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Copilot Studio - Copilot Studio Skills Development
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Issue: Generative Answer Node Not Returning Results from Excel Knowledge Source

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Hi everyone,

-I'm facing an issue with the Generative Answer node in Microsoft Copilot Studio and would appreciate any help or insights.

  • -I’ve uploaded an Excel file (allCat.xlsx) as a Knowledge Source.
The file contains catalog items with columns like Name, Type, short_description, and URL.

This is the prompt i have used in the Generative node in Copilot Studio.
"Search for the most relevant match by checking the **"Name"** and **"Short Description"** columns against the user input (Global.Userresponse).
If multiple matches are possible, choose the most relevant one based on context or keyword density.
Present the result in the following format:
Let me help you with that – here’s what you need: ✅ Name: [Name] 📄 Type: [Type] 📝 Short Description: [Short Description] 🔗 Click URL: [URL]"
 
When a user searches for terms like "Firewall" or "VPN", which are clearly present in the catalog, the bot returns no response. The Generative Answer node just says:

"Your response is - Can I help with anything else?" - This is the next question node after Generative answer node

Sometimes it is giving me answer but sometimes it just go to next node in that topic. Why this is happening?

What I’ve Checked:

  • The Excel file contains matching entries for "Firewall" and "VPN".
  • Column headers are correct (Name, short_description).
  • Global.Userresponse (variable used in Generative answer node) is populated correctly.
  • No fallback message is triggered.

What I Need Help With:

  • Is there a known issue with column name casing or matching logic?
  • Should I modify the prompt to improve keyword detection?
  • Any tips on debugging or improving the matching behavior?
 
Thanks in advance for your support!
 
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