Sharing a big spreadsheet
Sharing a big spreadsheet
(OP)
I'm one of three people filling in data in a big (~17MB) spreadsheet on a timeline. Everyone works M-F 8-5. Frequently, someone cannot work because someone else has the spreadsheet open. It will also be unproductive to keep 3 copies and combine them in the end due to sequential reference numbers being assigned by us and the way the spreadsheet functions. We've heard that "sharing" is the answer, but we've also heard horror stories about sharing. What's your experience? Should we share, or not?
Good luck,
Latexman





RE: Sharing a big spreadsheet
RE: Sharing a big spreadsheet
Good luck,
Latexman
RE: Sharing a big spreadsheet
Check the advanced section also.
We have several spreadsheets shared in our office of 12. Everybody makes changes at the same time. When you press Save, it updates yours with their changes, etc.
The biggest one we share is about 5Mb, not sure about your 17Mb one...
RE: Sharing a big spreadsheet
Having encountered similar problems accessing Excel files available over a network, I've often wondered about sharing but never really had that much problem to make it worth investigating the sharing option. I can't give any opinions regarding to share or not to share, but I'm curious, what kind of horror stories have you heard?
RE: Sharing a big spreadsheet
Good luck,
Latexman
RE: Sharing a big spreadsheet
RE: Sharing a big spreadsheet
What is SecondCopy?
Good luck,
Latexman
RE: Sharing a big spreadsheet
RE: Sharing a big spreadsheet
Several years ago I created several databases from downloaded mainframe data. An Item Master, a MRP data file, a BOM data file and a transaction log data file. The data was shared by many different people and then put into individual spreadsheets. The data was also to large for spreadsheets without reducing the size. The item master had over 100,000 records, the BOM 1,400,000 records, the MRP 45,000 records, and the transaction log 8,000,000 records.
If the application is that important the use of a database should justify the time and cost.
RE: Sharing a big spreadsheet
Yes, database is the best choice based on program functionality alone, but this application is going to be widespread in our business, i.e. every plant will need to do it (~ 30 plants). So, we have to cater to the skills of the masses, which means Excel and not Access.
Good luck,
Latexman
RE: Sharing a big spreadsheet
Use Excel for f/e with data stored/accessed using ADO from database backend. For this amount (and obvious importance) of data use MSDE for three users.
Good Luck
johnwm
________________________________________________________
To get the best from these forums read FAQ731-376 before posting
RE: Sharing a big spreadsheet
I assume you built this spreadsheet application and have a very good understanding on how it works. Well wait till someone in another plant overwrites a formula or deletes a row or column of the sheet, With thirty locations someone will screw up the sheet and you will be customer support from now on. You will be training people with varying levels of Excel expertise and rebuilding damage spread sheets. Been there, done that.
Good Luck!!
RE: Sharing a big spreadsheet
Good luck,
Latexman
RE: Sharing a big spreadsheet
RE: Sharing a big spreadsheet
Good luck,
Latexman