For years, Microsoft Excel has been the go-to tool for businesses when it comes to data manipulation and analysis. Its powerful features have made it a staple in offices worldwide, but times are changing. While Excel remains an excellent resource for specific applications, there are more efficient alternatives available that can streamline many business activities.
As businesses grow and adapt, so do their needs. In this ever-evolving landscape, organizations require solutions that enable collaboration, real-time decision-making, and process automation at scale. A low-code platform like TrackVia offers a superior solution in mission-critical areas, allowing you to consider retiring those Excel spreadsheets for good.
Data Management and Collaboration
The backbone of any successful organization is effective data management and collaboration between its team members. While Excel has done an admirable job serving as the Swiss Army knife of data tools for decades, it falls short in addressing today’s collaboration needs.
In traditional computing environments, Excel files are typically stored on costly file servers that are prone to IT issues. Several users attempting to work simultaneously on spreadsheets in this environment can result in conflicts, version control problems, and lost data. Moreover, it doesn’t provide real-time collaboration features that modern teams require for efficient coordination and decision-making.
Modern organizations may opt to use Microsoft 365 and Excel Online. Although Microsoft has embraced collaboration more, there are still areas where it falls short when compared to purpose-built data software. Microsoft 365 and Excel Online, for instance, do offer real-time co-authoring and automatic saving, which has improved its collaborative potential. However, it is worth noting that the online version of Excel may not provide the full functionality of the desktop version, meaning that some advanced and necessary features might be missing.
On the other hand, platforms like TrackVia provide a customizable interface that allows businesses to structure data in an easy-to-use way, while offering an accessible cloud-based platform where teams can share information seamlessly in real-time. By eliminating potential pitfalls related to sending spreadsheet files back and forth via email attachments or shared drives, TrackVia ensures smooth communication with role-based access controls combined with history-tracking functionality. This records every change made within the system, making version control issues a thing of the past.
Inventory Tracking and Management
Physical products and real commodities are the cornerstones of the economy, however, the logistics behind getting a widget from place A to place B is exceptionally complex. One of the most notable daily challenges that manufacturers, distributors, and retail stores face is tracking and managing inventory.
Accurate stock levels across multiple locations must be constantly updated, while minimizing human errors during manual updates on sprawling spreadsheets. Unstructured data introduces significant risks to the entire supply chain, from errors in forecasting to miscommunication between suppliers and buyers. This, in turn, can lead to a variety of problems such as stock-outs, overstock, wasted resources, and missed sales opportunities, which ultimately result in revenue loss and damaged customer relationships.
The current inventory management systems, while having undergone significant digital transformation, still rely heavily on manual processes, outdated software, and fragmented information systems. These elements are often ill-equipped to deal with the complexity and volatility of modern supply chains, which have been further complicated by increased global trade, consumer demands for faster delivery, and sudden disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic.
The advent of advanced technologies, such as low-code/no-code, and platforms such as TrackVia, offer an alternative to cumbersome spreadsheets, providing real-time visibility into inventory levels and status reports available instantaneously. This reduces the chances of unforeseen supply chain crises escalating, resulting in consequences that could have been proactively managed.
Quality Control & Compliance in Manufacturing
Manufacturing entities are bound by rigorous regulations dictated by oversight organizations like the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These regulations are in place to ensure consistently high quality throughout all stages of production. Falling short of compliance doesn’t merely put a dent in a company’s reputation, but can also lead to substantial monetary penalties.
Traditionally, many manufacturers have relied on Excel or other spreadsheets to manage their quality control processes. While this may have been effective in the past, the increasing complexity of modern supply chains makes this approach highly inefficient and error-prone.
TrackVia steps in to address these challenges by enabling manufacturers to automate their quality control procedures, consequently bolstering their ability to adhere to regulatory standards. This inclusive software solution transforms audits from intimidating hurdles into manageable tasks. By streamlining these processes, organizations can pivot their focus back toward delivering top-tier products rather than being bogged down by logistical minutiae.
Furthermore, with TrackVia, manufacturers gain visibility and control over their entire operation, making it easier to identify and resolve issues before they escalate, which is key to maintaining regulatory compliance and overall operational efficiency.
Getting Started with Modern Solutions
Transitioning from traditional Excel spreadsheets to a modern solution like TrackVia may appear daunting, but the rewards are well worth it.
The journey begins with a thorough appraisal of your existing inventory and quality control management processes. Perform an in-depth audit to identify challenges, inefficiencies, and potential enhancements. Knowing what you want from TrackVia, be it automated quality control, real-time inventory tracking, or tools to ease regulatory compliance, will be fundamental in your transition.
As a part of your exploration, consider downloading the Best Practices: Getting Started with Low-Code guide and assess how easily your organization could streamline operations using an intuitive and user-friendly interface like TrackVia.
Then request a Demo to get a better understanding of how a low-code platform can work for your business.
To further support your transition, TrackVia also offers professional services aimed at providing expert assistance, from implementation to optimization, ensuring your move to a modern inventory and quality control system is smooth and successful.
