Inappropriate use of spreadsheets dangerous for midsized companies, warns researcher

SAS® Business Analytics are better suited for strategic tasks

Sydney, Australia (Feb.26 2009)  –  Midsized businesses using business analytics significantly outperform competitors using spreadsheets, according to a new study.

A new research report from the Aberdeen Group states that, while useful, spreadsheets can lead to serious errors when used inappropriately. The study will be highlighted in a Feb. 27 Webcast titled: Beyond Spreadsheets: Risks and Productivity in the Real World.

“Spreadsheets, a widely available and familiar tool at mid-sized companies, are a poor choice for strategic activities,” said David Hatch, Aberdeen Vice President and Principal Analyst. “Our research shows mid-size businesses that rely more on spreadsheets for key analysis tend to perform poorly across a broad range of financial and operational metrics, as compared to top performers who have left spreadsheets behind in favour of analytic applications. The danger of over-reliance on spreadsheets is clear.”

Hatch said that the most successful midsized enterprises are much more likely to be using powerful and relevant technologies such as those from SAS, the leader in business analytics software and services. SAS and its channel partners provide a robust and appropriate platform for vital business planning and analysis, as well as an interface to Microsoft Office products.

The Feb. 27 Webcast, scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET, will feature:

·          David Hatch, Aberdeen researcher and author of Beyond Spreadsheets: The Value of Business Intelligence and Analytics.
·          Bobby Hull, Corporate Systems Analyst, BGF Industries Inc.
·          Jennifer A. Elder, VP Biostatistics and Consulting Services, PharPoint.
·          Bob Messier, Senior Director, Business Performance Analytics, SAS.

The live, one-hour Webcast presented by BetterManagement.com will be available as a podcast following the event. Register here.

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