The Role of Microsoft Excel in Supporting Data-Driven Economic Decision-Making Among MSME Actors in The Digital

This article examines the role of Microsoft Excel in supporting data-driven economic decision-making among micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) actors in the digital era. The study uses a qualitative literature review by synthesizing academic publications on spreadsheet-based financial recording, digital adoption, accounting information systems, financial literacy, and managerial decision-making. The review indicates that Excel can help MSMEs organize transaction records, summarize sales and expenses, calculate costs and profit, monitor cash flows, manage inventory, compare business performance, and prepare simple financial projections. Functions such as SUM, AVERAGE, IF, SUMIF, sorting, filtering, charts, and PivotTables can convert routine records into information that is easier to interpret. Such information may support decisions concerning pricing, purchasing, stock replenishment, cost control, promotion, and business expansion. Nevertheless, Excel does not automatically guarantee sound decisions. The usefulness of its outputs depends on the completeness, accuracy, consistency, and timeliness of the input data, as well as the user's spreadsheet competence and basic financial literacy. Risks include formula errors, duplicate or missing transactions, uncontrolled file versions, and inadequate data security. The article concludes that Excel is best positioned as an accessible transitional and supporting tool within a broader digital financial-management process, not as a substitute for accounting standards, internal controls, or professional judgment.