Level: 

Copilot for Excel

Copilot can do a lot. The problem is rarely the tool—it’s the prompt. In just one day, you’ll learn how to ask for the right thing, understand the formulas you get back, and walk away with a structured approach.

Copilot for Excel
What You'll Learn

From “What is that function called?” to an answer you can use

This course is designed for people who use Excel every week but have never really gotten started with Copilot. We start from the beginning—and you'll work on your own spreadsheets throughout the day.


Find the Right Function

Describe in plain language what you want to achieve—and let Copilot point you to the right function. You'll learn how to determine whether the suggestion actually solves your problem.

Understand the formulas you've inherited

Have a complex formula from a colleague or an old spreadsheet explained line by line. You'll learn how to get Copilot to explain it—not just confirm it.

Clean up messy data

Combining, splitting, duplicates, and date formats. Copilot can handle the heavy lifting when you describe the desired result precisely enough.

Analysis Without PivotTables

Ask questions about your data and uncover trends, variations, and summaries. And learn when a PivotTable is still the right choice.

Validate the answer

Copilot makes mistakes. You'll get a set validation routine so you can catch them before a number ends up in a management report.

Write prompts using START

The common thread throughout the day: a five-step method that ensures your prompts are consistent and your answers are more reliable.
Before you make a decision

Get a clear picture of your options

Book a no-obligation consultation with Zealand Data if you use Navision or Dynamics NAV and are considering Business Central. We’ll help you figure out the right next step—even if you decide you need to get your systems in order first.
Your prompt for Copilot
"Analyze my spreadsheet."
← Turn on the lights and see the difference.
Expected answer quality Generic
Today's Program

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Short presentations, long hands-on exercises. We work with actual spreadsheets from your own day-to-day work—feel free to bring one.

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. · Module 1

What is Copilot in Excel—and what isn't it?

  • How to Open and Use the Copilot Pane
  • What Copilot Can See in Your Spreadsheet (and What It Can't)
  • Requirements: table format, licenses, file location
  • Your first prompt — and why the answer turns out the way it does
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. · Module 2

The START Method in Practice

  • The Five Steps Explained with Excel Examples
  • Exercise: Write the same task before and after START
  • Fill out your personal prompt card
  • The Five Classic Mistakes in Prompts for Beginners

12:00 – 12:45 Lunch
12:45 – 2:15 p.m. · Module 3

Functions and Formulas

  • Find the right function based on a description
  • Have existing formulas explained step by step
  • Troubleshooting: #VALUE!, #N/A, and lookups that do not match
  • When You Should Write the Formula Yourself
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. · Module 4

From Raw Data to Report

  • Cleaning and Preparing a Messy Dataset
  • Analysis, Trends, and Variances with Copilot
  • Charts and summaries you can share
  • The validation routine: how to check the result
3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. · Wrap-up

Your plan for the next 30 days

  • Review of Roadmaps and Templates
  • Choose three everyday tasks to start with
  • Questions and Open Discussion
What You'll Take Away

Roadmaps and templates you can use next week

The course day comes to an end, but the work continues. All materials are provided in editable files and are designed to be kept close at hand while you work.


Roadmap: From Raw Data to a Finished Report

Nine steps from a messy export to something you can send to management—with instructions for each step.

Roadmap: Understand a formula you inherited

A standardized process for having complex formulas explained, validated, and documented.

The START prompt card

One A4 sheet with the five steps, sentence starters, and examples. Print it out and keep it in plain sight.

Prompt library: 30 Excel tasks

Ready-made prompts for recurring tasks—lookups, cleanup, reconciliation, budget follow-up, and monthly reporting.
Target audience

Is this course right for you?

Questions

Good to know

It is an advantage, but not a requirement. If you do not yet have licenses, you will receive the same training and materials—and we will explain what is required before you make a purchase. Please let us know when you register so we can set up a test environment.
A laptop with Excel installed and, preferably, a couple of spreadsheets from your own day-to-day work. We use your own data whenever possible.
Both. We offer open online courses and are happy to conduct the course at your location if several colleagues attend together.
Yes. We then tailor exercises and examples to your specific reports and data sources. Contact us for a quote.
Yes. You will receive a course certificate by email after the course, along with all the materials.
You may transfer your spot to a colleague at no charge. If you cancel at least 14 days in advance, we will refund the full amount.
Registration

Reserve your spot

We keep the groups small so there is time for your questions and your spreadsheets.

Fill out the fields, and we will send you a confirmation and an invoice.
Registration
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