Case Study: Shipping Company – Spreadsheet Fix
Objective
A shipping company was facing difficulties with its complex Excel spreadsheets after the departure of a key employee who had managed the system. The spreadsheets had become cumbersome and prone to errors, causing frustration among staff and impacting the accuracy of calculations. The company needed a solution to simplify the spreadsheets, eliminate errors, and ensure they were easy to manage moving forward.
Solution
We took the time to understand the company’s processes and the specific functions the Excel spreadsheets needed to perform. After analysing the existing setup, we simplified and streamlined the spreadsheets by fixing broken formulas, restructuring the data layout, and automating certain repetitive tasks using VBA (Visual Basic for Applications). This not only restored the functionality of the spreadsheets but also made them far easier to use and maintain. By automating key processes and integrating error checks, we ensured that the spreadsheets would continue to operate smoothly without constant manual intervention.
Results/Impact
The improved spreadsheets eliminated the frustration caused by manual errors and significantly increased the accuracy of the company’s calculations. Staff reported that the new setup was much easier to use, and the automation features reduced the time spent on data entry and updates. This led to improved operational efficiency, as employees could now focus on their core responsibilities rather than managing the complex spreadsheets. The company also gained confidence in the reliability of their data, which was critical for making informed decisions in their day-to-day operations.