How Asset Managers can automate Excel to streamline decision-making

Automated data engineering

Investment decisions rely heavily on data accuracy, and automated data engineering leverages advanced ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) tools and custom Python workflows to streamline data extraction and transformation. This process ensures that data from multiple sources is collected quickly and accurately, reducing errors and saving valuable time.

QuantSpark's expertise was pivotal in transforming data management for an asset management firm. By implementing a robust automation solution, we reduced data processing time by 70% and cut technical run times to under 30 minutes. Integrating Python, AWS, and automated pipelines within the client's secure cloud infrastructure enabled seamless data movement from providers to interactive dashboards. This efficiency boost allowed portfolio managers to focus on strategic tasks, facilitating smarter, faster decision-making.

Seamless data transformation with DBT

Manual data transformation in Excel is not only laborious but also prone to errors. Data Build Tool (DBT) automates these transformations, encoding Excel logic into DBT scripts. This means that new data is processed automatically upon receipt, ensuring that calculations remain accurate and up-to-date.

Imagine financial models that require constant updates with new data. With DBT, these models are automatically refreshed, ensuring analysts always have the most current information. This enhances both the accuracy and speed of workflows, allowing for more reliable analysis and decision-making.

Accelerating decision-making with automated reporting

Manual reporting is a significant drain on time and resources. Automated reporting solutions alleviate this burden, enabling finance teams to focus on decision-making and strategic initiatives. Within a few weeks, an automated reporting system can be established, providing timely and reliable insights.

For example, automated systems can generate daily, weekly, or monthly financial reports based on the latest data. Stakeholders can access up-to-date information without waiting for manual report generation, facilitating quicker and more informed decisions.

Benefits of Excel automation

Excel remains a crucial tool in financial services, as it does for the global economy, with over 750 million users worldwide relying on it for data extraction, analysis, and reporting. Despite its widespread use, manual processes can lead to inefficiencies and errors, highlighting the need for automation.

Excel automation provides numerous advantages for financial services, including:

• Efficiency: Saves time and reduces manual errors.

• Accuracy: Ensures data integrity and consistency.

• Focus: Allows analysts to concentrate on higher-value activities.

• Timeliness: Delivers real-time insights essential for prompt decision-making.

Embracing the future of financial services

Excel automation is transforming financial services, streamlining workflows, and ensuring investment decisions are based on accurate, timely data. By automating data engineering, transformation, and reporting, financial institutions can achieve greater efficiency and accuracy, ultimately improving decision quality and responsiveness to market changes.

As the financial landscape continues to evolve, embracing automation is key to staying competitive and achieving long-term success. While transitioning from traditional Excel processes might seem challenging, the benefits are substantial. Ready to start? Dive into our Introduction to Analytics for CEOs and Business Leaders White Paper or contact us to schedule a meeting with a QuantSpark representative today.