Spreadsheets vs Databases – Round 3: Instant Reporting

by with No Comment Business Admin AdviceBusiness Software Solutions

In the third round of this comparison of Spreadsheets and Databases we look at Instant Reporting.

Computers can compile information into useful outputs, like invoices, and insightful reports if we feed it the correct data.  Which of our two contenders will come out on top?

Round 3: INSTANT REPORTING

Spreadsheets

non-instant-reportingWith Microsoft Office, Excel can give you pretty graphs which you can tinker with for what seems like hours of pure pre-presentation pleasure.  But, it can be very time-consuming if you have to pull data in from several different sources to generate the report you need.  There is also the worry about the accuracy and age of the data.  Because there are so many manual steps required there is also a much greater possibility of human error creeping in. ...

Spreadsheets vs Databases – Round 2: Task Automation

by with No Comment Business Admin AdviceBusiness Software Solutions

Continuing our examination of which is more useful in the office, spreadsheets or databases, we look at task automation.One of the benefits of computers in the modern workplace is that they can automate many dull, repetitive tasks and complete them in seconds.  This makes a business more productive and efficient and allows staff to concentrate on creative, value-adding activities.

So, which one is better at it, spreadsheets or databases?

Round 2: Task Automation

Spreadsheets

task-not-automatedI think we have probably all used spreadsheets to do some calculations at some point, perhaps adding up a column of numbers or something like that.  So, Excel can do some calculation for simple things like that.  How does it fair with more complex things like, printing out a payment reminder?  How about printing out all your payment reminders?  I realise that is a lot more complicated than just adding up some numbers, but it is a real day-to-day task which is important but time-consuming.  Well, with Excel we can automate things a bit more than just doing sums by using macros.  ...

Spreadsheets vs Databases – Round 1: Multi-User

by with No Comment Business Admin AdviceBusiness Software Solutions
The two heavyweights in day-to-day office life are spreadsheets and databases. Most of the software we all use which isn't a spreadsheet is based on a database.  Accounting software, an online shop and your CRM are all database-related programs. Many businesses still rely heavily on spreadsheets to help them run the day-to-day.  Others are convinced that databases help them be more productive, efficient and creative. We thought we should see how these two match up against each other by examining 10 of the most important ways they can help or hinder your day at work.  Seconds out... In the first round we look at the multi-user capabilities of each.  How easy is it for more than one person to work at the same time?

ROUND 1: Multi-User

Spreadsheets

Non-multi-user

A common issue with spreadsheets is how to share them.  The usual call round the office is 'Have you finished with the spreadsheet yet?'  As well as being frustrating this is a real productivity bottleneck.  How long before someone gets fed up and starts a separate spreadsheet or just guesses at something and makes a mistake.  Spreadsheets definitely suffer in a multi-user environment, which is most offices.  It's not looking good in this round for Spreadsheets! ...