Many Different Excel Sheets in an Ideal World vs the Real World

Excel-savvy users utilize standard templates that use a consistent layout. However, this is usually not the case when your data comes from different sources. Flexibility in data management is needed to ease data transformation and consolidation. 

Here are some approaches to data extraction that users may be familiar with:

Retrieving Customer Data through Different Methods

Consolidation by Position

Your data in the source spreadsheets must first be organized in the same order, labels, arrangement, and location – data creation from the same template. In this case, Excel moves the customer data values from the source worksheets to the target worksheets and skips the labels.

Such a method will require you to format all the excel sheets into the same layout, which is time-consuming.

Consolidation by Category

Your data in the source spreadsheets must have the same headings and labels, but not necessarily be arranged in the same order. In this case, Excel copies the tags and titles to ensure data matches the target or ‘master’ worksheet.

Unlike ‘consolidation by position,’ you include accurate source data labels while referencing, which requires you to manually update the labels.

Consolidation by formula

For a more advanced approach, you can manually create a reference range from the worksheets you intend to include in the consolidated spreadsheet and apply formulas to compile the data. However, Excel formulas tend to be error-prone and require a certain proficiency level to attain the desired results.

Our Approach To Processing Customer Data

Consolidation by Automation

Despite the options spreadsheets provide to consolidate customer information from different sources, your workforce is still involved in much manual work needed. To achieve greater efficiency, an automated process with minimum human input should be considered. 

Sample workflow of such a process:

• The user initiates the task.
• The system collects data from the respective sources.
• Data is then processed and mapped to the correct fields.
• Output files are generated for individual reporting purposes such as customer relations management, sales reports, etc.
• The system then sends the files to respective stakeholders for follow-up actions.

From this example, you can see that automation not only streamlines the processes but simplifies reporting, and derives insights from numerous sources, all without having to learn VBA code! This becomes possible through effective automation partners who modernize your tools, improve your Business Intelligence, and provide efficient analysis tools.

A Step Closer to Efficient Customer Data Management

With Symlinc, you can now benefit from the opportunities data consolidation offers. Streamlined operational activities, reduced redundancy, and improved flexibility are made possible. As a spreadsheet powerhouse, automation ultimately helps improve your end-user experience.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your organization leverage the latest tools and unlock the full potential of digital transformation.

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