The Situation:
In most progressive companies (regardless of size) busy managers/executives routinely handle business data and information generated daily, to prepare standard reports for use by senior management/decision makers etc.
The Problem:
Generating the needed reports is often not easy. Some data needs to be tabulated/charted – possibly correlations drawn as well. Often times the data collation and report generation process – though done on spreadsheets – is not well managed. The boss sometimes has to get involved in sorting out the resultant confusion so as to get the report out on time!
Some people are comfortable working without any particular format specified. Some are not. The latter wish an easier way to “put it all together” could be put in place.
As a result of the above, the integrity of the final report produced is what suffers, because when someone else does the reports, s/he will often do something different from the previous person!
Every business leader knows that NOTHING could be worse than using “inaccurate” reports for decision making? Indeed, so many examples abound that show the devastating damage that companies can suffer as a result of decision making based on wrong reports!
The Viable Alternative:
A computer pre-installed with Microsoft Excel (and the rest of the MS Office Suite) is easily acquired today. Most companies already have them.
Using MS Excel, a simple, yet extremely functional Custom Automated Excel Spreadsheet application can be developed. The application will run in MS Excel, so you would not need to incur any additional costs via purchase of some prohibitively priced off-the-shelf app, which may not be easily modified to suit unique needs of some facilities.
Managers/executives in the organisation can be taught to use the app to generate periodic departmental, functional or corporate level reports.
Routine data handling tasks could be pre-programmed (e.g. import of data from a single worksheet sales into an app to auto-generate charted summaries of a week’s sales etc). This way, only entry of raw data which does not occur in a manner that allows auto insertion, will need to be done, to compute any other needed reporting parameters – saving time and effort.
Manufacturing organizations in particular will find the “Usage Rates Tracking and Variable Cost Analysis” spreadsheet applications (like those I develop – see screenshots below) invaluable for more efficient reporting.
A lot more is possible with MS Excel-VB automation…
Alternative reporting templates could be prepared and printed from. Also, updating and backup of the reporting application can be automated to make usage as simple and easy as possible. There would be no need for the user to have any specialized MS Excel competence. Especially if Excel-novice proof Graphic User Interfaces (GUIs), like those used in my custom apps (see below), are adopted.
Depending on the needs in the workplace, the application could be made accessible from ANY computer connected to the intranet – if one exists. That way, multiple users would be able to access it.
All managers would be able to generate equally “accurate” reports more often, if a system like the above is put in place. The application would be designed to suit the specific processes or operations in the organisation.
The above are real life examples of possible ways in which custom Excel-VB driven apps can be used, that I have successfully implemented in various organizations over the past 2 decades.
Corporate organizations and SMEs across the world are continually striving for efficiency in their routine operations.
The area of data handling and report generations is one that poses severe challenges to many. The solution being adopted by a growing number of smart thinking companies (regardless of size) is the use of custom automated spreadsheet applications development.
It is a flexible option that allows for modifications (in line with changes that may occur in your processes/operations over time) without your needing to hire an expensive software programmer.
You Can Do It Yourself, or Hire an Excel-VB Solutions Developer…Like ME
Like I always say, a custom Excel-VB app can be developed by ANYONE, if s/he has the needed time and training (e.g. managers, executives and other employees in the organisation).
I’ve told stories in past articles (like this one) of how I worked over a 7 years period, as a self-taught developer of in-house automated spreadsheet software (in my spare time as a Shift Brewer and later Training Manager), which were formally adopted for use in Guinness Nigeria’s Benin brewery. See some details in my resume (click here).
However, if competent in-house expertise does not exist in your company, you can hire an external developer to build the app, and/or train an employee to develop custom apps in-house. The latter option is likely to result in savings of money and time especially, over the long term.
Final Words: Through my MS Excel Heaven™ Spreadsheet Solutions Development I can help you develop an app(s) that do(es) what you want, without burning a hole in your pocket.
And/or if you want, I can train your people to develop such apps, or maintain those I build. Either way, you’ll spend much less, and reap more long lasting benefits than would be the case if you purchase an off-the-shelf app.
If you’d like an app built for your factory or company, and/or need training on custom Excel-VB automation to build or maintain such an app, I can help you.
Click here to tell me what you need help with.
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