Excel is the best thing ever

Shiny object syndrome is a biggie, and techies are really sensitive to it. We're all nerds because we liked shiny techie stuff, and we rolled into technology roles because, well, it makes sense, right? As a group we love our new technology, blockchains? Crypto? ML? GenAI? Yes, please, all of 'em, they can finally solve our *big problem*. This happens all the time in the data management space as well, this new DQ tool, or catalog will solve all your trouble, and finally we'll achieve Walhalla for our esteemed business users. 2 First of all, technology doesn't solve process or people problems. Without getting that straight, you're lost already. But, actually, no. The new technology doesn't actually solve any problems you have with your processes, or your people. If you don't either get your processes lined up to your tool, or vice versa, it just isn't going to work. The same for your people, if you don't guide them to your new solution, they're just not going to use it. Secondly, the new thing needs to be better than whatever it's replacing. Often this is one of two things: processes living in the minds of company and old habits, and Excel sheets. Think about it: how is your new shiny tool which someone needs to find, navigate to, understand how to use, and then actually use for something useful -- better than their old Excel sheet? Often the story is that it's for the bigger good of the entire company -- and that the end user* just needs to suck-it-up -- but should we not hold ourselves to higher standard? And critically look at our shiny new thing to see if it makes peoples' work-life better, and is actually better than their old Excel solution?