4 Major Reasons Why Enterprises Shouldn’t Use Spreadsheets for Resource Planning
Resource planning is a complex domain, requiring multiple stakeholder inputs especially as firms scale up.
Resource allocation in project management can become challenging when teams are using different spreadsheet applications to facilitate processes.
The centralization of resource planning through a dedicated resource management platform is the right way ahead for organizations.
Let us explore the 4 major reasons why firms should transition away from using spreadsheets for resource planning.
1. Inability to structure resource planning
When enterprises use spreadsheet applications, they rely on standard templates to plan their resource requirements.
These can be limiting for many teams, especially when dynamically updating multiple profiles.
There is also a risk of local database crashing, which can lead to a loss of resource planning data.
With resource management software, firms can leverage predefined structures that are designed for resource management requirements.
Software solutions are also customized for multiple workflows that are pertinent to resource planning.
2. Lack of dynamic collaboration
By using offline spreadsheet applications, firms can’t collaborate dynamically across remote and local networks.
Version control is a key challenge for enterprises that maintain several types of spreadsheets that undergo approvals, changes, updates, etc.
By using resource management software, teams can plan resources through structured workflows that are cloud-based.
Resource management solutions enable firms to successfully transition from spreadsheets and benefit from collaborative insight generation.
3. High cost of data management
The cost of maintaining several spreadsheets, updating, and cleansing them is significantly higher than using a dedicated resource planning software.
With several hundred users, remote locations, and large-scale databases, enterprises need to upgrade their systems to a centralized data management solution.
Resource planning software provides the right data management tools that help lower the risk of data loss.
Software platforms ensure ease of scalability of data systems, and provision of analytics, reporting, and instant flagging for anomalies. This improves the efficiency of resource planning significantly.
4. Non-compliance with the latest cybersecurity standards
Spreadsheets are not secure from an infrastructure standpoint, as they are not designed to handle larger volumes of sensitive resource planning data.
Information leaks, file misplacements, incorrect downloading, and other instances can detrimentally impact the domain.
Firms need the right resource planning solution to ensure that they are compliant with the latest cybersecurity measures through a tool that is consistently updated.
By leveraging the right cybersecurity tools, software platforms make it easier for firms to share insights with external stakeholders.
In conclusion
Planning and resource allocation in project management needs to transition away from single applications and offline tools.
Spreadsheets, paper-based, and disconnected software-based tactics can add risk to data management, which may ultimately impact resource planning long term.
Resource planning can be significantly optimized with the right planning solution, through a complete workflow-driven ecosystem for end-to-end tracking.
Enterprises can request a comprehensive demo of ProductDossier TouchBase Resource Management Software by visiting us at — https://www.productdossier.com/products/resource-management/
You can connect with us at +91–76209 00522 / +91–93257 08071 and sales@productdossier.com
