Description
Grey Beards Excel Workbook Performance Analyzer
Grey Beards Excel Workbook Performance Analyzer is a specialized tool for financial professionals who rely on complex Excel workbooks. Our analyzer identifies performance bottlenecks, provides customized recommendations, and even includes tools to fix common issues automatically.
Whether you’re dealing with large datasets, complex formulas, or slow calculation times, our tool gives you the insights needed to optimize your critical Excel workbooks for maximum efficiency.
Feature Highlights
– Comprehensive Analysis: Evaluates workbook size, formula complexity, hidden elements, and more
– Size Optimization: Identifies memory-intensive elements and suggests ways to reduce file size
– Formula Analysis: Detects volatile functions, circular references, and inefficient calculations
– Hidden Element Detection: Unhides “very hidden” worksheets and reveals hidden named ranges
– External Reference Mapping: Identifies and evaluates external data connections
– Detailed Reporting: Generates professional reports that can be exported to Excel
– Easy-to-Use Interface: One-click analysis with straightforward, actionable results
Ideal For
– Financial analysts working with complex models
– Consultants who need to optimize client workbooks
– Excel power users who build and maintain critical spreadsheets
– IT professionals supporting Excel-intensive departments
Customer Testimonials
“We were struggling with a 50MB financial model that took minutes to calculate. Grey Beards Performance Analyzer identified several inefficient volatile functions and unnecessary styles that were slowing things down. After implementing the recommendations, our model is now 60% smaller and calculates in seconds.”
— Alex T., Financial Analyst
“As a consultant, I’m often handed poorly optimized Excel files that I need to work with. This tool has become my first step with any new client file. The ability to quickly unhide very hidden sheets has saved me countless hours of reverse engineering.”
— Sarah M., Management Consultant
Pricing Options
Standard License: $30 per user
– Full performance analysis
– Optimization recommendations
– Export functionality
Professional License: $250 per user (contact us at info@AuditExcel.co.za )
– All Standard features
– Automatic unhiding of hidden elements
– Priority email support
– Free updates for 12 months
Enterprise License: Contact for pricing (info@AuditExcel.co.za )
– Volume licensing discounts
– Custom deployment options
– Technical implementation support
– Training sessions available
Installation & User Guide
1. Download the Installer
- Go to your email and locate the download link sent after purchase
- Click the link and save the installer file (.exe) to your computer
- Alternatively, if you received the file directly, locate it in your Downloads folder
2. Run the Installer
- Right-click the installer file and select “Run as administrator”
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete installation
- When prompted, choose whether to install for just you or all users on the computer
3. First Launch
- Find the “Grey Beards Excel Analyzer” in your Start menu or desktop
- Launch the application
- On first launch, you may be prompted to activate your license
- Enter the license key that was emailed to you
Using the Performance Analyzer
Analyzing a Workbook
1. Open the Application
- Launch Grey Beards Excel Analyzer from your Start menu or desktop
1. Select a Workbook
- Click the “Browse” button to locate and select the Excel file you want to analyze
- Note: The application works with .xlsx and .xlsm file formats
3. Run the Analysis
- Click the “Analyze” button
- Wait while the tool scans your workbook (analysis time depends on file size and complexity)
- Review the detailed performance report that appears
The analysis report is divided into several sections:
Understanding the Results
1. Workbook Size Analysis
- Shows the total file size and breaks down size by sheet
- Lists which sheets are using the most space
- Identifies external references and their sizes
2. Performance Issues by Severity
- HIGH: Critical issues that significantly impact performance
- MEDIUM: Issues that may cause noticeable slowdowns
- LOW: Minor issues with minimal impact
3. Optimization Recommendations
- Specific, actionable steps to improve workbook performance
- Each recommendation explains what to change and why
Using the Utility Tools
1. Unhide Named Ranges
- Click the “Unhide Named Ranges” button
- Confirm the action when prompted
- All hidden named ranges will be made visible in your workbook
2. Unhide All Sheets
- Click the “Unhide All Sheets” button
- Confirm the action when prompted
- All hidden and very hidden sheets will be made visible
IMPORTANT: Always back up your Excel files before using these tools. While designed to be safe, changes to workbooks can affect calculations and functionality.
Exporting Results
1. Export to Excel
- Click the “Export to” button
- Choose a location to save the report
- The exported file will contain:
- A formatted report sheet with all analysis findings
- A raw data sheet with the complete analysis text
Troubleshooting
- “File cannot be opened” error: Ensure the Excel file isn’t currently open in Excel
- Slow analysis: Very large files (>50MB) may take several minutes to analyze
Best Practices
- Always work with a copy of your important workbooks
- Run the analyzer before and after making changes to compare improvements
- Focus on HIGH priority issues first before addressing MEDIUM and LOW concerns
- After implementing recommendations, re-analyze the workbook to confirm improvements
