Excel programming of a process support tool

Development of an Excel tool for process optimization with Microsoft Excel 2010 & VBA

A global service provider for "full-service interior fit-out", which offers its customers a wide range of interior fit-out and associated logistics services, commissioned eWorks to develop a software solution to support internal business processes. The objective was to program tailor-made individual software for the client's team that supports process handling, simplifies communication, reduces process errors and increases process efficiency.

During the first project phase, eWorks recorded the technical requirements of all those involved and developed a technical solution proposal that met all requirements in the best possible way, while at the same time being as cost-effective as possible to implement. In the subsequent, second project phase, eWorks programmed a prototype that was presented to the client's team and which visually illustrated the intended functions of the software. Finally, in the third and last project phase, the prototype was developed into a usable software product that had the necessary flexibility and robustness of a production system.

The platform decision for the technical implementation was made in favour of a Microsoft Excel solution, as this promised optimum integration of the application into the client's existing Microsoft Office installation and at the same time fulfilled the client's wish not to have to operate a web server or database server. In addition, the architecture as an Office application also enabled the client to make minor changes to the Excel tool themselves if required.

The user interface was developed using Microsoft Excel 2010 and the functionalities were implemented using VBA programming ("Visual Basic for Applications"). To achieve optimum usability, numerous convenient input masks were developed that provide different views of the process data and enable data records to be entered and changed. The usability of the Excel tool in the client's geographically distributed multi-user environment proved to be a particular challenge, which could be guaranteed by the Excel release mode, so that ultimately all of the client's requirements could be met with this solution approach.

eWorks developed the requirements for the process support tool jointly and iteratively with the client, programmed the software solution using Microsoft Excel 2010 and VBA macros and handed it over to the client. The subsequent tests by the various user groups revealed potential improvements that could be incorporated into the Excel application before it went live, giving it the finishing touches for production operations. Following the successful commissioning, eWorks supported the client with questions regarding operation and occasional change requests.