Resources / Comparison
Comparison
LeanOS vs Excel for continuous improvement projects
Most improvement programmes start in spreadsheets, and that is often the right call. This page sets out what each option does well, so you can decide when it is worth moving.
In short
A spreadsheet is a blank, flexible grid that works well for one project and one person; LeanOS is a web app built for DMAIC projects, where the charter, KPIs and actions of every project live in one linked record and roll up to a portfolio view.
| Aspect | Spreadsheets (Excel, Google Sheets) | LeanOS |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | A blank sheet: you design the template and keep it consistent across projects. | Every project follows the DMAIC phases, with the same tools in each. |
| Charter, KPIs and actions | Usually separate tabs or files, linked by hand. | One record per project, with the charter, KPIs and actions linked. |
| Portfolio view | Built by copying figures from each file into a summary. | A portfolio dashboard and one table of every project, filterable by phase, owner and health. |
| KPIs | Charts you build and update yourself. | Baseline, interim milestones and trend for each KPI. |
| SIPOC and value stream | Drawn in another tool; times and PCE calculated with your own formulas. | SIPOC and value stream map in sync, with process time, lead time and PCE calculated. |
| Drafting help | None. | An AI copilot drafts the charter and proposes actions; the team reviews every proposal, and it can be switched off. |
| Access | File sharing: everyone with the file sees and edits everything. | Roles and access per company and per project. |
| Reporting | Slides assembled by hand for each review. | A PDF report exported from the project. |
| Cost | Usually already paid for. | Free plan for one project; paid plans for teams. |
When a spreadsheet is enough
One project, one or two people, and a sponsor who is happy with a weekly file: a well-built spreadsheet does the job, and the guides in this section work with any template.
Spreadsheets are also the fastest way to try a tool for the first time, such as a Pareto analysis on a list of defects.
When it is worth moving
When several projects run at once and someone has to report on all of them, the work shifts from improving processes to keeping files in step.
Signs that point that way: the same figures typed into several places, status decks rebuilt every week, KPIs checked only at the end, and nobody sure which version of the charter is current.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep using my Excel templates?
Yes. Spreadsheets stay useful for ad-hoc analysis; what moves into a dedicated tool is the project record itself — charter, KPIs, actions.
Is there a free way to try a dedicated tool?
LeanOS has a free plan for one user and one project, enough to run a complete project and compare.
Do I need to know DMAIC to use LeanOS?
No. The structure guides each step, and the AI copilot drafts a first version for the team to edit.
Microsoft Excel is a trademark of the Microsoft group of companies; Google Sheets is a trademark of Google LLC. LeanOS is not affiliated with either.
Run the whole project in one place
Charter, SIPOC, KPIs, causes, actions and control plan linked, with an AI copilot that drafts the first version.
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