With more complex data, Excel allows you to customize fields and functions that make calculations for you. A successful Excel spreadsheet will organize raw data into a readable format that makes it easier to extract actionable insights. Anything like raw data exports, date of sales, SKU, or units sold are entered (or imported) into a spreadsheet for easier viewing and organization purposes. In its most basic form, Excels holds data points in each cell. It’s true that larger corporations have moved away from spreadsheets on a big data scale, however spreadsheets are still used for everyday items. Revenue patterns, operations, marketing trends, and more can be analyzed through Excel spreadsheets, but the real advantage is the process. Many industries and businesses continue to emphasize the importance of Excel skills because it remains as an intelligent way to extract actionable insights. It’s a foundational structure for intelligent data because it deepens your understanding of the analytics process. It’s true it’s not the only or most fitting solution for all data projects, but it remains as a reliable and affordable tool for analytics.

Spreadsheets are still relevant and a great tool to learn about data. The original concept isn’t much different than what we use today, it just looks better and has a lot of new capabilities.īut aren’t Excel spreadsheets outdated? It’s manual and there are better software programs.

Excel spreadsheets have been around for more than 30 years and they’re still valuable.

Tools for data analysis in excel