Case studies
How schülke has successfully implemented Microsoft 365 Copilot in their company
Using a structured pilot project and a clear change management strategy, schülke has successfully implemented Microsoft 365 Copilot and created the basis for the company-wide use of AI.
Schülke & Mayr GmbH is constantly exploring how new technologies can create tangible added value for the company. In light of this, the idea of integrating artificial intelligence more closely into internal processes took shape. Together with Skaylink, schülke developed a structured approach to first test the use of Microsoft 365 Copilot and then gradually roll it out across the company.
schülke is a specialist for hygiene, infection prevention, and disinfection solutions. The company develops and manufactures products for the healthcare sector, industry, and the consumer market, and helps customers around the world prevent infections. Their portfolio includes products such as disinfectants, antiseptics, medical skin care products, and solutions for patient safety and hygiene management. Founded in 1889, the company currently operates in more than 100 countries.
As part of the evaluation of new technologies, Markus Förster, Head of IT Infrastructure & IT Operations, began exploring the capabilities of Microsoft Copilot and Azure AI at an early stage. At the same time, Carola Conrads, Senior Manager of Digital Products, looked into how AI could be meaningfully integrated into existing workflows. Together, they decided to test Microsoft Copilot initially in a pilot phase with a small group of users.
Structured pilot project as a foundation for the rollout
Before a company-wide launch, the primary focus was on determining in which areas AI could create measurable added value. Together with the experts at Skaylink, schülke defined specific use cases and developed a training program initially for 30 employees at the headquarters.
Throughout the pilot phase, the results were regularly evaluated and discussed with management. This revealed potential particularly in use cases that require processing large amounts of data or analyzing information in a structured manner.
In parallel, schülke evaluated various AI solutions. The decision was made to use Microsoft Copilot, primarily due to its seamless integration with Microsoft 365 and its security and compliance features. At the same time, Copilot was established as the company-wide standard, replacing the AI tools that had been used previously.
After successfully completing the pilot phase, the international rollout began in March 2026, initially with 400 licenses. “With 1,300 users in the company, that’s a very high AI adoption rate,” says Markus Förster, Head of IT Infrastructure & IT Operations.
The original pilot group was then expanded into an international Champions Community. Today, it is made up of 62 employees from various countries and business units who are supported by Skaylink and share their knowledge within their teams.
Interest in the launch was huge: About 600 employees applied for the first Copilot licenses. To issue additional licenses, schülke therefore established a structured process that takes into account the actual usage, among other factors. In addition, self-service training courses are available to all license holders, and the IT department can track whether they have been completed.
Change management as a success factor
Alongside the technical implementation, change management played a key role in the project′s success. Transparent communication, realistic management of expectations, and ongoing support for users all helped to ensure the system’s successful long-term adoption.
“Clear management of expectations helped us to effectively mitigate the frustration that might have been expected, such as that caused by occasional variations in response patterns.”
Another key component was the ongoing exchange of knowledge within the Champions Community and with the experts at Skaylink. Best practices were shared regularly, and the Champions were gradually empowered to support other employees on their own.
The Works Council was also involved in the project early on. Questions were answered transparently together with schülke and Skaylink, which helped build acceptance and trust.
In addition, Copilot Chat is available to all employees, regardless of whether they have a Copilot license or not. This gives all employees the opportunity to gain initial experience with AI applications.
According to schülke, this will significantly reduce the workload on the IT department in particular. At the same time, the use continues to evolve. More and more departments are now exploring their own AI agents and other automation options. The Champions Community continues to use the regular Skaylink Up2Date call for the purpose of sharing information about new features and best practices.
“Our hope that Copilot would help us become more productive has become a reality.”
The project at a glance
The customer
Schülke & Mayr GmbH
The challenge
Validate the benefits of AI in the company, reduce “shadow AI,” and successfully roll out Microsoft 365 Copilot worldwide.
Solution:
Skaylink supported the pilot phase, developed use cases in collaboration with schülke, assisted with the rollout, and established a Champions Community to ensure long-term adoption.
Solutions used:
Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot Chat
Summary
Even schülke was surprised by how quickly their employees would develop their own use cases: “More and more departments here are now asking for custom-built agents,” says Förster. “The users are now well-versed in AI – and they want more! So the next step is clear. And Skaylink will be more than happy to provide support once again.”
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