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Post date: Sep 22, 2014 1:01:35 PM
Excel's grid is perfect for some types of data entry, but in its start up mode, Excel is too wide open. For data entry we need to restrict entries to specific cells and specific values. Excel's answer is Worksheet Protection and Data Validation. For me, Excel's Worksheet Protection falls short.
Problem #1: Entries Cells Too Restrictive
Excel's Worksheet Protection prevents inserting or adding table rows (though inserting worksheet rows through tables is still possible). Excel's grid is perfect for repeating rows of data which are required by Journal Entries, Time Sheets, Rate Tables and more. Preventing table row adds cripples Excel's ability to work with these data sets.
Problem #2: Too Many Features Disabled
Excel's Worksheet Protection also disables some of Excel's wonderful features such as table sorting and filtering.
Problem #3: No Protection for Data Validation and Conditional Formatting
Excel's Worksheet Protection does nothing to prevent copy/paste operations from wiping out Data Validation and Conditional Formatting. Both of these features are absolutely critical to data entry. Good data entry apps MUST restrict entries to valid data and MUST convey errors which is normally done by text and highlighting cells in red or yellow.
The Solution:
Cursor Control was designed to provide what data entry protection should be. It:
Guides users to entry cells keeping them out of protected cells.
Allows table row Insert and Delete
Allows table Sort and Filter
Allows Paste-Around-Protected-Cells
Protects Data Validation and Conditional Formatting from Copy/Paste operations
Cursor Control
Cursor Control is available as a free Excel add-in: Cusor.xlam. As an add-in it can be applied to any worksheet without VBA. If you prefer tighter control, Cusor.xlam's source code is unprotected permitting its code to be copied directly into other projects.
This PDF explains how to: download Cursor Control; add it as an add-in; use it; and directly incorporate its code it into any project.
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