Field notes
Practical write-ups on cleaning up data, retiring spreadsheets, and making the tools you rely on durable.
When a spreadsheet quietly becomes a liability
The workbook that runs your business didn't start dangerous. Here's how to spot the moment it crossed the line — and what to do that isn't a full rewrite.
The duct-tape tax
Held-together tools feel free because the cost is hidden in everyone's time. A simple way to make that cost visible — and worth fixing.
Making an AI-built prototype real
AI got you a working demo in a weekend. Turning it into software your team can run for years is a different job — and a worthwhile one.
Your data isn't messy — it's undocumented
"Messy data" is usually a documentation problem wearing a costume. Fix the labels and most of the mess turns out to be meaning.
Recognize your own tools in these?
Every note here came out of real cleanup work. If one sounds like your situation, we'll start with a short systems review.