Are you finding it hard to standardize data in Excel? If so, there’s no need to panic since you are not alone. This can be attributed to the fact that there is no shortcut or simple Excel formula you can rely on if you are to do away with misspellings and variations. Of course, you may try to work yourself around this but you will still end up spending hours or weeks trying to resolve the different types of dissimilarities that exist.
But how can you overcome this and get done with the task at hand within the shortest time possible? Well, the secret lies in understanding the challenges that exist whenever you try to standardize data in Excel. After all, there is no way you can solve an issue yet you have no clue regarding the root of the problem.
One of the most notable challenges that you might have to make do with is using the Search/Replace function over and over again. This can prove to be stressful especially when running on a limited time. Worse, the process keeps on increasing with the amount of data at hand.
Fortunately, innovations in the world of technology are making things easier for everyone. Nowadays, you can leverage new technology in addressing the challenge of trying to standardize data in Excel. One thing you ought to keep in mind is that most of these solutions fall under the category of data preparation.
Thanks to a data preparation platform such as Trifacta, you will not have to go through a lot when standardizing data as it leverages machine learning in surfacing similar but misaligned data. What is even more fascinating is the fact that it recommends smart replacements. You will, therefore, never have to worry about the time-consuming process of standardizing data in Excel.
Final Thoughts
Standardizing data in Excel should never be the underlying reason why you are having sleepless nights. Simply make use of data preparation platforms such as Trifacta and you will have an easy ride during the entire process.