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DataTabby Audit Checklist

Audit Checklist

A self-assessment tool to figure out if your spreadsheet is silently draining your time, sanity, or both.

Section 1: About your spreadsheet

What does this spreadsheet do? (Short answer)

*

How many people use it?

*

How often is this spreadsheet updated?

*

Where is this spreadsheet stored?

*

Your Computer

Shared Drive

Cloud

Email Attachments

Other

Section 2: The Symptoms

For each question below, pick the answer that fits. Yes = 2 points, Sometimes = 1, No = 0. Keep a running total - you'll need it at the end.

I waste time looking for information in this file

*

A

Yes

B

Sometimes

C

No

I'm afraid to change anything because it might break

*

A

Yes

B

Sometimes

C

No

Formulas break when I add new data

*

A

Yes

B

Sometimes

C

No

There are hidden rows/columns I'm scared to touch

*

A

Yes

B

Sometimes

C

No

Different people enter data differently (VA vs Virginia vs va)

*

A

Yes

B

Sometimes

C

No

I can't get totals or summaries without manual work

*

A

Yes

B

Sometimes

C

No

No one else can use this file without calling me

*

A

Yes

B

Sometimes

C

No

There are multiple versions floating around

*

A

Yes

B

Sometimes

C

No

The file has grown way beyond its original purpose

*

A

Yes

B

Sometimes

C

No

I dread opening this spreadsheet

*

A

Yes

B

Sometimes

C

No

Add up your points from Section 2.

Section 3: The Real Cost

Scored section. A = 0 points, B = 1 point, C = 2 points, D = 3 points. Add up your score and enter it into the box below

If this spreadsheet disappeared tomorrow, how bad would it be?

*

A

I'd be fine

B

Annoying but survivable

C

Significant problem

D

Business stops

How much time per week do you spend fighting with this spreadsheet?

*

A

Under 30 minutes

B

30 min - 1 hour

C

1-3 hours

D

3+ hours

Add up your points from Section 3.

Section 4: What You Actually Want

What would "fixed" look like for you?

*

(Short answer)

What's the most frustrating thing about this spreadsheet?

*

(Short answer)

Add up your points from Sections 2 and 3. What's your total score?

*

Scoring & Results:

0-7 points: 🟢Minor Mess

Your spreadsheet has some quirks, but it's manageable. A little cleanup and some best practices could help.

8-15 points: 🟡Needs Attention

You're losing time and probably some sanity. This spreadsheet is holding you back. Some structure and cleanup would make a real difference.

16+points: 🔴 Data Emergency

This spreadsheet is actively costing you time, money, or both. It's time to get help before something breaks that can't be fixed.

DataTabby Audit Checklist

Audit Checklist

Section 1: About your spreadsheet

What does this spreadsheet do? (Short answer)

How many people use it?

How often is this spreadsheet updated?

Where is this spreadsheet stored?

Section 2: The Symptoms

I waste time looking for information in this file

I'm afraid to change anything because it might break

Formulas break when I add new data

There are hidden rows/columns I'm scared to touch

Different people enter data differently (VA vs Virginia vs va)

I can't get totals or summaries without manual work

No one else can use this file without calling me

There are multiple versions floating around

The file has grown way beyond its original purpose

I dread opening this spreadsheet

Add up your points from Section 2.

Section 3: The Real Cost

If this spreadsheet disappeared tomorrow, how bad would it be?

How much time per week do you spend fighting with this spreadsheet?

Add up your points from Section 3.

Section 4: What You Actually Want

What would "fixed" look like for you?

What's the most frustrating thing about this spreadsheet?

Add up your points from Sections 2 and 3. What's your total score?

Scoring & Results:

0-7 points: 🟢Minor Mess

8-15 points: 🟡Needs Attention

16+points: 🔴 Data Emergency

Ready to fix this? I can help.