• “While spreadsheets remain one of the most effective tools for capturing engineering knowledge and logic, they can become difficult to manage when multiple teams need to collaborate across sales, engineering, and operations,” says industry expert. • Industry analysts highlight how inefficiencies in quoting and product configuration can cost manufacturers deals. • “By building on the tools they already rely on, manufacturers can unlock efficiency and competitiveness without expensive, drawn-out IT projects,” experts reveal.

Below Sebastian Dewhurst from EASA explores how ETO manufacturers can get the most out of their spreadsheets and keep up with ongoing pressures.

The Engineer-to-Order Challenge
ETO manufacturers face unique pressures: every customer order can be highly customised, requiring accurate configuration and fast, tailored quotes. Yet the very spreadsheets used to manage these complex calculations can hinder progress. Version confusion, manual data entry, and a lack of transparency between teams often delay quotes and introduce errors.

According to Make UK, just over half of manufacturers (54%) are now using data to improve their supply chain management via their ERP or MRP (Material Requirement Planning) software.* Of course, that also means that 46% aren't using these systems - either because their system is too old, or they don't have one at all. In these cases, Excel remains the default tool for managing critical processes.

While spreadsheets remain one of the most effective tools for capturing engineering knowledge and logic, they can become difficult to manage when multiple teams need to collaborate across sales, engineering, and operations. Without the right systems in place, that gap can cost manufacturers time, money, and opportunities.

The Solution: Smarter Use of Spreadsheets
Rather than replacing spreadsheets entirely, companies are increasingly turning them into controlled, web-based applications. This approach preserves existing formulas, macros, and engineering logic while adding:
• Controlled access and version management
• Easier collaboration across departments
• Reduced risk of errors from manual editing
The Industry Impact
By digitising without disruption, manufacturers can achieve:
• Faster Quotes - respond to customer requests more quickly
• Reduced Errors - minimise costly mistakes in pricing and configuration
• Improved Collaboration - align sales, engineering, and operations on one platform

In engineer-to-order, speed and accuracy are competitive advantages.
Manufacturers who modernise their spreadsheet-based processes stand to win more deals and reduce inefficiencies, without needing to reinvent the wheel.

What Manufacturers Can Do Next
ETO leaders are encouraged to consider a "spreadsheet-smart" approach to digital transformation. By building on the tools they already rely on, manufacturers can unlock efficiency and competitiveness without expensive, drawn-out IT projects.

About EASA:
EASA is a software platform that empowers you to automate and streamline your spreadsheet-dependent processes by turning your Excel spreadsheets into secure web apps. The EASA platform supports full Excel compatibility including complex formulas, VBA/macros, and add-ins. EASA leaves your spreadsheet business logic intact while providing version control, authorized access, and secured sharing to ensure data integrity across your organization. For more information, please visit easasoftware.com.

For more information, please visit: https://www.easasoftware.com/

References:
*pwc(dot)co(dot)uk/industries/documents/make-uk-executive-survey-2025(dot)pdf