When Excel Inventory Management Should Become a Shared System
The decision is about operational control, not spreadsheet fashion.
Decision boundary
The decision is about operational control, not spreadsheet fashion.
Do not begin with a screen list or a vendor promise. Define the operating decision, the data that proves it and the person responsible for exceptions.
Requirements to confirm
- Measure duplicate entry and reconciliation effort
- Identify where permissions and approval history are missing
- Migrate one stock workflow before replacing every workbook
Common mistake
Treating a workflow as a set of fields usually creates a system that looks complete but cannot explain ownership, exceptions or acceptance. Keep each rule testable with representative records and real job roles.
How to start
Start with one bounded workflow, document assumptions and acceptance evidence, then expand after the first milestone is operated safely. See the related service and illustrative scope。