Spreadsheet-Based Process Automation for MSMEs: An Industry Experience-Based Case Study Using Google Apps Script

Abstract

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) form a critical part of the industrial ecosystem, yet many continue to face serious operational challenges due to poor data capture and lack of process automation. In a large number of MSMEs, business data is either not recorded systematically or is maintained in scattered Excel files. This leads to delays in decision making, difficulty during audits, inaccurate stock visibility, and excessive time spent in preparing reports. Drawing on practical industry engagement, this paper presents an experience-based case study of a spreadsheet-based automation solution developed using Google Apps Script. The solution covers the complete order-to-dispatch cycle and includes modules for order booking, material planning, purchase order management, production booking, inventory control, dispatch, and customer complaint handling. The paper discusses the real problems observed in MSMEs, the design of the automation solution, implementation experience, and the practical benefits achieved. The study shows that low-cost, spreadsheet-based automation can significantly improve data accuracy, reporting speed, stock visibility, and operational control in resource-constrained MSME environments.