In my capacity as a spreadsheet addict, I got very excited last week when I saw a new article about the latest upgrade in functionality in Microsoft Excel, to add a native programming language, LAMBDA.
Fortunately a reality-check kicked in and my mind returned to rational thinking.
Excel is already an incredibly powerful and flexible software tool. But, just like handing the keys to a Formula One car to any driver, trying to use all the power available is not going to end well.
Unless that Driver happens to be Lewis Hamilton (!)
For most ordinary mortals, driving the advanced features of Excel is beyond them either because of ignorance ("What do you mean - there's more than one gear?") or because they fear the power ( "I was so scared I didn’t dare take it out of first gear!").
Or worse, they try to use the power without having a proper plan - and a crash results.
You and I don't need more power!
Just before the pandemic, while giving a talk to a group of accountants, I asked whether anyone had experience of people in their organisations using VBA macros in Excel. Many hands went up.
I then asked - "What happened when the person who wrote the macros left the organisation?"
One brave soul immediately chirped up - "The spreadsheets stopped working". A murmur of agreement spread across the room.
I really hope that this is not your experience too. But this is a common story.
My advice…
I've always advocated for users NOT to use VBA code to add functionality into spreadsheets.
Firstly, because the skill set needed to write and use VBA code is not common in most organisations. Secondly, it's even rarer to have this code properly documented and maintained.
But finally and most importantly, if you feel the need to add bespoke spreadsheet functionality to support a business process, you seriously need to consider using a more robust software solution. Either an off-the shelf or via bespoke professional development in a more suitable platform than Excel.
In fact, although I have a lot of experience with Excel and have been recognised as somewhat of a spreadsheet guru.
But, as I explained in a recent blog
, I recommend creating solutions that start simply - often with pen and paper
.
So are Microsoft insane in trying to pack even more power into Excel?
The answer is both "yes" and "no"!
It’s just like the Formula One car. Technical developments in Formula One eventually filter down to the ordinary vehicle that most of us drive. Only a few specialists get to use them at first.
This LAMBDA development will help the evolution of spreadsheet technology. But for the majority of users it’s either irrelevant or dangerous.
Very simply, I'm not recommending that you check the LAMBDA feature out.
This is a simple extension of my "no VBA" philosophy.
A question for you today
Do you have any exposure to VBA code… or overly complex spreadsheets that support key business processes?
If the answer if "yes", maybe you’d like a conversation with me to help you to navigate to a better place (or just as a shoulder to cry on)? Please feel free to reach out.
If no… are you sure you’re not in ignorance or denial? ;-)
Until next time - Adios Amigos!
Andy Biggs
