Welcome to xFiles, Solver's investigative video series that uncovers the most perplexing mysteries plaguing finance teams everywhere. Each episode solves common financial planning nightmares that keep CFOs awake at night.
The Mystery: Unexplained Budget Changes in Excel
Our debut case tackles a widespread problem. Research shows that nearly 90% of CFOs still rely on Excel for business budgeting, even though almost half admit they need better financial planning and forecasting software. The challenge? Unexplained changes creeping into shared Excel budget files right before finalization.
The Investigation Begins
This case had all the hallmarks of a classic Excel horror story: multiple team members accessing one massive workbook, changes appearing with no digital fingerprints, and everyone denying they made modifications.
Watch the full investigation:
How to Prevent Budget Changes in Shared Excel Files
Stephanie's investigation revealed a three-step solution that eliminates unauthorized budget modifications:
Workflow Implementation: By introducing Solver's automated approval workflows, every budget change now requires proper authorization. No more unauthorized modifications slipping through undetected.
Budget Lock-Down: Once finalized, budgets become untouchable, preventing any accidental or intentional tampering with completed work. This is where automated financial forecasts become crucial for ongoing planning.
Version Control: Multiple budget versions can be created and compared, providing complete visibility into what changed, when, and by whom. This level of control is standard in comprehensive xFP&A solutions.
The result? Complete transparency, full accountability, and an audit trail that would make any detective proud.
Close Your Own Budget Mystery Case
Don't let unexplained Excel changes derail your financial planning. Let's investigate your situation together and see how Solver can bring clarity and control to your budgeting process.
- Subscribe to our blog to keep a look out for our entire xFiles series, each episode solves a different finance mystery.
- Learn more about budget automation and discover all the ways Solver prevents Excel headaches.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: How common are unexplained budget changes in Excel?
Answer: Extremely common. Most finance teams using shared Excel workbooks have experienced unexplained changes at some point.
Question: What if someone needs to make urgent budget changes after it's locked?
Answer: Solver's workflow system allows for emergency approvals while maintaining the audit trail. Authorized users can still make necessary changes through proper approval channels.
Question: How does version control differ from just saving multiple Excel files?
Answer: Unlike manual file saves, Solver's version control automatically tracks what changed between versions, who made changes, and when. You can easily compare any two versions side-by-side.
