What Microsoft Excel does
Modern Excel extends beyond simple spreadsheets. Power Query enables data import and transformation from diverse sources. Power Pivot facilitates complex data modelling and analysis. Dynamic arrays simplify formula management, and functions like LAMBDA and LET allow for custom function creation. Excel for the web provides cloud-based access, while the desktop application offers more robust features and offline capabilities. These advancements significantly expand Excel’s analytical capabilities.
Excel in Australian tenants today
In the AU mid-market, Excel frequently serves as a de-facto business intelligence (BI) tool, often without dedicated BI platforms. This reliance creates risks, particularly concerning data residency and the handling of Personally Identifiable Information (PII). Pivot tables containing customer data stored on personal OneDrive accounts are a common, but problematic, practice. Organisations must address these risks to comply with the Privacy Act 2024 and APRA CPS 234, which mandates robust data security controls. The Australian Voluntary AI Safety Standard also highlights the need for responsible data handling when using AI features like Copilot in Excel.