In nearly all offices, there will be a treasured Excel spreadsheet a few would be lost without. We know there are many better ways to manage information but the loyal Excel sheet is called on by many to be the go-to source. Having implemented an ERP system for our client, we had to prise a few of these sheets with all the promises necessary for them to let go.

To replace the Excel spread sheets and their functions, whilst fulfilling the promises made to those who had to give them up. We studied all the functions and flow of information and soon realised the information being entered and retrieved was already available within the ERP system, so why put the effort in to duplicating information and having to keep a spreadsheet up-to-date? It was the views that the sheets offered that made the user feel in control. There nothing they could miss, as long as it was in the sheet, they had control.

To design an interface that offered all the benefits of an Excel sheet, but with none of the drawbacks relating to data entry and data becoming out-of-date. The answer lay in presenting the information from the live database in a way that replicates the view of Excel with all its right click functions and personalised cell colours meaning different things. We were able to offer all the required information to all those in need using just 4 main planning screens. Using these tools, information could be displayed making it simple to manage customers, contractor, fabrication, site works, employees in fact the whole of every project could be managed without needing to search through the backend ERP system.

By creating a truly fit for purpose system from the start, as requirements unfold you should face very few challenges when to expanding your business software system. By adding web portals for contractors and site teams, information was able to flow in real time. This means admin staff can work at their best, efficient, relaxed, and in control.