When to Switch from Excel to a Custom business Solution

Excel is a great tool for startups, but as a business grows, it often hits its limits. Unmanageable amounts of data, inefficient processes, and complicated collaboration are signals that it's time for a change. Transitioning to a custom business solution can be a challenge, but the benefits of more efficient work, better team collaboration, and increased data security are worth it. In this article, we'll look at the main reasons why and when it's appropriate to consider switching from Excel to a custom business solution.

Many companies start by using Excel to manage their processes. It's a familiar tool, readily available, and sufficient at the beginning. Over time, however, the company grows, employees, projects, and data accumulate. Management via Excel becomes increasingly difficult and less efficient.

If you encounter similar problems in your company, it's time to consider switching to a custom business solution. In this blog, we'll look at the main signals that indicate it's time for a change.

When Data Becomes Unmanageable

As a company grows, so does the volume of data that needs to be processed and stored. In Excel, spreadsheets become cluttered, new columns and sheets are added, and navigating them becomes increasingly difficult. Searching for information takes a lot of time and the error rate increases.

A custom business solution provides structured databases where data is clearly organized and easily accessible. Searching takes seconds and the risk of errors is minimized. In addition, the solution grows with your company and the volume of data is not an obstacle.

When Processes are Hampered by Inefficiency

Excel is great for simple tasks, but it hits its limits with more complex processes. Manual data entry, forwarding files, and tracking changes via email slows down work and creates room for errors. Processes become lengthy and cumbersome.

Switching to a custom business solution automates routine tasks, simplifies communication, and streamlines processes. Data is always up-to-date and available to everyone who needs it. Approvals and checks take place directly in the system, without unnecessary file forwarding.

When Collaboration Stalls

Collaboration via Excel is often limited to sharing files and discussing via email. This carries the risk of working with outdated versions and makes effective team communication difficult. There is a lack of overview of who is working on what and the status of tasks.

A custom business solution provides a central place for collaboration. Everyone has access to up-to-date information, can add comments, attachments, and track the progress of tasks. Project management is clearer and team collaboration is more efficient.

When Data Security Isn't a Priority

Excel files are often shared via email or cloud storage, which poses security risks. Sensitive company data can be easily compromised or lost. Managing access rights in Excel is limited and it's difficult to control who has access to what information.

Custom business solutions put data security first. Access rights are finely adjustable, every action is logged, and data is protected from unauthorized access. Regular backups protect against data loss, and secure cloud solutions allow secure access from anywhere.

Time for a Change

If you encounter the problems described above in your company, it's time to consider switching from Excel to a custom business solution. Although the change may seem daunting, the benefits of more efficient processes, better collaboration, and increased data security are worth it.

A well-designed custom business solution, tailored precisely to your needs, can support the growth of your company and take it to the next level. The investment in a quality solution will pay off many times over in the form of saved time, increased productivity, and more satisfied employees and clients.

Table of Contents

We specialize in developing custom information systems that help businesses efficiently manage and automate their processes. If you're looking for a solution for your business, contact us for a free consultation.
More Articles

Between SAP and Excel Lies FileMaker: The Golden Mean for Your Business Software

In today's dynamic business world, effective management of data and processes is crucial for success. In their search for the ideal solution, many companies face two extremes: robust and expensive SAP on one hand, and simple but often inadequate Excel on the other. However, a solution exists that elegantly fills this gap – the Claris FileMaker platform, which enables us to create powerful and flexible business systems precisely tailored to your needs.

Read more

The Power of Integrated Custom Business Solutions: How to Streamline Processes and Gain Valuable Insights

An integrated business system connecting various modules such as project management, CRM, and invoicing can significantly streamline business processes and provide valuable information for decision-making. This article describes the benefits of such a system, including document automation, improved customer relationship management, and the use of data for targeted marketing, leading to greater efficiency and competitiveness for the company.

Read more