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Is it bad to run a business on spreadsheets?

Spreadsheets are a useful starting point.

Start with the work

They work well for exploration and simple shared records. Reconsider the setup when formulas become fragile, edits need approvals, or people can no longer tell which version is correct. Move the workflow that hurts first rather than replacing every sheet.

Make a small, useful change

Talk to the people who perform the task. Write down the steps, identify where information lives, and agree on what a successful result looks like. A simple, supervised workflow is a better starting point than automating an unclear process.

Review before expanding

Try the workflow with representative examples, including exceptions. Check the outputs, permissions, and handoff to a person when something needs attention. Keep what helps and adjust what does not.

Discuss your workflow ↗

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