5 Reasons to Stop Using Excel to Manage Your Clinical Trials
5 Reasons to Stop Using Excel to Manage Your Clinical Trials
Does this sound familiar?
Your team is managing multiple clinical trials, but each person relies on their own Excel spreadsheet, making it nearly impossible for anyone else to interpret or use their data. As the number and complexity of your trials grow, so does the challenge of maintaining consistency, accuracy, and best practices across your team.
It’s understandable—change is difficult, especially when it means stepping away from a system that feels familiar and predictable. Psychologists refer to this as status quo bias, where people resist switching to new tools even when better options exist. Excel may seem like a safe choice, but the reality is that sticking with outdated methods can slow progress, introduce costly errors, and limit the efficiency of your clinical trials.
For years, Excel has been the default tool for managing trial data, forecasting inventory, and tracking operations. While it may appear cost-effective, spreadsheets bring significant risks and inefficiencies. The complexity of modern clinical trials demands a more sophisticated, purpose-built solution.
Here are five key reasons why it’s time to move beyond Excel.
1. Excel is Prone to Human Airror
Clinical trials generate vast amounts of data, from patient enrollments to drug supply chain logistics. A single incorrect formula, mistyped entry, or misplaced decimal can lead to severe consequences, including:
• Regulatory non-compliance
• Inventory miscalculations
• Trial delays and unnecessary costs
Multiple recent studies, like one from Central Queensland University, reveal that a shocking 94% of spreadsheets used in business decision-making contain errors, posing serious risks for financial losses and operational mistakes. This highlights just how unreliable spreadsheets can be when used for critical processes like clinical trial management.
2. Lack of Real-Time Collaboration and Visibility
Clinical trials involve multiple stakeholders—clinical operations teams, supply managers, regulatory personnel, and sponsors—all needing access to the latest data. However, Excel files are often:
• Shared via email, leading to version control issues
• Stored locally, preventing easy access
• Modified independently, creating data silos
Without real-time collaboration, teams are forced to operate on fragmented, potentially outdated information.
3. No Integrated Forecasting or Automation
Forecasting patient demand, drug supply levels, and shipment schedules is essential for a successful trial. Excel lacks built-in automation and predictive analytics to adjust forecasts based on real-time data.
Modern platforms, like ISS Nexus, use dynamic forecasting models that adapt to:
• Changing trial conditions
• Recruitment fluctuations
• Supply chain disruptions
This ensures supply levels remain optimal and reduces unnecessary waste.
4. Compliance Risks and Audit Challenges
Regulatory agencies require robust audit trails, data integrity, and validation processes. Excel does not inherently support compliance with:
• 21 CFR Part 11
• GxP regulations
Maintaining compliance through manual logging and documentation is time-consuming and prone to oversight. Purpose-built clinical trial management systems provide:
• Automated audit trails
• Secure access controls
• Regulatory compliance out of the box
5. Scalability and Data Integration Limitations
As trials grow in complexity, Excel struggles to keep up. Integrating data from multiple sources—such as IRT, Electronic Data Capture (EDC) systems, and supply chain management platforms—is cumbersome and requires manual imports, increasing the risk of discrepancies.
A dedicated clinical trial platform like ISS Nexus seamlessly integrates with third-party systems, providing a unified, real-time view of trial operations.
The Solution: A Purpose-Built Clinical Trial Management Platform
Instead of relying on outdated spreadsheets, clinical trial teams should invest in scalable, compliant, and data-drivensolutions. Platforms like ISS Nexus provide:
✅ Real-time inventory tracking
✅ Dynamic forecasting
✅ Automated compliance reporting
✅ Seamless integration with trial management tools
By eliminating manual errors, version control issues, and inefficiencies, ISS Nexus helps clinical trial teams work smarter, not harder—ensuring trials run smoothly, on time, and within budget.
Make the Switch Today
Clinical trials are too complex to be managed with error-prone spreadsheets. Excel might have been enough in the past, but it’s time for a smarter, more reliable approach.
Are you ready to upgrade your trial management?
Schedule a demo of ISS Nexus today and see how it can streamline your operations, reduce risk, and accelerate trial timelines.
🚀 Don’t let Excel hold your trials back. Contact ISS today!