Reducing Spreadsheet Errors

摘要

Increasing computational power and memory capacity in desktop computers has resulted in access to numerical techniques previously unavailable to many users. Although computational capabilities have increased, many users are unable to take full advantage of this power due to limited programming expertise. Spreadsheets offer these users a means to capitalize upon computational potential without extensive training, though spreadsheet models can confer risks due to high error rates and lack of quality control. Table 1 presents several strengths and weaknesses associated with using spreadsheets as numerical tools for the masses.