The spreadsheet that survived the system

Systems investments are justified on the hours they will remove. The hours rarely leave, and the spreadsheet that outlived the implementation usually explains why.

By Steve 5 min read
Abstract bridge artwork for The spreadsheet that survived the system

A business spends six figures on a new system. Twelve months later the licences are paid, the training is done, the dashboards exist, and the same three people are still maintaining the same workbook they maintained before. Nobody defends it. Nobody has retired it either. When you ask where the real numbers live, everyone glances at the file. This is one of the most common outcomes of a digital investment, and it is rarely a failure of the software. The surviving spreadsheet is a piece of evidence. Read properly, it…

Keep reading for free

Create an account to read the rest.

The whole library is free. No card, no subscription, no trial that quietly ends. An account simply lets us know who we are writing for, and opens every article from here on.

  • Every article, in full, at no cost
  • New articles published every weekday
  • Takes about twenty seconds
Create a free account I already have one

Free means free. We will not charge you for the library, and you can read as much of it as you like.

Important: General information only. Rialto Bridge articles describe patterns and considerations that may apply to a business; they are not financial, legal, tax or accounting advice, and they take no account of your particular circumstances. Consider your own situation and seek advice from a qualified professional before acting.

More on Technology

Scroll to Top