Authors
Patrick O'Beirne
Abstract
Spreadsheets that are informally created are harder to test than they should be. Simple cross-foot checks or being easily readable are modest but attainable goals for every spreadsheet developer.
This paper lists some tips on building self-checking into a spreadsheet in order to provide more confidence to the reader that a spreadsheet is robust.
Sample
Top ten spreadsheet questions.
In order to achieve quality and robustness in spreadsheet use, spreadsheet owners should provide answers to the following questions:
- What is the purpose of the spreadsheet?
- Where is it kept – network location, set of files?
- How is it used? (Process documentation, instructions)
- Is it for one person or is it re-used by others?
- Is it once-off (project) or has it a periodic operation?
- Who peer reviews its structure and version changes?
- What controls are around it?
- What checks are included within it?
- What evidence is there of conformity to good design practices?
- What are the pain points?
Publication
2009, EuSpRIG
