Qtier-Rapor enables Automation of Spreadsheet Processes

A primary issue with uncontrolled spreadsheet processes is the amount of manual user intervention required to maintain, manipulate and support them. Manual tasks can be performed erroneously, mis-timed or even forgotten. Different operating assumptions can be made by different people, giving an inconsistency in the process which may mean that it completely fails when the main user is unavailable.

Legislation asks that the integrity of the process is unquestionable, but this is not possible when un-secured data goes through a chain of manual processes

The problem is split into two areas. The first being the automation of individual spreadsheets (e.g. what data needs to be loaded onto the spreadsheet when it is opened and what steps are needed whilst it is open and when it is closed). The second area is the automation of spreadsheet process tasks (e.g. the production and distribution of the consolidated weekly accounts pack).

What key features of Qtier-Rapor address this problem?

The Qtier-Rapor software framework delivers automation features in two main areas.

The automation of manual procedures required on individual spreadsheets is handled with a host of Step and Step Sequence Design features. The creation of simple Steps to handle procedures such as populating data onto a spreadsheet, data write-back or running data validation routines is a key feature.

Once the required Steps have been created for individual spreadsheets they are logically grouped into Step Sequences and linked to spreadsheet events such as spreadsheet open or spreadsheet close. Step sequences can be made up of sequential lists of Steps or branching can be achieved via decision logic based on variable data or validation steps.

The second area of automation that Qtier-Rapor addresses is that of Spreadsheet Process Tasks. Tasks can be created to handle a number of actions for one or more spreadsheet processes. The Task Process Sequence Designer is used to link spreadsheets to form Tasks.

Tasks are fully integrated with other features of Qtier-Rapor such as workflow and dependency checking and run time criteria. Tasks can also create HTML output that links directly with the Qtier-Rapor Web Process Server, providing the ability to create in advance those reports that do not need to be created in real-time.

Tasks can be created to automate a number of different everyday spreadsheet jobs such as distribution via shared folders, e-mail or your web site. Spreadsheet Consolidation is possible were worksheets from multiple spreadsheets can be collated to form new spreadsheets prior to Publishing.

It is also possible to Scheduled Spreadsheet Process Tasks to run at any given time. A useful feature for jobs such as overnight distribution of reports or data manipulation. All Tasks, weather they are run in real-time or on a preset schedule, are fully audit traceable with all processes and actions recorded in a detailed history log.

The Benefits delivered as a result of the Qtier-Rapor automation features are widespread.