5 Stages on how to Migrate from a Spreadsheet to a Web App
Using traditional tools to carry out the day to day business activities of different areas of a company or project is quite common. This can be seen in the tool that seems to be impossible to leave behind for countless companies around the world: the great beloved Excel. This program has certain positive things, such as data storage, analysis, reporting, etc. It also works for project management work, financially-related activities, customer data, among others, and, best of all it can be used in all areas of a company, from the operations to the accounting and marketing department. So, that being said, Why would your company want to migrate from a Spreadsheet to a web application?
Although an excel spreadsheet has excellent benefits, it also has its downside, especially for companies that want to obtain scalability in the medium and long term for all or some of their processes. Additionally, it will make it difficult to work with reliable information, since multiple users will manage the same file and will enter new data every time, leading to recording sheets, with different names that will eventually lose the sequence and will make file and data consultation more difficult and will prevent decision making in a timely manner.
If you work or have a company that envisions a change in processes, workflows and needs to make decisions more quickly and is ready to automate, the option of designing and establishing a web application is convenient. It is important to be aware that if you have your own tools, you can ensure the competitiveness of the business within the market you’re playing, making it possible to further differentiate yourself.
Below are 5 stages that demonstrate how we in Soluntech can achieve the transition from a spreadsheet to a web application that can become the best ally for your company:
Stage 1 “Discovery and Planning”: This leads to an understanding of the background of why Excel is used and the problems it currently has.
Stage 2 “Design and Prototype”: In this one, sitemaps and wireframes are created. Sitemaps will give us the high-level of the app we're going to build. With the sitemap, we define the pages, and what is the purpose of each page. Wireframes are richer in information. They'll display the content of the pages, and depending on how complex, wireframes can be turned into a prototype.
Stage 3 “Development”: Once we know the user flow with the sitemap, and the purpose and content for each page, we are ready to build the database and interface. This process also involves the implementation of workflows, business rules, and validations.
Stage 4 “Test and deploy”: Before the app is ready for the real world, each functionality must be tested to make sure it does what it is supposed to do. If we are happy with the results, then we can move to the deployment phase, which may or may not involve database cleansing, import records, user setup, and other configuration.
Stage 5 “Change management”: This will be the key to a smooth transition. Once the application is finished and fully functional, it is important to socialize with all the persons who will have access to it. The success of the application lies in the acceptance of the change in the processes and adaptability by all the employees of the organization. Also it would be the best way to receive feedback from, this way make the necessary improvements.
Migrating to a web application will allow a true collaborative workflow to be established, which will improve the productivity of the company, bringing positive results to the business.
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