Start using Excel Tables.
Excel users often have recurring files and workbooks that need to be updated on a regular basis. The same actions, formula updates, reviews, and checks take place every day, week, month, quarter, and year. None of this activity adds to the story you want to tell with your data. None of this activity will impact results.
None of this activity drives strategy forward.
I’ve had a long career in Finance. I spend hours everyday using Excel. I’m able to reduce the amount of time it takes to update my workbooks by simply converting my data into Tables.
Here’s why you will save time too:
Tables auto expand
Have you ever added data into a range and then had the formula break? Did you have to take time to reconcile and find the break? Did you even notice the break?
For example, you add a new account to the bottom of your data and now you have to update your formula to include that new row. Maybe you have to update many formulas within the same workbook.
Don’t spend time re-writing formulas.
Tables auto calculate
Do you have data sets with multiple columns? Columns with calculated formulas? When you add data to your range, do you also have to add the calculations?
For example, you add last month’s sales and units to your data. But what you really want to know is the average selling price per unit. Now you have to add the calculation.
Don’t spend time copying calculations.
Start using Excel Tables to save time. Time for high value work, or high value play. Get out of the office.