Compare and merge Excel worksheets

Excel is a versatile tool that can be used not only for data analysis but also for managing and comparing data from different worksheets. In this guide, you will learn how to efficiently compare and merge the contents of multiple Excel files and worksheets. This is particularly important in an interface-rich environment where different elements are worked on by multiple employees to maintain a clear overview of working hours or other data.

Key Insights

• You can merge Excel files for better overview.
• Data privacy must be maintained when different employees maintain data in separate files.
• By using the sharing and comparison features of Excel, you can save time and securely manage data.

Step-by-Step Guide

Create the Original File

Start by creating an Excel file listing the working hours of employees. Include relevant information such as employee names and corresponding work hours. This file will serve as a central overview later on. Go to "File" and then "Save As" to save this file in your sample folder.

Create Separate Employee Files

For each employee listed in the overview, create separate Excel files. You can save the original file and then create a copy for each employee by "Save As." Make sure to name the files accordingly, so it is clear which employee has which file.

Authorization and Data Privacy

You must ensure that each employee can only access their own data. To do this, go to the "Review" menu in the Excel workbook and activate the single user sharing option. This ensures that the data is kept in compliance with data protection regulations.

Compare Workbooks

After all employees have entered their working hours in their respective files, you can merge these files for review. This is done through the "Compare Workbooks" function, also found in the "Review" menu. This function automatically transfers all relevant data to your overview.

Automatically Update

Once you have run the comparison function, Excel will automatically check for changes made in the employee files and transfer them to your overview. This way, you will have a complete view of all working hours in no time.

Logging Changes

To be able to track when and what changes were made, you should also use the logging function. This function documents every change made to the workbooks, allowing you to quickly follow up in case of errors.

Adjusting the Log

To access the log of changes, go to the "Track Changes" menu option. Here, you can log all changes on a new worksheet to keep them organized better and make organizational adjustments.

Summary

In this guide, you have learned how to effectively compare and merge different Excel worksheets. By setting up permissions and logging, you can ensure data security and increase your work efficiency. These skills are particularly useful for controlling and sales departments to maintain overview and streamline workflows.