Excel has been around for over 40 years, yet it still dominates the workplace. Many people use it daily; in fact, about two-thirds of office workers rely on it at least once every hour, according to research from Acuity Training. But what makes Excel so enduring?
Tom Wilkie, a chief technology officer at Grafana, believes Excel’s strength lies in its accessibility. “It’s great for quick and simple data analysis,” he says. However, experts warn about its risks. Prof. Mark Whitehorn from Dundee University points out that many companies mix up data processing with analysis. This can lead to chaos, especially when improperly documented macros are involved—tiny programs that automate tasks but can become obsolete.
A recent issue in New Zealand highlights this danger. Health New Zealand was criticized for using Excel as a primary system for financial management, leading to errors and inefficiencies. Similarly, a recruitment blunder in the UK involved spreadsheet confusion, showing how reliance on Excel can create significant problems.
Managing data effectively is becoming increasingly vital. Moutie Wali, a digital transformation director at Telus, is working to migrate his team off Excel and onto a centralized platform. His goal is to improve data integration and increase automation, but many are hesitant to leave Excel behind. “People want to cling to their spreadsheets,” he notes.
Switching away from Excel can yield big benefits. For example, Kate Corden, who runs a bike fitting business, moved to a more comprehensive data management system. She found that Excel was prone to data loss and manipulation. Now she has more control and efficiency.
Julian Tanner, a PR executive, made similar changes for a local charity. By moving to an online accounting tool with AI capabilities, he saved over £6000 a year on bookkeeping expenses. His experience shows that even small organizations can streamline operations by choosing the right technology.
The shift away from Excel isn’t easy. People often feel attached to the tool because it grants them a sense of control. But as Prof. Whitehorn explains, “It’s the company’s data, not just yours.” Rethinking how data is handled will ultimately lead to better-informed decisions and fewer mistakes.
As technology continues to evolve, moving away from Excel might not be about erasing it entirely. Instead, organizations might need to find smarter ways to integrate it into their broader systems. Something to keep in mind as we navigate this digital age.
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