Towards Automated Detection of Qualitative Spreadsheet Errors in Multi-user Environments

Spreadsheets are one of the most used software systems in business and academia. Since the first introduction of electronic spreadsheets for personal computers in 1979, they have evolved into a powerful computing platform. Their use spans from asset administration to complex scientific analysis and process modelling. However, spreadsheets are associated with high incidence of errors, causing companies and organizations significant reputational and financial losses. The goal of this work-in-progress article is to present a model for an automated detection of qualitative spreadsheet errors in multi-user environments, based on abstract state machines.