Microsoft just announced the launch of the new Knowledge Agent feature, which was officially unveiled on September 18th. This new tool is designed to enhance the way users interact with SharePoint, making it easier to manage and optimize your content.

Image credit: Microsoft Tech Community – Introducing Knowledge Agent in SharePoint

What is Knowledge Agent?

Knowledge Agent is an intelligent content curator that improves AI responses, drives business processes, and keeps content fresh. It benefits anyone using SharePoint, not just site admins or managers. The feature rests on three pillars:

1. Improving AI responses: Knowledge Agent enriches content to make it AI-ready. It automates content structuring and auto-fills metadata into document libraries, which strengthens grounding sources for AI and Copilot experiences.
2. Driving business processes: The context-aware interface lets users build Power Automate workflows in natural language. A floating button gives quick access to different skills, based on where you are in SharePoint.
3. Keeping content fresh: Knowledge Agent automates site management actions, helping you maintain accurate and well-structured content.

Key Features

• Automated Content Structuring: This feature uses Autofill to automatically add metadata into document libraries, enhancing the overall ecosystem and improving AI responses.
• Context-Aware Interface: The floating button provides contextual skills based on the user’s location within SharePoint, making it easier to access relevant functionalities.
• Persistent Chat Entry Point: Users can open a natural language chat with Knowledge Agent to get help with various tasks, ensuring a seamless experience.
• Access To Agents: Users can access SharePoint agents deployed to the site right from the floating button, providing easier access to custom agents.

Potential Use Cases

The Knowledge Agent feature is versatile and can be applied in various scenarios to improve efficiency and productivity. Here are some potential use cases:

1. Content Management: Organizations with large volumes of documents and data can use Knowledge Agent to automate the structuring and tagging of content. This ensures that all documents are properly categorized and easily searchable, saving time and reducing the risk of errors.
2. Workflow Automation: Knowledge Agent’s integration with Power Automate allows users to create workflows using natural language. For example, a user can set up a workflow to automatically notify team members when a document is updated or to trigger a review process for new content.
3. Compliance and Governance: Knowledge Agent can help organizations maintain compliance with industry regulations by ensuring that all content is properly managed and up-to-date. Automated site management actions can include tasks such as archiving old documents, updating metadata, and ensuring that content meets specific standards.
4. AI and Copilot Optimization: By enriching content with metadata and structuring it in a way that is easily accessible to AI, Knowledge Agent improves the quality of AI responses and Copilot experiences. This is particularly useful for organizations that rely on AI to assist with customer service, data analysis, and other tasks.
5. Training and Onboarding: New employees can benefit from Knowledge Agent by having access to well-organized and up-to-date training materials. This can automate the process of updating training documents and ensure that all new hires have access to the latest information.

Who Will Benefit from Knowledge Agent?

Knowledge Agent is designed to be a valuable tool for a wide range of users within an organization. Here are some of the key beneficiaries:

1. Site Admins and Managers: They can manage and optimize content more easily, keeping sites current and organized.
2. Content Creators: Automated structuring and tagging saves time and reduces mistakes.
3. IT and Compliance Teams: They can enforce governance standards and reduce regulatory risks.
4. AI and Data Teams: Better quality content improves AI and Copilot performance.
5. New Employees: They benefit from always-current training materials, which simplifies onboarding.

Launch and Public Preview

The Knowledge Agent feature entered public preview on September 18th. Organizations can opt in at the tenant level and opt out individual sites if needed. The preview will gather feedback and ensure the feature aligns with user needs before full release.

Conclusion

Knowledge Agent marks a step forward in using AI to improve content management and user experience in SharePoint. By helping teams maintain well-structured content, it builds stronger foundations for AI and Copilot.