Cracking the numbers on a spreadsheet
Here are five technology things that happened in the past week and how they’re impacting your business. Did you miss them?
1 – A new Microsoft Excel update gives power users plenty to sink their teeth into.
The desktop version of Microsoft Excel will support task automation, a feature previously available only to web application users. The new desktop feature allows users to create, edit, and run Office scripts through the All Scripts task pane and the code editor. The update will be available sometime next month. (Source: Tech Radar)
Why this is important for your business:
Scripts can be used in many different ways. According to to MicrosoftExamples include parsing web traffic data to determine a user’s country of origin, managing interview meeting times and creating a flow to schedule meetings in Teams, or validating an instructor’s record for the grades of their class. With a little training (or outside help), these types of scripts can make your spreadsheets even more productive for your people.
2— Paychex launches the industry’s first voice-enabled payroll solution.
paychex recently announced the rollout of a new payroll solution known as Paychex Flex. Paychex Flex will include Paychex Voice Assist, a conversational AI feature. This feature allows payroll administrators to run payroll across any Google Assistant compatible device, which will hopefully help automate and simplify the payroll process. (Source: PRNewsWire)
Why this is important for your business:
Paychex is a current customer of my company. The reason this news interested me is because it is just one of many emerging voice-enabled applications and tools that will make major changes to our office workflows.
3—Betterworks drives employee performance in the workflow with new frictionless integrations with Office 365 and G Suite apps.
performance management company better works announced last week that it plans to integrate with several G Suite and Office 365 applications. The integrations allow employees to manage performance quickly and efficiently using plugins for productivity tools such as Workspace, Excel, Outlook, and Teams. The goal is to promote more productive conversations between managers and employees. (Source: PR web)
Why this is important for your business:
Betterworks is one of a number of performance management platforms that can help employers of all sizes ensure their workforce is motivated and managed based on their strengths. The features of the platform include help with conversations with employees/managers, feedback and goal setting. Many of these applications appear to be aimed at enterprise-level organizations, so they may not be cost-effective for smaller businesses. But I think as they become more popular, there will also be more versions available that are suitable for smaller organizations.
4 – Zoom’s evolution from video app to communication platform.
Zoom recently announced an evolved “visual identity” and a new look, as well as new branding for familiar features. Zoom Chat will now be known as Zoom Team Chat to foster greater collaboration, and features such as Zoom IQ for Sales, Zoom Contact Center, and Zoom Whiteboard will also continue to evolve to better meet the needs of remote teams. (Source: Zoom)
Why this is important for your business:
There is no doubt that more people are finally coming to the office. Zoom, which literally saved the world during the pandemic, must now adapt to the new workplace. And it does this by trying to compete with Microsoft, Google and Slack. One thing is in their favor: Zoom has always been more reliable – and in my opinion easier to use – than most of the other collaboration applications out there, so this may help some businesses sell these new features.
5— Logitech’s new webcam has a neat built-in privacy shutter. |
Logitech introduced its new webcam called the Brio 500. The new camera — which comes in a compact, sleek design — also includes a physical shutter for privacy. To control the shutter, users simply turn a dial on the right side of the webcam. (Source: The edge)
Why this is important for your business:
Or you can use a piece of tape.
