The system went live in March. The spreadsheet is still the source of truth.

When a shadow spreadsheet outlives a system implementation, it is usually treated as a training failure. It is better read as evidence.

By Steve 5 min read
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A business spends six figures and nine months replacing the way it plans, quotes or schedules work. The system goes live. Nine months later, the weekly management meeting still opens with a spreadsheet: maintained by one person, emailed round on Monday morning, reconciled by hand against the system it was supposed to replace. The usual diagnosis is that people are resisting change, and the usual remedy is more training. That reading is almost always wrong, and it is expensive because it sends effort in the wrong direction. A shadow spreadsheet…

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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.

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