Comparison GuideExcel Spreadsheets
Excel Spreadsheets
vs School Matrix ERP
An honest evaluation of why scaling schools migrate from manual spreadsheets to a centralized cloud database.
| Feature | Excel Spreadsheets | School Matrix |
|---|---|---|
| Data Concurrency | Files lock when open; difficult for multiple teachers to input grades concurrently. | Real-time concurrent access. Multiple teachers enter grades at the same time. |
| Fee Calculations | Formulas break easily; manual adjustments for sibling discounts are slow. | Automated fee engine. Wave rules, concession ratios, and sibling offsets execute instantly. |
| Parent Access | No portal. Staff must manually email or read statements over the phone. | Dedicated OTP portal. Parents check outstanding balances and print receipts self-serve. |
| WhatsApp Alerts | Manual copy-paste required. Standard accounts get blocked for bulk spamming. | Official Meta Cloud API queue. Dispatches trigger automatically with high delivery rates. |
| Security & Backup | Files saved locally can be deleted or overwritten easily; no action logs. | Strict MySQL tenant isolation, daily backups, and detailed audit trails. |