Six Months in Copenhagen

My office space in Copenhagen is very similar to my desk back in Chicago. However, the Danes tend to be a bit savvier about the latest in ergonomic chair design. My computer desktop is likewise similar. While some of the structural analysis programs are different, it seems that Windows and Microsoft Office are ubiquitous. I was especially happy to see that Excel is commonly used. I'm definitely not a master, but I have picked up enough tricks to do what I need. A few of my colleagues started to notice, and I've been getting a steady stream of questions ever since.

Their questions prompted me to put together a presentation explaining 10 ways that structural engineers can use Excel better. I call it "Excelling at Excel." Excel provides an easy-to-use platform for organizing large amounts of data and writing basic algorithms. The whole point of using any computer program is to save time, but sometimes you can spend more time searching for the right formula. My list covered the following topics - puns intended (though unlikely to be understood by the Danes).

1. Take ctrl

2. Just Press F4

3. Conditional Formatting

4. Seek Validation

5. Get Your Fill

6. Filter Your Data

7. What's in a Name

8. Let Excel Lookup

9. Insert Into MathCAD

10. Watch Your Calculation Steps

After sharing the presentation with some colleagues in Chicago, one of our VPs suggested that we create an Excel user group. The idea is simple-a group of users who connect over email and teleconferences. We are also going to have a Web site to provide useful links and original content.

I have already discovered that a lot of good resources are buried in the company's directories. An engineer from Kansas City told us that she had downloaded over 50 free instructional videos on Excel. Another engineer in New York explained how he used Visual Basic macro programming to create some really fancy sheets. All of these people are just glad to know that there is a network of people that might understand the problems they're encountering and be willing to talk with them.

The response has been very positive so far. It showcases the power of collaboration over the internet. Eventually, I would like the group to discuss quality control procedures, standardized formats, and automation with analytical software. So many processes require the use of spreadsheets; we can make a serious improvement to the company's efficiency by giving more people better tools and teaching them how to use 'em.