The problem
An important process lived in a single spreadsheet. Anyone could change anything, one sorted column could break it, and the rules for using it were on a sticky note. #REF! errors were part of the routine.
What we did
- 01
Modelled the data
The columns and their unwritten rules became a proper data model that can't be broken by accident.
- 02
Added roles
Access control decides who can see and change what, instead of everyone editing everything.
- 03
Kept a record
Validation stops bad entries at the door, and an audit trail shows who changed what and when.
What changed
The process now runs in a real internal tool. Entries are validated, people work within their roles and every change is recorded. No sticky note required.