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Description

Excel: Faster Data Entry, Automated Formatting and More Reliable Files

Three hours to eliminate the repetitive handling that stretches out every file you process

  • 0.43 days — 3 h
  • In-person or virtual
  • Intermediate
  • Up to 6 participants

The same file comes back every month and the same work starts again: retyping labels, splitting a badly formatted column, reapplying colours and checking what other people have entered. Formulas are under control, but the tools that remove this work remain unknown and a full day disappears into it.

These 3 hours are designed for users who are already self-sufficient and want to remove unnecessary steps. Participants make their data entry more reliable, rework an export in a limited number of steps, then record a sequence of actions repeated every month. Time saved is measured on a real task before and after.

Learning objectives

  • Speed up data entry using series, drop-down lists and Flash Fill
  • Apply conditional formatting to spot anomalies
  • Convert and split columns coming from an export
  • Name ranges to make formulas easier to read
  • Automate a sequence of repetitive operations by recording actions

What makes this programme different

A real task timed before and after applying the tools covered
A participant's own working file reviewed and streamlined during the session
A shortcut selection limited to the actions genuinely used every day

Programme

1Data Entry and Fill Tools

Type less to make fewer mistakes

  • Series, custom lists and incremental fill
  • Flash Fill on poorly split data
  • Drop-down lists and data validation
  • Help messages and blocking of prohibited values

2Working With an Export

Making raw data usable

  • Text to columns and choice of delimiters
  • Removing duplicates and stray spaces
  • Conditional formatting to highlight variances
  • Structured tables and automatic formula extension
  • Named ranges and readable calculations

3Repetition and Simple Automation

What has to be redone every month

  • Identifying repeated actions within a file
  • Recording a sequence of actions
  • Running and organising recorded actions
  • Workbook templates and standard sheets
  • Precautions and limits of automation

Who is it for

Regular spreadsheet users, administrative staff, officers and controllers handling recurring files.

Prerequisites

Regular spreadsheet practice and the ability to write simple formulas independently are required.

Dates & locations

12 scheduled dates between November 2026 and December 2027. Seats are confirmed in the order enquiries are received.

November 2026

December 2026

January 2027

February 2027

March 2027

April 2027

May 2027

June 2027

September 2027

October 2027

November 2027

December 2027

None of these dates suit you? We open additional sessions on request, and any programme can be run privately for your team.

Practical details

Before the programme
Online positioning questionnaire. Your development objectives are shared with the trainer, who tailors the practical case studies to your context.
Teaching methods
Theoretical input, workshops and practical case studies. Digital course materials and method sheets provided.
Assessment
Multiple-choice tests and role-play exercises. Assessment of learning at the start and end of the programme, with immediate and 60-day follow-up evaluations.
After the programme
One year of access to the e-learning platform. Self-assessment of the skills acquired and a 30-day follow-up session with your trainer.
How to register
Registration online or on the basis of a quotation.
Lead time
11 working days after confirmation of registration.
Accessibility
Accessible to people of determination. Contact our accessibility coordinator to design a suitable solution: contact@mpf-academy.ae
Start dates
Rolling intake: in addition to the scheduled sessions, this programme can start on request.