Excel automation solution with over 10,000 downloads

Innowise has developed a custom Excel add-in and integrated it with a cloud-based database to enable teams to work collaboratively on spreadsheets, improving version control and data accuracy.

Customer

Industry

Business

Region

Client since

2021

Our client is a forward-thinking startup dedicated to developing innovative IT solutions that make a positive impact on the world.

Detailed information about the client cannot be disclosed under the provisions of the NDA.

Challenge

Empowering seamless team collaboration and accuracy through Excel plugin development

Excel is a powerful software application widely used across various industries, enabling users to analyze and utilize their data to extract valuable insights without needing advanced technical knowledge.

However, when multiple team members collaborate on a single Excel spreadsheet, they are facing issues with version control, conflicts when editing the same spreadsheet, and difficulties in identifying changes made by different users. This results in inaccurate changes and errors that impact the project timeline and budget.

Recognizing this challenge, our client approached Innowise for Excel plugin development services with an idea to develop an Excel add-in that can be integrated with the existing open-source platform. This plugin aims to provide an innovative solution that enables teams to collaboratively work on spreadsheets, while reducing errors and increasing productivity.

Solution

Custom Excel add-in development for cloud databases

Innowise developed a custom Microsoft Excel add-in that requires a client/server interconnection to the client’s cloud database platform. The development involved building a complete system for integrating the Excel plugin with the database, ensuring seamless communication between the two products.

Version management and joint editing

With our custom-built plugin integrated with a cloud-based database, spreadsheets can be converted into JSON documents and stored as immutable data with updates stored as deltas. This allows for version control and collaboration features, including rollback and the ability to compare different versions of the same file.

Efficient change tracking and approval workflows

Our solution has enabled users to easily compare different versions of Excel spreadsheets side by side to identify changes made to the data. This is made possible through our JSON diff and patch functionalities as well as our table diff feature, which generates a patch from two different matrices of values. This allows for improved visibility of changes and accuracy checking in collaborative workflows.

Technologies

Front-end

TypeScript, CSS/HTML

Desktop

C#, .NET, MVVM, WPF, VSTO, AutoMapper

Back-end

Node.js, Docker, HTTP REST API, Azure (App Services), GitHub

CI/CD

GitHub Actions

Libraries

Syncfusion

Process

As a leading Excel add-in development company, Innowise followed a systematic process when developing a custom Excel plugin and integrating it with the client’s database platform. Firstly, we conducted a detailed analysis of the client’s business requirements and formulated a comprehensive plan for the software that would cater to the client’s specific needs.

Next, we created a visual representation of the plugin, which included wireframes, prototypes, and mockups, based on the information we gathered. The design phase focused on creating a user-friendly interface that would provide customers with easy navigation and access to the plugin’s features.

After designing the solution, our team coded and implemented it using agile methodology for timely delivery within budget. We then tested the plugin for functionality, performance, and user experience, resolving any issues that emerged through various testing methods.

In the end, we ensured seamless integration of the plugin with the client’s database platform, including building a complete system for integrating the Excel add-in with the database, ensuring seamless communication between the two products.

Team

Project Manager

Back-End Developers

Full-Stack Developer

UI/UX Designer

QA Specialist

Results

70% boost in efficiency and data accuracy with cloud-integrated Excel add-in

The implementation of our solution resulted in significant improvements for teams working on complex spreadsheets. By leveraging a database for file storage, we eliminated delays caused by checking files in and out, while conflict checking prevented data overwrites and duplicate files. These changes greatly increased productivity, allowing teams to work faster and more efficiently.

In addition, the solution improved data accuracy through visual comparison and the ability to roll back to previous versions if needed. Ultimately, these improvements resulted in better business decisions, leading to lower costs and increased profits.

Project duration

December 2021 - July 2022

10,000+

downloads

70%

boost in efficiency and data accuracy

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