Document Integrity & Excel Compatibility

Purpose:

This memo clarifies AuditorsDesk’s position on preserving the integrity of user-uploaded Excel workpapers, acknowledges compatibility limitations that may arise when Excel files are handled via an integrated third-party spreadsheet layer of Zoho Sheets, and outlines the roadmap to enable live Microsoft Excel editing through MS Entra (Microsoft Entra ID).

Document Integrity and Platform Scope

AuditorsDesk is a secure audit documentation and collaboration platform. As a principle, AuditorsDesk does not intentionally alter, rewrite, or modify user-uploaded source documents (including Excel workpapers) through its core application logic. The platform does not provide functionality intended to change workbook content such as formulas, tabs, underlying data, or computations.

If differences are observed between an uploaded Excel workbook and a version subsequently accessed, previewed, archived, or downloaded, such differences are not indicative of manual edits by AuditorsDesk personnel and are typically attributable to limitations in how certain spreadsheet engines render or interpret Microsoft Excel.

Third-Party Spreadsheet Layer and Excel Compatibility Limitations

To enable in-browser viewing and spreadsheet interactions, AuditorsDesk currently uses an integrated third-party spreadsheet component – Zoho Sheets for certain workflows. While suitable for many standard worksheets, such tools may not maintain full fidelity for all Excel features across all workbook formats, sizes, versions, and structures.

Excel files that may be susceptible to compatibility variance include, for example:

Complex or nested formulas and dependent calculation chains
Large-scale lookup chains (e.g., VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP)
Formula-based filters, filtered views, and advanced sorting behaviours
External links and cross-sheet dependencies
Macros, pivot tables, protected structures, and advanced data models

These limitations may lead to outcomes such as disabled formulas, altered calculation behaviour, missing tabs or files, or filter/view differences when workbooks are opened or processed through the integrated spreadsheet layer.

Microsoft Excel Live Editing via MS Entra

AuditorsDesk will support a transition to Microsoft Excel live editing backed by MS Entra (Microsoft Entra ID) to improve fidelity and reduce compatibility variance. This shall enable opening, reviewing, and editing Excel workpapers through Microsoft’s supported ecosystem so workbook behaviour remains consistent with Microsoft Excel capabilities.