Why Spreadsheets Break (And What to Use Instead)

Spreadsheets are brilliant — until they're not.

They start simple. A few rows, a few columns. Then someone adds a formula. Then a VLOOKUP. Then a pivot table referencing another sheet that references a third file on Dave's desktop.

Before long, your business runs on a file that nobody fully understands and everyone is terrified to touch.

The warning signs

• More than 3 people edit the same file
• You've heard the phrase "don't touch column F"
• Someone has a backup called "FINAL_v3_REAL_FINAL.xlsx"
• The file takes more than 10 seconds to open

What to do instead

You need a proper database with a proper interface. That doesn't mean expensive enterprise software. It means a system built for your specific needs — something that does exactly what your spreadsheet does, except it doesn't break.

We build these all the time. Get in touch.