Sponsored by SAS

SAS is pleased to offer you a complimentary copy of the Aberdeen Group’s Analyst Insight report on the role of spreadsheets in today’s business environment.

The future of spreadsheets
While spreadsheets remain one of the most popular and ubiquitous applications in use today, experts also warn that they pose a real danger for organizations when it comes to information, security and risk management. Where does business intelligence and analytics technology stand as an alternative to spreadsheets for reporting, analysis, budgeting and forecasting?

The findings  
Aberdeen Group surveyed more than 4,500 companies about this issue. Its final report highlights those companies’ use of and perspective on spreadsheets - as well as Aberdeen’s recommendations for determining when BI and analytics technology should be considered versus allowing continued use of spreadsheets.
Aberdeen's research has shown that:

  • Organizations are facing increasing pressure to deliver timely information - this requires access to the information and the ability to combine, aggregate and integrate it for delivery to people when, where and how they need it.
  • The analytical capability that was once reserved for large enterprises has now permeated the world of small to medium businesses.
  • There is a role for spreadsheets to play, and also several instances in which spreadsheets should be avoided.
  • IT and BI skill sets required to meet demand are in limited supply, resulting in delayed, overbudget projects lacking the data and information necessary to meet business goals.
  • The perceived complexity of BI tools has led some organizations to “look the other way” and allow users to fall back on their spreadsheet habits - perpetuating the risks associated with uncontrolled data use and severely limiting an organization’s ability to achieve ROI on their BI expenditures.


Register Now