Curated by: Sergio A. Martínez

In that sense, good feedback should focus on the positive accomplishments of developers while also offering helpful suggestions for improvement, helping to keep morale high and enabling team members to grow professionally. Strong feedback also sets appropriate expectations, which further encourages developers to reach their goals while maintaining high standards of quality in their work. For these reasons, there’s no doubt that feedback is an invaluable tool that software development teams must embrace if they want to stay up-to-date on industry trends and maintain success in their projects. However, in modern software development, it may not be enough to guarantee that a team remains top-notch, and relying on hindsight is not the best course of action to ensure success in every project, so here is where the concept of “feedforward” comes in.

In software development, feedforward is a technique for improving the efficiency and performance of systems by making proactive adjustments before things go wrong. It is focused more on prevention than resolution, which means developers can be confident that issues will either be avoided or easily managed, keeping them focused on the tasks at hand. By creating feedback loops that measure performance and identify problems quickly, the feedforward approach tries to keep the entire development process running smoothly, offering real-time risk management so teams can respond quickly to any issues that arise during testing and deployment. 

It’s no surprise that the term “feedforward” comes from control theory, which includes strategies like health checks to fix problems before they occur and track metrics to identify potential issues in advance. This proactive approach allows software teams to remain ahead of their targets without getting overwhelmed by unexpected problems, which is particularly useful when developing complex products with lots of moving parts since it creates a built-in safeguard against downtime. Effective use of this approach is crucial for the positive outcomes of any development environment.

Two sides of the same feed

Feedback and feedforward are two similar concepts in the sense that both are methods to provide guidance, but they serve very different functions. Feedback is offered after an activity has taken place, typically giving a reflection on performance that can be educational if corrective measures are shared. Feedforward, on the other hand, is offered before or during an activity, like giving counsel or advice on how best to complete a task. Both can be helpful when used correctly, but they should be employed strategically to ensure their intended outcomes are achieved.

The main difference between feedback and feedforward, to be exact, lies in the complexity of their content. Feedback is all about evaluating what has already happened, reflecting on mistakes that have taken place, and suggestions for improvement. It centers around what was or wasn’t done correctly, usually coming from a superior. Feedforward, on the other hand, is more focused on the future — it offers insights and guidance for a specific situation or task; it’s all about taking action before something happens, as well as understanding the process more deeply before diving in.

 In consequence, the goal of feedforward is to transform employees into better problem-solvers by providing them with helpful advice and direction rather than simply identifying failure after the fact. After all, anticipating potential issues in software development is paramount for any project’s success; from scanning networks and individual hardware to predicting how users may take advantage of coding, foreseeing problems is the cornerstone of a successful launch. In other words, a software developer must understand their audience’s needs, identify critical points of failure, and be able to quickly craft solutions to prevent a delay or system meltdown at launch. 

“Software development projects require lots of planning and organization and both feedback and feedforward should be balanced to ensure success”, says Adolfo Cruz, Partner and Project Management Officer at Scio. “Feedback helps the team keep track of their progress and identify any patterns, while feedforward provides context to better guide the team in their endeavors. It’s not just about finding faults or discovering areas in need of improvement; having a good grasp of what lies ahead empowers developers with clarity so they can define objectives and direct their focus appropriately. So, by thoroughly planning out their product’s performance before it goes live and having a balance between feedback and feedforward, development teams give themselves an edge against potential hiccups that could come up post-launch.”

Good feedforward is a cultural success

As many software developers have experienced, anticipating problems ahead of time can make for smoother sailing once the product goes out into the world, even when challenges arise throughout the development process. And rather than waiting for trouble to strike, adopting a feedforward approach can be a great way to anticipate these issues and be proactive about dealing with them, but this doesn’t happen by itself. A good organization takes the steps to let this kind of environment where both feedback and feedforward can thrive.

Implementing a successful feedforward approach is essential to ensure progress and continued success, and not only involves the team taking proactive steps such as proactively anticipating and mitigating any potential risks, developing detailed plans ahead of time, and making continual review & improvement cycles, but also requires a culture of communication, collaboration, and open-mindedness than can only come from a company culture that values these skills. So, to ensure this approach succeeds within a team, clear leadership is key. 

Whoever heads up the development project should be knowledgeable in setting up project timelines, have an in-depth understanding of their team’s skills and capabilities, and be experienced at leading reviews and providing valuable feedback. Additionally, fostering an environment of openness and collaboration will help everyone feel comfortable contributing feedback, suggestions, and ideas on projects. With these elements addressed and supported, teams can look forward to successful software development through a well-run feedforward process.

“By establishing a good feedforward approach for the software development team, you can ensure quality product delivery”, concludes Adolfo Cruz. “Before any work starts, a detailed game plan should be thought of and communicated to all members of the team. Encouraging open communication through frequent check-ins and status updates also help teams identify bottlenecks, set more realistic deadlines, and catch issues before they become bigger problems later down the line. Memorializing lessons learned from previous projects can help improve operations in future development cycles as well.”

The Key Takeaways

• Feedback is an important tool for any software development team but is by no means the only approach a good organization should employ.
• Feedforward, an approach where a team tries to anticipate any issue and correct it before any damage can happen, is as important as feedback.
• However, effective feedforward cannot happen by itself, and an appropriate corporate culture that encourages communication and collaboration to let any team member offer input can ensure its success.

Scio is a Nearshore software development company based in Mexico where we believe that everyone deserves everyone should have the opportunity to work in an environment where they feel like a part of something. A place to excel and unlock their full potential which is the best approach to create a better world. We have been collaborating with US-based clients since 2003, solving challenging programming puzzles, and in the process showcasing the skills of Latin American Engineers. Want to be part of Scio? Get in contact today!. Get in contact today!

Curated by: Sergio A. Martínez

After all, the start of the year is a natural time to resolve to better your career. Pursuing new opportunities has become easier than ever with remote working options that the best software companies offer. Around January, most Tech organizations usually start their recruitment process and are likely to hire from outside of their immediate network, widening the field of potential candidates. And it’s also worth mentioning the fewer distractions one tends to find around this time of the year can allow you more freedom to put your best foot forward with any application. All in all, January presents itself as the perfect time for any software engineer looking for a job change.

Consequently, software developers looking for a new job in the New Year need to identify what they want out of their next role and target organizations that offer the whole package. Of course, you should brush up on your skill sets by taking any relevant courses or obtaining certifications if needed, as well as making sure to network with other professionals across the tech industry to increase your chances of learning about job openings, but when it comes to deciding which company to work with, there are a ton of factors to consider, but the most important one is the corporate culture they offer.

Companies that invest in creating an enjoyable atmosphere don’t just have more well-adjusted employees, they tend to be incredibly successful, too. This is no accident — amazing things start to happen when people are in a positive environment that supports growth and creativity. Plus, you’re bound to appreciate your job a lot more when your coworkers become friends and your manager is someone you can learn from. Once you’ve identified organizations that match what you’re looking for, tailor each application according to their specifications. It may seem daunting at first, but the work will pay off when you land your dream job.

Finding a company with a great culture

“Your company is growing. You’re reaching revenue goals and increasing the company’s market share. But how are your people behind that success?”, explains this Forbes article about good company culture. “How’s the culture? You can have a fully functioning business with poor company culture, but I’ve found that a company’s longevity and enduring success will depend on the people. Business success comes in many forms, but bad culture isn’t sustainable for the long haul.”

When it comes to looking for companies that value their employees and have cultivated a welcoming culture, there are a few key things to look out for when you are doing some research on the company’s website or social media presence. The best advice here is to look for the following to make sure the company you are eyeing is the best choice for you: 

• Check out what kind of activities and programs they offer employees, and see how they reward achievements. The more a company invests in the growth of its collaborators, it’s more likely that you will find an environment where you can thrive and learn more.
• Also, make sure to read any reviews from current or former employees that discuss job satisfaction and if they feel respected in the workplace. Having a peek into the “trenches”, so to speak, will always yield better insight than almost anything else.
• Nothing beats first-hand personal experience though, so make sure you take advantage of any information sessions being offered to learn more about the company culture. 
• It’s also worth reaching out for an informational interview with someone who works at the company or attends networking events where past/current members of staff may be attending — this is a great way to gain insight into the culture from individuals close to its source. 

So, if you’re on the hunt for a great software development job, look for “green flags” to help you make an informed decision. A good software development company should clearly demonstrate its expertise and keep up with industry trends. In addition to recruiting seasoned professionals, they should also provide the training mentioned above and education opportunities that allow staff members to build new skills. The workplace should be professional yet inviting, encouraging collaboration between team members while respecting each individual’s expertise. Always ask around — do other developers have good experiences working there? If you hear nothing but glowing reviews, set up an interview and take the plunge.

The people make the company

Valuing people is crucial to success in software development, especially when dealing with complex technical tasks. On a day-to-day basis, everybody on the team should feel respected and valued for their contributions, no one should ever feel like their ideas are unimportant, and encouraging collaboration rather than competition is a must. A good corporate culture understands that working together with the same respect and empathy shared across the entire team allows ideas to be shared openly, letting all members develop innovative solutions. A unified team operating as a collective engine all working towards a common goal will inevitably be more successful than individual developers vying for recognition, thus explaining why valuing the people you work with is so important for software development success: it’s all about creating an environment for collaboration and collective innovation.

So, if you’re looking to have a long and successful career in software development, prioritize working for companies that value their people. At these organizations, you’ll have the opportunity to work with the best and brightest in the industry, receive mentorship and support when needed, and be rewarded for your accomplishments. Do your research before applying to make sure you’re targeting places that will help you grow as a professional – it’s worth it in the long run!

The Key Takeaways

• The beginning of the year is always the perfect time to look for a new position in the software industry, for many reasons.
• However, if you are looking for a new company to join, there are many “green flags” you should look for to ensure it’s a positive change for you.
• The best software companies are those that value their people, offer chances to learn and grow, and encourage communication and collaboration among every team member.
• Always ask around and see what a company has to offer before applying for a job. A good company would make this information easy to access.

Scio is a Nearshore software development company based in Mexico where we believe that everyone deserves everyone should have the opportunity to work in an environment where they feel like a part of something. A place to excel and unlock their full potential which is the best approach to create a better world. We have been collaborating with US-based clients since 2003, solving challenging programming puzzles, and in the process showcasing the skills of Latin American Engineers. Want to be part of Scio? Get in contact today!. Get in contact today!

Curated by: Sergio A. Martínez

Now, imagine that same scenario, but instead of the software designer being a detached observer, they’re genuinely empathizing with your experience. They understand how frustrating it is to try to use something that isn’t well-designed, and they’re committed to making it better. They care about your success, and they want to help you achieve your goals. That’s the power of empathy in software design.

When designers take the time to understand the needs and goals of their users, they can create products that are truly helpful and easy to use. Empathy leads to better design decisions and ultimately results in a better user experience because good software design is about more than just writing code that meets the requirements of a project. It’s also about creating an experience that meets the needs of users, through empathy with their expectations. Empathy allows designers to put themselves in the shoes of users and understand their perspective to create products that offer a solution instead of making a problem worse. Without empathy, designers are more likely to create software that is confusing and difficult to use. Simply put, empathy is a crucial element of good software design.

However, how can a designer use the element of empathy properly? And what goes into understanding the perspective of a hypothetical user to create the best product a designer possibly can?

What is empathy?

In today’s world, we are increasingly reliant on software to get through our daily lives. From ordering a coffee to communicating with our loved ones, there are few aspects of our lives that don’t involve some form of software, and thus, require a level of technology literacy that can overwhelm the average user if they are not used to it. With this level of dependence, software must be designed with a few things in mind. 

This is where empathy comes in. When we talk about empathy in software development, we are talking about the ability to see things from a perspective outside of the product itself. It’s not just about understanding what they want, but also why they want it. And it’s not just about users, but also stakeholders, project managers, and clients; they all have different roles to play and different perspectives to bring to the table, so empathy is essential for bringing everyone together and getting everyone on the same page. Only with this level of understanding can they create truly user-friendly products.  

“Poor outcomes are more likely because the developers are out of touch with the users of their solutions. Like many who claim to be software “engineers”, they are not engaging in deep user empathy which ultimately leads to unappealing solutions. These engineers are implementers who are insensitive and largely oblivious to the people who use these tools and most important – why they need solutions. […] In my view, these “implementers” cannot work alone; they must be led and fed every element of the business and technical requirements with precision and detail.”

This holistic view of development is what enables the creation of truly great applications. And in an age where we rely on software for everything, this empathy is a crucial element to reach the most successful outcome possible. Furthermore, anyone who has ever tried to use a piece of software that was clearly not designed with the user in mind, or when unclear communication throws a wrench that can derail a whole project, knows how frustrating it can be. 

These disconnects between the designer and the final user and everyone involved in a software development project, have been called Empathy Design Disorder (EDD) by Bill French, Chief Analytics Officer at Stream It Inc. In short, EDD stipulates that “user empathy is a fundamental part of building meaningful user interfaces. For some engineers, though, developing a highly sensitized capacity to inject the feelings and state-of-mind of a user can be challenging.”

Getting into a different headspace

But what does it mean to design software with the user in mind? Because it’s not just about making sure the software is easy to use; it’s about understanding how people think and what they need, getting into their headspace to discover which pain points are more likely to occur during the development and use of a software applications. This means constantly testing and iterating on the design, and when done right, user-centered design can make a big difference in the success of a software product.

Think about how the user is going to interact with it. What are their needs and how can your design meet those needs? It’s not enough to just create something that looks good on ‘paper’; you need to get into the headspace of the user and think about what they’re going to want to do with your software. This means considering things like usability, functionality, and even the emotional response that your design is likely to evoke. After all, they’ll be the ones using your product day in and day out, and you want them to have a positive experience. To that end, here are some starting points to use empathy in a software development environment: 

1. Put yourself in your users’ shoes. Designing software with your user in mind can be challenging, as you may not share the same perspective, so thinking from the end user’s point of view is the only way to go. Ask yourself these questions: What do they need? What are their expectations? Do your best to answer these questions, so that your design meets their needs. You should also look for ways to add a personal touch to the design and make it easier for them to interact with your product or service. Overall, by taking the time to think from your user’s perspective, you will create something that will help build a strong bond between you and them.
2. Pay attention to the details. Attention to detail is so important when it comes to the user experience of an application. Small details can make or break the usability of an application – after all, a great user experience needs to feel effortless and intuitive. An application that pays attention to even the smaller elements of design, such as how easily navigable its menu is or how visually pleasing it appears on different devices adds immense value for users. When designers are considerate enough to pay attention to these types of details during the development process, they end up creating applications that have the potential to become part of a user’s daily routine. Simply put, with great attention to detail comes greater success.
3. Be responsive to feedback. If users are having trouble with your product, listen to their feedback and make changes accordingly. As a software designer, it’s essential to prioritize attending to the users, and taking time to consider the opinions of those who are using it, which is key in creating something that fits within their parameters. Listening to feedback also helps designers gain insights into how users approach solving problems and can help inform future design decisions. At times, it can be difficult to stay open-minded, but being proactive in addressing suggestions and concerns provides an excellent opportunity for creating even better applications. Ultimately, the success of any application depends on its users, so hearing them out is critical in making sure their expectations are met.

Empathy as an outcome

When developing any software, it’s easy to lose sight of the people who will be using the product, which is why empathy should be a core part of any software development project. After all, software developers create programs that are meant to be used by people and it’s important that these people feel genuinely understood. By baking-in empathy into the development process, developers can access a greater level of insight into what users want and need out of their experience with the software. This helps to ensure the product does not just solve problems, but also can be integrated into the lives of the users, making individuals feel appreciated and respected. Empathy in combination with skillful development leads to robust, user-friendly software that a wide range of users can enjoy and benefit from.

In other words, technology is meant to improve our lives, so by taking the time to understand what users need and how they may interact with the product, developers can design something with real impact, offering an experience that feels natural and intuitive, helping to boost satisfaction and creating a powerful sense of connection between users and software. In short, building empathy into every development project isn’t just good for users–it’s essential if you want to truly develop something impactful.

The Key Takeaways

• Software development is a delicate process where a lot of elements have to come together to ensure a positive outcome.
• This makes it easy for a team to create an application that, theoretically, solves a problem, but in practice, nobody can use it effectively.
• This can probably be due to a failure of empathy in the development process, which is failing to thoroughly consider the needs, expectations, and pain points of the average user.
• By allowing empathy to be part of the development process, the result can only be stronger applications that not only solve a problem but also integrate with the experience of the user, the mark of a successful product.

Scio is an established Nearshore software development company based in Mexico that specializes in providing high-quality, cost-effective technologies for pioneering tech companies. We have been building and mentoring teams of engineers since 2003 and our experience gives us access not only to the knowledge but also the expertise needed when tackling any project. Get started today by contacting us about your project needs – We have teams available to help you achieve your business goals. Get in contact today!

Curated by: Sergio A. Martínez

“He used to make his house out of whatever color [LEGO] brick he happened to grab. Can you imagine the sort of code someone like that would write?”— Daniel Underwood, “Microserfs”, 1995

Another thing that makes programming fascinating is the fact that it’s always evolving; there are always new languages to learn and new challenges to tackle. For many people, computer programming is the perfect blend of left-brain and right-brain activity, and it’s this balance that makes it so compelling. And whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been coding for years, there’s always something to discover. However, why is the idea of programming so seemingly exclusive to digital spaces? Or is programming, as a concept, beyond what we see on our screens?

Because, as we move towards a future where software and technology are involved in everything we do, the idea of “programming” seems less of an abstract concept, and more of a natural part of our reality, and the same principles can be found in the unlikeliest of places. But what is programming in the physical world? And why stuff like Lego is a great gateway to understanding and getting passionate about something as complex as programming?

Programming in physical spaces

“Have you ever noticed that Lego plays a far more important role in the lives of computer people than in the general population? To a one, computer technicians spent huge portions of their youth heavily steeped in Lego and its highly focused, solitude-promoting culture. Lego was their common denominator toy.” 

These words come directly from the 1995 novel Microserfs by Douglas Coupland, which portrays the lives and concerns of various Microsoft programmers in the early 90s, prior to the release of Windows 95. The novel has been pretty popular since its original publication because it’s a very thorough look at the nascent class of “software people” that was quickly growing during this decade. Simply put, much of the modern software development culture, when early startups like Microsoft made the jump to a corporate existence, started at this time, and many of the insights exposed in the novel still resonate today. 

For example, let’s see the main argument here, which comes from a character waxing poetic about these popular building toys. The core idea here is that Lego bricks are a binary system, where each of the studs in a brick is either connected to another or they are not, enabling anyone to build something concrete. In that sense, Lego bricks could be conceived as a programming language of sorts, with the resulting “application” being a tangible object, like a rocket ship, a house, or whatever you want. As the book explains:

“Lego is ontologically not unlike computers. This is to say that a computer by itself is, well… nothing. Computers only become something when given a specific application. […] To use an Excel spreadsheet or to build a race car, that’s why we have computers and Lego.”

That is not a far-fetched idea, mind you. More complex programs can involve hundreds or even thousands of lines of code, but they all operate on the same principle: single interconnected elements whose logic dictates the final result. And by providing a set of unambiguous instructions, programmers can get computers to perform virtually any task they can imagine. In that same sense, to build something with Legos, you need to have a clear understanding of how the individual pieces fit together; just as a programmer needs to have a strong understanding of syntax to write code, a Lego builder needs a strong understanding of how the pieces fit.

Of course, writing effective programs requires more than just a basic understanding of how to give instructions. It also requires an awareness of the many different ways that something can go wrong. A well-written program anticipates the needs of its users and anticipates the ways that the program might be misused. By anticipating these potential problems, programmers can write robust and user-friendly code. Some would argue that Lego is not a true programming language because it does not allow for abstraction or complex logic. However, there is no denying that Lego represents a powerful system for creating and manipulating physical objects. In many ways, it is similar to the way that code can be used to create and manipulate digital objects. As such, it is safe to say that Lego can indeed be considered a form of programming.

A world built on code

Now, when most people think of programming languages, they think of computer code like Java or Python. However, programming languages are not just limited to computers. Any system that uses a set of instructions can be said to use a programming language, and while computer languages may be the most common type of programming language, they are by no means the only kind.

Back in the day, for example, long before digital computers were a thing, people used analog machines for everything from navigation to weather forecasting. These machines were operated by physical variables like electrical current or fluid pressure, which could be used to represent, store, and process data. Analog computers were often used for agricultural applications, as they could predict things like sunrise and sunset times, moon phases, and tides. In some cases, they were even used to control irrigation systems. And while analog computers are no longer in widespread use, they did play an important role in the development of digital computing.

Analog computers were around for centuries, and although their use has declined in recent years, we can still learn a few tricks from them. For example, these computers are far better at handling continuous data than digital computers because they can represent it more directly, using physical quantities such as voltage or current. As a result, they are often used in scientific and engineering applications where continuous data is common. In addition, analog computers are usually much faster than digital computers when solving certain types of problems because they can perform many operations in parallel, whereas digital computers typically process information sequentially. 

What we are getting at is that we have always lived in a world built on code, where even the simplest expressions of it, like Lego bricks, can have an impact on the way we see and interact with our reality. Although the insight of Microserfs about Lego being analogous to programming might seem odd on first viewing, considering how the field of software development is growing by the day, and evolving just as quickly. Our love of programming probably has a simpler origin than we thought. 

“I think it is safe to say that Lego is a potent three-dimensional modeling tool and a language in itself. And prolonged exposure to any language, either visual or verbal, undoubtedly alters the way a child perceives the universe […] The charm and fun of Lego derives from reducing the organic to the modular: a zebra built of little cubes.”

And with the modern world increasingly reliant on computer code, from the websites we browse to the apps we use, there’s something special in seeing its magic present even in the simplest of things. To code, in simple terms, is human, becoming the main way we conceptualize our reality and build something on it. Be it a humble Lego brick or a complex chain of code, it’s difficult to overstate the presence of code in our modern lives. And as long as there are people who need to solve complex problems, programming will continue to cast its spell everywhere we look. In many ways, our future has always depended on it.

The Key Takeaways

• We always think of “programming” as something that only happens inside computers, but that might be far from the truth.
• If we look at the basic concept of programming, then it’s no surprise to see it everywhere else, and Lego is a great example of it.
• Lego can be conceptualized as a programming language, where each brick connects to build an application.
• That’s because programming goes beyond a computer, and our world has been built on analog machines that predate everything digital.

Scio is an established Nearshore software development company based in Mexico that specializes in providing high-quality, cost-effective technologies for pioneering tech companies. We have been building and mentoring teams of engineers since 2003 and our experience gives us access not only to the knowledge but also the expertise needed when tackling any project. Get started today by contacting us about your project needs – We have teams available to help you achieve your business goals. Get in contact today!

Curated by: Sergio A. Martínez

Secondly, its ability to handle large amounts of data is significant, capable of easily managing huge spreadsheets, making it ideal for businesses that track lots of information. And perhaps more importantly, Excel is affordable, making it a great choice for users and organizations on a budget, being part of the basic Microsoft Office suite. So, with so much to offer, it’s no wonder that Excel is still a top choice for businesses around the world, seen as the go-to software for maintaining records and performing calculations. It’s hard to picture a modern workplace that doesn’t incorporate this application in some way, which begs the question: is this tool the right one for a company?

On one hand, this software is notoriously difficult to use, with many companies investing heavily in Excel training and support, making it difficult to switch to another platform. Even experienced users can find themselves frustrated by its complexity, and Excel doesn’t even offer a lot of flexibility compared with more specialized software applications, being difficult to customize to meet specific needs. And that’s without mentioning how Excel does not have the same level of security as more robust applications, which can be a serious problem if confidential data is being stored in Excel files, which everyone can open and manipulate on any computer. 

Then why do so many companies continue to rely on it? What happens when this piece of office software falls short of the needs and challenges of a company? And what alternatives exist to bridge this gap?

What actually is Microsoft Excel?

At its most basic, Microsoft Excel is a software application that allows users to create and format spreadsheets. It is part of the classic Microsoft Office suite of productivity tools, and it’s widely used by businesses and individuals for tasks such as financial modeling, data analysis, and tracking inventory levels. Among other things, Excel offers a user-friendly interface, and its powerful features make it a versatile tool for many different spreadsheet needs. That’s it.

However, there’s a more in-depth answer to what Excel actually is: one of the biggest culprits when it comes to software errors and inefficiencies within any organization. In simple terms, the main problem with using Excel for software management is that it wasn’t designed for that purpose; this application is great for tracking data and performing calculations, but for managing complex software projects, it’s lacking in features, if not downright counterproductive. And we are not alone in this belief.

“Excel is one of those tools that every company starts off with.  In the initial stages, it allows companies to organize and manage many of their operations effectively and efficiently. It may not be perfect, but it does the job”, says an article by tech developer Strappberry. “There is no doubt that it is a useful tool that helps in many administrative, accounting, and financial tasks. However, as business data grows, the limitations of this software begin to show.”

When it comes to software development in specific, the problem with using only Microsoft Excel is that it’s not designed for managing these kinds of complex projects. It doesn’t have the features or functionality that you need to effectively manage a development team. One of the biggest problems is that Excel doesn’t handle dependencies well; when you’re trying to track which tasks need to be completed in what order, Excel quickly becomes a tangled mess. The other big problem is that Excel doesn’t provide any way to visualize the project as a whole, which can make it difficult to spot potential problems or areas where the project is falling behind schedule. It doesn’t offer any real-time collaboration features, so if multiple people are working on the same project, they’ll need to constantly send updated versions of the spreadsheet back and forth, which can quickly become confusing and lead to errors.

Additionally, you could lose all of your data if something goes wrong with your Microsoft Excel file. So, while Microsoft Excel may be a good tool for some things, it’s not enough to effectively manage a software project, let alone an entire organization. The problem only compounds across companies and industries, resulting in an application that can quickly be overwhelmed in serious business environments. You need a more robust solution that was specifically designed for managing software development projects.

Taking matters into your own hands

No, Microsoft Excel is not enough to maintain a software organization, so having an alternative to manage any workflow of a company is going to become increasingly critical in today’s competitive market. And one of the best ways to do so is by having a strong internal toolkit. 

By developing its own tools and platforms, an organization can gain a significant edge, because it gives the organization better control over the development process. By creating tailor-made solutions for its own specific challenges, the organization can ensure that they are always ahead of the curve. In addition, these tools enable an organization to better control its destiny, allowing it to tap into the talents of its employees by designing systems and tools that take advantage of the talent inside the organization, instead of trying to slot them into learning applications such as Excel. 

However, above all of this, the most obvious benefit is that it can help to improve the efficiency of the company’s development process. By having access to tools and resources specifically designed for the company’s needs, developers can save a considerable amount of time and effort, as well as solve some of the most pressing security issues with Excel, by implementing applications that can be built from the ground up with the scalability and security that any organization needs. In addition, developing internal tools can also help to foster a greater sense of cooperation and collaboration within the company. When employees can work together more effectively, it can lead to better results overall. 

“Although Microsoft Excel is a powerful tool that can be used for a wide range of tasks, it does have its limits”, says Adolfo Cruz, PMO Director and Partner. “Excel is designed to work with small to medium-sized datasets, and the complexity of formulas that can be used is pretty limited. This can make it difficult to perform certain types of analysis, such as financial modeling, and it’s not well suited for collaborative work, which is important for a larger organization. Sure, you can share spreadsheets, but there is no built-in support for tracking changes or managing versions. In all, Excel is best suited for individual work, but for a larger organization, it’s better to have something more special.”

And what he means is that developing internal tools can also help to create a competitive advantage for the company. By having access to unique and innovative resources, a software development company can set itself apart from its rivals, and with something that’s entirely its own, developers can feel more connected to their organization. In short, developing internal applications that can’t get overwhelmed by the challenges of an organization is the best way for any software company to achieve true success. That way, we can leave behind a dependency on Excel that will only hurt in the long run.

The Key Takeaways

• Excel is a pretty popular tool with a legitimate application inside and outside the software industry, but it’s also limited.
• While capable of handling large amounts of data, being cheap and easy to access, if not to use, Excel cannot scale up properly with more complex projects, such as software development.
• Although it’s not the only tool with this problem, it’s a great example of this problem, which can lead to all kinds of security and workflow issues that can harm and hold back an organization.
• The best solution, then, is for a company to develop its own internal tools, making sure they are tailored to its unique problems and challenges.

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