Accountants vs Programmers (Score 3, Insightful)

A programmer would be chastised for: cutting and pasting code; for not using revision control; and for obscured or hidden behaviour. Yet spreadsheet users commoly have all 3 problems.

The problem is that spreadsheets have become increasingly complex without a corresponding adjustment to formal specification. Imagine if you were using a programming language that doesn't have formal type declarations.

The are tools that assist businesses using visual modelling (much like scientists use) that can help detect and prevent errors in spreadsheets. Have a look at...

XempleX or their product sheet Xemplex Product Overview.

p.s. I'm not affiliated with this company.