Before you begin
Start with one workflow, one source of information, and a named reviewer.
Use sanitized sample data while you are testing the structure and review loop.
Build the workflow
Find a spreadsheet your team opens every week.
The best candidates have
Repeated copying and pasting
Rules hidden in someone’s head
Manual status updates
Rows that need review
Information pulled from several systems
A recurring report at the end
Build the first app around that exact flow.
Starter prompt
“Build an internal app for [role] to replace the [spreadsheet name] workflow. The user uploads or enters [inputs]. Apply [rules]. Show [exceptions] first. Let a reviewer correct the result. Export [final format]. Preserve a history of changes.”
Do not reproduce every tab and formula. Recreate the job the spreadsheet is performing.
A successful first version should remove one repeated handoff, one manual calculation, or one source of errors.\
Common mistakes
Recreating every tab and formula instead of the job the spreadsheet performs.
Uploading an uncontrolled production workbook.
Ignoring the history of reviewer changes and exceptions.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use this template for a different industry?
Yes. Replace the role, input, rule set, output, reviewer, and prohibited actions. Keep the first workflow bounded and inspectable.
When should I use production data?
After the structure works with safe examples and the required permissions, security, retention, and review controls are in place.