Spreadsheet before
- One workbook per project with fragile cross-links
- Manual RAG colouring without clear criteria
- Action lists that never close cleanly
- Slide decks that diverge from the tracker within days
Workflow
Replace Excel project tracking when status meetings rebuild the truth
Project workbooks try to be plan, risk register, variation log and status report at once. That versatility becomes fragility as soon as several workstreams move together.
The problem
Replace Excel project tracking
Updates arrive late, RAG statuses are negotiated in meetings and supporting detail lives in side sheets. Leadership sees polished summaries that no longer match operational reality.
Signs Excel has been outgrown
- Weekly status packs are rebuilt from scratch
- Task owners update private copies instead of the master
- Risks and actions are tracked separately from delivery
- Variation history is incomplete or contradictory
- Cross-project reporting means copy-paste marathons
- New joiners cannot tell what "amber" really means
Managed app after
- Project records with consistent status language
- Actions and risks attached to the live project
- Role views for project leads and sponsors
- Portfolio summaries without spreadsheet gymnastics
What a replacement can include
- Projects, milestones and action items
- Status updates with change history
- Risk and issue registers linked to delivery
- Variation or change notes where relevant
- Portfolio filters by owner, client or stage
- Read-only sponsor dashboards
Why not just add more formulas?
Linking more sheets together increases breakage risk. A managed project app standardises status, ownership and history without turning every update into a workbook merge.
Who it suits
- Construction and fit-out delivery teams
- Internal operations programmes
- Agencies and service firms coordinating client work packs
Managed service
Each app is built around your workflow. The plans set the size and access model, while your assessment decides which useful features belong in the app. Hosted plans include hosting, maintenance and ongoing support so your team is not left maintaining fragile workbooks.
Pricing context
Every project starts with a £295 Spreadsheet Assessment (excl. VAT). If you proceed, that fee is credited before VAT. Eligible managed plans such as Business (£399/month) include hosting and support.
FAQ
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Ready to assess your spreadsheet process?
Start with a free fit check, then a Spreadsheet Assessment for a clear replacement plan.