Many of the functions, features and capabilities of spreadsheets have improved in their attempts to address these problems but the techniques required to accomplish these tasks are so complicated, requiring database expertise and programming, that in reality they are beyond the technical capabilities of the very users for which the software is intended. Also, those improvements have never focused on the 'management' of the models.

In the past, there were really only three solutions to these problems:

1. Turn the model over to MIS and have them replicate the model in a custom application. Though this addressed many of the operational and management problems of model management, it took control of the model out of the hands of the analyst. Minor changes, which would take minutes in a spreadsheet, take days (or weeks or months) waiting for MIS to have the time. Net result: Lose Control.

2. Bring in a specialist who understands all the fancy spreadsheet techniques (Filters, Queries, Pivots, Indirects, Offsets), acronyms (SQL, DDE, OLE, ODBC, DAO) and programming to build a link-laden, fancy-formula, macro-monstrosity with so many moving parts that the analyst ends up virtually powerless to actually use it, let alone maintain it. Net Result: Lose Power

3. Struggle along because options one and two above are both very costly and in the long run, usually create more frustrations than they overcome. Net Result: Lose Opportunity

RealBRIDGE is a model management tool built specifically to addresses these problems by helping the user organize information and models, manage template replication and perform consolidations -- without programming, database knowledge or advanced spreadsheet skills. And most important of all, RealBRIDGE leaves the template, the heart of soul of the model, in a spreadsheet so that the analyst can focus on maintaining the essence of the model without worrying about the mechanics of replication and rollup.

The solution that every analyst wants, but doesn't know how to ask for. Contact us for more information on how RealBRIDGE can help your firm.