Technology Operations
Spreadsheet versus technology management software
A technology spreadsheet works for one person managing a dozen systems. Here's when it stops working — and what to look for next.
A well-kept spreadsheet is genuinely useful. The question isn't whether it works — it's when it stops.
Where spreadsheets work
- One maintainer
- A dozen or so systems
- Low turnover
- Low criticality
Where they stop working
- Multiple people need to update the same file
- Renewals get missed because nothing notifies you
- No history — you can't see who changed what, or why
- Systems, suppliers and contracts aren't linked
- The maintainer leaves
What good software gives you
- A shared, structured register
- Renewal alerts and urgency signals
- Named owners with accountability
- Linked systems, suppliers and contracts
- Change and decision history
Most businesses realise they've outgrown the spreadsheet the first time they miss a renewal. The best time to switch is before that. AvenorOps is built for exactly this.
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