Spreadsheets mean that things can be tried out very quickly; and changes and improvements made (almost) immediately.
However, in a ‘mature’ spreadsheet, the only changes should be to the data, with the functionality locked down and well documented.
There are various ways of doing this: eg, good naming conventions (making the spreadsheet easier to understand); clear logic (once again clarity triumphs over brevity); restricting allowed data.
These types of controls mean that the spreadsheets are less likely to go wrong; that they’ll produce the correct results; and if a change or development is required then it is much more efficient.
Locking a spreadsheet down, and restricting input can also help with security.
In the next blog I’ll talk about naming.