05/13/2025
Creating Sample Data With A Copilot Studio Agent
Generated by AI. Be sure to check for accuracy.
Meeting Notes:
Sample Data Creation: Barry discussed the need for sample data in a dev environment for a client and decided to use Copilot Studio to create test records directly in a SharePoint list. Previously, Barry used Copilot in the browser and spreadsheets to generate sample data, which involved exporting and re-importing data. The new approach with Copilot Studio allows for more flexibility and usability by creating sample data directly in a SharePoint list. Barry demonstrated setting up an agent in Copilot Studio to generate sample data based on existing records in a database table and write them directly to a SharePoint list.
SharePoint List Setup: Barry explained the process of creating a new SharePoint list, emphasizing the importance of removing blank spaces in column names to avoid debugging issues. He created a new list, highlighted the significance of naming conventions, and created custom columns such as mitigation status, source, and risk level. Barry also stressed the importance of including a source column when importing data from multiple locations for system integrations and upgrades.
Copilot Agent Configuration: Barry described configuring a Copilot agent to create sample data based on existing records. He emphasized the importance of detailed instructions and prompts to guide the agent's actions. Barry added knowledge sources like public websites and SharePoint to enhance the agent's capabilities and configured it to use Copilot author authentication, allowing it to run without user credentials each time.
Testing and Debugging: Barry tested the Copilot agent and encountered some issues but managed to get it working through persistence and troubleshooting. He shared his experience with debugging techniques, such as disabling and re-enabling the agent, and emphasized understanding the underlying processes and connections. After several attempts, Barry successfully tested the agent, confirming it could read from the dataverse and write sample data to the SharePoint list.
Recurrence Setup: Barry set up the Copilot agent to run on a recurrence, creating sample data every minute. He discussed the potential costs and administrative considerations of running such processes and highlighted the need to investigate financial implications and administrative controls.
Follow-up Tasks:
Create a new SharePoint list for IoT and security insights data.
Configure columns in the new SharePoint list, ensuring no blank spaces in column names.
Create a new Copilot agent to generate sample data directly in the SharePoint list.
Add the IoT and cloud security insight dataverse table as a knowledge source to the new Copilot agent.
Set the Copilot agent to use Copilot author authentication to avoid user prompts during ex*****on.
Set up the Copilot agent to run on a recurrence schedule, initially set to one minute for testing.
Test the Copilot agent to ensure it writes sample data to the SharePoint list and debug any issues that arise.
Investigate the cost implications of running the Copilot agent on a recurring schedule and find ways to manage or reduce costs.
