Authors
Morgan Cohen
Abstract
Next to word processing, the spreadsheet is the most widely used PC-based application. But while spreadsheets are an invaluable tool, they can be dangerous - a subtle error in a formula can easily go undetected.
A product called Spreadsheet Professional from Spreadsheet Innovations is a good tool for those interested in locating errors in their spreadsheets. It also encourages good design and layout and makes documentation less of a chore. A discussion describes how to audit Microsoft Excel and Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheets.
Sample
The 'Map report' is a powerful tool because of its visual representation.
It consists of a picture of the spreadsheet indicating labels, numbers and formulas, distinguishing formulas that have been copied.
This map can highlight errors that would otherwise be difficult to find.
For example, a label appearing in a row that otherwise contains numbers can indicate that a numeric value was inadvertently entered as a label (see cell B23).
Publication
1997, Accountancy Ireland, Volume 29, Number 1, February, pages 12-13
Full article
Not available
