Here is this week’s productivity-related news of interest.
LINE Launches Authentication Service for Municipalities
A service has been launched to enable administrative procedures such as applying for a copy of a residence certificate by LINE.
LINE上で住民票の写しの郵送申請といった、行政手続きができるサービスが開始されました。
There are security aspects to consider, but as an administrative DX case study, I am interested in further progress.
Book to improve Excel efficiency, “Dekiru Excel Functions: Compatible with Office 2021/2019/2016 & Microsoft 365”
Impress has released an Excel book titled “Mastering Excel Functions: Compatible with Office 2021/2019/2016 & Microsoft 365 (できるExcel関数 Office 2021/2019/2016&Microsoft 365対応)”.
It’s the latest edition in the “Dekiru Series (できるシリーズ)”.
When it comes to Excel, it is often said as outdated in today’s world, where digitalization and digital transformation are in the spotlight.
There are also terms like “bureaucratic Excel” or “divine Excel”.
In Japan, certain Excel workbooks that are not used in the way Excel was originally designed for are referred to as “Kami Excel” (Divine Excel) or “Oyakujo Excel” (Bureaucratic Excel).
For example, instead of being used for spreadsheet calculations, these workbooks are designed to create document-like files by merging a large number of cells, similar to how you would use Word.
Such Excel workbooks are often found in government offices, which is why they are called “Oyakujo Excel.” Additionally, since these workbooks are designed primarily for printing on paper rather than for performing calculations or reusing data digitally, they are also called “Kami (paper) Excel.” Usually, the word “kami” (紙, meaning paper) is replaced with its homophone “kami” (神, meaning divine), resulting in the term “Kami Excel (神Excel)(Divine Excel)”.
However, Excel remains a powerful tool if you take the time to learn how to use it properly and establish clear usage guidelines.
There’s even a web version available, and you can seamlessly use it on both desktop and web platforms.
Moreover, integrating automation tools like Microsoft’s Power Automate or third-party automation solutions can significantly enhance work efficiency.
And to truly harness the power of Excel, mastering functions is essential.
Macros and VBA have long been considered important skills, but with the advancements in standard functions and concerns about security, I believe utilizing functions is more suitable—except in cases where extremely complex tasks need to be performed. Functions also have the advantage of being easier to learn.
The “Dekiru Series” is a long-running and reputable series that began in 1994, earning its place as a leading name in IT-related publications.
It might even date back to a time when the term “IT” didn’t exist.
