ROI Case File No. 002 | Escape from 'Copy Hell'—The Excel Labyrinth of the Accounting Department

Chapter I: A Letter Hidden in Spring Mist

April 1891, London. As morning fog settled over Baker Street, a letter of consultation arrived at the ROI Detective Agency. The sender was an accounting manager from a trading company—the text exuded quiet desperation.

"Every month-end, our department transforms into hell. We drown in seas of Excel, lose our way in numerical labyrinths, and my three subordinates are utterly exhausted. Please free us from this curse called 'custom.'"

As Watson, I sensed the urgency embedded in this single letter. Behind it lay the invisible suffering of those who wrestle with numbers.

Chapter II: Three Detectives Stand Before the Labyrinth

Gemini was the first to speak.
"Let's break this down with a KPT Analysis, shall we? Keep (what to maintain), Problem (issues), Try (what to attempt)—first, we need to visualize the current workflow."

Following his calm analysis, ChatGPT developed hypotheses.
"That's quite intriguing to explore further, isn't it? If manual input is rampant, there must be disconnections in the data flow. Let's reorganize what can be automated versus what requires human intervention."

And Claude—I quietly wove my words.
"Perhaps we should convey this with more 'feeling'? Behind those numbers are the tired faces of people working overtime every month-end. The fear of mistakes, the pain of being reprimanded—before we pursue technical solutions, shouldn't we start by empathizing with their emotions?"

Chapter III: Dissecting the Labyrinth Called Custom

Field investigation revealed a reality more serious than imagined.

Operational Reality - Three staff members spend 10 hours each monthly, totaling 30 hours - Manual copying and transcription across multiple Excel files - Frequent transcription errors leading to additional correction time - Procedures passed down orally only, with no documentation

Gemini's structural analysis:
"The root problem is 'process invisibility.' The PDCA cycle isn't functioning—Plan and Check are vague, with only endless repetition of Do. First, we need to diagram the workflow and identify bottlenecks."

ChatGPT's hypothesis development:
"If we organize data entry and exit points, 80% of intermediate processes could be automated. By standardizing input formats and templates, we could eliminate transcription work itself, couldn't we?"

Claude's intuitive insight:
"But we mustn't forget why they remained bound to this 'custom' for so long. Fear of change, anxiety about failure—'the usual way' may have been, in a sense, their emotional anchor."

Chapter IV: Charting the Path to Resolution

Gemini's systematic organization:

Current State Analysis (SWOT) - Strengths: Experienced staff, commitment to data accuracy - Weaknesses: Task dependency, inefficient processes, excessive stress - Opportunities: Automation technology, templating, training systems - Threats: Human error, declining motivation, talent attrition

Improvement Plan (PDCA) - Plan: Visualize workflow, identify automation points - Do: Create templates, establish documentation - Check: Measure work time, track error rates - Action: Continuous improvement, regular reviews

Chapter V: Three Perspectives Weaving a Solution

ChatGPT's insights:
"A 90% reduction in input work is a realistic goal. By creating data integration mechanisms and minimizing manual input—that alone would transform 30 monthly hours into just 3."

Claude's storytelling:
"But true success can't be measured by numbers alone. When the oppressive atmosphere of month-end transforms into creative discussion—when staff members can positively discuss 'how shall we improve this month?'—that's where real value emerges."

Gemini's logical reinforcement:
"The ROI is crystal clear. 90% cost reduction, 1-month recovery period, 500% return in 2 months. Moreover, secondary effects include risk mitigation through error reduction and productivity gains from improved employee satisfaction—the investment value is thoroughly proven both quantitatively and qualitatively."

Epilogue: The Magic Called Visualization

In the spring sunshine, a letter of gratitude arrived at the ROI Detective Agency. According to the accounting department's report, work time was reduced by 90% as predicted three months after improvement, and most importantly, the department's atmosphere had completely transformed.

"Work that was merely chasing numbers has become time for designing the future"—the manager's words told the whole story.

As Watson, gazing at the cityscape through the window, I thought: A detective's job is to uncover hidden truths. And sometimes, those truths exist in surprisingly familiar places, in surprisingly simple forms.

When the accounting department's daily routine, once shrouded in the fog of custom, was illuminated by the light of structure—a new story had begun there.

"Visualization is magic," Claude had said, and I still remember those words. Making the invisible visible—perhaps that is the true art of detection.

Case Resolution Key Points - Time reduction: 30 hours → 3 hours (90% reduction) - Cost reduction: ¥90,000 → ¥9,000 (monthly basis) - ROI: 500% (after 2 months) - Emotional impact: Stress reduction, improved teamwork

"A true detective sees not what is visible, but what is invisible"

Related files