New spreadsheet solution seeks to cut down on errors

Data intelligence solutions company Alation announced the release of its new Connected Spreadsheets solution, which aims to cut down on data entry errors by facilitating direct importation of data into spreadsheets.

The new solution allows users to pull up-to-date data from data sources into spreadsheets on platforms such as Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel via the Alation Data Catalog. The program features a TrustFlag feature that signals whether the data is endorsed, warned or deprecated in order for users to determine the best, most appropriate data to use. Filters further allows data to be imported automatically without having to rely on technical resources like data engineers or analysts. Only authorized users can pull in and use data in a spreadsheet.

While spreadsheets are a vital part of the accounting profession (see our story), Alation noted that the vast majority of them contain errors. Data within spreadsheets is often copied and pasted from one spreadsheet to another or downloaded into CSV files via untraceable data sources. Without the proper management and effective data governance of spreadsheets, organizations may suffer from significant productivity losses and expose themselves to increased risk because critical business decisions are based on inaccurate and ungoverned data.

"Harnessing the power of an organization's data to drive fast, accurate business decisions is challenging for any employee," said Raj Gossain, Alation's chief product officer, in a statement. "Business users routinely rely on the simplicity, power, and ubiquity of spreadsheets to do their jobs. But the data that powers spreadsheets is typically copied from other sheets or downloaded into CSV files, creating real risk for every business. Alation Connected Sheets combines the power of trusted, governed data with the ease of use of the spreadsheet. Now spreadsheets can be a trusted enterprise data asset instead of an invisible liability, empowering every business user with the best data the enterprise has to offer."

Alation Connected Sheets is available immediately as an add-on in Google Sheets, and will be available for Microsoft Excel in early 2023.