Best way to compare updated files

[ac1223]

I work for an Insurance company handling backloading of FMLA claims. When we receive a new customers list of Claims we currently get their initial file to load and then a month later we receive what is known as the final Load. The final load is usually everything that was in the initial load except with a few more claims. The issue is because the final load is EVERYTHING in the previous load, we usually have to go line by line and review every line between the two files to find the difference and see what was added, is there a better way to compare sheets? we also have to find updates in terms of absences. so, when we receive a claim on the initial load maybe the person was off 11/10 and 11/15, then we received the final load and now the employee also took off 11/25 and 11/27. These are all things at the moment I MANUALLY search for. Does anyone know of an easier way?

Apologies if I am not making sense.

 

[PeteWright]

If your company has MSO365 Enterprise there is the "Spreadsheet Compare" tool:

Compare two versions of a workbook by using Spreadsheet Compare - Microsoft Support

Use Spreadsheet Compare to find differences between two Excel workbooks.

support.microsoft.com

Otherwise there are these options for example:
1. Commercial 3rd party software like
- Spreadsheet Compare (free trial) Download Spreadsheet Compare Tool to compare Excel files for differences
- Ablebits Excel Add-In Solve 300+ daily tasks in Excel with Ablebits Ultimate Suite
- Beyond Compare (free trial) Scooter Software | Home of Beyond Compare
2. Workaround with Excel built-in methods:
- create a Master Workbook, where you have three Sheets (a copy of the old data, a copy of the new data and a sheet which checks for equal cells

If you could provide a sample sheet (or an example with dummy data) with explanation and result, I may find a way.

 

[Alex Blakenburg]

If you are interested in the Spreadsheet Compare tool @PeteWright mentioned, if your company has access to it will see it if you go to Manage: COM Add-ins (File > More > Options > Add-Ins > COM Add-ins), and check the Inquire add-in in the list that comes up.
There is a good list of what it can do here

Excel Add-ins - Inquire

Excel Reference - Microsoft Office Add-ins and Consultancy. One website for all Microsoft Office Users and Developers.

bettersolutions.com