HR built a replacement for exactly one feature of SAP

“We didn't have time for a ticket.”— Group Controller

Reason:

Honestly? Because the retention policy is "do not delete anything". Started as Suppliers_backup.csv with a script attached.

Built by:

Katrin, someone from Procurement

Build time:

4 hours 24 minutes

Built with:

Excel macros, exposed over HTTP

Database:

an Access database called copy of copy of Customers_final_FINAL.xlsx with 9 linked tables

Authentication:

the second factor is knowing which door the server room is behind

Deployment:

deployed through a GitHub Action that only Tobias understands

Responsible:

an external agency with no contract on file

Documentation:

a README that begins with "temporary notes"

Security situation:

no security review, no plans for one

Future disaster:

It will hold the only copy of Suppliers_new2.xlsm.

Age: 49 days · originally expected to last 3 weeks · 1 owner so far · survived 1 reorganisation · last meaningful change 49 days ago · original builder left 33 days ago

Rated rare mostly because: 237 users, 57% chance of becoming business critical, nobody owns it.