Implementation Timeline
Microsoft-Only Approach (90 days total)
Phase 1A - Knowledge Base Setup (Days 1-20) (20 days)
- Export and analyze historical ticket data
- Configure SharePoint storage for vector embeddings
- Set up Microsoft Copilot Studio environment
- Develop initial RAG framework with SharePoint
Phase 1B - Workflow Development (Days 21-45) (25 days)
- Implement Power Automate flows for ticket processing
- Configure Microsoft Teams integration
- Develop user interface components
- Training and documentation
Phase 2A - API Integration (Days 46-65) (20 days)
- FreshService API integration
- Real-time ticket processing with Copilot
- Enhanced RAG capabilities with SharePoint
Phase 2B - Optimization & Reporting (Days 66-90) (25 days)
- Performance monitoring implementation
- System optimization
- Confidence score refinement
- Reporting dashboard development
Hybrid Microsoft + N8N Approach (90 days total)
Phase 1A - Backend Infrastructure (Days 1-15) (15 days)
- Set up Azure VPS environment (managed by Umbral)
- Configure N8N instance for heavy lifting tasks
- Establish secure database connections
- Set up monitoring tools (invisible to end users)
Phase 1B - Microsoft Integration (Days 16-35) (20 days)
- Connect N8N with Microsoft Teams for seamless user experience
- Implement SharePoint integration for document storage
- Configure Copilot as user-facing interface and router
- Ensure all technical complexity is hidden from HG Fenton team
Phase 1C - Workflow Automation (Days 36-50) (15 days)
- Build email processing workflows (managed by Umbral)
- Implement existing systems integration
- Develop user training for Microsoft interface only
- Initial deployment with Microsoft-focused user experience
Phase 2 - Advanced Features (Days 51-90) (40 days)
- Enhance FreshService integration (technical aspects handled by Umbral)
- Implement real-time ticket processing via familiar Microsoft interface
- Optimize backend performance (invisible to end users)
- Develop reporting dashboards in Microsoft Power BI
- Continuous improvement with minimal disruption to users
Key Advantages of Hybrid Approach
The hybrid approach leverages the best of both worlds: Microsoft's familiar user interface with N8N's powerful backend automation.
- Familiar User Experience: HG Fenton team interacts exclusively with Microsoft Teams and Copilot
- Technical Complexity Hidden: All N8N workflows and database operations are managed by Umbral
- Microsoft Ecosystem Integration: Seamless connection with SharePoint, Teams, and other Microsoft tools
- Enhanced Automation: N8N handles heavy lifting tasks behind the scenes without user involvement