Independent demonstration
workbook automation
Exploring how repetitive spreadsheet operations can be transformed into structured, repeatable workflows that reduce manual effort.
the problem
The same spreadsheet edits are easy to repeat by hand: open a file, rename columns, check the totals, and save another copy. The interesting part is the sequence, not a one-off cleanup.
the solution
A plain four-step picture of that work. Files in, processing, validation, and a checked file out. The names, checks, and rows on this page are fictional and are not a completed commercial project.
key features
- A visible path from source files to a checked output
- Fictional workbook names at the start and the end
- Sample checks a validation step could describe
- A short table of invented order lines
technology
The exploration is aimed at Python and Excel. This page illustrates the workflow with sample names and rows. It does not run a workbook engine and it is not a client engagement.
preview
sample workflowfictional files
- 01
excel files
Two fictional workbooks arrive with the same kind of columns, named differently.
- april_orders.xlsx
- sku_list.xlsx
- 02
processing
Read each sheet, align the column names, and keep one row per order line.
- normalize columns
- match on sku
- 03
validation
Check that the expected columns exist, keys are unique, and quantities are numbers.
- required columns
- duplicate keys
- numeric qty
- 04
output
Write a checked workbook. Nothing here is a client deliverable.
- april_orders_checked.xlsx
sample checks
| File | Check | Sample result |
|---|---|---|
| april_orders.xlsx | required columns | order id, sku, qty, and price are present |
| april_orders.xlsx | duplicate order ids | none in this 8-row sample |
| sku_list.xlsx | qty is numeric | 8 sample quantities read as numbers |
invented order lines
| SKU | Item | Qty | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| NB-104 | linen notebook | 24 | $8.50 |
| PC-018 | graphite pencil | 80 | $1.25 |
| LM-220 | desk lamp | 6 | $32.00 |
| TB-011 | cork tray | 15 | $11.00 |
| MK-307 | index cards | 40 | $3.40 |
| JN-552 | glass jar | 18 | $6.75 |