ways.
1. Faster quotes, proposals and customer responses
Manufacturers often deal with complex enquiries, technical details, supplier information and pricing requests. Copilot can help teams draft customer emails, summarise previous conversations, create proposal outlines and pull together key points from documents.
That means sales and admin teams can respond faster without starting from a blank page.
2. Better meeting follow-ups
Production meetings, supplier reviews, customer calls and internal planning sessions can create a lot of actions. Copilot in Teams can summarise meetings, highlight decisions and turn discussions into action lists.
Microsoft found Copilot users could catch up on missed meetings nearly four times faster, which is especially useful for busy managers moving between sites, production lines and customer conversations.
3. Easier reporting and data analysis
Manufacturing businesses generate a lot of operational data: production output, stock levels, delivery times, downtime, costs and customer orders.
With Copilot in Excel, teams can ask questions about data, identify trends, create summaries and produce clearer reports. This helps decision-makers spot issues earlier and communicate performance more effectively.
4. Less time lost to email and admin
Admin is one of the biggest hidden productivity drains in manufacturing. Copilot can help summarise long email threads, draft replies, rewrite messages, create internal updates and find important information faster.
Microsoft reported that 64% of Copilot users said it helped them spend less time processing email, while 85% said it helped them get to a good first draft faster.
5. Stronger onboarding and knowledge sharing
When experienced team members hold years of knowledge, it can be hard to transfer that information quickly. Copilot can help turn existing documents, notes and processes into clearer training guides, FAQs and standard operating procedure drafts.
This is especially useful for manufacturers dealing with skills shortages or onboarding new staff.
Which Copilot package is right for your business?
At SMS, we offer flexible Copilot packages designed to help businesses add AI to Microsoft 365 in the way that suits them best.
Copilot Business add-on
From £16.91 + VAT per user/month on annual monthly billing, or £19.32 + VAT per user/month on monthly monthly billing.
This is the lowest-cost way to add Copilot to any Business plan.
Basic + Copilot
Starting from £19.17 + VAT per user/month.
Ideal for organisations on Business Basic looking for the lowest-cost way to add Copilot.
Standard + Copilot
Starting from £27.09 + VAT per user/month.
A strong option for Business Standard users who want the best-value Copilot upgrade.
Premium + Copilot
Starting from £34.76 + VAT per user/month.
Best for Business Premium customers needing advanced security with Copilot in one bundle.
Final thought
For manufacturers, Copilot is not just about AI. It is about giving your team time back.
From faster quotes and clearer reporting to better meeting notes and reduced admin, Copilot can help manufacturing businesses work smarter without replacing the systems they already know.
As this series continues, we’ll explore how Copilot could support a range of different industries, showing practical examples of where AI can improve everyday workflows, productivity and performance.
Want to find the right Copilot package for your business? Speak to our experts and we’ll help you choose the best option.
📞 Call us on 01925 818448
📧 Email sales@smsbusinesscloud.com
🛒 Or buy online 24/7 via our cart
