Using Timestamp Formula for Version Control

[Larph]

Hi all


Recently I was messing around with the timestamp formula (see Chandoo's article here: http://chandoo.org/wp/2009/01/08/timestamps-excel-formula-help/), and figured I could use it to help maintain version control on my project documents at work.


The sheet documents the current version, who made changes, timestamps the version and allows for comments on version amendments.


Not everyone's cup of tea, but if you think it might be useful you can download a copy here: http://www.mediafire.com/?c1v1gs1cu2ywrf1


PS you will need to make sure your 'Iteration' check box is checked for the timestamp to work

 

[keymaster]

Interesting work Larph... I will see if I can write a short tutorial on this technique.

 

[Twee]

Thank you, Larph! I find this incredibly simple and useful. Thank you for sharing it with everyone.

 

[naplesdznr]

This is exactly what I've been looking for!! Thank you! Once the spreadsheet has been set up, is there a way to differentiate user access by password, or some such thing so that the 'owner' initials in column D automatically appear based on their sign-in.

I work in an office where budget spreadsheet numbers are constantly being 'tweaked' with no way to track the 'tweaker'. Version Control is a great start, but it looks as though the assumption is that each user is on the honor system to enter their own initials. Can anyone help with this? I can make a lot of things work in Excel, but a programmer, I'm not.

 

[naplesdznr]

Oh. And one more thing....is there a way to set up the version control as a cover, so that you cannot access the remainder of the spreadsheet without first going thru the steps of updating the version/timestamp procedure.

Again, many thanks!