Look at the dependency, not the file size
A spreadsheet can be the right tool for analysis and an excellent way to discover a process. The concern starts when several people rely on it to coordinate work, only one person understands the formulas, or an accidental edit could interrupt service. Ask who uses it, what decisions it controls and what happens if it is unavailable.
Follow one real piece of work
Trace a customer request from arrival to completion. Record every copy-and-paste step, approval and version of the file. Look for unclear ownership and information entered twice. This gives you a problem to solve, rather than a vague ambition to replace spreadsheets.
Start with the smallest useful change
You may only need controlled access, a shared form or a better existing tool. A custom application becomes worth exploring when you need linked records, different permissions, repeatable approvals and a reliable history of changes. Start with one workflow; keep spreadsheets where they still help.
Make the decision measurable
Before changing anything, record time spent reconciling data, missed handovers and time to produce a report. Use those measures to judge a pilot. Plan data cleanup and ownership before importing the spreadsheet into a new system.
Turn the question into a practical next step.
Bring the process you want to improve. We can help you assess the options and decide what is worth doing first.
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