Spreadsheet Control
When spreadsheets are used as a key decision support tool there are five critical aspects to control them:
- House rules for spreadsheets - keep as simple as possible (care with security)
- Identification of important spreadsheets - register and prioritise
- Peer Review - before decisions are taken - technical and scope
- Maintenance - create a spreadsheet champion, version control
- Skills and Competence - personal measures and updates
Creating a formal structure that Senior Finance Managers operate and control creates the recognition that spreadsheets are more than merely a personal tool. They are business property, and represent significant investment. They should be recognised, managed and maintained.
Within the rules, you should address how Macros are used - how they are written, the complexity of them, and the extent of their use. Generally, we recommend using Macros only to automate repetitive tasks that would be onerous without automation.
Security is a crucial aspect. On occasion, this will necessitate a structure of data and accessibility that overrides common sense. Care needs to be taken that where the accepted standards for the organisation are out of date or need changing hat this does not adversely affect the data flow of the organisation.
Adopting a sensible means of Spreadsheet Process and Design and working to Best Practice Standards with Audit control and compliance will ensure that your adverse spreadsheet risks are minimised.
Here is a fairly useful Golf handicap scorer spreadsheet for a foursome, if you would like to use it.
If you need the password, contact me and I will let you have it.