•1 min read•from Microsoft Excel | Help & Support with your Formula, Macro, and VBA problems | A Reddit Community
Is there a faster way to standardize hundreds of Excel files automatically?
Our take
Handling multiple Excel files that come with varying formats can be a frustrating bottleneck in your workflow. The manual cleanup often consumes more time than the actual analysis, leaving you searching for faster, more efficient solutions. Fortunately, advancements in AI-driven technology offer a way to automate standardization, transforming your data management process. In this discussion, we’ll explore effective techniques—from formulas and Power Query to macros and external automation tools—that can streamline your workflow and enhance productivity.
I regularly receive batches of Excel files that all contain the same type of data but come formatted differently every time — column names slightly changed, inconsistent date formats, extra empty rows, merged cells, etc.
Right now the cleanup process is mostly manual and takes way longer than the actual analysis. I’m curious how others handle this situation when dealing with dozens or even hundreds of files.
Do you rely on formulas, Power Query, macros, or some kind of automation outside Excel? What workflow has worked best for you?
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