I've suggested to orgs going through some sort of business or digital or whatever transformation to leverage excel/spreadsheets as prototypes for data input processes. For example, if there is a question about how to optimize some sort of process - where there might be a need to do some data input, etc.? Well, then start an experiment with a custom spreadsheet, then see how things work, get feedback from users, etc. If participants find that the spreadheet template never needs to change, AND there's value in turning it into something more robust, then you have data and empirical evidence to substantiate the building of a dedicated application for said process. If the experiment shows that too much needs to change, then a more comploex app could need to be built...or hey, guess what, just stick to the excel file. As a former developer, i myself occasionally get those feelings of snobbery about excel...but then i remind myself that the point is to get stuff done...and as long as the tech debt/whatever debt is acceptable by the business, then who cares if a clever excel file helps get the job done.