Solving the Spreadsheet Dependency for Managing Delegation of Authority

Solving the Spreadsheet Dependency for Managing Delegation of Authority

Introduction

Across the globe, regulatory frameworks emphasize the need for structured, well-documented delegation of authority frameworks. From Sarbanes-Oxley in the U.S. to the UK Corporate Governance Code, EU sustainability reporting mandates, and Australian Prudential Standards, public and regulated entities are expected to implement structured internal controls, define decision-making responsibilities, and ensure traceable oversight. These mandates make it clear: reliance on spreadsheets for managing authority is no longer sustainable or compliant in today’s environment.

‍

‍

Global Challenge: The Spreadsheet Dependency

Spreadsheets and static policy documents were once the go-to solution for managing DOA in large organizations. However, as companies grow, so does the complexity of their decision-making processes. Public companies often deal with various layers of management, departments, and compliance requirements. The more complex the structure, the more difficult it becomes to maintain a clear and organized DOA framework using a spreadsheet.

Relying on manual processes like spreadsheets leads to a host of problems:

• Errors and Inconsistencies: Human errors in data entry can compromise the accuracy of delegations, leading to serious missteps in decision-making. Moreover, spreadsheets don’t easily accommodate real-time updates, leading to outdated information that hinders proper governance.
• Lack of Transparency: With spreadsheets, tracking decision-making authority across departments and locations becomes nearly impossible. This lack of visibility can increase the risk of fraud and expose the company to compliance failures.
• Time-Consuming Audits: Ensuring audit compliance becomes a burdensome process when auditors must sift through numerous spreadsheets to track DOA approvals and changes. Without a clear audit trail, companies may face regulatory challenges.

These shortcomings create operational bottlenecks, increase risk, and place companies at a competitive disadvantage.

How Aptly Solves It

Aptly is a cutting-edge platform designed to streamline DOA management and replace outdated spreadsheet-based systems. Aptly’s solution tackles the core issues of inefficiency, risk, and compliance by offering a centralized, automated DOA framework.

Here’s how Aptly transforms delegation of authority for public companies:

• Real-Time Updates and Automation: Aptly’s platform allows for instant updates to delegated authorities. Unlike spreadsheets, where changes may take time to implement, Aptly’s real-time updates ensure that managers and employees have the most up-to-date information on their delegated decision rights. This reduces errors and keeps the organization aligned with current DOA protocols.
• Audit Trails and Transparency: Aptly provides clear, traceable audit trails, so every decision is documented and stored for easy access. Whether it's a compliance audit or an internal review, Aptly ensures full transparency with detailed records of who made which decisions and when. This not only streamlines the audit process but also enhances accountability across departments.
• Customizable Reporting: Aptly offers flexible reporting options, enabling companies to generate reports tailored to their specific needs. This function allows public companies to meet regulatory requirements with ease, further reducing the burden of manual audits and data checks.
• Scalability: As companies grow, so do their delegation needs. Aptly scales with your business, enabling companies to manage even the most complex organizational structures without overwhelming employees or decision-makers. This scalability is key for large public enterprises with multi-tiered departments.

Case Study: The Shift to Digital DOA Management

Let’s consider a mid-sized public company that previously relied on spreadsheets to manage DOA. With hundreds of employees across multiple departments, the company experienced delays in decision-making and struggled with frequent errors in delegation updates.

Upon implementing Aptly’s platform, the company saw immediate improvements:

• Decision-making processes were expedited as managers could access up-to-date DOA information in real-time.
• Errors caused by outdated data were reduced by over 80%, and the company reported greater accuracy in its delegation processes.
• Audits became seamless, with internal auditors able to track and verify decisions quickly using Aptly’s built-in audit trail features.

In addition to improving efficiency, Aptly’s solution enhanced employee confidence in the decision-making process and allowed senior management to focus on strategic priorities.

The Broader Impact: Why Public Companies Must Automate DOA

The shift from manual, spreadsheet-based delegation of authority to a digital platform like Aptly is not just a matter of convenience; it is a critical move for ensuring long-term success in a fast-paced business environment. Public companies, more than any other type of organization, face rigorous regulatory requirements and must maintain impeccable governance standards.

Here are a few reasons why public companies should make this shift:

• Risk Mitigation: By automating DOA, companies minimize the risk of human error, fraud, and non-compliance, which can have costly legal implications.
• Operational Efficiency: Automation allows companies to streamline workflows, reduce bottlenecks, and increase overall productivity, positioning the company for growth.
• Regulatory Compliance: Public companies—and increasingly, private and international firms—are subject to intense scrutiny across frameworks like SOX, CSRD, and the UK Code, all of which require traceable, well-documented approval structures.

Conclusion

In the age of digital transformation, clinging to outdated systems like spreadsheets is a risk no public company can afford. With Aptly, companies can move beyond inefficient, error-prone processes to a streamlined, automated solution that promotes transparency, accountability, and growth. By adopting Aptly’s DOA platform, companies can not only reduce operational risks but also set themselves up for long-term success in an increasingly competitive global market.

‍