Excel is one of the most popular and effective ways to manage all kinds of data. It’s an easy application to use, but also has a range of complex features. This means it can be used by various users ranging from non-technical users who simply want to create basic spreadsheets to advanced users who want to carry out much more complex data manipulation. These are some of the most effective ways to use Microsoft Excel to manage your data.
Basic Data Management
Entering basic facts and figures into Excel is easy. This is why so many non-technical users prefer this application. It’s simple to add names, addresses, figures and other information about customers, suppliers and other business related data. It can be used as a simple, yet effective planning tool which users can use to list certain tasks, schedule them and mark them as complete once the work is done.
Automated Calculations and Visual Displays
High data volumes are often difficult to manage. In some cases, you may also require certain calculations to be carried out which takes a long time to do manually. The true power of Excel lies in its ability to perform automated calculations through formulas and other data manipulation features.
Once these formulas are created, the data you input into certain Excel cells is automatically used in certain calculations. All of the data and automated calculations can then be displayed visually through a wide range of graphs and charts. This makes it much easier to understand what information is contained in large amounts of data you are entering into a particular spreadsheet.
Sorting and Filtering
When you’re dealing with large amounts of data, it can become difficult to find the exact information you need. Sorting and filtering functions make this a much easier task.
The sorting function lets a user sort by alphabetical order or you can use the custom sort function. Filtering allows you to filter text, or carry out custom filters. These functions are extremely useful when you are looking for specific data or groups of related items in Excel spreadsheets.
Downloading Data from Other Software Programs and the Internet
Excel is compatible with the data files produced from most software applications and internet data tools. These systems usually allow a user to download or export data in .CSV format. This format can then be imported to Excel where it can be analyzed and manipulated in the way you require.
Mobile Data Management
Creating and modifying a spreadsheet is no longer confined to laptops, PC’s and tablets. The latest Excel mobile apps let users add and edit data on the move. This gives users much more freedom and flexibility which was not always the case.
Having the ability to modify your data instantly increases efficiency and allows you to react much faster. The latest Excel mobile apps also make it possible for multiple users to update data. This makes this application an even more powerful solution, especially if you have a team of people situated in different locations.
Managing data properly is vital in most businesses. Excel makes this important activity a much easier process to complete.
