Mazes can be welcome challenges, especially if you’re the type of person who enjoys brain teasers. However, they aren’t exactly what you might want to deal with when you’re at work.
Microsoft Excel is a tool that many people have to use daily as a part of their job. Unfortunately, it’s not always a pleasant experience – spreadsheets and numbers can quickly become a nightmare. In turn, people dread having to utilize Excel, but what’s the root of the problem?
“It’s Not You, It’s Me”
A study conducted by Dartmouth College found that the problem with Excel tends to be user mistakes – not the software itself. That being said, there are few solutions to this problem.
“Very little research has been conducted to identify methods for avoiding or mitigating the impacts of errors in operational spreadsheets,” the authors wrote in their report.
One option is to eliminate breaks in communication between people who have access to spreadsheets to get rid of these problems.
Get On The Same Page
Getting everyone on the same page in regards to spreadsheets and other collateral is critical to avoiding headaches. Data can also stay more organized if it’s housed in a content management system.
These days, working within Excel can be transformed into a seamless process with the right pieces of technology and software. For example, financial institutions can use Seismic – a content management platform – to store documents in a secure cloud. Individuals can then access collateral on their computers or mobile devices and customize them to align with specific client needs.
This is just one of many solutions for professionals who are constantly trying to get away from the “maze” feeling of Excel. There’s no rule that says you have to dread creating spreadsheets – keep this in mind as you seek ways to make each day a little easier.