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5 Advantages of Excel With Microsoft 365

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This blog was first published on June 22, 2022 and updated on October 25, 2022.

While Microsoft Office remains extremely popular, Microsoft 365--which includes Business Basic, Business Standard and Business Premium options--is picking up steam among corporate users. You gain access to the same suite of programs, but rather than making a one-time purchase, 365 is structured as a paid monthly subscription plan.

And that's just the start. In this article, we tackle some of the many Microsoft Excel 365 advantages. Here's what you need to know:

1. Access to Microsoft Power Automate

In today's business landscape, automating workflows is a must. And that's exactly what you get with Microsoft Power Automate. With this, you can solve common business challenges to increase productivity across your organisations. 

This is a big deal in a corporate environment, as it allows contributors to streamline processes in order to simplify tasks, save personnel time and costs associated with these business operations.

The best part? Microsoft 365's Power Automate is a tool that integrates with Vena's interface. This means you can quickly import Excel and CSV files from a variety of cloud storage solutions such as Dropbox, OneDrive, SFTP and SharePoint.

2. Easy Access to Office Apps Using Mac

Microsoft 365 allows you to access Office applications--including Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, OneDrive and Excel--using Mac computers. There's no need to give up the unique Mac features that you love in order to benefit from Microsoft's unparalleled software.

Additionally, Vena 365 Connect supports Microsoft 365's suite of applications, whether you're using Windows or Mac OS environments. We're able to connect the powerful capabilities of Microsoft 365 with the Vena Growth Engine so that you can promote cross-department collaboration while accessing real-time data from a single source of truth.

3. Centralised Communication

When using Excel with Microsoft 365, there's a heavy focus on numbers. That's why it's so popular among finance teams. But it's also helpful in regards to streamlining communication. 

With Microsoft 365, you have easy access to Outlook, Microsoft Teams and Skype. For example, you can use Microsoft Teams for Business to plan meetings with contributors to your spreadsheets. 

Also, you gain access to an instant messaging function where you can communicate in real time, such as sharing files or keeping other departments in the loop. This centralised communication protects against old-school habits of requesting files by email.

 

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4. Automatic Upgrades

When using any Microsoft program, you want access to all the newest features in a stable and secure environment. With Microsoft 365, automatic upgrades ensure that you never have to worry about this.

With automatic upgrades, there are no concerns about whether you're on the latest version. Every program in the Office suite is upgraded by Microsoft at predetermined intervals. Also, automatic upgrades, which are included with your monthly subscription fee, protect against the need to buy new software. 

Just as important, these upgrades provide access to the latest and greatest features, ensuring that you're working in a safe, secure and stable environment at all times.

5. More Efficient Remote Work

Let's face it: Remote work isn't going away any time soon. It's here to stay, even if only in a part-time nature. 

Microsoft Excel 365 makes it easier for finance professionals, among others, to work more effectively and securely in a remote environment

As a cloud-based solution, internet access is all you need to use Excel, Word, PowerPoint and more. Additionally, it can be used on any device, making it easier to stay current and to remain engaged when not in the office. 

Even if you're working in a traditional office environment, there's a good chance that some of your colleagues are either working from home or in another remote location. This makes real-time collaboration more important than ever.

 

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Take Even More Advantage With Vena 365 Connect

Vena 365 Connect combines the productivity of Microsoft 365 with the Vena Growth Engine. From real-time data to cross-department collaboration, Vena 365 Connect makes it even easier to squeeze every last benefit out of Excel.

Some of its key features include:

  • Dedicated sidebar to provide additional content for budget contributors
  • Conduct drill down, drill saves and drill transactions directly in Excel
  • Automatic data refresh for continual access to real-time data
  • Role-based security lets you update, report and share your data
  • View-only access for individuals who don't need to make changes

These features make it easier to do things such as:

  • Provide clear instructions to budget contributors
  • More accurately adjust line item details
  • Use data analysis tools to better understand data

On its own, Microsoft Excel 365 is packed full of high-level features. When combined with Vena 365 Connect, it's even easier to manage, collaborate and share information with others.

Final Thoughts

Microsoft Excel 365 is trusted by businesses of all sizes, spanning every imaginable industry. With the help of Vena 365 Connect, Microsoft Excel is more powerful than ever before. This makes it simple to budget, forecast, build reports and more. 

As a loyal Microsoft Office user, you're well aware of the many ways it benefits you and your business. But don't let that stop you from learning more about the many Microsoft Excel 365 advantages. It's an easy change that could improve the way you work.

 

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