Check returned Excel templates for changed labels and formulas

Collecting data through an Excel template only works if everyone keeps the structure. A renamed label, inserted row or overwritten total breaks consolidation.

Why it matters

• Consolidation formulas and Power Query steps assume fixed positions.
• Manual checks of 30+ returned files are slow and inconsistent.

How to find it manually in Excel

1. Protect the template sheet and unlock only input cells.
2. Compare each returned file with the template by hand or with a diff tool.

How DraftReview detects it

Each returned copy is compared with the template. Without rules, any change to a template label or formula is flagged; with allowed input ranges, any edit outside those ranges is flagged, and required cells must be filled.

How to fix it

1. Send the finding list back to the submitter.
2. Widen the allowed input area if the edit is legitimate.