Authors
Bill Bekenn & Ray Hooper
Abstract
A new MS Excel application has been developed which seeks to reduce the risks associated with the development, operation and auditing of Excel spreadsheets.
FormulaDataSleuth® provides a means of checking spreadsheet formulas and data as they are developed or used, enabling the users to identify actual or potential errors quickly and thereby halt their propagation.
In this paper, we will describe, with examples, how the application works and how it can be applied to reduce the risks associated with Excel spreadsheets.
Sample
FormulaDataSleuth's procedures and features diminish or remove the susceptibility of spreadsheets to Excel's many vulnerabilities and consequent errors.
These features include the following.
All encompassing error condition detection that includes:
- Formula damage by overwrite.
- End to end reconciliation of precedents and dependents in formula references.
- Sophisticated data error detection.
A simple user interface for:
- Watching of all formula and data areas.
- Full error checking at any time.
- Intelligent error fixing.
- Powerful auditing via detailed formula analysis.
Procedures which aid error-free spreadsheet development using:
- Multiple insert/delete in related blocks.
- Sheet and block replication complete with the Sleuth watch information.
Publication
2008
